Reiss: Starting Delayed Intensification

Reiss started Delayed Intensification on August 19.

Here is what I know (from Amber and Alysa) about DI:

*It is a very intense 2 months of chemo.
*This phase will last 8 weeks, and is divided into 2 parts.
*The first 4 weeks he will receive a new chemo called Doxorubicin, also known as, "the red devil". It is called this, because it is red in color. It has a lifetime maximum dose, and can be a dangerous chemo. It can cause heart damage so they will monitor his heart and function. He had an EKG/ECHO at diagnosis. This is a new chemo for Reiss. Some of the more common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, hair loss, red urine, low blood count, mouth sores. Less common side effects include: heart damage, nail bed changes, skin sensitivity. It is administered through his port.
*He will also be on steroids- dexamethasone. This is the same steroid he had during induction (the first phase.) He will take steroids for 7 days, then he will have 7 days off for the first month....Seven days on, seven days off- for 4 weeks.
*He will also go to PCMC every other day (MWF) for 2 weeks (Starting Aug. 19 and Ending Sept. 2) to get a shot of chemo in his leg. (PEG alternative).
*After the first 4 weeks he will have one week off, and then he will start the 2nd part of DI. He will be count dependent to continue.

So far, it's been a rough start. He started this phase on Monday, August 19. He got chemo Monday (19th) and Wednesday (21st). By Thursday, he started throwing up and continued to do so 13 times (!) by Friday morning. Amber took him to PCMC early on Friday. They assumed he had a stomach bug, but because his counts were up, they continued with chemo. His vomiting did stop, but he just doesn't feel good. His tummy hurts, he complains of his head hurting... and he is frequently telling Amber "I don't feel good." He has been fussy, tired, and clingy. He just wants someone near him, and to be held. Bless his little heart. He also isn't sleeping well. Amber finally put him in her bed so they could both get some rest, and he has been sleeping a little better being near his momma and daddy. He doesn't have much of an appetite... which is unusual for being on the steroid. He is still recovering from his bout with pneumonia from a few weeks ago (post to come), and continues to cough frequently. Amber isn't sure if his symptoms seem worse because of the stomach virus, the respiratory virus, the chemo, or a combination of all three. It's just hard to tell. Doctors say this is the hardest phase... and so far it hasn't been easy. :( Today was a little better with the diarrhea, and for the first time in a few days he wanted to be outside with his dad and siblings. Hoping he can get on top of those viruses, so he can deal a little better with the side effects of the chemo. He will go to PCMC tomorrow (28th), Friday (30th), and back again on Monday (Sept. 2nd). Please continue to keep him in your prayers.