We just completed the first week of daily visits and daily chemo treatments. Monday, Evan's bloodwork was good enough to continue with "delayed intensification". So, Tuesday, he had a lumbar puncture at 0645 and had methotrexate given intrathecally. Then he went up to the clinic for the next nine hours or so for IV cyclophosamide and IV hydration. Each day since, he has had IV zofran, decadron, and cytarabine. He vomited this morning for the first time in this phase, but has done remarkably well.
Next week he goes back Tuesday through Friday for more zofran, decadron, and cytarabine each day. Then two weeks off! The next phase should then begin- 'inter-maintenance II'. Eight weeks of every 10 days of bloodwork and IV chemo.
His stats so far:
Hospital admissions: 4
ED Visits: 2
Unplanned Clinic Visits: 1
Doses of IV and IT chemo: 38
Doses of oral steroids: 70
Doses of oral chemo: 31
Days of continuous chemotherapy infusion (blinatumomab): 56
Surgical procedures requiring sedation/ airway management: 14
Blood transfusions: PRBC 2 units; Platelets 4 units; IVIG 2
Evan has done so incredibly well so far and we credit it all to God. Every day we are reminded of those who don't "have it so good". Just today we talked to a mom and a little girl who have been battling a different form of leukemia for two years, with treatments and procedures all over the country. So far her disease has been refractory, but they aren't giving up hope. There is a local boy, a few years older than Evan, with neuroblastoma who seeks treatment in North Carolina. And these stories are repeated over and over again.
On this Good Friday, I am reminded once again of Jesus' finished work on the cross and how much peace that alone offers us. As I have said before, the doctors are amazing and we have come so far in the medical community, but there are no guarantees in this world. Time and time again, we have all seen those who find reassurance in things of this world. Some of them seemingly have success and happiness, some have none. The common fact is no one will have true peace and hope apart from Jesus. Think what you may, try what you might. But the only way to true peace and a future is in Jesus alone.
Also on this Good Friday, we are asking for prayers not only for Evan, but for all those who are suffering from sickness, loss, grief, hopelessness, despair. There are plenty all around us. Thank you for your prayers for Evan and for others. If you are one that needs prayer, don't give up hope. You are not alone. We are all more than conquerors in the loving arms of our Father. Sickness cannot kill you, despair cannot bind you, the devil will not win, in Jesus' name!
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