Different Mechanisms
Today was a challenge. Ethen has been sluggish most of the day, which is just difficult to watch. There have been times of play but only short spurts. We also shared more with our older two, which they received as we had expected. Hudson had a pensive, distant disposition while Mikayla was attentive for a few minutes, but quickly got distracted and moved on. Two kids at different ages with different coping mechanisms... We think they understand the gravity of the situation and the extra care Ethen will need. Pray that as the news settles on them they will be open about their questions. We are thankful for the child life specialist who spent some time with Hudson and Mikayla explaining Ethen's Hickman line and reassuring them that they cannot get what Ethen has through interacting with him.
The chemotherapy appears to be taking effect as we can tell based on Ethen's levels of uric acid, potassium and other electrolytes. These electrolytes are the byproducts of cancer cell destruction. The mechanisms of action of the chemotherapy agents are amazing. The different chemicals used in the therapy engage the cancer cells in specific areas of the DNA to destroy them. The cyclophosphamide mechanism causes crosslinks in the cell DNA at guanine N-7 positions, which inhibits cell reproduction and kills the cell off. The topotecan interrupts DNA replication during the cleavage process, which prevents replication and leads to cell death. The variety of therapies is designed to trick the cells. After learning more about the mechanism of action of these chemicals I am thankful to God for the development of these drugs—it's amazing to me that these drugs even exist and that they can target the cancer cells (though also other rapidly dividing and reproducing cells such as hair). Pray that the drugs kill the cancer cells and give Ethen some relief. Pray also that Ethen's kidneys can handle the extra work they have to do in filtering and excreting the waste products of the cancer cells.
Looking forward to going home, please pray with us that we would not be anxious about the new responsibilities Christie and I will have in caring for Ethen. We are preparing ourselves mentally by considering what things we need to do in our home but also practically by watching how the nurses care for Ethen's Hickman line here in the hospital.
The chemotherapy appears to be taking effect as we can tell based on Ethen's levels of uric acid, potassium and other electrolytes. These electrolytes are the byproducts of cancer cell destruction. The mechanisms of action of the chemotherapy agents are amazing. The different chemicals used in the therapy engage the cancer cells in specific areas of the DNA to destroy them. The cyclophosphamide mechanism causes crosslinks in the cell DNA at guanine N-7 positions, which inhibits cell reproduction and kills the cell off. The topotecan interrupts DNA replication during the cleavage process, which prevents replication and leads to cell death. The variety of therapies is designed to trick the cells. After learning more about the mechanism of action of these chemicals I am thankful to God for the development of these drugs—it's amazing to me that these drugs even exist and that they can target the cancer cells (though also other rapidly dividing and reproducing cells such as hair). Pray that the drugs kill the cancer cells and give Ethen some relief. Pray also that Ethen's kidneys can handle the extra work they have to do in filtering and excreting the waste products of the cancer cells.
Looking forward to going home, please pray with us that we would not be anxious about the new responsibilities Christie and I will have in caring for Ethen. We are preparing ourselves mentally by considering what things we need to do in our home but also practically by watching how the nurses care for Ethen's Hickman line here in the hospital.
Praying that God would use these meds in a mighty way to destroy the cancer cells and completely heal Ethen. Praying for understanding, patience, peace, and even joy in these times of doubt and fear. Praying for God's presence and love to be felt so strongly around you, your children and your whole family that even in this dark time you can rest under the shelter of His mighty arm.
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