Chemo 5 wrap

Sorry this is a late post. Max's fifth round of chemo ended last Friday (2/11) with good results and a happy Maxi-boy leaving CHSD. We were able to meet with his new doctor, Dr. Roberts, who reviewed Max's case with us and also gave us some additional insight into 'what to expect' going forward. Delays, such as we experienced with this round, are to be expected as the cumulative effects of the chemotherapy drugs have their effect on Max's ability to recover in as timely a manner as possible. This means that most likely Max's seventh round, which includes his stem cell rescue procedure and 6-8 weeks in the hospital, may not take place until April. That said, Dr. Roberts had no problem with our plan to take the family on a short vacation prior to Max being admitted for this extended period.

Max had a great time in his Pirate themed room threatening the nurses and doctors with his sword and telescope and offering everyone "treasure" from a pirate ship tin full of cookies. He met some big-boys who are also bald and came to the conclusion that the whole ward was full of pirates! Shiver me timbers!

Also during Max's 5th chemo session he was able to participate in a drug trial for an anti-nausea med called Palonosetron which has been used on adults for over a year very successfully. The med worked great for Max, too. He was given one dose prior to his first chemo dose on Monday and was nausea-free and in very high spirits until Thursday AM when he got a little sick. (Back to the regular meds!) Max has been nauseous every morning since coming home, which hasn't been fun for him. Today, at his clinic appointment he got sick all over himself, which meant that he came home in a hospital gown as his clothes were covered.

Nevertheless, Max continues to defy any threat of becoming burdened with his cancer and its symptoms, treatment side effects or his shots, and so remains an inspiration to Melissa and I every day.




Max had his heart tested as a result of some of his chemo drugs.