I don’t want anyone to fall off their chair in disbelief, but our plans have changed! I know you’re not surprised; I wasn’t.
Peter tested HAMA-positive again. In the past we have just had to sit back and wait for his HAMA level to come down (it took almost a year this time), but ideally he would be getting the 3F8 treatments more frequently/consistently, and certainly we look forward to getting to a point where he done with his treatment, and just continues testing every few months! Well, they now have a treatment that lowers the HAMA level. It has only been used with a few kids but has relatively minimal side effects, has worked well to date, and he can do this part locally.
So this Monday, instead of being in NY, we’ll be at the U of M. First we will meet with his local oncologist, Dr. Weigel, who we haven’t seen in quite some time. We really admire her & miss seeing her and the rest of the staff at the U; they are outstanding at what they do & we respect their expertise & opinions. Then he will get a poke & start a 6-hour infusion of Rituxan, which is actually an antibody itself. 2 weeks later he will repeat this infusion, and the following day he will get a low dose infusion of Cytoxan (a chemo he’s had before in a much stronger, longer dose). They infuse slowly as kids can have reactions, etc. We hope for no issues!
We will then re-test his HAMA level and proceed accordingly (to NY if he’s negative, or another cycle of the Rituxan/Cytoxan if not).
To Peter’s delight, this means he misses less school (for now)! First week is going great, except he came home with almost his entire cold lunch, and quite a bit of work to do, and when we asked him why he said because he likes to talk and eat… and talk and do his schoolwork. Ok, so we might have to work on that a little, but at least we know he’s enjoying himself! We have early conferences tonight, then flag football. Ellie started gymnastics this morning and all 3 will start swim lessons soon, since we had to neglect those for a couple of years. Oh yes, hockey is right around the corner too. Life is busy, but great!
While we plow forward with life, we always remember our fellow NB / cancer friends; we’ve seen quite a few lose their battles lately and feel more blessed than ever to be where we are.
A journal of Peter’s journey
Glad things are going well. Nice to hear the kids are keeping busy.
Happy Fall!
Andi
Hey guys – Just wanted to let you know that I’ll be doing my chemo next week and the following – granted that my platlets stay high enough. It would be great to come visit you guys if we are in at the same time! Let me know what the schedule is – my number is 320-630-6283.
Good luck and blessings on all of you!
Mary Virnig
Happy to hear you will be able to stay at home for Peters next treatment, always make it nicer to be close to home. Hope all goes well for him.
You guys sound really busy as usual, bet Ellie just loves her gymnastics and she will be good at it too.
Take care and thanks for the update. We always continue to think of you all so much and of course you are in our prayers that things keep going so well.
Love to all,
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose ps. GO PACKERS on monday night !!!! ( right Peter ) haha
Hi Pete hows the big 1st grader doing?First grade is one of the best grades I think!I bet you will make tons of new freinds at your new school.So far I love 3rd grade and I already one freind Kimberly Christenson every body calls her “Kimby.” My teachers name is ms. Holbrook shes really nice.Did you my grammie and papa just found out that there getting a new puppy?Shes a girl Shit tzu named Abby Grace Gracie is her moms name so they decided that Grace could be her middle name!But they just call her Abby.Well you have tons of fun in first grade bud!Believe me you will love it no matter what love Emily Clare
Dear Family Eigner,
You sound so awfully busy and I pray for your continued energy to keep up with school and work and sports and family. Good to see there are least a couple good Hockey Moms in the family tree — which I consider part of our U.S. national treasure.
So good to hear there is much to talk about in school — creating and maintaining friendships are important endeavors. May God continue to bless all of you.
Ken Schroeder
Hi Eigners
Best of luck with this round of pokes!! 🙂 Thinking of you guys all the time. Thanks for the update and keep up the fight….it’s working. Prayers for you guys.
Love, Steve, Glenda, Josh, Megan and Jake.
Hi Peter, great to see you still have a fantastic attitude!!!!!!! You’re family is in our prayers.
Rob O’Brien & Family