January 4, 2012
Today Oliver received chemo in his spine and vincristine in his port. This spinal will be his first spinal received with no sedation or similar type drugs. After the reaction to the small dosage of atavan in the last spinal, his doctor felt he would be better off with nothing. I was nervous for Oliver today, but he was so easy going and brave. The procedure was much faster than it was with the sedative drugs and while it was uncomfortable and painful, Oliver endured. I am so proud of him! This will mark our 3rd new year starting with a spinal. I know 2012 will bring many blessings and wish you all a very happy new year! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Ann Shortes.
December 21, 2011
I cannot believe it has been two months since my last post. I am so sorry for the delay! There really hasnt been much to report. Oliver has been playing flag football, excelling in school and is happy. Last week however, he spiked a very high fever. We did not have to go to ER because he no longer has his port. The doctors suspect this is a viral issue, but last night he spiked a high fever again and unfortunately had to go to ER because it was so close to the fever last week. His count... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
October 24, 2011
It has been one month since my last post. Oliver recently received a spinal which went ok. The procedure is slightly different in California than Texas. Instead of receiving versed, he was given ativan. I am definitely not an expert on drugs, but this is the first spinal he has received that he actually remembers. My understanding is the ativan is for anti-anxiety, the versed is a bit stronger and more like an anesthetic. While I really do not like that he remembers the spinal, I think ... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
September 24, 2011
UpdateYesterday Oliver had his portacath removed. The surgical procedure took about 45 minutes from start to finish. He is recovering well and the doctor also corrected a scar from the first surgery when his port was placed. His counts have been great and he is happy to have his port out. My rant
While Oliver's treatment plan remains the same, we are finding some differences in application of treatment between Houston and San Francisco. Which is what prompted the port removal. The port doe... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
September 6, 2011
Today we have our first appointment at the children's hospital in San Francisco. We are nervous about the appointment and hope it goes well after such a big move. Our doctors in Houston assured us that this is a stable time to move in this phase of Oliver's treatment. (Oh, I suppose I should mention, we recently moved from Texas to California!) His ANC has remained steady around 1,200 and we hope it continues to stay in that range. Many of you may not know that September is Childhood Canc... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
July 21, 2011
Hopefully everyone has enjoyed the summer. Oliver's has been quite eventful with a trip to Legoland and lots of fun in the sun. Today Oliver received chemo in his spine and vincristine through his port with his ANC totalling 910, which is right around the target. I will never get used these treatments, especially spinal days, but he recovered quickly and I continue to be amazed at his resilence and happiness. Oliver also celebrated his 6th birthday on Monday. His spinal was orignally sch... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
May 24, 2011
I just realized it has been close to two months since I have updated the blog. I am so sorry to those who have checked only to find a stale post. Life has been so hectic between work and two kids, still no excuse, and I apologize. Oliver has received a spinal, a few chemo treatments through his port and breathing treatments of pantamidine since my last update. His at home chemo dosages have gradually gone up at each visit due to high ANC counts. Today his ANC decreased to 1020, which is... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
March 1, 2011
Counts today: ANC 970, Hgb 11.7, Platelets 264 Two weeks ago, Oliver had a clinic visit, ANC came back at 1570 which resulted in increase of home chemo pills (methotrexate). Today Oliver received vincrinstine through his port and a pantamidine breathing treatment. Both went fine and Oliver's doctor was happy with the ANC counts this week. Nothing new to report, which in this situation is a good thing. Seeking patience and acceptance, we have a long way in treatment to go. Feels like it w... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
January 31, 2011
Counts today :ANC - 1380, Hgb 9.6, Platelets, 252 Today Oliver received methotrexate in his spine today and a push of vincristine through his port. Spinal day are always long and exhausting. On top of the spinal, we were informed that Oliver's hemoglobin has been gradually getting lower over the past few months. The doctor felt it was from the antibiotic (dapson) he has been taking to prevent PCP (a type of pneumonia immune compromised people are susceptible to). He previously was on the an... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
January 17, 2011
1/4/11 Visit - ANC 1590 1/17/11 Visit - ANC 2900 Today we had a quick visit for count checks. Oliver's ANC increased slightly from his prior visit, but no increase in chemo. The next visit (in two weeks - Jan 31) Oliver will receive chemo in his spine. By this point in the treatment, Oliver has received enough spinals and pokes, that his understanding and tolerance for the clinic visits seems to have detiorated and I honestly do not blame him one bit. We have all grown weary and jaded from ... Continue reading...
Posted by Ann Shortes.
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About Me
I started this blog as a way to keep everyone updated on Oliver's status and am so thankful for the outpouring from our friends, family and beyond. Thank you all for the support!
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