Liver Enzymes

Finally got the call from CHOC telling us about Dempsey's labs from this morning. What's the word?

Liver enzymes at 1,500.

Not good.

What does that mean? Well, it means he is on "chemo hold" until labs are drawn and run next Tuesday. If his counts are still higher than 5x normal (45) then protocol dictates that they cut the dose of chemo being given. If his counts are less than 5x normal (want them at or below 175) then protocol dictates they "re-challenge" his body at full dose of 6MP (50mg M-F and 75mg S-S) and MTX (15mg weekly on Tuesdays). If he received full dose and his liver enzymes elevate like this again, then protocol dictates that they would cut the dose to 50% and titrate up until at full dose again.

Now, what does this mean for this mama? It means that I WILL be demanding the NUDT15 genetic test be done for Dempsey, even if we have to pay the $650 out of pocket for the test. This test holds answers we need because right now this issue is like Schrodinger's cat.
It also means:

• I need to juice some items for Dempsey
• Start castor oil packs (castor oil rubbed over liver, covered with a soft cloth, and resting on a heating pad of sorts) to help Dempsey's liver detox
• Increase the usage of certain essential oils
• Increase nutrients to help liver function

I would be more worried if Dempsey's bilirubin count was high but it's not, it's normal. Bilirubin presence can indicate the liver starting to fail. Increased liver enzymes mean the liver is being overworked/ taxed. The only complaint Dempsey has occasionally is a slight back ache... which isn't really his "back" but his liver reaching out to nearby nerves to signal "SOS". Now that I know his liver is being taxed, his lower back pain makes total sense. <<--HOLISTIC VIEW OF A PERSON

The call from the NP (I think she's a NP) went well. I really like her. She informed me that she was aware of the situation with the NUDT15 test and will speak to our primary ONC tomorrow. She will also check with a previous anesthesiologist about parent conferences (or something like that) where I could potentially give a lecture or share what I'm learning through this journey and applying to Dempsey. I don't know where this will lead but I don't think it was by accident that he mentioned this to me.

So, pray as before. Pray as you feel led. I'm too tired to try and list out all the different things that need prayer right now. Lord knows and the Holy Spirit is on it already. I rest in that.