Chemotherapy Begins Again

With the Telmo Family

The past few days have gone by quickly. On Friday his friend, Joven, came over to spend the weekend with us. Jayson had some issues with shortness of breath and we had to give him some morphine to help him.  On Saturday, Jayson spent most of the day resting at home and was visited by a few families.  In the evening, he went to Corona for his YFC's household.  He was able to pray, praise and worship with his friends and listen to that night's topic on friendship. After about 1.5 hours, Jayson was tired and we went home.

Praising at YFC Household in Corona 

On Sunday, Jayson continued to rest.  He hasn't been able to walk with his walker lately and just seem to get tired more easily.  We've had to increase the flow of his oxygen to keep him comfortable.  Despite all this, Jayson continues to be polite, positive and determined to do what he can to help himself.  We had more family & friends visit all day Sunday.  He wasn't eating much on Sunday, but was getting sufficient fluids throughout the day. However, he's been sleeping more soundly the past few nights and hasn't had any hallucinations for at least a week.

Yesterday, Nov 11th, Jayson was once again taken to the NMCSD for a checkup. As always, we get a bit anxious as we wait to find out what Jayson's lab results are. The results of yesterday's lab had some good news. Jayson's white blood count continues to improve.  The results showed Jayson's white blood count went up to 3.7 from 2.3 from last week. The results also indicate that there were no blast cells in his white blood.  However, the lab results showed Jayson's hemoglobin and platelet counts were both low at 5.5 and 13, respectively.  Therefore, Jayson received 2 units of red blood and 2 units of platelets yesterday. The total transfusion time was about 5 hours, but because we had to wait for the blood products, Jayson didn't get done until past 5:00 p.m.

During yesterday's checkup, Dr. McManaman examined Jayson and noticed that his liver was bigger than normal. She was concerned about this and wanted to get lab results to find out what was going on with his liver.  We're still waiting to find out what's causing the enlarged liver. Also during the exam, we showed Dr. McManaman a bump that Jayson noticed on his left thigh. She said this was chloroma, which is a malignant, green-colored tumor associated with myeloid leukemia. They aren't painful, but she mentioned that he'll probably get more of it as time goes on.

During this appointment, we also discussed chemo treatment plans for Jayson.  It was Jayson who would determine whether or not to proceed with chemotherapy again.  His main concern was the side effects of chemotherapy. After a long discussion, Jayson was willing to try the chemo treatment for about 2 weeks. If he is unable to tolerate the side effects then the treatment would be stopped. As Dr. McManaman had mentioned to us last week, the purpose of this chemotherapy was not to cure Jayson, but rather to slow down the progress of the cancers. Our hope is that the side effects will be minimal and that Jayson will be able to handle them. The first chemotherapy to be done is to help with the AML. The treatment has been slightly modified. He will receive a lower dosage than before and one of the chemo drug used previously will not be used this time.  If Jayson is able to complete the 2 weeks, then chemotherapy will begin for the rhabdomyosarcoma.  All of the chemotherapy medication Jayson will be given is by mouth instead of introvenous (via IV).  By giving him the chemo medication orally, he'll be able to stay home more.   As in the past, we will pray that God helps him through this next round of treatments.

Dr. McManaman will still present Jayson's case to the tumor board on November 8th.  She hopes to get some recommendations and feedback from her colleagues on Jayson's situation.  I'm sure she will let us know what the tumor board recommends when we meet with her next Tuesday.

Today, Nov.5th, was the first day of Jayson's chemotherapy treatment for AML. We will monitor him for any new symptoms or side effects of the chemo medication. Please join us in praying that this chemotherapy will help Jayson.

Jayson was at home all day today.  His Grandma Del and Auntie Carole helped Henry take care of him while I went to work for a few hours.  His appetite was much better today and he's able to eat a little more than usual.  Earlier this evening he started running a fever.  We gave him some Tylenol to help reduce his fever and it worked. Also, he's been experiencing some shortness of breath. He has to open his mouth each time to exhale. It's hard to see him breathing like this even though he assures us he's fine. We've given him a small dose of morphine once again to help.

Whenever we find ourselves helpless or at a lost in trying to help Jayson, we seem to always automatically turn to what we know how to do and that is...pray.  Whether it's to pray for guidance, wisdom or help, we call on the Lord. Whether it's out of desperation or in thanksgiving, we seek Him.  Even though Henry & I are doing all we can to help Jayson; it's only his heavenly Father who knows exactly what Jayson needs and can give it. He is the sole comforter, the universal physician and the main provider to each of us.  Let's continue to rely on Him and seek Him.

Thank you Lord Jesus for all you've done for Jayson and our family. We know that all the progress Jayson has made is because of you. Please keep touching him with your healing hands and strengthening him with your grace. We ask this in your name, Amen.