Immunotherapy!!

Hello Everyone! I’m sorry for not updating sooner the last month has been pretty busy for us. Sawyer has started his immunotherapy treatments and is currently in the hospital starting his second cycle. The immunotherapy consists of 6 cycles cycles. 1, 3 , and 5 are the same where he will be inpatient for 1 week each time he receives the antibody (CH14.18). Cycles 2 and 4 are the same and he will be inpatient for 2 weeks but will get to go home over the weekend in between. The first week he is inpatient he receives an immune booster Interleukin-2 to amp up his immune system and prepare his body to accept and utilize the antibody to target the neuroblastoma cells. In between the cycles he receives another immune booster (Gm-csf) which is administered via injection. Lastly the treatment consists of retinoic acid which is taken in pill form. The last cycle (6) he will not have to be inpatient.

He is receiving the same antibody that he did before when he was going through bridge therapy. So we know kind of know what to expect with that, mainly an achy pain in his lower back, headaches, and fevers, to name a few. There aren’t many side effects from the immune boosters but the retinoic acid, which is an acne medication, causes him severe dryness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. The good news is the symptoms subside once he is off of them.

Sawyer has been doing very well with all of it considering. His hair is growing back in and he shouldn’t lose it again since he is done with chemotherapy. Sawyer and Calvin are enjoying the better weather and getting outside and playing. Speaking of getting outside we recently participate in the Lurie Children’s Move for the Kids 5K. Thank you so much to everyone who came to the walk and all of you who donated to Team Super Sawyer!! Because of you we were able to raise over $5,000 for the hospital!! Thank you to all!! Please check out the pictures page for photos from the event!!

Thank you all so much for your support. Please continue to keep Sawyer and our family in your prayers and intentions.
I will try to update more frequently.
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Until next time!!
Jen, Jeremy, Sawyer and Calvin