Sat, 05 Feb 2000 21:44

Antineoplastons

 

Laura and Logan are in Houston, Texas now, and they have been staying with a friend of Laura's grandmother. Laura's mother is with them, too, and has been very helpful. I have been able to talk with Laura on the phone each night. If nothing unusual happens, they will be able to come home on Saturday, February 12.

Logan's steroids have been increased, and have continued to be effective in allowing Logan to keep food down, and he has been eating very well. He also has not complained of any headaches. He still isn't very active, though, spending a lot of time on the couch. The plus side is that he is back up to 30 pounds!

The actual treatment began last Friday, January 28. On a typical day, Laura and Logan show up at the clinic at about 9am. Logan's vital signs are taken and blood is drawn to monitor any side effects. Laura is receiving training on how to operate the device which pumps the treatment into Logan's veins through his Hickman catheter (the first time the Hickman has actually been used since it was inserted last October). Laura stays very busy taking care of Logan. Among many other details, she has to record all of his liquid intake and output (weighing his diapers). Another MRI will be ordered soon after Laura and Logan get back to Raleigh.

They have been steadily increasing the treatment dose each day. Today Logan reached the target dose, and they will watch him for another week at that level. So far, there have been no problems. The side effects of this treatment are minimal compared to radiation and chemotherapy. For those who may be interested, Logan's web page (http://www.ipass.net/~knocker/logan) now has links to more detailed information about Dr. Burzynski and his drug, called "antineoplastons".

Adam and I have been enjoying one on one, but we miss Laura and Logan. Every morning (except one, so far) when I get Adam out of bed, the first words out of his mouth are, "Where's Mommy? Where's Logan?" Then he answers his own question. "Logan's in the hospital. Mommy's with Logan." Adam has the biggest smile on his face when he gets to talk to Mommy on the phone each night. Adam will be two years old tomorrow.

Many thanks to Leslie Smith, a friend of ours at church, who is watching Adam during the day while I am at work. I feel a compulsion now to name a hundred other names of people who have helped us. So many people have provided meals, too. Thank you all!

Love,

Knocker