Logan – Cancer Treatment as “Normal”

What has been running through my mind is that Logan’s cancer treatment quickly became a normal thing in our life. It’s just there. And so the family works though it. Of course, the biggest difference from chemo round 1 and round 2 is that Logan was in remission after round 1. That my friends is prayers answered, and a great deal of uncertainty evaporated. But still, chemo is poison, and it is difficult for Logan’s little body. Here is an update:

Logan

About 10 days have passed since the round 2 chemo was completed. It takes several days for the chemicals to work their way out of Logan’s body. Then, his blood counts plummet to zero. Blood and platelet transfusions are needed to sustain him until his body and marrow recover and start to produce blood cells. That is what we are waiting for: recovery that will allow a break from the hospital before round 3.

The fluid retention that was a real thing during round 1 is much less of a problem this time. Logan’s antifungal meds are being tweaked to avoid the nausea that he experienced. Given that he is pretty active, Logan’s central line into his chest developed a hole and needed replacement. So, surgery. See what I mean about normal? “Oh, he needs general anesthesia to replace his central line.” And it just happens.

You may notice in the pic that Logan’s feeding tube is not in his nose. Yep, he pulled it out again. But maybe a blessing in disguise as Mom and Dad were hoping to not need the feeding tube. Logan had not been fed through it for 4 days and he has been eating normally. Logan was a champion eater prior to diagnoses, and now continues to be a champion eater. In fact, if you are eating something in his presence, he expects to eat it, too. This is a big difference from round 1 when his fluid retention made it difficult for him to swallow.

Mom and Dad

Amanda and AJ are incredibly dedicated to Logan and his care. They are his advocate with the medical teams. And Logan’s almost full-time hospital companion. What is different in round 2 versus round 1 is that Amanda and AJ are taking needed breaks from the hospital. During round 1 they could not bring themselves to leave him, and so for 40+ days they were at the hospital, together in the small room, doing their best to comfort Logan. Toward the end of round 1, they did takes some breaks with Amanda’s parents Kimberly and Mike, Amanda’s brother Chris and wife Casey, and me and Donna taking their place at different times. For round 2 this is happening more often, such as my visit shown in the picture above on Thursday evening. Chris and Casey have done overnight shifts which are incredibly generous of them, and allows Amanda and AJ to sleep in a regular bed at least for a night.

Family and Friends

To say that family and friends have been generous and kind and supportive is a huge understatement. When AJ’s sister Bridget launched the “Logan and Muggles Against Cancer” t-shirt fundraiser, it was more about doing something – anything – to support her brother and family. Well, that little fundraiser with modest goals ended up raising more than $15,000 for Amanda and AJ. $15,000!! These funds will be used to offset the medical expenses that are now arriving, and supplement the family’s health insurance. So, once again, thank you so much. If you bought a shirt, please take a pic and post it on social media and tag Amanda and AJ.

While Logan’s cancer treatment now seems like it is normal, it certainly is not. The resilience that I see from Logan and his Mom and Dad is a testament to their personal strength and the prayers and support from all who surround them. The journey will continue as round 2 concludes and moves through rounds 3, 4 and 5. Thank you for the support and prayers – they are real and tangible.