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February 19, 2008
Homeward Bound
Effectively, round one of Robbie’s treatment is complete as he is being sent home. It’s more like a furlough since we’ll be right back here in less than a week to begin induction round two.
He struggled with the post-chemo recovery period until Saturday when he was given a steroid-based anti-nausea medicine and it worked like Underdog’s super energy pill. He felt great, his true personality reappeared after a month’s hibernation, and he regained his appetite. By Sunday, he was craving steak and was so boisterous the nurses weren’t sure it was the same kid.
During this period, his blood counts recovered nicely enough to encourage the doctors to give him (and us) this break. So, we’ll bring him home this afternoon. He’s been telling everyone he misses his dogs and the first thing he’ll do is spend time petting them. He’ll have a chance to chill in his room and lounge with the PS2 in the basement and other fun things. He’s still requiring the nutritional TPN administered via IV overnight and we’re getting a portable pump and gear for all that. Plus meds, lots of those for while we’re home.
On Friday, he comes back for blood work and a second bone marrow biopsy. If they like what they see, he can enjoy the weekend at home then return Monday for round two. Should the blood cause them any concern, then he’ll just head right back upstairs and be readmitted.
His nurse last night was commenting how well he handled round one and all he said was, “If that was handling it well, I’d hate to see kids who had it worse.”
We can most certainly all use the break.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at February 19, 2008 03:51 PM
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Comments
WOO-HOO!
Hey, Everybody! Party at Robbie's!
Posted by: Alan Coil at February 19, 2008 07:15 PM
That's fantastic news. Give him and the rest of your family my best, I'm so glad he was able to come home finally.
Posted by: Alan Kistler at February 20, 2008 04:34 AM
Great news....sounds like a tough kid. All my best wishes to you and your family.
Posted by: Ed Sanders at February 20, 2008 10:13 AM
Behold the power of fruit. Oh, I'm not taking away from Robbie himself nor his support team, not at all. But ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for fruit.
Happy News!
Posted by: Mike B.risbois at February 20, 2008 10:48 AM
Nice work over at Kate's blog, for those keeping track of her benevolent knitting project. (I think I met Kate once.)
Posted by: Mike B.risbois at February 20, 2008 11:07 AM
Glad to see some good news for Robbie. Keep it up, and have a great week-end.
Posted by: Angeluna at February 22, 2008 12:14 AM