"Quiet" week

We managed to only be at the hospital 2 days this week. Although this meant being at appointments from 9:00-3:00 on Tuesday, it is nice to have whole days away from the hospital.

In between appointments today, we had 15 minutes to watch the mini Stampede parade held at the Children's Hospital today. The nurses were wonderful and got Liam's bloodwork done so we could catch the parade. Grandma and Grandpa brought Madison to watch too!

Liam is all prepped for starting chemo cycle 3 on Monday. We will be in the hospital for chemo Monday to Thursday next week.

Monday Clinic Visit

We saw Dr Lucie today, Liam is good to go to start chemo cycle 2 tomorrow. A little detail as to what our day looks like tomorrow:

10am Oncology outpatient clinic at the Children's Hospital

10:15am Liam gets blood drawn and connected to IV fluids

10:50am Liam gets general anesthetic

11:00am Lumbar puncture (to check on amount of cancer cells in spinal fluid - once per cycle)

Chemo injection into spinal fluid (takes about 2 minutes)

11:20am Cut Liam's nails - yea, we take advantage of his grogginess since he hates having his nails cut!

2:00pm-4:00pm Chemo through IV

Rest of the day/night - hang out while Liam gets IV fluids

This may all take place in the outpatient area, or we may be admitted to Unit 1 sometime after the lumbar puncture, it just depends on bed availability, as people are generally discharged later in the day. Liam will be restricted to his room (whether it is outpatient room or Unit 1), as he has a cough, to protect the other patients.

Friday Clinic Visit

Liam's blood counts are all on track today. He's got a cough, might be fighting off a cold, otherwise he's in good spirits, had a good day.

Weekly clinic visit

Liam's following the expected trend, his white blood cell count and ANC are going up now. Though, his platelets are a bit low again, we'll be checking again on Friday, and they'll decide if Liam is fit to start the next cycle of chemo on Tuesday next week.

Liam is loving his new haircut, he loves to feel his short hair. He is still playing all day... and still fighting naps, when he needs them most!

Weekly Clinic Appointment

Liam woke up really happy, but then wanted to lay down, and was sick for a while this morning.

This afternoon Liam has his checkup, bloodwork, and his weekly chemo, the weekly chemo is just injected, so it is quick. Because of Liam's symptoms, they put us in isolation, in an exam room, but the doctor is happy with how Liam is doing.

As expected today, Liam's blood counts are low, he's on the verge of needing a blood transfusion, but because he's looking and feeling pretty good, they didn't do one today. If Liam starts feeling worse, we'll take him in for one, it takes 3-4 hours, they'll do it as outpatient.

Cycle 1 Day 8 of 21