Day 3 of chemo

Jacob is now on day 3 of chemo. Day 1 seemed like a breeze, but that quickly changed by day 2. Jacob’s appetite is completely gone, and he is too exhausted to do much beyond laying in bed. After today comes a 24 hour period of close monitoring, post chemo meds and hydration.

The chemo he is receiving is very high dose.  The cycle he is on lasts 5 weeks and has frequent hospital stays for chemo and clinic visits during the outpatient days. Today we finish week 1 of chemo.  Week 2 and 3 are “off weeks” so he can rebuild his bloodcounts and week 4 and 5 are “on weeks”.  Then the cycle will repeat itself so there will be some points that we can come home but it looks like the majority of the time will be spent at the hospital. The nights are fairly sleepless as he is woken every 2 hours for urine samples, vitals, medication and bloodwork.

Jacob’s blood counts will become extremely low during the chemotherapy. He will be at high risk for infection and any fever is considered a medical emergency and he will need to be at a hospital within 30 minutes to start antibiotics in case it’s a blood infection which can quickly lead to sepsis.  The amount of information we are getting over the last couple days is overwhelming.  Side effects, what to expect, what to do, what medications to take etc.  It’s a lot to take in.

There is a hospital program where you can send Jacob a message and he will receive it that day or next day by volunteers called Best Wishes. I will post the info below.  His room number now is 107. 8th floor. Oncology unit. Feel free to send him a message. It’s a little way to brighten his day.  Thank you again to all who are praying for Jacob and our family. The support is needed and so encouraging for us.  Visitors are more than welcome, just text me before hand. Jacob really enjoys having company and is already likely sick of spending every waking and sleeping moment with his mama 😋.

Jacob is a trooper. He hasn’t complained through any of this.  He is accepting of what’s happening but it is still very difficult.

Ray and the other 3 boys spent a night at Ronald Macdonald House – such an incredible place for families like ours. It will be a blessing for us on this journey. Keep them in your prayers too as they are mostly at home or other places away from Jacob and I- it will be difficult on them as well.