September 14, 2010 - Tuesday -Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Posted by Ann Shortes on Sunday, September 12, 2010
Clinic visit: September 14, 2010
ANC: 3,900 !!!! YAY!
Oliver's ANC was actually normal at today's visit - it has not been this high in a very long time. Oliver received vincristine chemo in his port and also received an IVIG transfusion. While his ANC is up, his IG counts are still down. The doctor said it could take up to 6-7 weeks for the IG levels to stablize and some children need the transfusions throughout their entire treatment. We will also look at adjusting his chemo dosages. He has been on 50% of required dosage, if the ANC is still high at next visit, we may bump up the chemo to 75%. Of course, this makes us a little nervous - it was the chemo that hurt his system and is the reason he is having IVIG transfusions. On the other hand, a reduced dosage may not be as effective. We just have to place our trust in the medical professionals, which is of course easier said than done.
Oliver has always been happy, but what a difference since he started going to school. He has had this creative glow following him since he started kindergarten. He has a best friend, enjoys art and gym and is elated each morning to go to school.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please take a look at the video link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS4yE5v9rM
Prior to Oliver's diagnosis, I truly had no clue what children with cancer go through. It is more common than we even realize and yet an extremely small percentage (and I mean extremely - .82%, yes "point" .82% according to cancer.gov) of government medical research funding go towards pediatric cancer research. And yet, Childhood cancer is the #1 disease killer of children. I am reaching out to all of you to support Childhood Cancer Awareness. A gold ribbon is the symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness, yet few people know this (including me prior to Oliver's diagnosis). These children have no voice when it comes to funding decisions, we have to speak up for them. This month let 's make Gold the new Pink.
ANC: 3,900 !!!! YAY!
Oliver's ANC was actually normal at today's visit - it has not been this high in a very long time. Oliver received vincristine chemo in his port and also received an IVIG transfusion. While his ANC is up, his IG counts are still down. The doctor said it could take up to 6-7 weeks for the IG levels to stablize and some children need the transfusions throughout their entire treatment. We will also look at adjusting his chemo dosages. He has been on 50% of required dosage, if the ANC is still high at next visit, we may bump up the chemo to 75%. Of course, this makes us a little nervous - it was the chemo that hurt his system and is the reason he is having IVIG transfusions. On the other hand, a reduced dosage may not be as effective. We just have to place our trust in the medical professionals, which is of course easier said than done.
Oliver has always been happy, but what a difference since he started going to school. He has had this creative glow following him since he started kindergarten. He has a best friend, enjoys art and gym and is elated each morning to go to school.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please take a look at the video link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGS4yE5v9rM
Prior to Oliver's diagnosis, I truly had no clue what children with cancer go through. It is more common than we even realize and yet an extremely small percentage (and I mean extremely - .82%, yes "point" .82% according to cancer.gov) of government medical research funding go towards pediatric cancer research. And yet, Childhood cancer is the #1 disease killer of children. I am reaching out to all of you to support Childhood Cancer Awareness. A gold ribbon is the symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness, yet few people know this (including me prior to Oliver's diagnosis). These children have no voice when it comes to funding decisions, we have to speak up for them. This month let 's make Gold the new Pink.
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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!
