Late night fever

As we have alluded to before, Maggie tends to get a fever right before we are scheduled to go home after getting chemo, or else soon after we get home. It has happened quite a few times in a row. This weekend of chemo seemed to have a high chance of that happening again because this chemo is so very potent and a high dose, and because ARA-C actually has fevers among its listed side effects. Tonight, by 1:00 she had a 101.8 fever and she threw up the Tylenol that they gave her. Whitney can tell when she feeds her that she has had some nausea the last half day or so. She also threw up earlier when we reached to pull some popcorn from the roof of her mouth. So, Maggie's not feeling great from the chemo. As I type this, she is done with her last dose of ARA-C, and will get the injection of Peg-Asparaginase around 7 or 8 this morning--that's the other chemo drug that works in tandem with the ARA-C. They are drawing her cultures and will bring antibiotics in soon.

Now the question will be whether or not we can go home as scheduled this afternoon. The doctors often let us go home with a fever after giving her IV antibiotics as long as she has a decent ANC (and some ability to fight a possible infection). It is probable that her ANC will be okay for a few more days, but by mid-week she'll probably be to zero again. So, we don't know if they'll let us go home or not. Whitney has been so anxious to go home that she has been feeling sick to her stomach this evening while Maggie gradually grew warmer. We have a lot scheduled for Monday and we'll have to cancel some things if we're still here. Plus, things are just better at home.

Prayers are appreciated for Maggie's comfort, for minimal side effects from this chemo, no infections, and a trip home as soon as possible. We'll keep you informed.