9-14-09 Appt.

Actual Date: 09-14-09
We finally started the next phase of DI last Monday. Chase was scheduled for an LP and received a new chemo called Cytoxan. We were there before 8 am. His labs are good. ANC was over 1000. Chase was called into surgery a little bit after 10. This was a great improvement from the last schedule. They started his IV fluids in the recovery room. Nurses mentioned that he needs to have 4 hours of IV fluids before & after the Chemo. They will check the gravity of his urine prior to giving the chemo. They will not start it unless he is fully hydrated. And since he was without any food & water since midnight due to his surgery, he needed a lot of fluids.

We have 2 chemo's to give at home. Ara-C that is injected to his port and 6-TG, a pill taken by mouth. They left his port access open this week. Before ARA-C, we need to give him zofran for help with nausea. It is also a pill. But, it dissolves in mouth. We were never successful with this pill in the clinic. It always lands on the floor. The nurse taught us how to administer the ARA-C. It is similar to flushing the port. But, I need to push the chemo for over a minute. 6-TG should be taken on an empty stomach. Should be given 2 hours after a meal and no dairy products within that time as well. Also, no meal or dairy after 1 to 2 hours after. We left the clinic at 8PM. The last one out again & the longest stay so far.

What to expect on this phase:
Low Blood Counts
Fatigue
Loss of Appetite

We are hoping no fever this time.