Logan, Chemo No More

Chemo Complete

As of this afternoon, Saturday March 12, Logan received his last dose of chemo via 2 injections in his thigh. This is the second of two identical series of the Round 5 chemo protocol, one week apart. These last 2 shots followed the four loooong 3-hour infusions of chemo drugs over the previous 48 hours. We are praying for no more chemo ever, with “remission” all we hear from future blood draws.

While the chemo is complete, Round 5 is not. Now the wait begins for Logan’s blood counts to drop to zero. Then in the absence of any immune system, lethargy follows, and the need for red blood and platelets. (The need for blood donations for Logan and other cancer patients is constant.)

Just after Logan’s last dose of chemo today, both Amanda and AJ’s families joined a celebration Zoom call. This afternoon Casey and Chris delivered champagne and flutes to the hospital for the call. Zoom toasts were made. To the end of chemo. To teamwork. To Amanda and AJ and their dedication to Logan.

The end is in sight.

Better this time around

This 3-day protocol was a repeat of last week’s same regimen when Logan was so sick. He tolerated the chemo this week much, much better than last week. No nausea, no vomiting. And he was also able to tolerate tube feedings. Really necessary since Logan’s weight dropped over the last week. A.J. and Amanda shared that Logan has been hungry but nothing really tastes good to him, so he does not eat much. Tube feedings continue.

Maybe two reasons that Logan tolerated this week’s chemo as compared to last week: Either the now-prescribed IV tylenol to keep his fever down was an absolute necessity. Or he had an infection and/or virus that hit him at the wrong time last week and has since resolved. Logan was for sure diagnosed with C-Diff, a bacterial infection for which he was treated with antibiotics. There was also talk of rotavirus, and since it is a virus, antibiotics are of no help. Whatever the case may be, we are happy that Logan did not have to endure quite so much during this week’s treatment.

Griffin TV

The picture above shows what A.J. calls “Griffin TV.” Logan is mesmerized by his cousin Griffin during FaceTime calls. Logan stares intently at the screen while Griffin runs around, plays with toys, and babbles away. Griffin stares back. I am genuinely looking forward to the time when these two can be together and play together and get to know each other. That time will soon be here. Griffin happens to be at Mimi Donna’s and Big John’s house this weekend as parents Bridget and Connor are away, so our FaceTime calls are action-packed with the two grandsons.

Now we wait the long wait for Logan’s blood counts to drop to zero, and then for his little body’s bone marrow to recover and start making red and white blood cells. That is weeks away. Chemo is complete, but their hospital stay is not.