Bennett’s Treatment Plan
Bennett has completed 3 phases of his treatment plan! Bennett starts the next phase of treatment on Tuesday, Sept. 11th. This phase is called Delayed Intensification I which lasts 57 days. This is the 4th phase and he has to complete 7 phases. The next 3 phases will be intense treatments similar to the first 2 phases he has completed. When he gets to the last phase, this will be the maintenance phase that he will keep repeating the protocol treatment plan until July 3, 2010. The last phase (7th) called maintenance is less intense which will be mostly taking chemo pills and receiving chemo through the clinic monthly.
Some of the chemotherapy drugs are the same and some are cousins of drugs he has had. Also, he will be taking steriods at different times. The next 4 phases will be completed outpatient at St Louis Children’s Hospital Clinic on the 9th floor and some at home by home health nurses. The phases or treatment sometimes can be delayed if his ANC is not at 750.
These are his phases and the time frame:
4th phase = Delayed Intensification I = 57 days starts 9-11-07
5th phase = Interim Maintenance II = 56 days
6th phase = Delayed Intensification II = 57 days
7th phase = Maintenance = through July 3, 2010
In the 6th phase, Bennett will be receiving cranial radiation for 8 daily fractionations. If his treatment is not delayed, he will begin the maintenance phase on Feb. 24th, 2008. This will be a day to celebrate!
He has completed a big hurdle by finishing the high dose methotrexate phase. The worst part that he hated was having to stay in the hospital so we are grateful that he shouldn’t have to be admitted to the hospital unless he has a fever or is dehydrated.
Thank you to everyone’s support and love! Your encouragement and friendship has been a true blessing! Bennett still has a long road ahead so your prayers are definitely needed. May God bless you and your family!
Hopefuly, the worst is behind you!? We will pray it is. Keep up the faith—we are very proud of you! Love ya
A few days break so you can golf, fish and get a few of those doves. Will be thinking of you and wishing this phase soon is past
It sounds like a long road ahead. But the way the days come and go, it will be not time before the last phrase. Cindy I’m so proud of you and Bennett. Your updates and Bennett will is just amazing! God has put two more wonderful people on this earth to set example for us to follow. Continue to hang in there. You will always be on my mind and in my prayers
Bennett–as you begin the next phase of treatment remember that every step you take is a step closer to being done. When the daily steps get tough remember we are all behind you and Jesus will carry you. You are always in our prayers.