It has been over two weeks since we updated the blog...and here is what has been going on…
I am happy to report that Jack has not received any chemotherapy and it has been a blessing to see him happy, running around and playing like any normal healthy 23 month old!
We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on June 20th and Damond and I got to go out to a local restaurant, Verjus in Maplewood, which was lovely. A big thank you to a dear friend who babysat Emma and Jack.
The following day we celebrated Father's day and while Jack was napping Emma got some special time with daddy and gave him a special plate that reads "Hands Down – You are the best Dad around” Love, Emma
Jack was scheduled to start his “delayed intensification” treatment last week Wednesday but his counts were not chemo-ready; his ANC counts only amounted to 413 and Jack’s counts have to be above 750 with the protocol that he follows to receive treatment. Despite the finger stick to check his blood cell counts Jack had a fun time with his friends Jean and Stan, who have been volunteering for over 10 + years at the Valerie Center.
He was back at the Valerie Center on Monday this week for another finger stick and this time his ANC counts were over 4000, so today he is starting his "delayed intensification." This phase lasts for 42 days with intensive chemotherapy (hence the name "delayed intensification").
Today he received four types of cancer fighting drugs:
Vincristine and Doxorubicin - which are given through his port. This is the first time he will receive Doxorubicin and we are hoping the side effects won’t be too severe as we have been told this drug can be quite "wicked". Mouth sores are common and we are praying that he will be spared these as it can be difficult and painful for him.
Methotrexate - which is administrated using a needle inserted into the fluid surrounding the spinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. He will be under general anesthesia while receiving the Methotrexate.
And last is Dexamethasone (steroids) which is given by mouth twice a day for seven days.
It is always hard the first 48 to 72 hours after Jack has received chemo as we have to change his diapers every two – three hours around the clock wearing gloves and dispose of the diapers properly. In addition to this we have to watch him closely when outdoors as his skin and eyes are sensitive to sunlight. These side effects are among other things such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite…
Please keep your fingers crossed that we are back on track with Jack’s Journey against cancer and that Jack will be entering the maintenance phase at the end of August. The maintenance phase is less aggressive even though it does last for three years.
And, once again, we would like to thank everyone who donated towards Team Jack-Jack and The Valerie Walk-a-Thon on June 13th. Together our Team raised over $5,000.00. Way to go!!!
Love,
Anneli
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