The Good, The Bad and Everything In-between! - Update on Spencer's Apt. in Toronto
Kirstenmumof3 wrote:  Let's start with the flight there. Spencer was vomiting pretty much the whole way there. Good thing it was a quiet flight. I scooped some air sickness bags for the cab ride to the hospital. But before heading to the hospital I called the Nurse that coordinates the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic. She told me to take our time, let his stomach settle and then head to the hospital.
 We arrived at the Hospital around 9:00 and they hooked him up to IV fluids and anti-nausea medication. They drew blood and then pretty much left us alone for a couple of hours. Finally a Fellow comes in, exams Spencer, asks questions and then tells me the results of the latest chimerism test. It is showing 99% Female Cells and 1% Male Cells, so the chemo is working and this is a good thing, RIGHT? Not really. I asked the Fellow "If they stop the chemo what would happen?". The Fellow tells me that if they stop the chemo everything could remain as they are, the leukemia and MDS will be kind of in remission, but that this is unlikely! Realistically if they stop the chemo then everything will start happening again, the leukemia and MDS will start taking over Spencer's cells. Spencer will get sicker. So then he says "We would need to move onto another course of treatment." I ask "What is the next course of treatment?"  Knowing full well what the next course of treatment is. He doesn't answer and about an hour later the Head of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit comes in to talk to me. He tells me that they are concerned that Spencer's platelet counts keep dropping and that he doesn't have any nuetrophils. He tells me that they are going to wait another week before starting his chemo regiment and this time they will only do it for 2 weeks instead of 3. And because there is a reported case of Chicken Pox at Spencer's school, he cannot go back for 4 weeks and will need to have private tutoring. Spencer's loving this part! 
So here's the next course of treatment. We will be having a conference call at the end of next month with Spencer's Paediatrician, myself and DH to discuss the details. Basically after Christmas (January-February) they are planning to harvest more stem cells from Claudia and then Spencer will undergo another Bone Marrow Transplant. They will need to use stronger chemo drugs and the team is concerned about this because he of how sick he was last time.
It's going to be another rough year for Spencer. He was in the room when all of this was discussed, I don't believe in keeping things from him. Spencer was pretty quiet throughout most of it, but I know he was listening. All we can do is take things one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time and pray that this will make everything alright!
redchief replied: There's nothing I can say to make this better for you guys, except that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. 
PrairieMom replied:
mummy2girls replied: Oh Kirsten I am crying rigth now. I feel for you guys and wish that ic ould just be there for you all. I know this is tough and i know the frustration. I dont the extent of what your dealing with because i never dealt with cancer. You are so strong hun, i can not belive how strong you are! And Spencer... words can not express what i am feeling about that young man! please know im here for you if you need to talk.
((HUGS))) major prayers coming your way!
CantWait replied:  Kirsten I'm so sorry. Please know how much you guys have touched my life the last year or so, and how much you're in my thoughts and prayers.
amymom replied: Lots of prayers are continued for Spencer and you and the entire family.
1lilpeanut2love replied:
gr33n3y3z replied: I will be thinking of you and spencer
continued prayers for all of you
booey2 replied: I am really sorry, I am at work and they are wondering why I am weepy, oh well. Will send more prayers up for you.
Terri
Sarah&Mackenzie replied:
kimberley replied: i am sorry hon. i know that is not the news you were hoping for. sending lots of p&pt to you both.
amynicole21 replied: I'm so sorry there doesn't appear to be an end in the near future I'm keeping you all in my thoughts that this next treatment is the one that kicks this thing.
b&bsmom replied: I pray for you guys every night. You all are so strong and I know you are going to get through this. I hope that you don't have to suffer anymore setbacks. Please know that you guys are always in my prayers.
jcc64 replied: I am so sorry you're going back into this again, no one should have to endure it even once. But I have to say, Kirstin, I know you have your ups and downs- but I'm sensing alot of strength and resolve coming from you right now, and I think that's exactly what both of you need to face this. You're right about it being a day by day, minute by minute thing, but for right now, hang on to each other and keep your thoughts as positive as possible. We're behind you.
My2Beauties replied: I am so sorry Kirstin. Everytime I hear a story about Spener's fight it puts so many things in perspective for me, it really makes me think. I am praying hard for you and Spencer, tell him don't give up, he's so strong! No mother should ever have to deal with what you are dealing with, you are such a strong person and an inspiration to all mothers!!
DansMom replied: Oh Kirsten, this has been such a long, difficult road---I'm sorry you have so much more to face this year, instead of having it all behind you. Even though I don't post often anymore, I often visit to find out how Spencer is doing. I'll keep him in my thoughts as you face these new treatments.
Kirstenmumof3 replied: Thank You everyone! Your Prayers, Support and everything just mean so much to me!
quinnandjacob'smom replied: Hi, I'm new so I don't know too much about what you've been going through. But I wanted to tell you I'm sorry you're having to go through it at all. I can tell just by your post how strong you are. You have all my admiration! I will pray for your little boy to get better, and for strength for you as well.
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