While Clark is in the hospital building up his immunity, he is on a long list of IV fluids and medicines. One of his many transitions in preparation for going home, is to switch his IV medication to oral meds (can you imagine us at home with an IV pole? No way!) Today was Clark’s first switch! He started his Cyclosporin (Neoral) orally at 7am, and will be given this every 8 hours for the next few months.
Clark’s Neoral levels will be closely monitored until the doctors feel he is getting the proper dose before going home. Cyclosporin helps prevent GvHD, but there is definitely too much of a good thing when it comes to this medicine. Side effects from too much Neoral include damage to the liver and kidneys. It can also cause elevated blood pressure, shakiness and rare cases, seizures.
We also meet with the nutritionist weekly. She makes sure Clark is eating enough foods and gives advice on how to increase his calorie intake. If Clark stops eating, he will be put on an IV nutritional supplement. Loss of appetite could be due to mouth sores called mucositis, or from nausea. Both are common short term side effects caused by the damage done by the chemo.
We would prefer to avoid IV nutrition, or at least prolong his eating as much as possible. We can help prolong his intake by “giving in”, and feeding him cookies and ice cream for dinner! The nutritionist has some better/healthier ideas, such as adding sour cream to his soup or drinking pediasure as a supplement. I am not a huge fan of high fat or high sugar diets, but I would prefer this (for the short term) to using IV supplements since they can have a host of side effects including GI issues, liver damage and more.
Overall, Clark’s day was quiet without any (obvious) nausea. Here’s a interesting word of the day for you… “Emesis” is the medical term for vomit. Doesn’t that sound nice? Clark was emesis free today. Clark’s nemesis is emesis. Ha, ha…
Clark had a long nap this afternoon and finished out his day with a fun visit with daddy.
What a beautiful little face!
Hoping that Clark has another emesis free day again today!
Love to all.
Hey Clarkie!!!!!
Good to see that smiling face of yours big guy. I like that nutritionist, prescribing popsicles. OH YEAH!
This is the cutest picture ever of Clark!
So Clark, it’s aunties birthday today, and she has a very important wish that only you can help out with. Auntie wishes no rashes for you for the next while. Ok buddy?
Lots of love.