Evan had the last 10 or so days off. During that time, he was like a healthy little boy. He played, he swam, he enjoyed life free from needles and illness. If you didn't know that he had a condition, you wouldn't know he had a condition.
But, we are back to the reality that is ours to face. Yesterday, he went to the hospital for bloodwork to see if he was ready to start the delayed intensification phase. His bloodwork looked great. So today, the next phase began.
As I type, Jess is with Evan at ProMedica Ebeid Children's. He had a lumbar puncture this morning at 0700 and was given intrathecal methotrexate. He did fine. He tolerated the sedation well as usual. He was then taken to the oncology infusion area where he received an IV dose of vincristine and an IV dose of doxorubicin. He started his oral steroid burst and is currently receiving an IVIG infusion since his IgG level was a little low.
Friday, I take him back to the hospital for a second dose of IV pegaspargase. This drug has a high rate of anaphylactic reaction to it, so it will be a little tense.
This delayed intensification phase is grueling. It will mimic the induction phase when all this started. Evan will get the steroid bloat, have some nausea, is at risk for mouth sores, and will most likely lose his hair. This phase lasts 8 weeks.
We continue to have hope in Jesus as the ultimate healer and protector. The pain and agony of seeing a child you love going through such a terrible disease and even more brutal treatment would be absolutely devastating and paralyzing without the Hope we have in Him. God has protected Evan so far. He has done incredibly well despite it all. He has had few side effects and no set backs so far. We pray this protection continues through the entire treatment.
Thank you for your prayers for Evan, and for all the children of this world who are suffering.
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