As of today, Adrian is officially in Maintenance! Hooray!! He will spend the next 2 years and 9 months in this phase, and we expect him to complete treatment in August 2012. This is a relief as our lives should get somewhat easier with AJ on a much less intense chemotherapy regimen. While 2012 seems a long way off, for us it is like the light at the end of a tunnel. Maintenance is broken up into 3-month intervals during each of which AJ will get 1 spinal tap, 3 monthly doses of IV chemo, monthly pulses of steroids and daily pills. Our doctor appointments will now become less frequent. We’ll go back in 2 weeks to see if his chemo doses need adjustment, then another 2 weeks, then after that we move to monthly.
The odds are stacked in AJ’s favor. While it is possible that at any given time he could relapse, the longer he goes without any sign of leukemia, the less likely this is. Once we get a year past Maintenance, the chances of this happening becomes very small. At 5-years post treatment he will be considered “cured.”
AJ has the green light to return to school when we wish. His blood counts have come up (ANC was 2880 today). We will likely wait about a month before he goes back to pre-school to make sure his blood counts are stable and to allow his hair to start growing back.
We are overjoyed and thankful to have this good news as we head into 2010. As we get further into Maintenance in the coming weeks we will continue to keep everyone updated. Thanks again for all of the positive thoughts and support.
13 Comments
YES!!!!! We are so happy AJ was able to start maintenance. What a trooper he has been. You’ve all done great. We are so thankful for the great progress.
Oh wow — that’s just great great news!
So happy to hear your good news. I hope 2010 is smooth sailing for your family.
Oh WOW! This is wonderful news. I hope the most difficult times are behind you and 2010 will bring more good news.
best news I’ve heard all holiday season, good wishes for 2010
It’s really amazing to go back and re-read your posts from the last 6-7 months and hard to believe this has all happened in such a short time. I am hoping that next year continues to bring good news for Adrian and your family.
Hi Brian,
Haven’t talked to you in a long time! Oh the wonders of facebook. I just got caught up on all that you’ve been going through. Sounds very difficult – but I am so glad that you all have gotten some good news. My husband, Dave, and my son, Charlie are sending are most positive thoughts your way and we hope to hear more great news from you soon. Here’s to a new year!
Great News! Way to go AJ! We keep all of you in our thoughts. Here’s to a great 2010!
Love, John, DeAnna, Luke and Kyle
glad to hear it!!!!! enjoy the rest of the holidays… hope to see you all soon.
Hooray, AJ! We are so glad to hear this wonderful news for your family.
What a gorgeous picture of the kids, and congratulations to both AJ and to Dave S. for his tremendous fundraising efforts. I’m sure he’s excited to get back to school and resume his normal life, and I couldn’t be happier to hear that he’s doing so well.
Congratulations to your entire family. I can’t even fathom what a year this has been for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What an amazing little boy you are AJ. May you have loads of good joojoo in 2010.
Congratulation! I am so glad to hear about this good news. My prayers are with AJ and you all.
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