Well it was a rough ride...both physically and emotionally.
A little background: Liam was diagnosed in April 2008 that he has Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome. Because he is so young we have to see a Nephrologist at the University of Utah who specializes in children with Kidney Disease. After our visit to SLC, UT Liam was put on 15ml of Prednisolone (Steroids) per day. He was then tapered off of them slowly. However he relapsed and had to be put back on them. Liam has continued to have relapses. With this last relapse we were advised we needed to take another trip to Salt Lake City. Only this time it was a longer drive from Boise to Salt Lake City.
Luckily we were able to have Damon's parents (who live in Rigby, ID) watch Sydney while we took Liam to see the doctor. The doctor seemed very optimistic and said that he was going to put Liam on a chemotherapy drug called Cytoxan along with the Prednisolone. It's normally used in patients who have Leukemia and also other types of cancers, however it has been found to be effective with patients who have Nephrotic Syndrome.
It was definitely hard to have to listen to all the side effects that will come from the new medicine (hair loss, nausea, vomiting, weak immune system) but the doctor assured us the dosage (36 mg daily for 8-12 weeks) was a lot smaller then that of a cancer patient. However because the medicine does suppress the immune system we have to take Liam in for weekly blood draws to check his white blood count. We are very thankful that I am able to stay home with the kids now, as Liam will have to limit his contact with others, especially those who are sick.
The doctor seemed to think that this would help Liam to have a longer period of remission if not completely get rid of his Nephrotic Syndrome (since it's something patients can grow out of). We have another appointment in Salt Lake one month after we start treatment. So we will keep you updated on how he is doing and what is going on.
Over all it was a long ride and both of the kids were exhausted but they sure were super troopers! 
Let us know if we can do anything to help... He is such a trooper & I hope that this will help to make him feel better
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers! I love you guys!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that you can stay home now. Those snotty little kids at daycare can't get him sick. Just watch out for the sick ones at church!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your blog address...Ginger and I agree that your kids are quite cute! I can't figure out why your family has all of the redheads though while Ginger has red hair and we have a blonde and a brunette. ??? Good luck with everything!
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