3 More...We Can Do It!

Levi just finished up his 9th treatment...with a little change of plans. The first 8 rounds he has gotten a combination of 3 drugs. One of the drugs, which I would call the devil itself, oxaliplatin, is as nasty as it comes. This is the drug that has given the most and worst side effects. The main one being cold sensitivity, another being neuropathy (or numbness). They watch the neuropathy very closely, because if it lingers consistently between treatments, it could become permanent if you keep administering the drug. Levi had those complaints after his 8th treatment (which had been the roughest so far). There is a fine line between wanting to be cancer free and wanting to make sure he is not permanently disabled with numbness in his extremities. Definitely not a good thing for someone who wants to be a dentist. After some discussion, they decided to pull the oxaliplatin probably for the remaining of the treatments. They seemed satisfied with him being able to take 8 rounds of it because most are not able to finish this drug anyway due to the side effects. Studies have also shown that the remaining two drugs he is getting, is really the most affective anyway, so we feel good about the decision.
He definitely still has not felt good, and either way, he is ready to be done. Maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but he seemed to feel much better this treatment, leaving out the oxaliplatin. It definitely gave me a boost of confidence that we (ok, more he) can DO these last three.
With that being said, the best news of all is that hopefully the cold sensitivity should wear off sooner than later and he could have some much coveted IcE CrEaM, ICE, SLURPEE, SLUSHY...
His birthday is in a week and a half and he is set on having some ICE CREAM cake. So cross your fingers for him!