Updates on Evan

So Far, So Good

Posted by: Myra
Date: August 31st, 2008

Tonight will be the third dose of this 5-day cycle of chemotherapy. Overall, Evan seems to be tolerating these new drugs well, only one episode of nausea so far. He is however extremely tired from being woke up every 2 hours to urinate. That’s the protocol with these drugs because they are very hard on the kidneys, so they analyze every ‘void’ to check for blood, the specific gravity, and ph balance.

Jeff and I are taking turns spending the night, but poor Evan won’t get a good night’s rest until Wednesday. He said to me at 3 a.m. this morning, “Mom, you don’t understand. I can’t take this.” I said, “Evan, I’m standing right next to you. The last time I got up this much in the night was when I was 9 months pregnant with you!”

 

Update

Posted by: Myra
Date: August 29th, 2008

Evan was worn out after his long day on Tuesday, so stayed home on Wednesday to recharge his batteries. He had quite a bit of back pain in the morning and just felt out of sorts. After talking to the doctor’s office later in the day they confirmed his ‘counts’ were down, but starting to come back up which accounted for his low energy. He went to school for a half day today.

Tomorrow Evan will be admitted to the hospital for a 5-day chemotherapy cycle. Ifosfamide and Etoposide will be the poisons du jour. Again, IV fluids and protective medicines will also be given. Low blood pressure is a side effect of one of chemo medicines, so Evan will be monitored closely. I’ve already learned to sleep with one closed and one eye on his monitor. We hold our breath every time we’re admitted for another round of the unknown.

We certainly appreciate everyone’s positive energy, but I hope my exuberance for the recent good days does not paint a false picture. The reality is we are only nine weeks in to a 52-week treatment. Evan still is not eating. He can’t be on TPN forever because it will eventually affect his liver. So, we are not yet seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Nor are we turning the corner. Unfortunately, we haven’t even left the station.

Evan has a true fighting spirit. Please continue to keep our brave boy in your thoughts.

 

Update

Posted by: Myra
Date: August 26th, 2008

Today is the best Evan has felt since this all began two months ago. He made it through a whole day of school! His willpower is an inspiration to us. We are so proud of him and how he is handling everything.

We are grateful for every good day.

 

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