Chemo Update

We had a couple extra days all together at home while waiting for a bed to open up at the hospital, so we appreciated every meal and moment not knowing if it would be our last one together for a while. Yesterday afternoon we got the call that a room was ready, so we packed up and moved Ian into his new room with a view at UCSF for the next week or so. 

The doctor decided to do the same regiment as his last inpatient treatment, but a bit stronger dose. It seemed to really make a difference last time even with the disease progressing fast, so he is hopeful it might be even more effective since there is much less leukemia in his system this time around. 

We requested to do part of the treatment at home and were delighted to find out he will only need to be in the hospital 6 days for the actual chemo infusions. After that, as long as he doesn't have a fever, he will be able to "nadir out" at home (that's the term for the time when the cumulative effects hit and blood counts plummet and misery levels soar). The girls are already missing him and confidently planning how they will be big helpers and bedside nurses while he is home recovering. We are so thankful! 

On the downside, Ian is already feeling seriously awful. His chemo starts at 9pm and it finishes at 3am. That's a rough schedule for a morning person who starts fading after 8 o'clock at night. Please pray he will still be able to find rest in the middle of all this and for waves of grace to come with every wave of misery. 

Ian is planning to talk to his doctor today about big picture things like a second transplant and possible clinical trials if this chemo doesn't work. Please pray Divine direction as we explore these options ahead. 

Also, please pray he doesn't get any neutropenic fevers so he can stay home with us for the three or so weeks of recovery. 

❤️ Thank you for all your love and prayers!