A Better Week

Last week was not a great week. Jack was scheduled to begin the next four week segment of the consolidation phase of his chemotherapy. Unfortunately, his ANC (a measurement of his immune system) was too low, so chemotherapy was delayed a week. And for most of the week, Jack continued to struggle with migraines following his spinal tap the previous week. On top of that was the fact that it was supposed to have been the week that we took Jack to college. He actually seems to be dealing fairly well with that…probably better than his parents. 

This week got off to a better start. Though still dealing on and off with headaches, they don’t seem to be as persistent or severe. And when he went in for chemo on Tuesday, his levels were well above the minimum to begin. 

So if you’d like to pray for us, here’s some direction:

• This week and next, Jack is scheduled for chemo on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. The following two weeks after that he has chemo on Tuesday. The goal is that at the end of this phase, his minimal residual disease (MRD) will be below 0.01%. This is a molecular measurement of how many of his blood cells are still leukemic. If he ends up below 0.01%, then his chemo treatment will continue with him in the “intermediate risk” category. If it is above that level, then Jack gets moved into a “very high risk” classification, which would mean that the course of his treatment would have to become even more aggressive. We are really praying to avoid this because of the potentially serious and long term side effects and the radiation required at the "very high risk" level. 

• Please pray that side effects for Jack during the next four weeks of chemo would be minimal and easy for Jack to deal with. 

• As the school year gets into full swing, we are concerned that Jack’s spirits might take a dip, so please be praying for that. 

• The school year is also beginning for Caroline. If you wouldn’t mind, please also be praying for her as she begins high school. It can be hard following in the footsteps of an older sibling, and it may be especially so if teachers and students are all constantly asking about him and how he’s doing.

Thank you once more for all the prayers and support that so many of you have so steadfastly offered!