# @mercphotography on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CeKEqvMvPgu
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32662645-mercphotography-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/9bae8a90b7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-05-29T21:40:29.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** MERC (@mercphotography) — https://gondola.cc/mercphotography

## Caption

Hey everyone, we started the 2nd phase of Elias' chemo plan this last Tuesday, May 24. They will happen hopefully every 2 weeks with 3 treatments left. I say hopefully because this chemo really beats down his whole body, especially his immune system. His counts(hemoglobin, palettes, etc.) need to be at a certain level to receive the subsequent treatment. He has been very nauseous, tired, and lost his appetite for almost everything since we have been home. We hope to offset some of this by restarting his hyperbaric oxygen therapy and adding new supplements and vitamins.
 
We have been going on almost 4 weeks since Elias' amputation. It is crazy how long the days are, but the months are flying by. He has amazed us with how well he is adjusting. About 75% of the time, he is his old self, but the other 25% is terrible. His "ghost arm" has been causing him screaming body-shaking pain. This is because his brain misinterprets the information it's receiving or processes the signals as the sensation of pain, even if the amputated portion has since been removed. We have been using various nerve-blocking pain meds and mirror therapy with limited success. We have just discovered infrared treatment and will start to incorporate that into our plan in hopes that it will provide more relief. 

Also, I would like to share a sincere special thanks to Mayar Zokaei, who helped organize and put on the soccer camp fundraiser for Elias. Also, the Portland Timber Players, all the coaches who donated their time, sponsors to help make it a free camp, Danny Doovodi for playing Elias's playlist at the event, and everyone else involved. It was great to have been out there and feel all the hope and love.

Thank you again to everyone who has helped us out. Even if we thank you a million times, those thanks would never be enough for the beautiful and generous things you have done for Elias and our family. We could not imagine where we would be right now without every one of you. Thank you. We love you all. #kickit4elias

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 153
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- **Comments:** 8

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MERC | @mercphotography | https://gondola.cc/mercphotography | Photographer |

## Tags

kickit4elias

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