Phase 3

We began the third phase of treatment today (that's right we're back on wednesdays as our hospital day). This one is called interim maintenance and lasts for 8 weeks. He is on steroids again but only for 5 days at the beginning and 5 more days at week 4 so it shouldn't be too bad. The other change is a drug called methotrexate which he takes weekly and will start tonight. He has to take 8 pills tonight so that may be a challenge. He also had a vincristine injection today which is the drug that affects his coordination. The good news is that his next hospital treatment isn't until week 4 for a spinal so we have a nice break. He is feeling great and his sassy, silly, stubborn personality is back. We had a great time at a pumpkin festival this weekend and he was able to go to preschool on monday. One interesting note...although treatment lasts for 3.5 years, they run on a 28-day/month cycle. That means that his very last treatment day will be exactly 3 years from today. You are all invited to join us at Disneyworld in 3 years and one week! With love, Lara and Jim

Phase 3

We began the third phase of treatment today (that's right we're back on wednesdays as our hospital day). This one is called interim maintenance and lasts for 8 weeks. He is on steroids again but only for 5 days at the beginning and 5 more days at week 4 so it shouldn't be too bad. The other change is a drug called methotrexate which he takes weekly and will start tonight. He has to take 8 pills tonight so that may be a challenge. He also had a vincristine injection today which is the drug that affects his coordination. The good news is that his next hospital treatment isn't until week 4 for a spinal so we have a nice break. He is feeling great and his sassy, silly, stubborn personality is back. We had a great time at a pumpkin festival this weekend and he was able to go to preschool on monday. One interesting note...although treatment lasts for 3.5 years, they run on a 28-day/month cycle. That means that his very last treatment day will be exactly 3 years from today. You are all invited to join us at Disneyworld in 3 years and one week! With love, Lara and Jim

Jordan had his fourth spinal of the consolidation phase yesterday and everything went really well. He definately understands the routine now and has his coping strategies in place. He and Noah both have a small cold right now but Jordan's cell counts are good and he should be able to handle a cold like any other kid. His energy level is much better. Jim and I were actually excited when we had a hard time getting him to settle down for bedtime.... that's the Jordan we remember. He has also been able to go to preschool for short visits. Next week he begins the third phase of treatment which is called interim maintenance and lasts for eight weeks. It should be a relatively easy phase (it's amazing what we now consider to be easy). In mid-December he will begin eight weeks of fairly intensive chemo called delayed intensification. That will be a difficult period so we are enjoying this break while we have it. With love, Lara and Jim

Oct 8, 2004

Hi everyone, Jordan's treatment on tuesday went well. He is getting used to the routine and really didn't have a hard time with not being able to eat. Instead he wanted to pack a lunch box to take to the hospital with him. It was like his security blanket. He occasionally looked at the food and talked about it but he never tried to eat it. He went to sleep under the sedation while clutching his lunch box. Everyone in the proceedure area calls him the "quesadilla boy" now. It was all very cute and he did great. He continues to recover from the steroids a little more each day. Jim and I also had a good trip to California for Mike's funeral. It was great to connect with Jim's family. We never imagined that our lives would be so impacted by cancer and it has definately changed our perspective. We are looking forward to a weekend at home with family. Jordan's fourth spinal treatment is on tuesday. Love, Lara and Jim

We finished the steroids on saturday and everyday we see the real Jordan emerge a little more. He is definately eating less and has lost some weight. He is also starting to play and laugh a little. His hair is also growing. He still gets fatigued easily and is moody so we still spend most of our time at home with him. We had a great weekend and are enjoying the sunny fall weather. They have changed our hospital days to tuesdays so tomorrow we go in for the third spinal chemo treatment. That means another challenging morning of no breakfast but our appointment is earlier in the day this time so hopefully that will help. On a sad note, Jim's uncle Mike passed away on saturday morning after a hard battle with lymphoma. Jim and I will be going to San Jose for the funeral on wednesday. We'll let you know how tomorrow goes and what comes next for Jordan. With love, Lara and Jim