Chemotherapy 101

I drove to Staples yesterday to buy a binder with tabs for the information we have been receiving. We also received a binder from our social worker, so we have two full books of information important to the well-being of our little guy. Not only do they give us information, the nurses here are actually staffed to allow frequent and intense teaching sessions. We were glad to have Randal here, because Matt and I were in Chemotherapy 101 all day. Matt was glad I was mentally present for the first time since we arrived, and I know why. It was overwhelming.

Chemotherapy (cancer medicine) affects all rapidly growing cells-- normals cells as well as cancer cells. The cells lining the mouth, stomach, and roots of the hairs are examples of cells that grow quickly. That is why Jace will lose his hair and sores may appear in the mouth and stomach after chemotherapy is given. Chemo also affects three important blood cells: red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that help clot the blood. I received help yesterday to find a book at Barnes and Noble which I can use to help Jace learn about these important facts... so if you need to look at it sometime let me know.;)

One of the first paragraphs in a hand-out we received says, "Many parents wonder what caused their child's cancer. Almost all cancers in children occur for no known reason. Most arise from non-inherited changes in the genes of growing cells."

We have a calendar for Jace's treatment for the first month, or his "Induction." (This is the first stage of five including: Induction (1 month), Consolidation, (1-2 months), Interim Maintenance (2 months), Delayed _____ (something I can't remember right now) (2 months), and Maintenance (2 1/2 years to 3 years). The first stage takes us through October 12. Every day Jace will take or be given one of four meds. Some days are more intense than others. On Mondays, no matter what, we will be here in PCMC. After this week, the other days can be administered at home. BUT, this is all dependent on many factors including how Jace is doing...if he is fevering, etc. We are SOOO lucky to have a local Pediatric Oncologist. Everyone here speaks so highly of Dr. Hancock, and we are thrilled that when we return home we have a very near resource.

Is your head spinning yet? Matt and I feel your pain.

Jace is MUCH better tonight after his transfusion. It took until about 9 PM for him to get much energy back, but he's watching TV now. We had an emotional day- dealing with the changes our lives are destined to have for the next while: Jace's numbers were up enough that they let him go outside on a patio today. He was so excited to go out- for the first time since Friday, but after placing his face mask on and walking to the 3rd floor, his energy was fading. Then he realized he couldn't sit in the sun, because of the chemo...and he'd have to leave his mask on because there was dust in the air...and after all this, he didn't have the strength to walk back. Matt carried our little man back to his room. It broke my heart to see my touchdown scoring, bases running, ball of fire crawl into bed and fall back on his pillow.

But, like another dear friend pointed out tonight...3 days of chemo down and counting. We can do it. Although we feel like we will never remember the things we've been taught about how to care for Jace through this Chemotherapy process, we find strength in all of the things you are doing for us. I'm nervous to start listing them, because I know I'll leave something out. Please just know we appreciate all that you do. When Jace heard he was on T.V. tonight he said, "Man, people are going pretty crazy over one little sick kid."