Sunday, September 21, 2008

New Season, New Treatment

Joy started a new medication this past week called Rutuxin. It's one of 5 "miracle" drugs for treating cancer and is usually used to treat lymphoma patients because it kills lyphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in lymphoma. They're really hard to kill and Joy's doctors believe some residual O-type lymphocytes in her system might be responsible for killing off her new A+-type red blood cells. The drug is low-risk and she had her first dose on Tuesday. Unfortunately, when the doctors turned up the dosage, Joy had an allergic reaction and had to be hospitalized overnight. Fortunately, she was in the hospital, a great place to be when you have an allergice reaction! And, one of her favorite nurses was on duty to take care of her. Joy's back at home now and will continue to receive doses of Rutuxin each week for a month.

In other news, she and the family are all keeping busy with the advent of the new school year as well as chasing after two rambunctious two-year olds!

5 comments:

Vicki said...

Hi, Joy!
I think of you all the time! I hope Grace is enjoying kindergarten as much as Emily is and that Olivia and Joshua are enjoying their new grades as well. Please know we continue to keep you in our prayers and send you well wishes!
Vicki, Chris & Emily Sanford

Leah said...

This IS going to be a miracle drug for you Joy! Glad that you are able to be home as your kiddos begin another school year and the twins run wild...at least that is what Avery spends much of her time doing. Our thoughts are always with you!

Cardalls said...

Joy...Cheryl Bevan Cardall here. Rebecca Crandall told me about your blog, just wanted to say my prayers are with you and your familiy.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts are with you.

Naomi & Markus Karumo

Otter said...

yay! we pray that the new drug treatment works well. we are glad to read the latest news, you are always in our thoughts and prayers!
love,
the rutherfords