Round #2 Consolidation

Joy's treatment plan is divided into five rounds/phases/cycles, etc. before hitting what is called "long term maintenance." Here is a look at the treatment plan from the Children's Oncology Group which is the protocol Joy is following. 

Treatment for ALL 

Looking at this plan is completely overwhelming. So I try not to think too far ahead. Our hospital divides up the time a little differently, but for the most part, the treatment described at this site is what Joy will face.

Consolidation started in mid-December and continued through mid-January. It consisted of three intrathecal (in the spine) doses of chemo and daily oral chemo medication. 

This is the round when nausea set in. There were a few days there where she was throwing up literally all morning. It was heartbreaking. We carried an old, plastic Easter basket around with us in case she couldn't make it to the toilet.

She started taking Zofran which then led to constipation which then led to taking more medication for the constipation. Some nights she had six syringes full of liquid medicine to take. There were times when she was just miserable and honestly so was I. Those were some very difficult days.

We did have a really sweet Christmas thanks to two incredible organizations that helped us provide Christmas for our kids. We didn't worry about buying or wrapping ANYTHING. They provided it all. Please follow Helmets for Cody and Christmas Without Cancer. What selfless, awe-inspiring people! We will be eternally grateful for the acts of love they showed us. Their kindness allowed us to focus solely on taking care of Joy and we couldn't be more appreciative.

Around January 15th, Joy was supposed to start Interim Maintenance #1, but her counts were too low. I'm learning how important neutrophils are. They come from our white blood cells and help us fight infections. Joy's neutrophils were wiped out from all of the chemotherapy in consolidation. Her body needed to rest before the next round began. Turns out, we had to wait three weeks. 

Looking back, that time was a BLESSING. 

No chemo. No daily medicine (just on weekends and eventually that stopped). No trips to the hospital. 

Joy was slowly returning to her old self. She wasn't as crabby. She was playful. She was sleeping better. She became potty trained again. She stopped throwing up.

It was life as normal aside from a nurse coming to our house once a week to access her port for blood draws. 

I continue to be amazed at my little girl and all of the things she is overcoming.