Clinic Report

Carson's clinic visit went pretty much as expected yesterday. His ANC had risen considerably to around 1100. That means it is time to start the chemos again. This time there is a new plan though. He will remain on the same dose of methotrexate (currently at about 75% of what is called for), but the 6MP will be cut to the 50% dosage. They plan to keep the 6MP at that level for at least one month; and if counts hold, the plan is to only increase the methotrexate and try to get that up to full dosage. In a nutshell, they plan to move slower with any dosage increases and to only increase one drug at a time. Perhaps some day we'll find the "Carson dosage". At this point I would rather have a smaller dose every day than stopping and starting all the time.

Because his counts were high, Carson was "rewarded" with the flu shot. Poor guy! Low counts mean you stay home and away from people, high counts mean you get to take even more medicine.

Surprisingly, with all the happens to him, Carson absolutely loves the clinic. He is so excited to go on his appointment days that he constantly asks "when we go to clinic?" "I go play with Ms. Gretchen". "who's gonna listen to me when I get there?" (translation: "which doctor is going to do his exam - which includes listening to his lungs") It is a real credit to the clinic that with all the not so nice things they must do to children there, the kids still want to be there and they still make it fun for them. Obviously, there's some real special people working there and we are grateful for that.

Lots of great events coming up in the next few weeks which directly benefit pediatric cancer research and Children's National Medical Center.

Our friend, Officer Tom of the Arlington Police Department is participating in Be Brave and Shave which will benefit Children's National Medical Center. Lots of policemen and firefighters are receiving donations and will shave their heads to benefit CNMC on November 7th. Click here to donate. There's a great picture of Carson and Francesca with Tom there as well.

The CureSearch Walk on October 17th benefits the Children's Oncology Group (COG), a world wide organization of which the doctor's at the clinic are a part. The COG treats approximately 85% of all pediatric cancer patients. They are making huge strides in treatment for kids because they share information with each other and make changes as they discover what works best. If you want to learn more visit this link. Nurse Katie from the clinic is participating along with others that we know.

Thanks everyone for your continued prayers, words and deeds of support. They still mean a lot to us as we're on this long journey!

-Jennifer