Riding for Roses

Our story so far: During the 2004 Ride for the Roses, four year old Spencer Sartin was running a fever. On October 22, 2004, Spencer was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Austin and diagnosed with pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also called acute lymphocytic leukemia, both abbreviated ALL). Spencer began treatment the next day after having a port-a-cath installed for easy access for intravenous medication, including chemotherapy, anti-nausea medication, and anesthesia for the frequent procedures for bone marrow aspirations (to assess progress) and lumbar punctures (for spinal chemotherapy). After one week, Spencer was in remission. If all continues to go well, with no relapses or complications, Spencer will complete chemotherapy shortly before his eighth birthday. First came the four week induction chemotherapy, which killed the leukemia cells, caused his hair to fall out, trashed his immune system, and took all of his energy. During the second four weeks, Spencer went through consolidation therapy and got his immune system and some of his spirit back. At the end of his consolidation therapy, Spencer maternal grandmother, Diane Brimmer, passed away from metastatic breast cancer. We delayed the start of his eight week interim maintenance therapy by three days so we could go to her funeral. Spencer is now on week 2 of the first delayed intensification phase. The first Monday was a pretty busy day with bone marrow aspiration, lumbar puncture, intrathecal (spinal) chemotherapy with methotrexate, intramuscular (shots in the thighs) pegasparaginase, intravenous vincristine, and an intravenous infusion of doxorubicin.

While we were at the hospital, Diane Brimmer’s grand piano replaced the upright piano in the front room of our house. We’ve always had trouble with the proper name for that room. It’s an open architecture area adjacent to the dining room. It’s a small room, really more of a sitting room than a proper living room. We do all of our “living” in the family room further back in the house. Now, the name is simple. It’s the piano room. The grand piano fills it beautifully. The room is no longer empty and still not too crowded.

Given the rather intense chemotherapy last Monday, Spencer had a fantastic week. In fact, he just plain had a fantastic week. Energy was good. A little nausea, handled by Pepcid. He’s had a constant cough and it got a little worse last week. I have been having sinus problems and saw my doctor to confirm I have a sinus infection, which we are now stomping before Spencer gets neutropenia and is at high risk for infection.

This week was “easy” with just IV vincristine and an infusion of doxorubicin. Spencer was unusually agitated about getting his port accessed. We use numbing cream before we go to the doctor so it doesn’t hurt. Unfortunately, Spencer seems to have my fear of needles. Spencer’s CBC was nothing short of fantastic. His neutrophil count, which we were expecting to begin to fall in preparation for a collapse later this week, was 6200. Platelets were 349,000 and hemoglobin 12.2. Next week, we scheduled the appointment earlier in the day at the suggestion of Jennifer, Spencer’s nurse, just in case he needs blood products. That way, if he needs red cells or platelets, we’ll do it in the doctor’s office instead of having an overnight admission to the green unit.

I can see the signs of the coming side effects. Spencer is still sleeping well, but needs more sleep. Wednesday night he fell asleep at 5 PM on the way to pick Rachel up at work and he slept straight through to after 7 AM Thursday morning. Then he went in and had a fine day at school followed by 45 minutes of Tukong martial arts. Sunday, he went to a birthday party. Monday morning, he really wanted to attend school before his oncologist appointment at 11:30, so we did two hours of school. All the kids wished him good luck as he left. Today, he fell asleep at school for over an hour, but when he woke up he wanted to finish his projects, the rest of his day, and do martial arts.

Tomorrow I was to start volunteer work at the Lance Armstrong Foundation doing office work. I am assured there is no chance of meeting Lance and a high chance of getting to stuff hundreds of envelopes. Exactly what I need to feel useful. If Spencer and I can figure out how to raise $24,489.87 in the next 7 months, we’ll meet Lance in October anyway – on the first anniversary of Spencer’s cancer diagnosis. Donate to support cancer survivors and Spencer in the Ride for the Roses. Unfortunately, late today I got a call from Jacob’s day care and he’s running a fever, so I’ve left voice mail for Donna at the LAF telling her I will have to miss my first day.

We probably have a couple few more days of school before Spencer can’t keep going. We may try martial arts for a bit even after that. He’s a fighter.