Im Thankful For...

Sorry it has been a while since the last post...there are 2 big reasons for that, first: our computer modem died and we have yet to replace it, and second: Xavier was in the hospital again last week for 4 days. He was running a fever again which was a pretty big one this time, he hit 102.5 so the doctors wanted to do the usual blood tests , antibiotics and IV fluids, as well as a secondary antibiotic to knock out whatever virus he was dealing with. It was a long 4 days, but we are happy that we got everything handled before Thanksgiving. Xavier's appetite is coming back so he is anxious for tomorrows feast! We are so thankful that he is handling treatment well and responding as he should be. As well as being thankful for the support we have from all of you, our friends and family.

November 17th marked X's last chemo for this phase of treatment. As long as his ANC is at 750 or more he will start the last big portion of chemo which is called Delayed Intensification 1 on December 4th. This phase will be 57 days, which include 3 spinal taps, IV meds, as well as a new oral medication called Dexamethazone, and oral steroids (guess I dont need to worry about his appetite anymore). He is not looking forward to the steroids, they make him super hungry and give him the "moon-face" where his face gets that swollen appearance. After the end of this phase he will go into a maintenance program for the reminder of his chemo, which will eventually only be once a month treatments. I cant wait! I will let you know how the new treatments go.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Cherie

Much Needed Break

We are finally at the end of this phase of chemo called Interim Maintenance. Xavier was at clinic every day last week but Tuesday for his Erwinia shots as well as a spinal chemo on Thursday. We are so glad to finally slow down! We have to get labs done on Friday the 14th and then he has IV chemo next Monday the 17th, but that is all we have for the next 2 weeks. According to the Dr the next phase of treatment is similar to what we have been doing with Interim Maintenence, but there are different meds involved that we have not had yet. I will let you all know once we get to that point. We are still having issues getting him to eat, he lost about 4 pounds this month. (So thanks for the recipe ideas Annette, he liked the chicken stir fry). I think we are going to try protein powder or meal replacement drinks to supplement his diet.

Thanks for the prayers and support.

Cherie

Racking Up The Miles...

Hi Everyone,
Well, our schedule is somewhat back to normal, and I am proud to say that we have finally kicked the flu bug and stayed away from the hospital for 2 whole weeks!! Last week X went back on Erwinia, so our schedule is pretty crazy. We will be at clinic every day this week except for Tuesday, thank god the gas prices are going down. Xavier has been feeling pretty well lately, and handling the chemo well. He got out of the house on Halloween and did get to trick-or-treat for just a little while. He is so responsible, after 2 streets he decided that it would be better for him to stay home and hand out candy. Hopefully we will have a little break after this week. I will let you all know how things go.

Cherie

P.S. Don't forget to vote tomorrow! Go McCain/Palin!!!! Xavier has been campaigning to the nurses at clinic. :)