Update status post LP & Cytoxan

Gretchen called about 11:35 am on Thursday morning to report Griffin's LP (lumbar puncture) procedure was over. Griffin was able to get through the ordeal with no complications. His face was red all over from screaming and crying and he may have some broken facial capillaries.

Griffin had been at the Children's Memorial Day Hospital for the Cytoxan infusion. There was a tiny blip when Griffin's port-a-cath needle became disconnected while Intravenous fluids were infusing, but no harm was done. When all things were said and done the family got home about 8:00pm.

Talking to Jon last night he mentioned that Griffin enjoyed introducing all of his friends. Griffin had no reservations walking up to staff and/or patients. Griffin is a "little celebrity" over at Children's.



Griffin was up throughout the night with nausea and vomiting. A common side effect of the chemotherapy medications. Despite the administration of oral liquid Zofran (a medication for nausea and vomiting), Griffin continued to have waves of episodes and dry heaves.

Griffin's siblings are staying with grandparents and should return home by today.

Please continue to pray for Griffin and the family.

Have you been waiting?

Hi Folks! Yes, we are still here. A lot has been happening for Griffin and family. The Maks' are busy acclimating to their jam-packed schedule. Markings on the calendar indicate the start of school for Griffin and his siblings. There are also reminders for soccer practice and games, violin lessons, Tae Kwon Do practice, and hospital visits and procedures.

Since the last posting Griffin has had treatments that follow the planned schedule. Not to say that the events that have passed are not important to note here on the blog, but Gretchen and Jon are super busy.

Griffin has been attending classes at the local park district Monday through Wednesday for two hours each time. He enjoys the playtime with his siblings and playing with the tool set play area. He especially enjoys the different art projects, playdoh playtime, and floam.





Griffin has continued his involvement with all of his therapies. Gretchen stated,
"All the outside daily stimulation/ socialization helps keep a constant state of order." Griffin and his siblings are not only learning the valuable lessons of play, but also understanding the concept of rules and continuing an established routine.

The blog has not been updated for a long while and we Thank you for being extra patient. On Thursday, September 25, Griffin will be on his 29Th day of the Standard Delayed Intensification Phase. This is the 4th phase of Griffin's treatment.

Tomorrow Gretchen and Jon will be at the hospital for Griffin's procedure. The first part of day Griffin will have to undergo yet another lumbar puncture (LP) also called a spinal tap. This LP will be done without general anesthesia. Usually this procedure with the anesthesia takes about 2 hours, but Griffin has to undergo a new chemotherapy regimen. The medication that Griffin will have to receive is called Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). The infusion time for this medication is planned to take 6 to 8 hours.

In addition to this medication, Griffin will also be receiving a slew of other medications. They include:

Thiogiane (sp?)via the port-a-cath.

Cytarabine via intravenously and then continue daily at home as a deep muscle injection for 5 days.

Griffin may have to stay overnight at the hospital depending on the outcome of all the procedures.

On a side note, Griffin's hair is beginning to show signs of thinning. His hair may look disheveled and unruly covering his eyes, but Gretchen and Jon are nixing the idea of giving Griffin a trim or cut. They are keeping his hair until it starts to fall out.





Gretchen and Jon are very thankful for all the e-mails, cards, and phone calls. They are also thankful for the gifts of toys, books, photo albums, and food.

The Maks Family ask for continued prayers and positive energies.