Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Severe allergic reaction but back on track

Last week was a difficult week. The next step in Griffin's treatment was to be a dose of pegaspariginase. On the left is a photo captured by Mommy of Griffin happily sitting on an elephant in Children's Hospital's atrium. Shortly after this photo is when the allergic reaction to pegaspariginase hit.

The allergic reactions to the medication put Mommy and Daddy in a whirlwind of worry because of Griffin's already compromised immune system. The hospital admitted Griffin to control the reaction as well as to observe him.








Griffin is at the day hospital, fast asleep. He's receiving multiple emergency IV medications to treat the allergic reaction -- including benedryl, epinephrine, and solumedrol. His vital signs are constantly monitored, especially his respiratory rate. A possible complication includes respiratory arrest (he might stop breathing) or cardiac arrest (his heart might stop.)










Overnite at the main hospital for observation. He was responding to the emergency treatments, albeit slowly.



















The doctors consulted and decided on the substitute medication. We have already started with the new schedule:

July 17 -- Jon went with Gretchen and Griffin for his 1st injection of Erwinia-- this is the medicine that has replaced Pegasparaginase (the one that caused the severe allergy). Griffin saw his friend Brooke, who also suffers from leukemia. Everything went well.

July 21 -- tolerated the 2nd Erwinia injection; no complications!

July 23 -- receiving 3rd Erwinia injection

July 25 -- 4th shot of Erwinia

July 28 -- 5th shot of Erwinia

July 31st -- 6th shot of Erwinia; also to receive IV vincristine and intrathecal methotrexate (injected into his spinal canal); he'll get labwork.





Recovered from the allergic reaction, Griffin's treatments are back on schedule! Here is Griffin climbing "the Dragon" at Old Orchard. He's still playing and feisty despite the weekly IV chemotherapy and daily oral chemotherapy every night. And yes, his hair is still real!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Griffin's Port-a-Cath

JULY 3, 2008

A couple of updates to note. Griffin's days at Children's Memorial continues to be Thursdays, and with the July 4th holiday the same day hospital was double booked. This particular day was super busy for all the workers and for Gretchen and Griffin. Fortunately, Ninang Weng and sister Kailey came along for the ride and helped keep time moving. Kailey had so much fun playing with her brother Griffin and looks forward to the next time she is allowed to visit.


Griffin and family enjoyed a couple of family bar-b-ques and birthday/graduation celebrations over the weekend. It was during this time that Gretchen and Jon noticed a protuberance from Griffin's Port-A-Cath site. It seems that one of Griffin's stitches is 'peeking' out from under the skin. The cath site looks more like a nuisance than it is since Griffin is not complaining of pain nor itching. The skin and area around the site continues to maintain it's integrity, and no infection is observed. Check out the next couple images.





JULY 7, 2008
Gretchen and Jon maintained close observation of Griffin's site and had it checked out at the day hospital this past Monday July 7, 2008. Per a surgical resident the Port-A-Cath is in no need of revision nor the suture need not be removed.


After the visit to the hospital Griffin remained his usual 3 year old Griffy-self and enjoyed a popsicle with his brothers, sister, and cousins happy to see him back home.


Talking to Gretchen today, and it seems another stitch/suture is 'peeking' out from under Griffin's skin. Gretchen and Jon continue to communicate to the staff at Children's and will continue to monitor Griffin.

As for Griffin's medication regimen, decadron has been added to the mix of oral chemotherapy medications and there is no 'scheduled' visit to the hospital this Thursday. Please continue to pray for Griffin's health and do not forget to leave your comments.