Day 179: Elliott sits with his nanny while receiving his chemotherapy infusion
This past Monday Elliott's cell counts were high enough for him to start delayed intensification. It is bittersweet. We are excited that to move forward with this next phase of treatment, and getting closer to the end, but it is also distressing to see just how quickly the side effects of the medication have manifested.
Elliott went four weeks with no chemo, the longest since his original diagnosis. In that time he built up enough strength to start walking, his appetite returned, he gained 2.5 pounds, and his hair began to grow back. In less than 24 hours we have already seen his energy level plummet. He also seems to have lost his appetite, but that may have more to do with the horrible taste of the medications, and less to do with their effects on the body. On a positive note, Elliott has already shown us that this phase of chemo is not going to keep him down. He found the energy to color with Laurel, which resembles a contact sport when she is involved.
Day 177: Elliott walking