More Chemo Ahead

We went to the clinic last Friday with hopes of getting Ian's pic line removed and dreamy visions of traveling around re-connecting with friends and family. Sadly, instead we were informed that he has at least one more round of chemo to start next week so best to leave the pic line in. That was a sad day.

Ian has a bone marrow biopsy around noon tomorrow and the preliminary results from that will determine his regiment of treatment. His doctor is thinking another round of clofarabine and cyterabine similar to last month but a little lighter dose and subcutaneous so that he can be outpatient during the chemo. All is yet to be determined though, depending on biopsy results. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to him being home for treatment. On the positive side, our family can stay together and Ian will have the familiar comforts of home. He lost around 20 pounds in the hospital last month, so it would be helpful for me to be able to cook for him rather than living off the same nauseating hospital menu. On the other hand, it will also mean more super strict quarantine and vulnerability to fungal/viral/bacterial infections from exposure to things at home. Take a look at this article and you will see what I mean. Here's a lovely petri dish grown from the handprint of an eight year old: 

Besides the obvious germs to avoid, everyday things like soil in house plants and vacuuming or baking with yeast can lead to fatal infections when he's neutropenic. It's quite overwhelming and OCD inducing. His nurse/pharmacist (me) would also be a full time mom, which can be a lot of responsibility for one person. So there are blessings and complications either way. 

Please pray divine wisdom for the doctors as they decide these next steps. Please pray they get a good sample in the biopsy tomorrow and Ian is found to be in full remission. Although even with the best results he would still need more chemo, oh what a blessed relief that would be! We really aren't looking forward to more chemo, but we also understand the deadly monster that AML is and the need to be aggressive to save Ian's life. 

In the mean time, we are enjoying our days together filled with family meals and cuddles, watching the girls ride their bikes around and around the parking lot, sipping homemade Thai coconut shakes, and smashing Asha's birthday geodes :)