Anaphylaxis

We are heading to Philadelphia to CHOP this morning for Wes’ first chemo since he had a bad reaction to PEG last week. Because of a critical shortage in the alternative drug, Erwinase, the oncology team wants to try PEG again, but in a stronger cocktail of other meds to try to control the allergic reaction so he might have a chance of continuing with PEG; if this doesn’t work it’ll be a waiting game to get enough doses of Erwinase to continue chemo.

While it makes sense it’s nerve wracking – terrifying really – to be taking our fragile little Wes in to receive drugs that may well lead him into anaphylaxis. He’ll have a great team surrounding him in a world class facility, ready to treat any nasty side effects that may come, but I’m still worried that this is the least harmful path today.