Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Week 4

I am back up at HCI for another round of high dose IL2.  I checked in Sunday night so they could start me on antibiotics and fluids.  Then Monday morning around 9:00 AM they hit me with my first dose of IL2.  Since then we've received 3 more doses (1 dose every  8 hours) and I'm due for 5th dose in a couple of hours from now. 

The drug side effects have kicked in sooner with this second round compared to the first round.   Because of that it is anticipated that I will not receive as many doses as the first round and they will probably spread them out to try to better combat the side effects. 

We appreciate the many people that are helping out in many ways, especially those watching the children so Allison can spend  a good part of the day here with me. 

It was great to have two weeks off prior to coming back up here.  I got to be home for Cameron's birthday party. 

The plan going forward is to do scans near the end of week 7.  Based on the results of those scans we'll determine whether we continue with the IL2 treatment or consider some other alternatives. 

10 comments:

Kathryn said...

Good Luck Ben!! I am sure this was a harder checkin knowing what to expect. I'm glad Allison gets to spend some time with you. Love you guys!! Great to see you last week...Fight! Fight! Fight! Oh the good old days :)

laura said...

Thanks Ben :)

Bethany Christensen said...

Ben- Hang in there! Thanks for the post. You are being such a good sport and always so positive - I am sure it is CRAPPY! I hope you find some relief from the side effects (i.e. sleep, movies, day dreams about the trails outside your window?). Hang in there- we all think you are awesome!
Bethany

Rachel said...

We've been thinking of you and your fam all this week. I'm glad to hear that Allison is able to spend some time with you there. Thanks for the update, and I hope the week goes well.

Unknown said...

Ben and Allison,
Thanks for the updates on your blog. Almost daily I am asked by various people, who love you and are concerned for you both, for a report on your progress. Your blog helps me give an accurate report. We love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Bill

ghd3 said...

Thanks Ben. I've been thinking about you this week. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Send Allison and the kids our love as well. I hope the rest of the week goes well -- keep up the great, strong work!

Courtney said...

Love you! Glad I could hang out with Sarah and Nathan on Monday! I love those kids! Sending lots of prayers and love your way!

Sarah Whitehead said...

Thank you for keeping us updated. My kids ask how you are doing everyday and we check your blog. They love seeing "Den Bacobsen" in the picture. Not to mention the rest of the family. Some times you are blessed in the middle of a list of Disney Charactors by James, but we are working on his prayers. :) We love you and Allison and cheering you on over here as well.

Anonymous said...

We are hoping and praying that this week is tolerable for you at HCI. We know how strong your body and spirit are. Keep up the good fight.
amy and john

Sarah Schmidt said...

Thanks Ben, We love every word we get from you. Love you all so much. One question...If you know, :) what happens between now and week seven? Do you have one more round of treatments?