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Carter Alan James Welcome to Carter's Web Page. It has been developed to keep people updated on Carter's treatment for Leukemia.
Journal
Monday, November 18, 2002 at 02:57 PM (CST) 11/18/02
Dear Friends and Family,
Carter has been doing well the past 3 weeks. He has gone to ChildrenÂ’s twice for chemotherapy treatment since the last update. On 10/28 he received vincristine through his port and methotrexate through his spine. He was also scheduled to receive methotrexate through his port on this date, but his blood counts were too low and the drug was held. On 11/7 he again received vincristine through his port and this time he had blood counts high enough to receive the methotrexate also. Unfortunately, within an hour after receiving this round of chemo he spiked a fever and we had to go directly back to the hospital right after getting home, to have blood drawn for cultures to rule out bacterial infection. It ended up being a 24-hour virus/flu that Patrick and Eric also picked up.
On 11/14 we made a trip to Mount Vernon to have casts/molds made for the braces that Carter will need to wear on his ankles. Carter had a physical therapy appointment last month and the physical therapist recommended that he wear braces on both ankles for at least the next six months. CarterÂ’s ankles are stiff and donÂ’t have the normal range of motion that they should. He tends to walk on his toes and the vincristine causes ankle and leg pain, and numbness, only complicating the matter. The braces will force him to use the heel of his foot when he walks. He will probably begin using the braces within the next two weeks.
For the most part Carter has felt well. He has maintained his appetite and his weight is hovering just above the level it was at time of diagnosis. He has developed strong aversions to certain smells and tastes, and we are concerned that his appetite may decrease when he begins delayed intensification on 11/21. He has played hard with his cousins and friends and has spent a lot of time with his grandparents and family members. He was a fireman for Halloween and went trick-or-treating with Patrick and his cousins. He also went with Carrie, his aunt Nanny, his cousins and some friends to Toy Story II on Ice. He is a huge Buzz Lightyear fan and had a blast!
We have tried to let him live life to the fullest while his blood counts have been high the past two months. ItÂ’s likely that the heavier levels of chemotherapy during the delayed intensification phase will decrease blood counts, decrease his energy, and compromise his immune system. We will need to limit exposure to crowds, other kids, and adults with colds during this time to decrease chance of him getting sick. Infection could very well result in extended hospitalization during this phase. Carter will most likely lose much of his hair during this phase of treatment. We have been shopping for hats, and have attempted to prepare him for this, but weÂ’re not sure how well he will handle it.
Delayed intensification will last 8 weeks, until the end of January. We have attempted to prepare ourselves for this phase. According to our doctors and new friends who have children with ALL, this phase is the most difficult time during this type of chemotherapy treatment.
We hope everyone is well and hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We will provide updates to keep you all posted.
Please sign the guest book, we read them all to Carter as they come in!
Love,
Carrie, Eric, Carter, and Patrick
 Look at past journal
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Hospital Information: Children's Hospital
4800 Sand Point Way N.E. P.O. Box 5371/CH-58
Seattle, WA 98105-0371
(206) 526-2032
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