Phase Four has two separate parts divided by a week lessened medications. The first 21 days are the
Reinduction portion of Phase Four. The medications are reminiscent of those used in Phase One "Induction Phase"The side effects
and results are similar. On day 21 there is a small break. The only medication Xander is on is a Dexamethasone, and it is
being tapered off at this point. Each day brings a slightly reduced dose of medication. On day 28 the Reconsolidation portion
of this Phase begins. As in Reinduction the medications in Reconsolidation are much like those in Phase two.
On day 0,7, and 14 Xander received Vincristine. This is given through his port directly into his
artery. The common side effects are Constipation, Stomach pain, Hair loss, and Irritation and tingling of the fingers, and
toes with muscle weakness. The less common side effects are Drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, jaw pain, or seizures.
Xander only seems to have the muscle weakness and tingling with this medication.
He also takes Doxorubicin on these same days. The common side effects of this medication are Nausea/vomiting,
Hair loss, Urine turning pink, low blood counts, and mouth sores. The less common side effects are Heart damage, Nail beds
change and turn color, photosensitivity.
Xander has had his heart checked twice now, and it is growing and functioning normaly. He does need
to take meds. for nausea but they work well. The urine is only pink for one day or so. Xander does suffer from Chemo sores
in his mouth. The poor guys normal diet of Cajun seasoned food has been tamed back for this phase.
On day four Xander had the misfortune of being given Asparaginase. This med is given I the way of
two large and extremely painful shots, on in each leg. The Drs. try to give both at the same time in order to reduce stress
on the child. Xander stood up for his rights on this one and demands its given one at a time. If its given one at a time he
can relax the leg and reduce the pain. Xander won!!
The common side effects of this med. are a loss in appetite, and a rash at the site of injection.
The less common side effects are much more extreme. This Medication can cause abnormal liver and pancreatic function, hives,
anaphylactic breathing high blood sugar, headache, drowsiness, increased urination, and thirst, reduced clotting ability of
the blood.
Xander had the urination and thirst that are both associated with the raised blood sugar that he
also suffered from. Every thing else seems to be fine, but we were required to carry an epinephrine pen around with us for
a couple of weeks just in case he went into shock. He has repeated itchy skin that could have been a delayed allergic reaction
so we needed to watch him closely. The other medication Xander has taken during the first part of Phase Four is Dexamethasone. This is a steroid medication somewhat like the Prednisone Xander took during phase one. It
comes in a tablet for, but causes Xander to instantly vomit if it is not crushed and placed in a gelatin capsule Xander takes
these pills twice daily. The common side effects are Increased appetite, weight gain, fluid retention,
"moon" face, stomach upset, acne, increased blood sugar, irritability, reduced ability to fight
infections. Xander suffers from "moon" face, appetite, and irritability as well as increased blood sugar, and did I mention
irritability. Lets not forget to add irritability to that list. You get the point. For more information
on "moon" face take a look at phase one medications when I have that section
up. Xander is really not recognizable on this medication, and more then one person has left him in
tears, because he looks so changed. Its temporary though give it a month, and he will be back to his former appearance.
