Last week was a difficult week. The next step in Griffin's treatment was to be a dose of pegaspariginase. On the left is a photo captured by Mommy of Griffin happily sitting on an elephant in Children's Hospital's atrium. Shortly after this photo is when the allergic reaction to pegaspariginase hit.The allergic reactions to the medication put Mommy and Daddy in a whirlwind of worry because of Griffin's already compromised immune system. The hospital admitted Griffin to control the reaction as well as to observe him.
Griffin is at the day hospital, fast asleep. He's receiving multiple emergency IV medications to treat the allergic reaction -- including benedryl, epinephrine, and solumedrol. His vital signs are constantly monitored, especially his respiratory rate. A possible complication includes respiratory arrest (he might stop breathing) or cardiac arrest (his heart might stop.)
Overnite at the main hospital for observation. He was responding to the emergency treatments, albeit slowly.The doctors consulted and decided on the substitute medication. We have already started with the new schedule:
July 17 -- Jon went with Gretchen and Griffin for his 1st injection of Erwinia-- this is the medicine that has replaced Pegasparaginase (the one that caused the severe allergy). Griffin saw his friend Brooke, who also suffers from leukemia. Everything went well.
July 21 -- tolerated the 2nd Erwinia injection; no complications!
July 23 -- receiving 3rd Erwinia injection
July 25 -- 4th shot of Erwinia
July 28 -- 5th shot of Erwinia
July 31st -- 6th shot of Erwinia; also to receive IV vincristine and intrathecal methotrexate (injected into his spinal canal); he'll get labwork.
Recovered from the allergic reaction, Griffin's treatments are back on schedule! Here is Griffin climbing "the Dragon" at Old Orchard. He's still playing and feisty despite the weekly IV chemotherapy and daily oral chemotherapy every night. And yes, his hair is still real!
4 comments:
Aw I love that pic of him on the dragon!
Just having our little 2 year old Perrin in the hospital, brings the pictures of Griffin all that closer to my heart. Prayers continue for the little guy. Also, having a doctor's kit to play with and use on his doll while in the hospital helped Perrin process all the prodding and poking he was subjected to.
Griffin,
I want to see you like this everytime.I love you my little baby boy.
Nellie
HI Gretchen and Griffin,
I am so sorry for the reactions caused to you by the peg. I hope this will not happen againn. I love the pics of yours, it shows that you are a real warrior, happy fighting with this desease. Always remember that you are always in my prayers.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/elishalacson
Loving you from the Philippines,
Tita Lourdeline
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