Luke's New Look

Luke has been surprisingly "ok" about his hair loss. We think it would have been far more difficult to handle had he not been so accepting. Thank God.

Hair

As Luke approaches his 4^th week of delayed intensification, his hair has started to fall (should grow back in a few months).  Although this was an expected side effect of the new medicines, it wasn’t easy to see initially. 

 

Luke is doing very well in all aspects of his therapy so far, and we are thankful for that.  We pray that he stays happy and encouraged with his “new look”. 

 

I told him that God’s giving him a haircut, and will probably take all of his hair, but will give it back.  He said he’s fine with that.

 

This morning, he did look in the mirror and said “I don’t like my hair”.  That was sad to hear, but we are looking forward to this phase being over successfully and look forward to resuming a more “normal” life as we enter the maintenance period of his treatment that should begin in about 5 or 6 weeks, and lasts about 2 ½ years. 

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Day 15 of Delayed Intensification

Today, we had a late appointment at the Cancer Center. Luke was the last patient seen. The infusion center was empty. Luke also seemed more irritable at accessing his port, but recovered quickly with his mood. He had IV doxorubicin and IV vincristine and IV zofran. His counts have come down drastically with his ANC dropping to 340 which means severe neutropenia and a high risk of infection. During his infusion, he had an appetite where he ate a Chik-fil-a sandwich, soup, and some beef jerky (thanks to his grandma) while watching Lion King. Luke also had some dark spots on his tongue and the doctor thinks that it is related to his chemotherapy. She also gave him some nystatin to make sure that his tongue doesn't have thrush. He has also been complaining of leg pains and cramps. They think it is because of the steroids effect on his bones and added some calcium + vitamin D tablets to his already extensive drug regimen. He will again start on dexamethasone tomorrow for 1 week with zantac. His de-access was quick thanks to Pat, but I can't say it was pain-free. Thankfully, even with all that is happening within his body, he is an active 3-year-old with no signs of leukemia from the outside. Even his hair is still there. Luke is ready for Halloween with his batman costume and carved Swiper the Fox on the pumpkin tonight. We pray for protection for Luke in the next few weeks against any viruses or infections while his ANC is low and that his numbers improve.

2nd week of delayed intensification

Luke continues to do well. He is receiving his 2nd dose of iv doxorubicin along with his iv vincristine. No spinal tap today, but he will have one in 2 weeks. The doctor says he looks wonderful and is responding well. He had oral steroids last week and will stop this week, then restart next week

October 12, 2010 - Luke handling 'Delayed Intensification' well thus far

By God's Grace, our Luke is doing well. He has tolerated a new IV chemo (last week), and 2 IM injections (yesterday). He's in good spirits, energetic, eating and drinking well, and gives thanks/prays to God (even though he refuses to pray at the end of the video below:) ).



Here's Luke and his Philly Grandma and Grandpa eating at a buffet restaurant.

Delayed Intensification

Today, October 6th, marks Luke's 121st day since chemotherapy started. By God's Grace, we have all been doing well, especially Luke. Today, Luke begins a phase called 'delayed intensification', which is expected to be the toughest 3 months for him. He will receive meds by mouth, in his thigh muscle, in his vein, and in his backbone today. Also, they say it is not uncommon that kids wake up the next day with no hair. We pray that he responds well to his new medicines.