Starting Chemo tomorrow
One of the numbers we look at is the percentage of 'blasts' in his white blood cells. This is the number of cancer cells that are in his system. The doctors said we would be ready to start chemo when this number was 'very small', meaning that the prednisone (steroids) had killed off enough of them.
Today, he had 0% 'blasts', which means (in theory) he has no active mutating cancer cells in the sample we took. Now, we get to start chemo, which will kill any cancer cells that we cannot see. The chemo phase will be 29 days, starting from tomorrow.
The doctors have hinted that (if he responds positively), he might be able to be discharged in 2-3 weeks, but he will have to stay in the Seattle area for the remainder of this phase and the phases that follow. So, now we get to start looking around at furnished apartments, and hopefully can find something within walking distance (so we won't have to rent a car).
Ryan received a package from a friend today (thanks Jenny!!), and was so excited to play with his new Legos!! He really just sat in his room all day, with no tests (other than standard blood tests). Patrick even took a walk down to University Shopping Center, and bought a few things. (I'm sure it was nice to take a walk outside, in fresh air and he always loves to play at the Microsoft store!).
It's hard to believe that it's only been a week since this new journey started. We have received so much love and support, it's inspiring! I know, logically, that the upcoming weeks will be painful and difficult for all of us. I pray for the strength and wisdom and fortitude to get through them. But for today, I'm just thankful that he is smiling and feeling good.
Thank you all for the prayers and good thoughts... They seem to be working! :)
Today, he had 0% 'blasts', which means (in theory) he has no active mutating cancer cells in the sample we took. Now, we get to start chemo, which will kill any cancer cells that we cannot see. The chemo phase will be 29 days, starting from tomorrow.
The doctors have hinted that (if he responds positively), he might be able to be discharged in 2-3 weeks, but he will have to stay in the Seattle area for the remainder of this phase and the phases that follow. So, now we get to start looking around at furnished apartments, and hopefully can find something within walking distance (so we won't have to rent a car).
Ryan received a package from a friend today (thanks Jenny!!), and was so excited to play with his new Legos!! He really just sat in his room all day, with no tests (other than standard blood tests). Patrick even took a walk down to University Shopping Center, and bought a few things. (I'm sure it was nice to take a walk outside, in fresh air and he always loves to play at the Microsoft store!).
It's hard to believe that it's only been a week since this new journey started. We have received so much love and support, it's inspiring! I know, logically, that the upcoming weeks will be painful and difficult for all of us. I pray for the strength and wisdom and fortitude to get through them. But for today, I'm just thankful that he is smiling and feeling good.
Thank you all for the prayers and good thoughts... They seem to be working! :)
Comments
Post a Comment