I have just begun Interim Maintenance II, which is my last phase of “intense” chemo. It comprises many lumbar punctures, oral, and IV chemo. Hopefully, once I am done this phase (shortly after March break), the frequency and intensity of the treatments will lessen slightly. Once that begins, I am hoping to attend a calculus course at my highschool that will allow me to go to the engineering program that I want to for university
This last month has been very tough. On the 30th of December last year, I was supposed to have a two-week break to allow my body to recover and hopefully gain some weight. The day after, I had a high fever and was admitted to my local hospital where cultures showed I had a severe bacterial infection. I was put on multiple oral and IV antibiotics and spent a few nights in the ICU with a secondary IV line in my arm for transfusions.
After about two weeks in the hospital, I was discharged on oral antibiotics to recover the rest of the way at home. However, the nausea that I had been experiencing in the hospital was steadily worsening to the point where I could not hold even a small amount of water in my stomach without eventually throwing it up. On my next clinic visit to London Victoria hospital, they admitted me for another week. I was put on steady IV anti-emetics and given a few doses of corticosteroids, as well as tripling my antibiotics.
Thankfully, I responded well to the ministrations and was able to start eating and drinking again. For the last two nights, I was even able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House on a leave of absence instead of being stuck in a hospital bed. I finished the antibiotics and got rid of the infection, and was able to start this phase of chemo.
Currently, I am feeling better than I have in a while. I know from experience that the fatigue will start to hit hard in the next few days, but I am grateful for this short break where I can finally update you. I apologize for the lack of updates1 and I have made it a goal to do better in regards to this. Hopefully the lightened treatments will allow me to do so.
I arrived home today after receiving my chemo for today. I should have a few days before I’ll have to drive in again for the next one. Thank you to all those who have expressed concern and helped me and my family. I apologize to those who I haven’t responded to and will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.