Jan 2010 Update

It's been several months since my last post. Just to say that Zoe is doing really well and things are somewhat getting easier. My most profound gratitude to each and all of you for your support. It has been ups and downs for our family, but you've given us strength and comfort. Thank you!

Zoe has had to grow up so quickly in the last year and has gone through so much and come through it so well I just hope it continues to get better from here on out. I'm so proud of her and I love her so much. Please continue to pray for Zoe.

Ｃｏｍｆｏｒｔ Ｚｏｎｅ

Sorry it has been a while since my last entry, but it has been busy!! Zoe's ANC was low when she went last Monday for her CBC. She's being taken off all her chemo medications and antibiotics until her counts recover. Which means the family will be in isolation until her ANC comes back up.

The Maintenance phase or Continuation therapy consists mainly of daily oral chemo drugs, steroids for 5 days each month, a monthly infusion of Vincristine(a chemo drug) through the port, and a spinal tap (Chemo injection into the spine) after every 3 months. During which, the doses of oral chemo will at times be adjusted to allow her body to tolerate the regimen.

Despite the low counts, Zoe remains in good shape and in high spirits. It has been a tough, long journey. Our situation doesn't make it any easier, as Zoe's mom had to take time off from work so she could care for our baby. I, on the other hand, must stay behind and work to maintain the family's Medical Insurance. I don't have a choice. I can sit here and sob, but it's not going to do anything to help my daughter. Being away from Zoe hasn't been easy at all. I'm constantly on skype to let her know that I'm here and, even though we're miles apart, to let her know that I'm always thinking of her. With skype, I'm able to take her to work during the day with me, and I get to share bedtime stories with her at night.

For a family to leave work, the experience is taxing not just emotionally, but financially. We have come out of our comfort zone pleading for help. It has been a battle advocating for support from our government. Our appeal for government assistance was denied with a logic beyond comprehension. I'm now convinced that here in the Marshall Islands, our people have a tendency to play gods. When you're in a position where you had the choice to help but deferred for the wrong reasons, then it's time to re-evaluate yourselves as people. Have some compassion for those families in dire need. There's not many places to turn to for aid in our country; However, having family and friends that you can trust and rely on helps. I'm sorry if this post may sound a bit too negative, but sometimes its best to express what we''re really going through.

I can't say enough of how in awe I am of Zoe and her courage and determination in fighting this awful illness. She is truly my hero. Sallyann and my daughter Chloe have just been strong as this has been so tough on them as well. It is amazing what family can do during times like these.

The road ahead is still long and tiring but it has a lot of hope. I encourage you to stay in touch, continue to give if and when you can. My family can not say Thank You enough for all your love because it has been overwhelming. Please continue to pray for our family.

Maintenance Phase!!!

Wow it has been a very long time since my last post. Zoe started her delayed intensive treatment on 26 Jan 09. This was by far the most rigorous part of the treatment protocol and was 7 weeks long. For the first few weeks into this phase, Zoe became lethargic and would only want to lay on the couch. There were a few times that her blood levels would hit rock bottom, and she would require blood transfusions. Treatment doses during this phase were more intense and frequent, and this was when Zoe began to lose all of her hair. Fortunately, during the second part of this treatment, she bounced back with high spirits and showed glimpses of herself again. Not for long, she was tearing down the apartment again, running and bouncing all over the place. Zoe, once again was back to her normal self. Overall, I think she weathered another obstacle, however many there may be, towards her recovery. Again, thank you all for all of your ongoing prayers and support. Zoe is now in the Maintenance Phase!

Delayed Intensification

Hi all,

Zoe just completed the interim maintenance phase and is scheduled to start the Delayed Intesification phase of chemotherapy on Monday. This will be divided into 2 blocks for a total of almost 60 days.
I ask that you spend time to pray for her and my family as this will not be easy. Thank you for all the ongoing support. Your prayers and thoughts have truly been our source of strength. Please continue to make time in your day to send a prayer for Zoe. Thank you all and God bless.

Sorry it has taken me a while to catch up. It has been a roller-coaster month for our family. I lost a very close friend in a free diving accident on the 6th. I'm still at a lost for words. I will always pray for his family.
Zoe is doing really good. Her neutropils(segment of her WBC that helps body to fight off infection) were low and her chemo was pushed back a couple of weeks until her counts came back up. We kept her at home the entire time. Fortunately her counts bounced back up just a few days before Christmas where she was able to get back on track with her treatment, and also be able to go outside to enjoy the Holiday atmosphere. She had an amazing Christmas!

Sallyann, my wife, has been a rock! Her love and strong faith continues to guide us through this journey. This challenge has made our bond even stronger. She and I along with our two daughters would like to thank each and everyone of you. It means so much to have those positive thoughts and prayers. Until my next post, live strong, love strong, and have a Happy New Year!

Interim Maintenance

Hi all. Sorry for the lack of update. We're still plodding along. Zoe just completed the consolidation phase. Her hair is coming off at a phenomenal rate but she's coping quite well with it. We're now in the interim maintenance block where she goes into the clinic every 10 days for chemo treatment. We'll keep you updated on how she is doing, but all is well at the moment. We had a great Thanksgiving, and looking forward to the Christmas Holidays. We would like to thank everyone for your continued support. I'm sure that all of the prayers and positive thoughts from everyone around us are making a difference and so for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please continue to find time in your day to include Zoe in your prayers. Happy Holidays!

Day 1 - consolidation phase

Zoe started her second phase of chemo yesterday, 10/4/08. The day started out early as she had an appointment at 7:20 AM. She had a spinal tap of methotrexate and a dose of vincristine given through her port. We left the hospital around 11:30 AM. Zoe remained in good spirits and was all playful throughout the the day, which we were very pleased to see. I love seeing her laugh and play so much it never fails to put a smile on my face.

Day one round 2 in the books, still have quite a ways to go. Please continue to pray for my precious bundle of joy and that she continues doing well with her treatment. Many thanks to everyone that has taken time to email messages of support and offers of assistance with various things as well as everyone that has taken time to post on the wall below. God bless you all.

Prep for Consolidation Phase

Zoe had her blood checked today. All looked fine except her hemoglobin level is near the threshold at 8.7. Blood transfusion is required if it falls below 8. The consolidation block of chemotherapy is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning if her blood counts are still ok, otherwise the treatment will be delayed. Fingers crossed and prayers.

Blood counts will be a hit and miss throughout the first phases of therapy, like a roller coaster ride. This is because chemotherapy damages any rapidly growing cells and not just cancer cells.

Please continue to include Zoe in your thoughts and prayers.

Treatment for Leukemia ALL standard(low) Risk

10/30/08

Basics on Treatment Roadmap

The treatment is usually divided into blocks/phases, generally as:

Induction therapy: This is the first phase of treatment. Its purpose is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. This puts the leukemia into remission. This is also called the remission induction phase. (28 days completed)

Consolidation /intensification therapy: Second phase of therapy. It begins once the leukemia is in remission. The purpose of consolidation/intensification therapy is to kill any remaining leukemia cells that may not be active but could begin to regrow and cause a relapse.
(Roadmap shows approximately another 28 days)

A delayed intensification block is required in some protocols, which adds another 4-7 weeks of chemo.

Maintenance therapy: The third phase of treatment. Its purpose is to kill any remaining leukemia cells that may regrow and cause a relapse. Often the cancer treatments are given in lower doses than those used for induction and consolidation/intensification therapy. This is also called the continuation therapy phase. (Usually 1.5 to 2 years and hospital visits gradually become less frequent, assuming all stays on track)

Please continue to find time in your day and pray that Zoe's treatment continues to go well.