This past Monday was supposed to start week 4, cycle 2 of Nico’s treatment. Before they administer any chemo, blood work is done and certain blood levels are checked to make sure his body is strong enough to receive the chemotherapy safely. (Isn’t it ironic to use the word safely and chemo together?) Surprisingly, his ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was below the level where they will administer treatment. They want the level to be at least .75 and Nico’s was .52. Neutrophils are white blood cells that are part of the immune system and help fight off infection. So because Nico has already had three chemo treatments which suppress his immune system and we have been dealing with viruses since the beginning of the year, his body might just be needing a little break. The plan was for us to return today to see if the level had come up enough to begin treatment again but all his levels were the same again so we are still on hold for treatment. Monday is a holiday here in Canada so we will try again on Tuesday.
The blessing in all of this is that Nico hasn’t shown any signs of being sick even though V has been sick. We are thankful for that. In fact, Nico has had A LOT of energy this week and his appetite has been very good! The abundance of energy is a bit of a challenge to manage since it rains a lot where we are lately and days go by without seeing some sunshine. That is so hard for this Florida girl and my Arizona boys to adjust to. Which means we’ve been cooped up inside far more than these boys and this momma are used to. And of course because his ANC is low we have to be very careful about going to crowded places where he could be exposed to getting another virus since his body is at a disadvantage at defending itself right now. So please send us some craft and inside game ideas!!
It’s a strange predicament to be in when you have to wait to administer a treatment you aren’t super excited about having anyway but know said treatment is currently the best option for success and want to keep the momentum going because who wants 40 weeks to turn into 50+ weeks?! But apparently, this is all very normal and happens often enough that our doctor isn’t concerned.
We’ve been trying to boost his immune system naturally by giving him elderberry syrup, zinc, staying away from sugar, and taking a probiotic. I wonder if Nick can convince him to do a contrast shower? 😆 It’s worth a shot!
We are learning to make the best of the waiting game and we trust that this delay in treatment is according to the Lord’s will. We had a very planned out treatment schedule that now is getting off track. But God isn’t surprised or thrown off by this delay. And we have faith that this is ultimately for Nico’s good. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9. Our prayer is that the Lord would continue to establish our steps especially when human plans get thrown off course.
Courage for Nico 