No More Chemo

Thanksgiving day was Emma's last dose of Mercaptopurine - 6 (6MP) and her last dose of Methyltrexate. These are oral meds she has taken since beginning maintenance.

From wikipedia:

Some of the adverse reactions of taking mercaptopurine will include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, stomach/abdominal pain, weakness, skin rash, darkening of the skin, and hair loss. Serious adverse reactions include mouth sores, fever, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on the skin, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, and painful or difficult urination. Other more serious side effects include black or tarry stools (melena), bloody stools, and bloody urine… Mercaptopurine causes myelosuppression, suppressing the production of white blood cells and red blood cells. It may be toxic to bone marrow. Weekly blood counts are recommended for patients on mercaptopurine.

And some of the highlights of Methotrexate, which Emma took weekly by mouth, except on weeks that she had it intrathecally, also from Wikipedia:

It is used in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, ectopic pregnancy, and for the induction of medical abortions. It acts by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid… Although methotrexate for autoimmune diseases is taken in lower doses than it is for cancer, side effects such as hair loss, nausea, headaches, and skin pigmentation are still common. Methotrexate can be taken orally or administered by injection (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, or intrathecal). Oral doses are usually taken weekly, not daily, to limit toxicity. Routine monitoring of the complete blood count, liver function tests, and creatinine are recommended.

We are really grateful for the benefits of these drugs, and couldn't thing of anything better than to be finished taking them for Thanksgiving.