Friday, March 25, 2011
Steven finished his infusion of methotrexate a few hours ago. Once again, he isn't feeling nauseated. He has a couple of little mouth sores, but they don't look too bad. He acts like they are killing him, though. He will likely get a few more with this round, but the doctors are really encouraged that they are so minimal. The doc this morning told met that it is really good for Steven that these side effects are mild--these side effects aren't necessary for the chemo to kill cancer. Now the low blood counts are a different story. But the less we have to deal with mouth sores and nausea, the more likely it will be that we stay on schedule. I'm feeling so grateful right now.
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Steven. It's Aubri (sister Bowen) your primary teacher. I just wanted to let you know you are in my prayers and we can't wait to see you in primary again. ps I like the no hair look :)
ReplyDeleteSorry about the mouth sores, Steven. But I'm glad to hear there's not a ton!
ReplyDeleteI love all these little blessings that make this whole thing more endurable. I'm feeling grateful too.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused...so they want to be seeing low blood counts because that shows it's killing the cancer, or they don't want to see the low blood counts because that slows down the process?
ReplyDeletePlease keep us in mind if you need absolutely anything. I am glad his side effects have been minimal and that he was able to go to some school this week. We are always thinking about your family and praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear about not having too many mouth sores. We're going to have to get some games going while you're in the hospital, Steven (chess and scrabble, mainly).
ReplyDeleteI am SO happy to hear that things are going so well. Thinking of you guys...
ReplyDeleteNo reason to get all the side effects. Way to go Steven! I am pretty much grumpy whenever I have a cold sore, so I can imagine how awful multiple mouth sores feel. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Steven! It's hard to imagine that a few mouth sores is good news, but it' a whole new ball game now. You are winning, cancer is losing! we love you guys!
ReplyDeleteAmy, sorry--it's confusing. I don't claim to understand it entirely, so I may be wrong. I'm not a doctor. But here is a try:
ReplyDeleteThe low blood counts will happen no matter what if chemo is working. The chemo works on the fast growing cells in your body. That is why people usually lose their hair. The blood cells are fast growing, and so they are affected by the chemo. The cancer cells are fast growing, and so they get hit by the chemo.
Even how the blood reacts to the chemo is variable by person, but with the nausea and mouth sores, that is particularly true. Mucositis (what I am calling mouth sores--or the inflamation of any part the digestive tract) can really complicate treatment. Some kids end up with feeding tubes and/or in the hospital on morphine. The sores can also be a site for infection to enter the bloodstream, leading to fevers. So having a big mouth sore problem can really slow down treatment and even affect the outcome. Does that make sense?