Hi everyone,
Well, we are approaching the end of Sebastian's chemotherapy phase (induction). The purpose of this first phase is to kill all the cancer cells, leading to remission. So far, all of Sebastian's tests have shown that he has already reached remission (this was two weeks after the beginning of treatment). Next Tuesday will be his last day of the induction phase, and then we will have a two week break.
After that, he will start the maintenance phase. This is to kill off any cancer cells that may still remain in the body. He will get a couple of new drugs. We will have to stay in the hospital then a few times overnight for infusions. This second phase will last approx. 8 weeks.
Sebastian is feeling extremely well! Michi and I find that he gets more energy everyday, and is in quite a good mood. This is surprising to us, since we heard so many stories about kids that just lay around all day, and are really tired and frustrated. Sebastian also eats quite well, considering that other kids hardly touch their food. At this point, I am not really concerned about what he eats, but how much he eats. I have heard that your sense of taste can change dramatically while on chemo drugs, so I make him whatever he asks for (within reason). We try to go outside once a day for a walk on his tricycle to exercise his muscles, since he lost a lot of muscle mass during the first four weeks of treatment.
Since Sebastian is such a happy kid right now, that really puts our minds at ease. There are days that are more demanding than others - it's always up and down - but having more good days than bad days is more than we can ask for. We are very thankful to have a strong support network, in terms of family, friends, and medical treatment.
I have to go to bed now - tomorrow is a long day at the clinic since Seb has to get another spinal tap (it stresses me out more than him I think) - so I have to be well rested at least for my own sake. Stella is sleeping at least one four hour block during the night, so I don't really feel like a walking zombie anymore, although I still long for an uninterrupted night of sleep. Suz
