leukemia Archives -

Logan: “Love you, Big!”

Logan, Big John, and Griffin swimming during 4th of July weekend

Remission Continues

It has been 15 months since Logan’s discharge from the hospital, and he is still in remission. For the first year after discharge, on the first Wednesday of each month, Logan was brought to Children’s Dallas for a blood draw. After 12 months, his blood draw cadence changed to every other month, and blood tests continue for 5 years after discharge. Logan has been in remission since the first round of chemotherapy in October of 2021, and each month of remission is a blessing.

But those blood tests…

That said, the day or two leading to each blood draw creates anxiety in the family. The unspoken concern is “What if the leukemia returns?” I go to bed worried about the test and praying for continued remission. The day of the test I usually receive a FaceTime call from AJ in the hopes of distracting Logan and keeping him occupied during the brief wait for the results. I am at work for those FaceTimes, and I take the call – my co-workers are supportive and patient with this grandpa. Most importantly, the family waits for the text telling us “good results.” And there is a collective exhale of relief, each time.

Growing and Developing

Looking at Logan now, you wouldn’t know the hell that he and his parents endured during his treatment. During that time, I did not think that he looked all that bad. But seeing some of those pictures versus seeing him now, well, he was one sick little boy. Perhaps the changes were so slight over time that we did not see the physical toll. But, no doubt, Logan was absolutely hammered by the chemotherapy.

And demonstrating the resilience of many who experience trauma, Logan is now thriving. Just these past two weeks Logan’s vocabulary and verbal ability have skyrocketed. Speech has ‘clicked’ and he is eager to learn and say words and sentences. Logan will repeat whatever you ask him to say, and he slowly and deliberately does so. It is wonderful, and amazingly cute. But “Love you, Big” is beyond wonderful and cute. Last week A.J. asked Logan to say goodbye to me with those words, he did, and it melted my heart – just as those words did when Griffin said them to me last year. Thinking back on the sores in Logan’s mouth and all of the other terrible side effects during chemotherapy, it is truly a miracle of science and prayer that Logan is in a position to be learning like he is.

Sleepovers and Cousins

And things are becoming, dare I say it, boring. Regular, non-chemotherapy, boring stuff is happening. Donna and I look forward to sleepover nights when Logan or his cousin Griffin come to hang out with us. And earlier this year, Amanda and AJ took a well-deserved one-week vacation and Logan stayed with us for most of that week. Coming to Mimi and Big John’s for fun is sure different than staying between rounds of chemotherapy.

Watching Logan and his cousin Griffin develop a friendship as they grow – see the picture in the pool above – is a joy to behold. That is, as you referee who has what toy, when! And do you know the name that Logan first repeated? Logan’s other cousin, and Griffin’s little sister, Harper’s. He clearly said “Baby Harper” months ago while Donna’s name was still “Titi” and I was “Tig.” Thankfully, we are now Mimi and Big John – and the world is right again. Boring, ya know? Praying that it stays that way.

Logan: So Far, So Good

July 2022 Vacation: Jeff, Bridget holding Griffin, A.J. holding Logan, Kevin

Update at 3 months post-chemo

Logan’s three-month post-chemo blood test in mid-July confirmed remission. As I have written before, remission is as good as it gets. Early in July Logan swallowed his final antibiotic dose related to cancer treatment. So for now, no more meds, though monthly blood tests will continue, and our prayers are always that the leukemia stays away.

What this continued remission allowed was Logan and Amanda and Austin to join the family for a fun vacation in Austin. The results allowed Logan to swim in the pool and hang out with us all. Logan’s Uncle Kevin from Florida had never held Logan, and so this was a heart-warming milestone. The picture above shows our children and grandchildren during that vacation. Even though it was 106F and late in the day, all had big smiles including Griffin and Logan. It was hard to imagine the entire family being together like this while Logan’s leukemia was being treated amidst COVID. A vacation seemed so foreign during those months in the hospital.

What if…

We know that the story at this point could be much different. One evening earlier this summer I was helping Amanda hang curtain rods in their new home and she seemed quiet. I asked if she was OK, and Amanda shared that she had received an email from a parent she met in online cancer support groups. (The support that the ‘cancer kid’ parents supply to each other is awesome.) That parent had sent Amanda pictures of his little three-year-old daughter’s funeral. His daughter had the same leukemia type that Logan had, and her medical team was never able to get her into remission. How her diagnosis and treatment was different from Logan’s I do not know, but I can tell you this little girl’s story gave me pause and has me tearing up as I think of her.

Our trooper Logan during his hospital stay, March 2022

Play

What I saw during the family vacation was a super-sweet toddler finding his way among a kinda-large crowd of people, some unfamiliar. Donna and my four children and their significant others and the grandchildren were together. Watching Logan interact every day and play with his older cousin Griffin is what Donna and I were most anxious to see. Of course as has been previously noted, lots of precautions were in place during treatment to keep Logan safe. And those precautions kept the cousins apart during the chemo treatments. But this summer over the last couple of months, Logan and Griffin have had several play dates as parents and siblings A.J. and Bridget have been getting together over the summer. Prayers answered.

The above hospital picture of a forlorn-looking Logan was added mostly so we can all remember the impact that chemo treatment has on kids. Such a difference from the first picture, with Logan’s blonde hair and huge smile. Logan’s fight with leukemia has changed me. I will be a better family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker when I hear of a cancer diagnosis. I am embarrassed at how cavalierly I reacted to such news in the past, and that will change.

We cannot schedule a parade because of a three-month blood test. But what we can do is take the advice of a cliche and live each day that is given to us as if it were our last.

Logan -Remission, still

Logan swinging at Mimi & Big John’s house

Remission

Logan is still in remission, praise the Lord! His 1-month blood test was this past Wednesday. And remission is as good as it gets for cancer patients who recently completed five rounds of chemotherapy. Logan will have monthly blood tests for the next year. And I imagine each month the family will be on edge as the test approaches. For now, though, we rejoice!

As part of the blood testing, Logan’s ANC levels were tested to check out his immune system. Good news on that front as well. His levels increased to the point that Mimi Donna and Big John could see him again. The picture above is Logan swinging in front of our home on Friday. Logan absolutely loved this simple play and could not stop smiling and giggling. I could not stop smiling, either.

The House

Can you see the beautiful kitchen? Neither can I – moving day!

This week was also joyous because Amanda and A.J. finally closed on their new home. The home was contracted to be built waaaay back in February 2021. So, ‘only’ 15 months to build. Problems are well known. Labor shortages. Supply chain delays. That the extended home build coincided with Logan’s leukemia made it that much more difficult to endure. Their nomadic life between the hospital, Chris/Casey’s, Big John/Mimi’s and Kim/Mike’s is coming to an end.

Now Amanda and A.J. are unpacking boxes and preparing the home. UV light air cleaners have been installed in the HVAC units in the attic; thank you, Uncle Kevin! HEPA filters are running throughout the inside of the home. Everything that can be done to make the house clean for Logan is being done.

Getting back to normal, whatever that is these days.

Logan, “Play Beats Cancer”

Logan’s first swing on the playset, surrounded by the volunteers’ messages of support

Update

Logan has been doing great staying with Mom Amanda and Dad A.J. at Aunt Casey’s and Uncle Chris’ home. In the weeks since discharge Logan’s body is building back his immunity. We will see how that process is proceeding when Logan has a 1-month blood test this week to determine ANC levels – and most importantly – to confirm remission. That is our prayer, continued remission.

It’s a big week on the home front as well – literally. Amanda and A.J. are set to close on their new Drees home this Friday, May 13. Movers are scheduled for Saturday. It’s been a long build process because of material and labor shortages. And as I have written before, during Logan’s leukemia treatment they have not had a home to return to, adding to the stress of it all. Having their own home will be, well, wonderful.

“Build Hope” – The Playset

This blog post is mainly about a wonderful foundation and its volunteers. The Roc Solid Foundation out of Chesapeake, VA provided the playset and tools and instructions and leaders. Volunteers from the local office of PRA Group donated their time and talent to built Logan a playset. A huuuuuge playset.

The circle of Roc Solid and PRA Group volunteers as we begin

I also need to shout out to Drees Homes, the builder of Amanda and A.J.’s home. Drees allowed this crowd to descend on their property to build the playset before the sale. This, I know, is really unusual. So we also appreciate Drees’ flexibility in allowing this build. Roc Solid was in the middle of a “30 playsets in 30 days” effort and Logan’s was the 3rd in Texas. Then the builds moved to Ohio. So, the schedule and logistics for getting material and tools and people from one child’s home to another was complex. Once the schedule was set there was no moving it around. Thank you, Drees Homes!

The Build

I was not sure what to expect – I was the ‘family representative’ during the build since the family did not yet live there. Truth be told, I did not expect to actually help build. I was all set to sit in my folding chair with my laptop and work in the air conditioned comfort of the empty living area. But, when I met the leaders at 7:30a, they encouraged me to be a part of the build. And I was so happy that I participated.

The Roc Solid leaders set up build stations throughout the yard and broke down the volunteers into teams so everyone was building a piece of the structure in parallel. We began with a circle to share why each of us was there to help. I must tell you that throughout Logan’s leukemia treatment, I have been in awe of the kindness and generosity of strangers – of the greater community.

The volunteers from the PRA Group arrived at 9am. I was able to say of few words of thanks to them, and once again my emotions got the best of me. To this day the love that is shown to Logan makes me choke up. I noted that the ripples of cancer treatment extend way beyond the immediate family, and the value of the playset was more than they could imagine. The shirts that we wore read “Play Beats Cancer,” and the entire idea of these playsets is to provide some normalcy to kids suffering from cancer. That they do.

So we all broke into our teams and built sections, and then we came together and assembled it. Nothing was forgotten by Roc Solid to allow the team to get this done quickly and correctly. Tools, work tables, re-written and super-clear laminated instructions, pre-sorted and bagged/labeled hardware for each section and step, weed fabric, edging, rakes, mulch, trash cans, trash liners, water. Even a port-a-potty. Roc Solid Foundation has this down.

Presentation to the Family

I texted AJ and Amanda about 30 minutes before the playset was ready for presentation, so they could drive over. The build of this huge playset was complete at 11:30a, a testament to the organization of Roc Solid and their leaders. But before the presentation, the most special thing happened. Permanent markers were distributed to allow all who had a hand in the build to write a note of support to Logan. How special is that? The photo collage at the beginning of this post shows those notes of encouragement.

Logan’s first slide down with the help of Big John

The Roc Solid leaders then presented the playset to the family along with a special framed placard for inside the home – and toys brought along from PRA Group. And Amanda was able to say words of thanks to all who gathered to help. The morning with Roc Solid and with PRA Group was the most meaningful thing that I have done in a long time. The entire family is grateful for everyone’s love. Thank you all!

Logan, Ringing Out

Amanda, A.J. & Logan, ringing the bell in their “Logan and the Muggles Against Cancer” t-shirts

“Ring This Bell, Three Times Well, It’s Toll To Clearly Say; My Treatment is Done, This Course is Run, And I Am On My Way”

Ring Out

The video that Amanda posted on social media of Logan “ringing out” is joyous. The symbolic end of a journey and the beginning of another. It commemorates perseverance through a difficult time. That Logan is together with Amanda and A.J. at the ringing is so appropriate and necessary. Because they walked this leukemia treatment together, arm in arm, every day. And came out the other side still patient, still loving, still optimistic. The last line on the bell’s plaque “And I am on my way” tells the story. Now, we move forward.

I love the pageantry and ceremony of marking milestones. The hospital floor staff gathered and sang a song to the tune of the Oscar Meyer bologna song: “Our patients have the cutest S-M-I-L-E’s; our patients have the sweetest H-E-A-R-T ‘s, oh we love to see you every day, but now it’s time we get to saaaay; pack your bags, get out the door, you don’t get chemo anymore.”

It is fitting that the family was wearing their matching “Logan and the Muggles Against Cancer” t-shirts designed and organized by Aunt Bridget so many months ago. Those shirts symbolize the support that poured in from friends and family during this ordeal, and I am SO grateful for that! I experienced prayer by others for my family, and there is nothing as powerful as that. It continues to be emotional for me.

The Team

Each time I see that ring out video, I tear up. Cannot help it. It is the culmination of so much time, so much uncertainty, so much stress and so much pain. And the treatment was a true partnership between the family and the staff at Children’s Hospital. I met many of them. The nurses, nursing assistants, doctors, P.A.s, custodial staff, nutrition team, speech/occupational/physical therapy staff, front desk check-in staff. All of them so skilled, kind and helpful through an unimaginably difficult time. Of course there was conflict, questioning and debate. But through it all there was one constant: what is in Logan’s best interests?

As for Mom Amanda and Dad A.J., I could not be more in awe and proud. They are heroes of this story, too. Staying in the hospital for months and months. Carrying the stress of leukemia treatment. Carrying the stress of building a new home and not having a place of their own to recharge between hospital stays. Of course, Casey & Chris, and Kim & Mike, and Donna & I were happy – really honored – to host them and help in any way we could.

This Past Week

Logan and family has stayed with Donna and I this past week and it has been an exhausting joy for Donna and me. His development is on a steep upward climb as he learns so quickly these days. One of the many concerns when little ones are in long-term treatment is that their physical and mental development is interrupted. Logan seems to be making up for lost time as he learns new words and skills at a fast pace. He has, in my mind, transitioned back to “little boy” from “cancer patient.”

Eating & Sleeping

Logan is constantly eating. He knows a little bit of ASL, American Sign Language, and as he is learning verbal words we also see the ASL signs for “hungry” and “more” all the time. Logan’s blood was tested the day of his “ring out,” and his ANC was a shockingly-high 750. Such good news, because that meant that the antifungal med Voriconazole (vori) could be stopped. That drug was both necessary and infuriating during treatment, as it limited his nutrition intake and just made him feel unwell. All this to say that he is eating now! Much of Logan’s prior nutrition was being used to recover from the treatment, and now his little body can use it to grow and develop.

And he is sleeping better. Until the vori was stopped, Logan was consistently waking up about 2 hours after he went to sleep, and we suspect it was vori-related discomfort. The last couple of “vori-less” evenings that has not happened. We are hopeful that Logan can work his way to learning to sleep for the 11 hours or so he needs each night.

For now, Logan wants to be outside all the time. Care must continue to be taken, because though his ANC was 750, it normally is about 3,000. So there are lots of dirt-avoiding stroller walks, which he loves. Because he can see ducks and dogs and other kids. He is so interested in other kids, methinks, because he has not interacted with any these past 7 months. That will come in time, as his immune system becomes completely recharged. And Donna and I are anxious to be able to referee the interactions between Logan and his cousin Griffin!

Now, What?

This is maybe my last blog post on Logan’s treatment. Lord, I pray that is so. That would mean that Logan’s leukemia has remained in remission and there is no more story to tell, other than Logan’s own life story that he will write every day. Regular blood draws in the months and years to come will mark the time. And I am sure Amanda and A.J.’s sleep the night before each blood draw will be fitful – and hopeful – for good results

Donna and I are saying goodbye to Logan and his family for the time being as we will be “breaking quarantine.” Until their house is completed, they will be staying with Chris and Casey; house close is expected in early May. We will see them again soon, together, as an extended family. Logan’s aunts and uncles and cousin on his Dad’s side are longing for that.

The future is both uncertain and optimistic. None of us really knows what is in store for us from day to day and it is the same for Logan. For now, for Logan’s family, we pray for continued remission.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your love, and prayers and support, in all ways. The family made it through this ordeal through God’s grace, and because of your support. Both were and continue to be tangible.

Happy Easter.

Logan, Discharged

Logan helping Big John cook Saturday breakfast

Logan was discharged from the hospital on Friday, April 8 and arrived at Mimi Donna and Big John’s house just before dinner. He did not stop moving and eating until he finally wound down watching 101 Dalmatians. (A.J. believed that in the last couple of weeks he has seen some version of 101 Dalmatians about 101 times…)

This marks the END of Logan’s inpatient Leukemia treatment.

204 Days

Logan was first admitted on Thursday, September 17, and was discharged after 204 days of both inpatient and outpatient treatment. I found the start date by going back to my first blog post about this, “Logan has Leukemia.” And as I read it I started crying, again. Such a long and difficult road for this little family. By Amanda’s count, 157 nights were spent in the hospital. Logan entered the treatment protocol as a crawling 9-month-old, and left as a walking 16-month-old. Logan as toddler has entirely coincided with Logan as cancer patient.

It has been a surreal experience, not yet complete. Logan is still immunocompromised as his bone marrow recovers from the chemo. Those who are involved in his care continue to socially distance and wear masks when out in the world. Logan receives meds to combat infection. And he has an appointment on Wednesday for a blood draw to check everything, including that those infection-fighting meds are at a therapeutic level. But most importantly his blood will be checked to confirm that he remains in remission. Blood draws will be a part of his life for some time. Please pray for a continuation of remission.

Freedom

That said, Logan can go outside as long as dirt and grass and windy days are avoided. And…he has no tubes. No feeding tube. He is back to eating like a champ, albeit a slimmer version than before treatment began. No central line. Originally inserted into Logan’s chest in September, it was surgically removed Friday. No central line means that blood draws, including on Wednesday, will be a needle stick.

Yesterday, Day 1 of Logan’s release, was a kinda normal late afternoon and evening with a toddler. Food thrown on the floor. Shelves emptied. Toys scattered. Let me tell you, normal never felt so good.

Logan, Home Stretch

Mimi and Logan – Logan fell asleep listening to a story

A Couple of Weeks?

Another week has gone by, and Logan received more blood and platelets. He received red blood on Friday night. But maybe, just maybe, he will not need platelets again. His platelet count increased just a bit, which means Logan’s body is producing them, a great sign. Fingers crossed that the blood counts increase so the little family can look to a discharge soon. I got conflicting estimates from Amanda and AJ in the ‘how much longer in the hospital?’ guessing game. AJ is more optimistic. But recent history is on Amanda’s side. Recovery time has increased as each round of chemo has gone by.

So, one or two weeks more in the hospital?

The hair re-growth that I was so excited about last week was a temporary illusion, since his hair started falling out again. The extended recovery period after round 4 apparently allowed it to grow. Round 5 chemo then took that bit of hair away. No matter. Soon enough Logan’s hair will return.

Shifts

There’s a rhythm for those of us who are able to help relieve Amanda and AJ in the hospital. Mimi Donna visits Mon-Wed-Fri from 7:30a until about 3:30p. Big John is there Saturday mornings, and sometimes during a late afternoon/evening of a weeknight. Grams Kimberlee and Grand Mike are there some weekday afternoons, and Sunday afternoon. Aunt Casey and Uncle Chris do a long 24-hour shift from 1p Sat to 1p Sunday. The time away from the hospital is helpful to Amanda and AJ, and we all get time with Logan. Good for all.

We all are grateful that as COVID alert levels have decreased, the stringent visitor rules have also eased. Not too long ago there could be only two visitors in the room. Now it is four – and the guest relations staff does not have to call up to the floor every time one of us shows up to make sure it is OK for us to visit.

Sleepy

Toys are rotated to keep Logan engaged. And new books are brought along to read. In the picture above Mimi was reading Logan a book when he leaned back and seemingly went to sleep. He was not reacting to the pictures anymore. If you are the lone adult, that’s when the cell phone comes out to take a picture to see if he is really asleep and ready to be moved to bed. I’ve pulled out my phone for this purpose a time or two. And, yep, asleep. When Logan gets tired and rubs his eyes, that little man drops off fast. It takes all of about 15 little pats on his backside and he is out. I am sure that AJ wishes sleep came that easily to Logan during the night.

Praying that Logan’s blood counts continue to increase, so they can finally, finally, be discharged from the hospital. Hopefully, forever.

Logan, Hair!

Logan & Big John. Logan receiving red blood.

Red Blood and Platelets

More waiting this week, as Logan’s body works its way through the trough of low blood counts. He received both red blood cells and platelets each a couple of times. Logan has tolerated these infusions quite well.

The red blood infusions take 3 hours, and that is a LONG time for a 15-month-old to stay in one place. So waiting until Saturday morning to start the infusion might not have been the best plan. But Logan needed the blood. And thanks to the Disney+ movies of “101 Dalmatians” and “Lady and the Tramp” the infusion was completed with no issues. Movies with dogs are preferred, you see.

There is a lot going on in the picture above. The line with the red blood running across me. The iPad with 101 Dalmatians. Logan with the polar bear from the safari truck. (Polar bear & safari truck, what can I say?) A “breakfast” plate with sausage, french fries and pizza… if Logan will eat it, well, we order it for him. He needs whatever calories he will consume. And a turned-over play table in the back corner. Remember, a 15-month-old.

My Saturday morning time with Logan was fantastic, and both Donna and I are happy to be able to see him. While Donna and I have rotated back in as helpers, Kim and Mike are rotating out, so it is a team effort. Aunt Casey and Uncle Chris relieved me yesterday afternoon and again spent a Saturday night with Logan. This is a massive gift of love and time that is so needed and so appreciated. And Amanda and A.J. continue to be amazing examples of strength and partnership and love.

Hair

Donna and I have been both keeping to ourselves for the last 10 days and liberally using N-95 masks. This is what allowed us to safely return to the hospital. Donna spent Thursday and Friday there, arriving early to allow Amanda and A.J. to go to Kim and Mike’s house to work/sleep. I relieved Donna late Thursday afternoon, and immediately noticed that Logan’s hair was growing again.

Logan was born with beautiful blonde hair. And seeing it sprout back among his remaining wispy longer hairs is a triumph. I cannot help but think of Spring, and Easter – and yes Logan’s hair – as signs of re-birth and joy and hope. We wait with optimism for hospital discharge.

Logan, Baby Jail

I stole “Baby Jail” from Mike, Amanda’s Father. Mike has used the term on social media and it is a great description of this part of Logan’s treatment. Because…waiting. Stuck in the hospital. Chemo ended about a week ago, and Logan’s immune system has not started to recover. So, Baby Jail.

Treatment

Logan received platelets on Wednesday. And although early last week his hemoglobin paradoxically increased, it eventually started falling as it should have. In the next couple of days Logan’s hemoglobin will fall to the level to prompt a transfusion of red blood. He’ll need them, because Logan’s a 15-month-old toddler who bumps into things, and we noticed bruising during our FaceTime call Sunday evening. Bruises come easily for cancer patients at this point.

Family

Donna and I are quarantining in anticipation of returning to the hospital to help out Amanda and A.J. later this week. We had a great time with Griffin last weekend, and since then have kept to ourselves so we can be sure to not bring any infections to the hospital. While we have not been at the hospital, Amanda’s family has been so, so generous with their time. Above you see Grand Mike with Logan, and below you see Grams Kimberlee reading to Logan.

And Amanda’s brother Chris and wife Casey spent 24-hours in the hospital with Logan from Saturday to Sunday afternoon yesterday. They have done overnights previously, and that time away from the hospital gives Amanda and A.J. a much-needed break from Baby Jail. A.J. said that he slept for 12-hours straight.

Kimberlee, Grams, reading Logan “Never Touch a Piranha”

The estimated discharge for Logan is “late April.” Discharge is dependent on Logan’s immune system and his body will be ready when it is ready. Five rounds of chemotherapy and recovery takes its toll, and yet Logan is doing great. Social media pictures and video show him smiling and dancing and learning new skills, which is a blessing. But we know that he is curious of the world outside of the hospital, because FaceTime calls with people and places he does not know fascinate him. We are all ready – maybe impatient – to return him to the outside world.

Logan, Round 5 Rough Start

Logan vomited at least 5 times yesterday. I don’t know how else to convey chemotherapy’s impact upon those being treated. It is a horrible experience both for the patient and for loved ones walking alongside them. From the start this blog has been an outlet for me to put into words what Logan and his family are experiencing during this journey. To get it out of my head.

But my objective has changed over the last couple of months. I am writing for an audience of one, Logan. So that as he grows older he has a record of the fire he walked through early in his life. So he knows that whatever challenges he will face – and we all know that more will come – that he already has successfully beat leukemia. That he can persevere against any challenge. Because cancer fights are as significant a challenge as any will face.

Admission

Logan had been out of the hospital for more than a month since Round 4, and the family has been anxious to begin Round 5. As I wrote in previous blogs, Logan’s ANC was not at a level that would allow the chemo to begin. On Wednesday Logan’s blood was tested. He also received an injection of a stimulant (GCS-F) to encourage growth of ANC. Who knew that such a thing existed? With that injection, there was a chance he could be admitted Thursday. As Amanda worked, Donna accompanied Logan and AJ to the hospital on Thursday to keep Logan busy during the wait. AJ texted me that ANC was just above 500, and the plan was for Logan to return and be admitted Friday. But then another text arrived soon after with “Nope, starting chemo today.”

And the wait for a hospital room began. The original plan was an admission for 3 days of chemo, discharge for about a week, then readmission for more chemo. But given the lower ANC starting point, the plan morphed into one, long hospital stay.

A Massive Chemo Dose

After the scramble to get into the room and as he slept, Logan had a 3 -hour long dose of chemo pumped into his body. Past doses of the various chemo drugs were 15- or 30-minute infusions. So his little body was hammered. It was a difficult night.

When I arrived on Friday at 7:30a, the little family was looking kinda rough. I walked into the room and asked AJ if he had slept. He replied, “A little.” Amada needed to work, so the plan was for them to go to our home for AJ to sleep and for Amanda to log on.

Early that morning Logan was doing OK. We were playing, and listening to a Spotify “80’s” music mix. The PA and the doctor did rounds. Speech therapy arrived and observed and gave some pointers. Drugs were administered. Donna then came so I could go to work.

Logan resting, with 3 lines providing meds, fluids, and nutrition

Nausea

Donna called me while I was in a lunch meeting and let me know that Logan was nauseous and vomiting. And her clothes had hazardous chemo-vomit on them. With Amanda and AJ needing to work and rest for what would likely be a tough night, I adjusted my schedule. A co-worker found a logo t-shirt that Donna could use, and I headed back to the hospital so she could go home and shower.

Logan was sleeping when I arrived – see the pic above. Forewarned regarding the nausea, I had gloves and towels and wipes at the ready. And the call button so I could get some help if needed. He began fitfully sleeping, or more accurately, writhing. Something was not right with him. When Logan sat up and began belching, I was able to prepare and hold a towel under his chin to catch the vomit.

And this happened three more times. It’s likely that we all have helped those sick with flu-like symptoms as they curl over a toilet. Tough to do. So you can imagine how absolutely heartbreaking it was to watch this sweet little boy get sick time after time. For him to not understand what is happening. To hold him and to keep the chemo-vomit away from him. To just let it happen. Tears that have not flowed in months returned to me. But know that Logan’s personality shined through each time the nurse would leave the room after he got sick. He would lethargically raise his little arm a bit, and give the nurse a slow wave goodbye. Precious.

A Long Stay

When the doctor did rounds that morning, he noted that this Round 5 was going to be a long stay in the hospital. Since Logan was first admitted last Fall, the treatment protocol number of rounds changed from 4 to 5. I asked about that, and he said that research has shown that the fifth round is necessary to increase the odds that the cancer does not return. And he admitted that this has to be balanced with the damage that the chemo does, the side effects that are inevitable.

As Logan and Amanda and AJ begin this last round of chemo, please continue to think of them and pray for them. Pray for all cancer patients and their families. We love you and are grateful knowing so many are supportive.