Maintenance is the final treatment phase and while it's considered the least intense it's the longest, lasting two and a half years. The therapy consists of repeating 3 month cycles. This phase of treatment is necessary to destroy any remaining leukemic cells that are not detectable by standard tests.
Colin will have blood counts checked every two weeks, chemotherapy by infusion 1X per month, a spinal tap with chemotherapy delivered into his spinal fluid 1X every three months. In addition, mommy and daddy will be giving Colin monthly cycles of steroids along with daily chemotherapy pills (crushed and diluted in Juicy Juice). We had to invest in a pill organizer to keep it all straight.
Today, Colin started maintenance by receiving his chemo by infusion, then headed into the procedure room for the spinal tap. With the help of some good pain meds, Colin talked most of the way through the procedure and was up and running and playing soon after.
We would not have been able to make it this far without our support system and all the love that surrounds us. Thank you to each and every one of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment