Consolidation Start

With the no-go for starting consolidation on Wednesday, Cooper was treated to another 4 days of a drug-free vacation.  Just in case anyone was concerned about his levels being low, neither the doctors nor us were worried.  This is pretty much par for the course where regimens are delayed based on levels.  Coopers ANC was low last week mainly due to the fact that his bone marrow was still recovering from his Induction (first 29 days phase). 

The good news is we went back to JH on Monday for them to check levels and potentially start consolidation.  Cooper's levels across the board were nearly entirely recovered!  Hemoglobin, ANC, platelets were all back in line with a normal, healthy 5 year old!  The bad news is that we know these levels will go back down - this is how chemotherapy works unfortunately.

With consolidation beginning on Monday, Cooper will have 2 more spinal-infusions over the coming weeks (with many more to come over the next months).  Monday was a bit harder than what we expect over the coming weeks as day 1 of consolidation also includes IV chemo in addition to his spinal treatment.  Oh yeah - he's also now on oral, at-home chemo which he's taking really well.  A trifecta of treatments, but we are still so happy with the progress and maturity he continues to exude!

Cooper remains in great spirits.  With the blood transfusion and bone marrow recovery, his energy levels have been the highest we have seen in MONTHS!  The last week has been almost "normal" for him.  He's been able to play outside (he could run enough to play tag), and take a bath for the first time in 7 weeks without a plastic bag covering a PICC line!  He was so happy! Also, it's been nice having those cheeks "deflate".  The picture above is taken 2 days before this one.  What a difference!





Cooper and Daddy were able to go to the driving range and start working on the swing! (Mommy and Evyn came too!)




Cooper was also cleared to enjoy some time outside of the house as long as we continue to avoid large crowds and sick individuals.  Cooper loves "I Made This" pottery studio in Frederick and he asked if we could go.  It was perfect!  The studio was empty except for us, so after some table disinfecting, he was able to have some fun!

The journey will continue on Monday!

Love,
The Truebloods


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