A DOUBLE DELAY

After Theofanis' discharge from the hospital earlier this month, his body steadily recovered from the side effects he suffered from his last round of chemo. With every passing day, his pain subsided, his appetite grew, his energy increased, and he became stronger. He played more, laughed more, and was even caught doing his "silly" dance more than once. He hung out with friends, served in the altar twice, went to the movies and children's museum, and even practiced with his Inverness Soccer team. Theo was obviously recovering. But, on the inside, his blood counts weren't.  

Theo's treatment protocol is on a 21 day chemotherapy induction cycle.  That means that every 21 days from his first day of chemo, Theo is scheduled for his next round. For his first four cycles of chemo, Theo's body did a fantastic job of recovering. His WBC, his Platelets, his ANC were all where they needed to be, and by when.  But now, with 10 toxic doses of chemo drugs given during 17 days of induction therapy, the cumulative effects are causing delays. 

He was originally scheduled to begin cycle 5 of chemo on August 11th.  The call came in from the hospital that his Platelets were too low.  They needed to be over 75.   Chemo was postponed until the 15th.  Then, on the 15th, news came that his Platelets looked great, but his ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) was too low.  Chemo was postponed again. Theo's doctors assured Kosta and Eleni that it's not uncommon to have such delays. Being a week off from the protocol plan was not worrisome to the oncology team. But for Theo's parents, it was. So when the call came in that Theo's blood test showed he was strong enough for chemo, the family grabbed their bags (which had already been packed for a week) and headed down to Comer Children's Hospital where he finally began his 5th cycle.  

Lets pray that he is able to tolerate the severe nausea and other effects that come with this difficult round and that he leaves the hospital on Monday feeling well. 

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU, KIKI!!!

A heartfelt congratulations goes out to the Yianas' family friend, Kiki Vale, who completed the Chicago Rock and Roll Marathon on August 14th!

From Kiki's website the day before the marathon....

"I appreciate every single person who has inspired me and shown support through positivity and I am grateful to every person who sent emails to say "way to go," but mostly thank you to every single one of you who donated to Theo's Race To Cure!  Thank you for sharing your hard earned money with a person is going through intense and painful adversity -BUT THEO WILL WIN! Thank you Theofanis for being my guiding light tomorrow when I complete my first half marathon.  Theo- every step will be dedicated to your complete recovery and your return to an easy going childhood.  No child or person should have to face and endure what Theofains is experiencing with treatments.   My prayers and heart are with the Yianas family today, tomorrow and always.  Efxaristo Panayia yia teen ef-ke-ria na trexo yia ton Theo!"

Kiki completed her first ever long distance event in 2 hours and 45 minutes, and she even beat her best training time by 15 minutes! She kept a strong and steady pace, and she didn't stop or slow down to walk during the entire 13.1 miles! 

Congratulations Kiki, for obtaining your goal, never giving up, and being an inspiration to Theofanis, Eleni, Kosta, Demetra, Sophia and to us all!  Thank you for your constant support, encouragement and friendship! And, thank you to everyone who supported Kiki and donated to Theofanis' fight to win!