We have now nearly finished Jaxon's second round of IV-ARAC (cytarabine). Since beginning this phase (Delayed Intensification) on August 8, he has had a cocktail of 8 different chemo drugs (plus oral antibiotics 2x daily, 3 days a week). After the last dose tomorrow, he will have received ARAC on 8 of the last 11 days. The first four days were more difficult as he also received Cyclophosphomide on the first of those four days, and it is known to be an intense tummy troubler. Even with strong (and expensive!) anti-nausea meds, he had an upset tummy and usually a headache every day for those four days and 2 days after. This week's round has gone much better and he has not had any bouts of nausea. The car ride down here took longer than expected as I had to stop 3 times for him to puke. On Thursday of the first week, we stopped for about half an hour on our way home for a roadside snuggle while we waited for the Gravol to kick in.
Both last week and this week we have stayed at our home away from home in Victoria, Jeneece Place. (More details about JP to come later when I can post from my computer.) Big bro Marty came with us this trip, which has been a nice distraction for Jax.
Nothing like several sibling squabbles to help remind us that life moves along despite all the upheaval that Jaxon's illness and treatment brings to our family. Max has been spending time at home with Paul and my Dad as they continue work on our house, and my Mom is enjoying a reunion with her nursing class here in Victoria. Paul's mom is at home, enjoying a much deserved break from living in her trailer at camp and the chaos of renos and helping to care for the big boys while I am focused on Jax.
Back to details about Jaxon's treatment schedule ... Because the ARAC is so effective in making cancer unwelcome, it also does a doozy to Jaxon's healthy blood cells. His ANC (immunity) is on the decline (.60 ish on Monday) and his platelets (blood clotting powers) are also trending down, he'll need to have his counts checked regularly for the next few weeks, in case a transfusion is required. His hemoglobin is slipping lower as well, which would require a transfusion if it drops drastically. It is more often the case that transfusions are necessary, than not. Consider this your friendly reminder to donate, if you are able! We'll be back here in Vic on Monday and Friday for the next two weeks to check his counts.
That will take us to the Thanksgiving long weekend and the end of this 8-week phase of DI!
Interim Maintenance 2 is next. It will bring us clinic appointments every 10 days for 8 weeks for IV Vincristine and IV Methotrexate, as well as 2 LPs (lumbar puncture/spinal tap) - one on Day 1 and one on Day 31, both only happening when he has a minimum of .75 ANC and 75 platelets. It is likely that he will have a one or two week delay before beginning IM2, while his blood cells recover from all the chemo of this current phase. IM2 could start anytime between mid-late October. (I need to update my side-bar, he's now had 9 LPs.)
Renovations at home are continuing at a steady pace! For updates about that, check out Paul's blog ... More Than a Maintenance Man.
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