Day 10 of 10 of chemo. Jeremy’s ANC (absolute neutrophil count) today was 0.01. That’s pretty much bottomed out. He continues to be at risk for infection, so we continue to pray against it. His hemoglobin and platelet count are “ok” considering his condition and he’s been getting supported for that (blood and platelet transfusions) throughout chemotherapy.

This morning, the doctors told us that Jeremy’s chemistry labs are looking good again, so they dropped the flow rate of the saline. They also got the results of further genetic testing which didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. The trisomy 21 that they saw is restricted to the leukemia cells only.

The doctors also told us that Jeremy’s lost a bit of weight, so they want him to eat some higher calorie foods. The nutritionist suggested that we take full advantage of room service and order snacks for Jeremy so we can constantly offer food. She also said Pedia-sure is a good supplement and to be sure to rinse his mouth often.

We also had a short conversation with one of the residents today.  She reiterated (and I think this is in line with the treatment protocols for AML) that after Induction 1, a bone marrow aspirate will be done and they are expecting to see no leukemia cells – that is, they expect remission.  If this doesn’t happen, Jeremy is considered high risk and a bone marrow transplant is very likely.  We are praying hard that Jeremy will be in remission after Induction 1 and that he will be in the low risk category.

We also discovered a small sore on Jeremy’s tongue. He was still able to eat today, though, so it doesn’t seem to be bothering him too much. He had a great breakfast, an ok lunch, and a decent dinner. He was also much more active during the day today. Usually he gets a burst of energy right before bed, but it seems to have changed up a little.

Alice had a prenatal appointment and a glucose test early this morning and stepped out before Jeremy woke up.  When he did wake up, he got into sitting position, looked at me and we had the following exchange:

Jeremy: “Where Momma go?”
Ant: “Good morning! She had to go to the doctor today.”
Jeremy: “For poking?”
Ant: “Yeah, she probably had to get a poke.”
Jeremy: “Momma have blood draw?”
Ant: “Yup, Momma have blood draw.”
Jeremy: “Oh.”

I was impressed and sad at the same time – impressed at how conversational he is, but sad because it just doesn’t seem right for a 2 year old to understand what a blood draw is.

When Alice got back later, he was excited to see her and asked to see her “poke”. She lifted her sleeve and he saw the dressing they typically give you with a blood draw – gauze and tape. He saw it, folded his hands together and prayed, “Dear God, Momma ouchie, in Jesus mane, Amen!” Later when Alice had settled down and they were both sitting on the bed, he asked to see her “poke” again. When Alice lifted her sleeve, he laid hands on her arm and prayed again, “Dear God, Momma ouchie, in Jesus mane, Amen!” We were moved to tears at how thoughtful Jeremy can be.

Everyday brings with it the same set of anxieties. We confess to God daily our moments of weakness, our displeasure at why this is happening to our precious son, our worries about side effects (mild and severe), our worries about what the doctors will tell us each day, our worries about cure rates. Yet we know that God remains in control and we continue to see how God works in difficult situations.

Please pray:

  • that God would protect Jeremy from infection as his neutrophil count has bottomed out
  • for God to prevent any more mouth sores from forming (the one he has is really bothering him tonight as he sleeps)
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