Daily challenges

The new reality

Induction Phase Results

Favourite Past time

The steroids really had quite a dramatic effect on Mitchell's appearance.  New chubby cheeks and a mini-pot belly changed his normally lithe look.  He almost looked 'healthier' than normal.

Our high hopes for a great result, given Mitch's high spirits and infection free month, took a bit of a beating when the results of his Day 28 tests came back less than good.
Generally blood components were OK but the percentage of blasts in his blood were significantly higher than expected.

These results bought all our spirits down.  The doctor reassured us that it was common for levels in some patients to take a little longer than normal and that the next phase of treatment would have been the same regardless.

Block two - the consolidation phase - runs for 8 weeks and is broken into 2 x 4 week blocks with different treatments in the 2 blocks and another assessment of blast levels at the end.

Consolidation - Block One
 
New meds and weekly lumber punctures for the next four weeks actually started off OK.  A few less oral meds replaced with an injection 4 days in a row each week that we administer through an Insuflon.  Mitch commented that he much preferred this set-up.
A couple of weeks in and he'd changed his mind.  The Friday lumber punctures plus chemo took its toll.  Even taking meds at home got harder because head aches and nausea made it very difficult.  Lots of vomiting and corresponding weight loss over these weeks changed Mitch's appearance again.

This first week was particularly tough on Lisa because the girls and headed down to Apollo Bay for a week that had been booked last year.  We all felt really guilty but had a great week.  This was also the week Mitch had is port 'installed'.  This will make further I.V . treatment easier and quicker in future.

At the end of the second week continued headaches and a sore stomach meant a few days back in hospital.  Constipation can cause all sorts of issues - in particular sore stomach and headaches.  Lots of saline and laxatives was step one and then getting some food back in a very empty stomach, step two.
The rest of the family were all brave and had blood tests this week for any future bone marrow transplants.  We sincerely hope we don't need to but ....just in case.






Day 1 - 2013

Fortunately Mitch got well enough and was at the right time, in terms of his immunity, to make the first day of school, something we were all very happy to see.  It was a big day for his sisters too, both at new schools.  His next day was a week later but at least it's a start. 

Eating and meds are still big daily challenges.  We have managed to take some pills without having to crush them to a powder....but not often.  All the med taking "logic" we try to convince him of, doesn't make it any easier.