On June 2, 2022 Persy was admitted to Wolfson Children’s Hospital for his 6th, and hopefully last, cycle of chemotherapy. The chemo drugs given in this cycle were Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Vincristine, the same three drugs P received during cycle 4 back in March. Overall he definitely seemed to tolerate this cycle better than the last two. His nausea was minimal, and he had more energy after getting home from the hospital on June 4th.
Despite dropping blood counts, Persy was able to enjoy time at the pool and beach, as well as some quality play time with his cousins. But as the days went on and we got closer to his nadir (lowest point in blood counts), we knew he was likely to spike another fever and end up back in the hospital.
While Mama remained on “fever-watch,” Dada (who was out of town flying a trip at the time) began to have some Covid symptoms. To be on the safe side, he did not return home, choosing to quarantine at Gramela’s house instead. On Friday, June 10th, Dada tested positive for coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The next 36 hours were a whirlwind of stress and anxiety as Mama constantly took P’s temperature (which was sitting right around 99℉/100℉) and monitored his symptoms for signs of a neutropenic fever. By Sunday morning (June 12th), P’s fever had spiked to 102℉, so Mama and Persy headed to the emergency room leaving Kep at home with Aunt Ty Ty. In the ER, P was immediately given fluids, antibiotics, Tylenol, and a Covid test (which was negative, thank God). Also blood cultures were drawn and sent off to check for infection.
As Dada recuperated from Covid, Persy was admitted to the hematology/oncology unit with an ANC of 0. Knowing we would be stuck in the hospital for at least another couple of days, Mudsy drove back into town to take care of Kep. Thankfully, P’s fevers resolved within a few hours and the blood cultures continued to be clear of infection. Over the next couple of days his ANC began to gradually go back up, and on Wednesday, June 15th, it reached 100 and we finally got to go home. Meanwhile, Dada’s Covid symptoms resolved and he was able to come home a couple days later as well. As always, Persy was overjoyed to be back home with his family.
On Friday, P returned to clinic to have his levels checked before the weekend. As we expected, his platelets were low and he did require a quick transfusion (about 30 minutes). Thankfully his hemoglobin was high enough that he didn’t require an additional blood transfusion (which takes about 3 hours), and his ANC was already up to 1200.
Although the past week has been a tough one, it has also reminded us of how very blessed we are. When life throws so many curveballs at you at once, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless at times. But when you are blessed enough to have a family like ours, a family who will drop everything and come running to help when you need it most, anxiety and doubt quickly dissolve, and leave behind an overwhelming sense of love, warmth, and gratitude. We are truly blessed to have the most wonderful, supportive family and friends and the most determined and steadfast prayer warriors in our corner. Whatever we are dealing with, we can always feel your prayers at work in our lives. Thank you for getting us through every difficult day.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7
