Journal entry by Jennifer Eldredge —
It has been a couple months since the last update and we have good news to share. :o)
John met with his oncologist yesterday and learned he will begin the maintenance phase of his treatment on December 4th. This will involve oral chemo medications only, the same ones he was on through the summer, which his Dr. has referred to as "anti-cancer" drugs. This stage of his treatment is considered preventive as there is no active leukemia in his blood right now. The Dr. says "the leukemia is behaving" and he's very happy with John's response to treatment so far. If over the next two years the leukemia wakes up, the theory is the maintenance medications will be on board to kill them on the spot. He will also have about 12 lumbar punctures spread over the course of maintenance, which will last two years.
The only side effect that remains is the neuropathy in Johns' feet, but we still hope that will improve. He can get around with a cane, even without it sometimes, and he recently got a new brace to help with the drop foot so he doesn't trip. It will definitely take some time to get used to the brace, but anything that could help is worth a try.
The trips to Tucson will start to be less and less from this point forward, that will be a BIG relief. I think Kathy can probably drive to Tucson with her eyes closed at this point! Eventually, they'll get to the point where he is only going in once a month and maybe even less.
In other good news, John has been able to get out of the house and play golf a time or two. It has been a long, long time since he played so it's nice that he can get out of the house and be a little more active with his AZ friends.
At his appointment, when the doctor was saying how impressed he is with how John has handled the treatment, he referred to him as a "superstar." He is now referring to himself as the "peanut butter superstar" (the peanut butter part is stolen from the movie Peanut Butter Falcon). He's earned the title, it really is impressive what he has endured and how far he has come.
Thanks to all the people who have pitched in with getting him to/from treatments (so my mom could have a break) and for all your thoughts and prayers over the last eight months. Continued prayers for things to stay on course are appreciated!
We hope you are all staying well during these crazy times. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
John met with his oncologist yesterday and learned he will begin the maintenance phase of his treatment on December 4th. This will involve oral chemo medications only, the same ones he was on through the summer, which his Dr. has referred to as "anti-cancer" drugs. This stage of his treatment is considered preventive as there is no active leukemia in his blood right now. The Dr. says "the leukemia is behaving" and he's very happy with John's response to treatment so far. If over the next two years the leukemia wakes up, the theory is the maintenance medications will be on board to kill them on the spot. He will also have about 12 lumbar punctures spread over the course of maintenance, which will last two years.
The only side effect that remains is the neuropathy in Johns' feet, but we still hope that will improve. He can get around with a cane, even without it sometimes, and he recently got a new brace to help with the drop foot so he doesn't trip. It will definitely take some time to get used to the brace, but anything that could help is worth a try.
The trips to Tucson will start to be less and less from this point forward, that will be a BIG relief. I think Kathy can probably drive to Tucson with her eyes closed at this point! Eventually, they'll get to the point where he is only going in once a month and maybe even less.
In other good news, John has been able to get out of the house and play golf a time or two. It has been a long, long time since he played so it's nice that he can get out of the house and be a little more active with his AZ friends.
At his appointment, when the doctor was saying how impressed he is with how John has handled the treatment, he referred to him as a "superstar." He is now referring to himself as the "peanut butter superstar" (the peanut butter part is stolen from the movie Peanut Butter Falcon). He's earned the title, it really is impressive what he has endured and how far he has come.
Thanks to all the people who have pitched in with getting him to/from treatments (so my mom could have a break) and for all your thoughts and prayers over the last eight months. Continued prayers for things to stay on course are appreciated!
We hope you are all staying well during these crazy times. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help John Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like John's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
