After round 1 of chemo

Wednesday, May 11-12th (Day 6-7)

Carson was still very tired, nauseous and slept most of the day. 

Friday, May 13th (Day 8) - Carson woke up with swelling on his forehead and between his eyes. The doctors believe it was most likely just a bug bite and that he had his first-ever allergic reaction. The swelling shifted to his right eye the next morning. After giving him Reactine daily for 3 days, the swelling was finally gone. Each Friday, Carson gets the dressing changed for his Broviac to prevent infections and receives 15 minutes of chemo.

Saturday, May 14th - 16th (Day 9-11) 

He was feeling pretty good and was up for some outdoor fun and Lego time. He also received some cool Team Carson t-shirts! 

Tuesday, May 17th (Day 12) 

Routine blood work. Unfortunately, Carson's platelet count was so low that he needed a platelet transfusion. In order to be able to start his 2nd cycle, his platelet level needs to be over 75, and he was only at 27. 

Wednesday May 18th (Day 13) 

His hair started falling out, so Eric decided to shave his head. 

Friday, May 20th (Day 15) 

Time for a dressing change again and a bit more chemo. 

Carson needed another platelet transfusion because his levels were only at 37 now which is still too low. His levels only went up by 10 three days after his first transfusion. After the transfusion, Carson had another allergic reaction. His left eye swelled up, and he was given Reactine and Benedryl to alleviate the swelling.

Saturday, May 21-22 (Day 16-17)

Due to the power outage, we spent the whole weekend at our parent's homes, who had power to keep Carson's medications refrigerated. Carson had fun spending time with family, especially playing with his 2-year-old brother Gryffin. They both got to stay up late and watch playoff hockey with their parents and grandparents.

Monday, May 23rd (Day 18) 

Carson's classmates organized a surprise visit from Little Ray's reptile zoo. We didn't have power, but we could still have reptiles in our backyard. 

Tuesday, May 24th (Day 19)

Routine blood work to see if he's ready to start cycle 2. His platelet levels skyrocketed from 37 to 305, which is amazing news!  

Wednesday, May 25th (Day 20) 

Before starting each cycle, Carson needs to do a GFR (Glomerular filtration rate) and a hearing test to verify that round 1 of chemo hasn't affected his hearing. A GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys filter blood. Today is the last day of round 1.

Thursday, May 26th (Day 21) 

Round 2 of 6 begins!