12/17/2012 update

On December 17, 2012 by Michelle Love

BJ had clinic on Friday, and we were back to the clinic yesterday for 2 more IM chemo shots. They pre-medicate him with IV benedryl, which causes him to feel real dizzy. The benedryl goes in and we wait while the chemo is made in the pharmacy downstairs. We tried the “freeze spray” as additional numbing, along with the numbing cream and ice, but it still burns pretty bad going in. He’s monitored for 2 hours after the shots to make sure he doesn’t have another allergic reaction.

We’ll be going to the clinic every other day for the next 2 weeks for BJ to get the shots. All this is because Peg-Asparaginase is such an important chemo drug, and the only replacement is one in the same drug family that is administered by IM shots. It takes 6 doses (12 shots) to replace the one dose he was allergic to. The way he looks at me when it’s time to get the shots is just heartbreaking. He is so strong, and yet so scared.

BJ’s blood counts were also very low yesterday, so in addition to the chemo shots, he was also given 2 units of blood, and a transfusion of platelets.

Thank you to all who give blood. It really is a special gift for people who need it. In the last three months, BJ has received 8 units of blood, and several bags of platelets.