How Long Does Chemotherapy Continue To Work

Mathew’s first I.E. chemo was a 50% dose because his liver was still recovering. The tumor had invaded his liver and his bilirubin was still above normal. As a result, it took his system longer to process the chemotherapy drugs and I was told that because of that, it would have the same effect as a full dose. Later I would wonder if there was a way to replicate the slower processing of the chemo. A better angle, a different angle. Anything to give his weakened body a chance against the cancer.

When it was time for the second round of I.E., Mathew went to a full dose.

Texts between me and Allison

Next 5 day I.E. starts on the 15th.

Sent April 10

Good!

Received April 10

Started I.E. this morning.

This time he slept through it.

Question: How long does the

chemo continue to work?

Does it stop when his ANC returns to

normal or can it continue to work after that?

I was wondering if since the last scan was

two weeks ago if it may have shrunk even more.

Sent April 16

Hard to say. It’s technically out of his system

in a few days but tumor can continue to

respond.

But we usually don’t repeat scan that often

as it won’t change what we are doing.

Received April 16

My mind was always working, trying to find a way around the cancer. I didn’t doubt or second guess his Medical Team, but I know that sometimes advances come from brainstorming and my brain was in overdrive. Dr. Reed was always so kind and listened to everything I came up with. I suspect he realized my “ideas” were a normal result of a parent's frantic mind, trying to find an answer to the unanswerable. To make sense out of the nightmare we found ourselves in, running for our lives. Mathew’s life.

Often I write this blog and continue the same path Mathew and I took. At a less frantic pace, but just as lonely. Lonely then. Lonely now. I don’t suppose there are many people searching the internet for Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma.

Replace the 3 Lumen Pic Line with a Port

Mathew's 3 Lumen Pic Line was replaced with a Power P.A.C. Both Mathew and I were given Medical I.D. cards to carry at all times. I have mentioned before that texting from the DRC is almost impossible. The staff told me it used to be the X-ray department so the walls are leaded. Again, the phone tree would have helped so much. I texted the following information to my niece, my sister and Mathew’s Dad and Stepmom. And probably Joseph and Carlos. I know that could have been reduced to two texts, three at the most. At the time I didn’t know about group messaging as my phone was an old Android. Texts Between me and Diane Hi. We are at the hospital early because Mat is in a lot of pain. We think the bill stent may have moved. Sent 3-31-14 Because he was NPO for other procedure they should be able to fix today. Sent 3-31-14 In the DRC sending texts is almost impossible so if you don’t hear from me for a while don’t worry. If ...

A Cancer Poem by Mathew Rodgers 2014

From Mathew’s Journal 4-5-14 “I lie awake in my pain bed metallic noises chirping from my strange computer companion”

Hair Loss After Chemo Part II, Mom's Point of View

Mathew always had awesome hair. Rock and roll hair. When he first started treatment, they shaved his head. He still wasn't bald, plus it represented the beginning of treatment. It was temporary until the cancer was gone and he was well again. Before treatment started, Mathew was so sick I wondered how he would accept the change. He hadn't wanted anyone seeing him when he was first hospitalized. But I was surprised how quickly he adjusted to the new look. Then when treatment started and his hair fell out it coincided with the tumor responding to the chemo, so overall he looked so much better than he had for a long time. Less bloated and healthier color. I was so happy he was responding to the treatment, that being bald didn't bother me. I'm a Mom, I thought he looked terrific. Mathew was dismayed over the bald look at first. It made him appear younger, and since he also lost his eyebrows and eyelashes, he referred to it as that ...

Confections For Cats

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