Chemo take two.

Today was the first day of the new treatment for Logan.  Unsure of how things would pan out, we started bright and early.  Arrive at the hospital at 7:45 AM.  When we arrived at the clinic this morning, we received the Flashes of Hope pictures that were taken last month. They were absolutely beautiful and a great way to look back at Logan's strength during this difficult process. Seeing them, was a nice way to start off the day.

Things ran pretty much the same as before.  Got all his vitals checked, port accessed, met with doctors, blood drawn.  The first new addition was collecting a urine sample, something that we will have to do every appointment now.  There was a little hesitation to pee in the cup, but nothing a couple extra drinks and a bribe with fruit snacks didn't fix.  I'm pretty sure there isn't anything a 3 year old won't do for some fruit snacks. After we turned in Logan's urine, it was time for some quality time in the art room.

Another great program that we were introduced to today was the "Beads of Courage".  This is a new program to our clinic where the kids earn beads for the struggles and battles that they overcome. Every week, Logan will earn beads color coded to the procedures or milestones he has had. Different color beads are given for things like surgery, trips to the ER, infusions, MRIs, etc.  Special milestone beads are given for things like "Acts of courage", special accomplishments or completion of treatment.  This string of beads is a way for him to look back and re-tell his story of courage.  Another amazing program. Who comes up with this stuff?!? You can read more about it at www.beadsofcourage.org.

Once his blood came back ok, we were ready to head to the pod for infusion. Logan got hooked up to his pump and the pre-meds started.  Here is the second new step.  Logan will continue to get Zofran (anti-nausea meds), but now he will also get a dose of Benadryl before each treatment. I can't really complain about this, because Logan was passed out within minutes.  He couldn't even stay awake enough to chew his sandwich.  While he slept, they were able to get his first med going, Avastin, which took 90 minutes to push, followed by a 30 minutes saline push.  Logan slept though most of that (thanks to the Benadryl I'm sure).  Finally, it was another 90 minute push of Irinotecan, which Logan sat quietly playing on the iPad for.  A couple more quick flushes and a de-access and we were ready to go home.  Total infusion time today = 4 hours.  Total time at hospital today = 8 hours.  It was a long day.

Overall, Logan did incredible.  He was patient, quiet and peaceful.  Couldn't have gone better.  So far, he is doing well.  During the infusion, he was monitored for reactions including getting his blood pressure taken throughout.  In the last 30 minutes of infusion, he started to get a little sick and we had a couple of "close calls" but so far, he is keeping everything down.  Hoping this continues.  For now, its on to taking it easy and getting some rest.  We'll keep our eyes on him closely for the next few days and make sure he manages.  A hopeful start.