May 12, 2011

Collin has been getting a break from chemo this week since his creatinine level was found to be elevated Monday. He is also getting a break from his twice daily dose of Acyclovir, an antiviral drug being used to protect from chickenpox and shingles (which would be dangerous for him to contract) since the drug is also filtered through the kidneys. A normal creatinine level for someone Collin's age is .3 to .7; his level typically runs between .33 to .38. On Monday his level was .73, so even though it's not too far above the high end of normal, it's higher than usual for Collin. By giving his kidneys a break this week, his creatinine level is expected to be lower next Monday. Then his creatinine level may be checked more often the next time he receives Accutane.

The Accutane has also taken a toll on Collin's skin. As I mentioned during his first round of the drug, it can be very drying. I kept his skin and lips moisturized during his first round, and it didn't seem to affect him too much. During the second round though, it seemed to affect him more, and more quickly, than the first round. His cheeks, lips, arms, and legs are red and look sunburned, and are dry and flaky despite the moisturizer. Hopefully this will clear up soon!

I would like to ask for prayers for another little cancer warrior named Conner. He is a sweet five-year-old boy whose family learned today that his cancer has relapsed a second time. He is fighting hard, and at the same time is trying to heal from neurological toxicity caused by a chemo drug. The challenge ahead is to find a chemo drug that will be strong enough to fight his cancer without causing more neurological damage. Having been dealt some tough blows during Collin's journey, I can imagine the despair is parents might be feeling after today's news, and my heart is breaking for them. Please pray hard for healing for Conner, strength for his family, and wisdom and guidance for the doctors treating him.