Today was our last LP (Lumbar Puncture as they call it) for this round of his treatment (it was one every week for the last 3 weeks). We continue with the daily 6MP drug until the 27th. He then starts 'Interim Maintenance I' on the 28th (count dependent, ANC has to be 750 or higher).
His ANC was 1716 yesterday. His total WBC went down below normal, however. His red counts are all good and normal at this time (thanks to last weeks blood transfusion most likely).
Interim Maintenance I lasts about 8 weeks (count dependent delays can happen making this go longer). You have IV chemo (2 kinds of drugs) every 10 days only at clinic (and each one is count dependent). No oral drugs other than the antibiotic he has to take Fri/Sat/Sun for the entire duration of his treatments and 6 months after we are all done. It will be kind of a break in a sense based on what we've had and whats to come. At this point, we have about 2 years of treatment to go when you include the next rounds and the rest of the regular maintenance period (12 week interval rounds).
After this round, we start what they call 'Delayed Intensification' which is going to be tough with all his treatments and drugs for an 8 week period with some count dependent items as well. It will be interesting since at that point, we will have a new baby that will just be about 6 weeks old (I am due August 4th, which is Oliver's birthday no less). If Oliver becomes Neutropenic during that treatment (ANC falls below 500), they will admit him to the hospital until his ANC is on the rise again. That is when we may call upon for more help (someone to mow the lawns, maybe a house cleaning service, and what not). We will be sure to let you all know how you can help during that time. It is great that we only live 15-30 minutes away from the hospital (traffic depending), but since Oliver's grandparents live just down the road from the hospital, we would set up camp there when/if this happens. This way Dan can sleep with Oliver while I sleep at the in-laws with the baby at night (and all his feedings). We will figure things out as that happens of course. There is always a slight slight very small chance we may not end up there, but we will be prepared nonetheless.
Oliver is getting stronger every day. He can now walk freely without support. He can stand from squatting without any support or help (with an occasional help as he sometimes just gets stuck trying so hard after so much other activity). I've even seen him pick objects up from squatting and get back up. Still climbs up stairs with his hands (but is stepping up and not crawling) and needs support to go down fully. Tries to jump in place unsupported and does get some air. He's becoming a golfer these days.. just check out the latest youtube video posted. I think at this rate, he will be tiptop practically back to his active ability level from before this happened just as we get into the most intense treatment period, which is what we want. Other than that, he has been having fun playing at home and outside. We did make it to the park once, and finally made it over to his grandparents house (have not been since the day before he was diagnosed and admitted in April). That is where he started to take up golf. Go watch the video, it is too cute!
Thanks again to all those who have signed up for the weekly meal help. It has been a huge huge help in not having to think of dinner (especially on those busy procedure days). And as always to everyone else for their lovely thoughts and any other help you have provided. Every gesture goes a long way.
