Reiss finally started his third phase of treatment (IM) on June 10- after 2 full weeks of not making counts. Over that two week period his ANC went from 20, to 53, then to 140, and finally up to 1088. Remember he has to be at 750 (count dependent) in order to go forward with treatment during this phase. They were admitted to the hospital Monday (June 10) morning. It ended up being a pretty rough day. Reiss had a lumbar puncture and woke up very hysterical and upset. Kicking, crying, thrashing, and screaming "I want to go home!" It was like he had "roid rage", but with out the steroids. He knew he had to stay in the hospital, and had a lot of anxiety that first day. Amber tried to take him outside to calm him down, but nothing worked. Finally she got him to his room and rocked him and that seemed to settle him down. The heavy dose of chemo they use during this phase is called methotrexate. It has to drip slowly through his port for 23 hours, in addition to the vincristine, and the 6MP (oral chemo). While on the Methotrexate, they must monitor his urine to make sure his PH levels are right. Every two hours Amber had to change his diaper and the nurses would check his urine. Methotrexate can cause mouth sores, and rashes. It was very important for Amber to change his diaper as often as possible- even every two hours through the night- to prevent sores on his bottom. Needless to say no one got very much sleep! :) Poor little buddy never got a diaper rash, but started getting "blisters" on the bottom of his feet. This can also be a side effect of the chemo. His little feet were so sore, he didn't even want to walk. They wrapped his feet up to try and cool them off and soothe them. 
Sweet Boy with his comb over! Can't believe he still has his hair!
Luckily his counts were good so he was allowed to leave his room. This little window and ledge was one of his favorite spots! I wonder if the workers on that job site realize how many little children are watching them through the hospital windows?
Pictures with mom!
Cheese!
Reiss was so excited to have his siblings come visit! What a treat!
PCMC has a newly renovated playroom that Reiss and Amber spent a lot of time in! It was fun for him to have Amiah and Tayger to play with.
Spider MEN!
Mr. HULK!
Love those muscles!
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| Playing with Uncle Zack |
They spent four days in the hospital and came home on Thursday night. Just in time for his "BIG PARTY" on Saturday. More on that later. I (Erin) left for Price on Thursday, and a few hours after I arrived, Amber surprised us and walked through the door with little Reiss man! We thought they wouldn't get to come home until Friday. What a wonderful surprise!
He will now get treatment, every other week. So it's basically one week in the hospital, one week off. If he makes counts he will go back on Monday morning. Please keep praying for this little boy. He is so strong and brave and is doing well, but it is so hard and heartbreaking at the same time.
Week 1 of IM- June 8-13
24 hrs- 69.9
42 hrs- .78
48 hrs- .60
Next AM- .16
PM- .07- Going home!
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