Arthur had his last chemo of Interim Maintenance II on Friday. This phase was centered around escalating chemo levels in line with his body’s response. He escalated all but the last dose, which was the same dose as the previous. He did great and his doctor ordered fluids for him before hand to help minimize the vomiting. He was able to get out of this dose with just a hint of nausea, and no vomiting! He was (and still is) fatigued. We will watch him for signs of low counts over the next couple weeks to be sure he doesn’t need platelets or a transfusion. 

Complete Phases:
Induction ✅
Consolidation ✅
Interim maintenance I ✅
Delayed Intensification ✅
Interim maintenance II ✅ (counting it as done, even though it’s not technically done for another week or so as we watch his blood counts)

What’s Next:
Maintenance ➡️ until November 30, 2025
Radiation (in August)
A lifetime of monitoring

New Things:
We got some braille books, audiobooks and a new interest in reading! Arthur’s been listening to audiobooks more often and LOVES the detail he gets out of it, “WAY more detail than the movie!!” The braille books are new, and we will read the print to him while he gets the feel for braille. 📖

We also received the results of his genetic testing and basically found out things we already know based on family history. Arthur does NOT have any DNA factors that would point to a pre-disposition to cancer now or in the future. So, some good news there! ♥️ 

What’s next:
Next clinic visit is Friday to check counts and we will also visit the radiation oncologist for a play date. Arthur will get to explore the radiation room to see what it’s all about. Regardless whether or not he’s awake or in a med nap during radiation, he wants to know what will happen. We will likely do a few of these prior to August. 

Maintenance will likely begin June 17th. The first week of maintenance will not feel like maintenance because it kicks off with an LP+direct hit of chemo, port chemo, and a week of steroids. After that, he does 3 months of oral chemo before starting the process all over again. We will cross that bridge when we get there! For now, we are celebrating a couple weeks free from chemo! 

Thank you for your continued support of Arthur, and of us! We have been through some unimaginable things, and have more to go. There will just be a little less port chemo and clinic visits. Your support gets us through and helps us stay strong. 

Arthur is our hero 🦸‍♂️ 

Until next time,
Bridget & Eric