Together as One and Hand-In-Hand

The summer days are dwindling down and the Labor Day Holiday is upon us. The August summer nights make for sleeping with the windows open a pleasant and comfortable environment. But in the Maks family household comfort is a thing of the past and I quote from Jon, "because Griffin had to vomit three times because of the chemo meds."

Thank you to all the loyal and supportive followers of the Griffin Maks blog for being patient and checking often for updates. Here is what has happened:

August 21, 2008

Griffin's neutrophil count was very low hitting numbers of 200, with normal limits above 1000. griffin visited the Children's Memorial hospital accompanied by his older brother (kuya Everest). Everest was up close and personal for the second time, and experienced the pain and hardship that his younger brother Griffin has to endure. This particular week was the last of the Third Phase. Griffin received his intramuscular ERWINA injection, and 6MP, and Methotrexate.

Following the chemotherapy protocol Griffin had a week off from all chemotherapy medications. Which brings us to August 28, 2008. This date is the first day of the Fourth Phase called Delayed Intensification. As Gretchen explains, "this is the brutal phase" From what the doctor describes this is the phase that Gretchen and Jon may have to anticipate blood product infusions, hospital stays due to fevers, and adverse reactions to new chemotherapy medications.

August 28, 2008
On this particular day, Griffin was accompanied by his uncle, Tito Ashlin. Ashlin also saw first hand the procedures that Griffin must receive in order win the battle against Leukemia. As Ashlin explains how he felt, he states, "Overwhelmed." Ashlin also observed the different families also in the waiting room who may not be there for the same reason as Griffin, but looked sick. Ashlin continues to describe the experience as, "Everything was all new." On the lighter side, Griffin felt proud to introduce his uncle to all of his hospital friends, doctors, nurses, staff, and some young patients.


Griffin received a lumbar spinal tap with methotrexate intrathecal injection. Vincristine and Doxarubicin infused into his por-a-cath. Griffin also started the dreaded Decadron. It's the "make-you-insanely-hungry-and-mean" drug.

Gretchen and Jon are preparing for the inevitable changes of Griffin's outward appearances. For example the Doxarubicin can cause hair loss, mouth sores, and long term heart damage. A romp through Evanston's Northwestern University Campus allowed for memorable images of the Maks family unit. Throughout this harrowing journey they travel the path laid out hand-in-hand.


Please continue to pray for Griffin and his family. Say hello and leave your comments for Jon and Gretchen, this keeps their spirits high.