Presley: May 29

Today we started Interim Maintenance I. The preliminary blood test came back with an ANC of 600 so were thinking it was going to be another week off. The final lab result showed an ANC of 900. Presley needed to be higher than 750 to start the 3rd phase of treatment. Presley was given Vincristine and Methotrexate in her IV today. I have been worried about the new chemo we started today, Methotrexate. Doctor Flushel is pretty confident that the dose Presley got today would most likely not cause mouth sores or vomiting. She would feel low energy, and not wanting to each much. By the end of this phase we might see the mouth sores and vomiting. This phase is a little different; they want her ANC to be around 750-1000. The dose of methotrexate with change or elevate according to her ANC. In ten days (this phase we go every 10 days) they will check her ANC and if its high, then they will give her a higher dose of Methotrexate (to force her numbers lower) and vis versa. This is more of a customized phase. I asked Doctor Flushel a million questions today. As the medical student was walking out he said "You asked a lot of good questions, I think you have passed medical school!"

They always let the medical student come in before Doc Flushel. I sometimes do worry, that I know more than the medical students! I often am telling them how treat looks and what is next. This is a bad sign. We waited for a long time today for the chemo. She was first given Vincristine, then Zofran. This is standard to give in the IV when Methotrexate is given to control the nausea and vomiting. I have a prescription for more if needed. Then she was given the Methotrexate, which the nurse "pushed" over a 3 minute time period. Great job today Presley!

Well May 29 is a milestone to look forward to. Exactly two years from today no matter the delays we will be done with treatment. MAY 29, 2015! Sounds like a long time. Only can pray it will go quickly. Originally we were told that treatment would be 2.5-3 years. They did not know if she would be standard care or high risk. Presley's treatment will be 2 years and 2 months. That's if we don't relapse. So its' set that the port with come out in 2 years.