Today we saw the Doctor to get our medical supplies, learn how to change his dressing, flush his iv tubes and receive an informational handbook. We also received his schedule for his first round of chemo. We'll start on Monday, June 29. This first round will be very aggressive. He will be given 4 different drugs as follows:
- Cytarabine - twice a day for 10 days
- Daunorubiein - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Etoposide - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
- Granisetron - given 15 to 30 minutes before chemo begins to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.
He will also have a spinal tap on Monday to determine if the cancer has spread to his brain and spinal cord. Because the drugs injected intravenously do not cross this membrane, he will need to have the Cytarabine directly injected into the spinal cord at least one time each treatment cycle. When Dr. Rosen does the spinal tap on Monday he will draw three vials of spinal fluid for testing. If the cancer has spread to this area he will need daily spinal taps to administer the cancer fighting drug here as well. Keep your fingers crossed that cancer won't be found here as well.
Logan will have flu like symptoms directly after chemo including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, & mouth sores. Anywhere from the following week to 3 weeks later he will have VERY low blood counts and will be very vulnerable to infection. This is the time to expect him to be hospitalized for illness. This is also the time that all his hair will fall out.
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My fingers, toes, legs, arms, ears, eyes and hairs are all glued crossed. We love you all so much. Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but how long does it take to administer the meds? Can he move his arms, read books or color?
ReplyDeleteDepending on how many meds he's getting anywhere from 2 to 3 hours each day in the doctor's office. He will be mobile, only his tubes will be hooked up to a iv machine on wheels so it goes where he goes.
ReplyDeleteDiane, we really appreciate your detailed updates about what is happening and what to expect. We'll be especially thinking of all of you on Monday as the next stage of treatment begins!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sherry and Wayne
My heart just sunk when I read about Logan's treatment schedule. So much for one little tyke to endure . . . and for mom and dad too. I'm ready and waiting for one of those huge favors you mentioned. Call any time.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Neal family. Just ask. I am so sorry that you all are going through this hell. You WILL get through this. Hang in there...You have so many people who love you. You will be in my upmost thoughts Monday.
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