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mighty max's website

A Message from The Threinen Family

Greetings Superheroes!

We're back with an update on our Mighty Max. It's been a while since our last

update and there's much to share, so we'll get right to it.

Biopsy Results

Near the end of June a bone marrow biopsy was performed. The procedure involves

removing fluid from the bone marrow via an incision in his right hip. By examining the

marrow cells directly, Max's doctors can get much more accurate information about his

treatment progress. As Nicole explains it, "Bone marrow is the blood factory, so it tells more

than peripheral blood."

Initially, the results were mixed as to whether cancer cells were present. One medical professional

felt that cancer cells were still present while another felt not. Due to this mixed result, additional

review by appropriate specialists was performed. We are extremely happy to say that they confirmed

there are no signs of cancer cells present!

Despite the initial mixed results, we are cautiously optimistic that Max is winning this fight.

Transplant Match

Erring on the side of caution, Todd, Nicole and Leo were all tested for a transplant match. Leo came back as a

100% match, which doctors say is rare. Going forward, if Max's treatment plan changes to include a bone marrow

transplant, it is extremely comforting to know that he has such a viable match.

Next Steps

Presently, Max's treatment plan is to remain in Saskatoon and continue chemotherapy rounds over the next three months. MPAL treatment consists of 5 chemotherapy rounds. Each round lasts approximately 8 - 9 weeks with breaks in between to allow his immune system to rest and recover in preparation for the next round. Max is currently on his third round (more than halfway through, yay!). During all phases of his treatment, Max's hemoglobin, platelet and neutrophil levels are closely monitored and he receives transfusions to replenish them as needed. Nicole says it's been "too many pokes to count" but he continues to be the trooper we know him to be.

After these next three months, and provided nothing changes, Max will move to an oral chemotherapy regimen that provides extended treatment over 3 years. We are also hopeful they can move back home upon completion of his current treatments! However, to monitor his progress monthly trips to Saskatoon for check-ups will still be required.

A Message from Nicole, Todd, Leo & Max (in their own words)

"Please know we appreciate every single one of you that have been there for us through calls, texts, messages, donations, prayers, love, support and positive thoughts. If we don’t respond please know we read every single one. It's just hard to put things into words sometimes, but please keep sending because we truly appreciate them and it gives us a feeling of home."

And so, that ends this Mighty Max update. We plan to continue providing occasional updates as we have news to share. Thank you for your love and support throughout all of this, Superheroes.

Sincerely,

Krista & the Mighty Max Team

Today is Max's 21st day in the hospital and his 20th day of chemo treatments.

His next chemotherapy round is scheduled for March 29th.

The care team monitors him closely using a variety of tests which include

echocardiogram, x-ray, ultrasound and CT. He also has blood drawn twice a day

to keep a close eye on the chemo's progress in ridding his system of cancer cells.

Since our last update on March 14th, he has developed symptoms indicative of an

infection. In response, his care team immediately began a course of antibiotics and

he's feeling considerably better now. However, he remains at high risk of infection due

to his compromised immune system.

Additionally, his hair began falling out late last week and you can see in his latest photo that

he now sports a shaved head. However, Nicole says he's taking it all in stride. It has been hard

on the adults around him, however, because of the emotional weight this particular treatment

milestone carries.

In the face of it all, Mighty Max continues to live up to his name. He is brave. He is strong. He is mighty.

We will continue to provide occasional updates on Max

via his website, social media and the go fund me campaign page.

On Sunday, Mighty Max was transferred to the regular pediatric ward.

He continues to receive chemotherapy and received additional platelets

today to help replace any healthy cells that have been lost during the chemo

treatments. Unfortunately, chemo can't target only cancer cells and non-cancer

ones are also affected in the process. It's likely that Max will continue to need

additional blood transfusions in order to replenish his healthy cells.

On Wednesday Max will receive intrathecal chemotherapy for a second time. This

treatment requires sedation so that anticancer drugs can be injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Still, despite all the poking and prodding, Mighty Max has kept his appetite. On Monday he enjoyed a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup and finished the whole bowl! As you can see in his photo, he hasn't lost his appetite for cookies either.

We would like to reiterate how grateful we are for the outpouring of support, in all its forms. It truly helps us stay strong in the face of an unbearable situation.

Before we end this update, we would like to encourage you, dear superheroes, to consider donating blood. Your donation can make a huge difference for someone like Max and he is just one of many. If you would like to learn more about blood donation, you can visit the Canadian Blood Services website at https://www.blood.ca/en.

Tomorrow Max enters day 4 of his chemo treatments, which will likely be

the most challenging round since the treatments began. He is surrounded by

an excellent team of doctors and nurses who are very attentive and doing their

very best to help him stay comfortable.

The most pressing concern at the moment is clearing his little body of the toxins

formed by breaking down the cancer cells during the chemo process. He remains

at high risk for Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) which is a condition that occurs when a

large number of cancer cells die within a short period, releasing their contents into the blood. It's likely that he will require a transfusion soon, but with the risk factors that are present he cannot receive one currently.

Despite all of that, Max is still his sweet and stubborn self. He still has an appetite for Oreos, but just the icing, which we all know is the best part anyway. Mom, Dad and Leo are tired but holding up under such difficult circumstances. After all, Max did have to inherit his stubbornness from somewhere!

As we know more, we will be sure to share updates with all of you. Thank you for having everyone in your thoughts and prayers.