Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 30, 1987

We woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

We left at nine thirty for Bellingham. We went there to see if we could find any Atari games. They don’t seem to have any up here.

We got there at noon and had lunch at McDonald’s. Alex got annoyed at me because I touched his fries, which were actually mine!

Marla said Toy Parade was a good toy store. We finally got there at three o’clock. They had three games we didn’t have and the salesclerk said they would be getting more in.

We started home at four o’clock. We had to pay duty and federal tax on the games. It was only $8.00 so it wasn’t too bad.

We got home at six o’clock. We watched TV and I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------- 7:50 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- -------- 7:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 29, 1987

We woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

We got ready to go to Joan’s. We got the 11:30 a.m. ferry and arrived there at 12:30 p.m.

Paul was at work.

Joan and the kids looked good. Mitch looked a bit skinny. Karen looks about the same. Paige has grown quite a bit, she’s now seven months old.

We stayed for a few hours and left to catch the four thirty ferry.

They’re adding an addition onto the house. When it’s finished it’ll be really nice.

We went to a Won Ton House for dinner then we came home.

Alex went to bed at nine o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------- 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------ 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia: December 28, 1987

We woke up at ten o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

In the afternoon we went out to the mall. We looked at the stores with the Boxing Day sales. It use to be just one day, now it seems to be extended for a week. We came home and had dinner at six o’clock.

We watched TV after dinner, Alex went to bed around nine o’clock.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:30 a.m. ------- 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------- 4:30 pm. -------

Temperature 36.52C 6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 27, 1987

We woke up at ten o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

We didn’t do too much today, we just rested. Charlie went out to the mall.

We had dinner around six o’clock. We watched TV and I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ------- 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- -------- 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 26, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I had breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.

We went out after lunch. We went to Mom and Dad’s for the mail. Then we went to Stanley Park to ride the Christmas train. Afterwards we went out for dinner then to the Chew’s.

Carrie and Robert gave Alex an outfit, Fred and Cindy gave Alex pin the tail on the donkey game.

We came home at eight o’clock.

Alex has been having more temper tantrums today.

Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. He’s been going to bed a lot better and last night he slept in his own bed.

We both were able to get a good night sleep.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 7:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------- 7:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 25, 1987

It’s Christmas Day!

I woke up at six o’clock. As usual I can’t sleep on Christmas eve.

I had a shower, got dressed and did the laundry.

Alex woke up at seven thirty. I didn’t tell Alex it was Christmas eve last night. When Alex walked into the living room he was really surprised to see that Santa had come. Alex took the stuff out of the stocking. He kept on saying WOW LOOK AT THIS! Alex said WOW look two police cars, one big and one small.

Then we opened our presents. Alex would start to open a present then he would say is this one for me. Alex got an outfit and a book (all around the town) from Grandma and Grandpa. Lanie gave him a song book and cassette set. Alain gave him my busy day by Fisher Price. Monique Chew gave him an outfit. Jolene gave him a crayon, print and marker set. Mr & Mrs Chew gave him a big car and a box of coffee crisp.

I got a sweater, a cookbook and book markers from Mom and Dad. Alex gave me two video games. Charlie gave me the Atari.

Charlie got a sweat shirt form Mom and Dad. I gave him a charger and a wireless screw driver. Alex gave him a rechargeable flash light.

After we opened our presents we had breakfast. We tided up the house as Shirley, Aaron and the kids were coming over in the afternoon.

They came at two o’clock. We exchanged presents then Alex and Brent went and played.

I put chips and dip, cheese and crackers, and my baking out.

Alex got P.J.‘s from Monique, Brent gave him Hamburger (the game).

Charlie got a jar of peanuts from Shirley. I got a perfume set from Shirley.

Alex has been very weepy today. He cried twice this morning and he had temper tantrums as well. It seems like Christmas was too much for him.

Shirley, Aaron and the kids left at six o’clock.

We were full from snacking, so we didn’t bother to have the ham Charlie got from work.

Christmas was very enjoyable. I don’t think I could of handled cooking dinner again this year.

Alex fell asleep at five o’clock and woke up at seven o’clock.

Alex and I played his new games.

We went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------- 10:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------10:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.95C 10:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 24, 1987

We woke up at nine o’clock. I had breakfast, a shower and got dressed.

Alex and I went to the mall to buy the rest of Charlie’s Christmas present.

There sure are a lot of people in the mall. We came home around two o’clock.

Alex and I played together in the afternoon. Then I started to cook dinner.

I put Alex to bed around eight o’clock. He’s still having a lot of trouble sleeping. He gets into bed with us in the middle of the night every night. At one point during the night I checked him and he wasn’t having a good sleep. He was making a few noises and his eye lids were fluttering.

I didn’t tell him it was Christmas eve as I thought he would sleep better.

I finished wrapping all the presents and I put them under the tree.

I finally got to bed after midnight.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:20 a.m. ------ 6:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 6:15 p.m.

Temperature 35.29C 9:20 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 23, 1987

Charlie is on holidays!

We woke up at nine o’clock. I got dressed and had breakfast.

I vacuumed the house cleaned all the furniture, cleaned the bathrooms and washed the floors. I finished around three o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

Charlie came home around four o’clock. He had been out all day.

We went out for dinner, then we went to the Chew’s. We exchanged Christmas presents, we only bought for the children. Laura, Andrea and I had decided it would be best to buy just for the children.

We got home around nine o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed.

I watched TV and went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------- 9:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.59C 9:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 22, 1987

We woke up at nine o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had breakfast.

In the morning I made fruit cake, spritiz cookies and shortbread with cherries inside.

We went to Shirley’s at four o’clock. We stayed for an hour and a half. Charlie asked me to buy a jacket from K-Mart.

Alex and I came home at six o’clock.

I went to the mall after I took Alex home. Charlie looked after Alex while I went out.

I met Shirley in the mall at seven thirty. Then we separated and met at Woodward’s at nine o’clock. We went to P.J.’s afterwards.

I got home around eleven thirty. I watched TV then I went to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:000 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:000 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 21, 1987

We woke up at nine o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had breakfast.

Charlie is starting holiday’s on the 23rd.

We went to the mall in the morning. We came home after lunch.

I did some more baking.

We went to Coral’s house at two o’clock and stayed until four thirty. Coral had all the kids over for a Christmas party. We exchanged gifts, it was a lot of fun. Marla and the kids were also there.

Charlie came home around four o’clock, he’s on day shift.

We had dinner around five o’clock.

I got Alex ready for bed around eight o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:000 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 5:15 p.m. ------
36.20C 9:30 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 20, 1987

We woke up around nine o’clock. We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.

In the afternoon we went to the mall.

Shirley had come over in the morning and stayed for a few hours.

We came home from the mall at four o’clock.

Laura phoned around four thirty. She said oh I’m having so much trouble with the gingerbread house. She said it won’t stick together. I asked her what kind of icing she used. She said she used butter icing. I told her you can’t use that kind for the house. I told her it should say in the magazine. She said it didn’t, then she said what do I do with the roof it broke!

I told Charlie, he said that figures.

I started to cook dinner, we ate around six o’clock.

After dinner we watched TV. Alex went to bed at nine o’clock.

I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 34.92C 9:30 a.m. 36.33C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 19, 1987

We woke up before nine o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had breakfast.

We went to Oakridge mall in the afternoon. We met Laura and Andrea at Woodward’s. Laura asked if we were coming over. She said she was making a gingerbread house. She said you’re the expert and I need your help. I asked her if she was using the kit. Laura said she was making it from scratch!

We went for dinner then we went to the Chew’s. Laura asked me to help her knead the dough. I did a little of it but it’s hard work. Laura asked if I wasn’t busy tomorrow if I could come over and help her put the gingerbread house together. I have no intention of putting someone else gingerbread house together. It may sound selfish but Laura likes to compete but doesn’t like to do whatever projects she’s competing in.

We came home around nine o’clock. I put Alex to bed around ten o’clock.

I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:45 a.m. ------ 5:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 5:30 p.m.
Prednisone 8:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 18, 1987

We woke up before nine o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had breakfast.

We went to the mall and came back around noon.

I did some more baking. I gave Marla a small tin when we saw her on Tuesday.

Alex has been having temper tantrums again. It seems to come more when he’s on prednisone. His temper has been getting worse, he’s been starting to kick us or anything that’s around.

Kurt came over in the afternoon.

Shirley dropped by around three o’clock. She stayed for an hour or so.

We went to McDonald’s for dinner then we came home.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight thirty.

I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:45 a.m. ------ 8:20 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 8:20 p.m.
Prednisone 8:45 a.m. 1:50 p.m. 8:20 p.m.

Temperature 35.70C 1:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 17, 1987

We woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had breakfast.

I did some more baking in the afternoon. I made Nanaimo Bars, Alex’s favorite. I usually have extra on hand for Alex when he isn’t feeling good. There are a few things I have found Alex needs to have, to either make him feel better or settle his stomach. He likes to have Instant hot cereal, Apple and Cinnamon flavor. He also likes the fruit cup that are in the little containers. I don’t know what they do but the cereal and the fruit cup seem to settle his stomach. I guess they are just comfort foods and he does need that after having Chemotherapy.

We had dinner at five o’clock.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactgrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:000 p.m.
Prednisone 8:00 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.69C 8:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 16, 1987

We woke up at nine o’clock. I had breakfast, a shower and got dressed.

I tided up the house and in the afternoon I did some baking. Well I iced the sugar cookies. I like to pipe the icing on the cookies. For the trees I make different colored lights, the stars I usually outline them in yellow icing, the snowmen I make their gloves, hats and buttons different colors, and the bells I outline in different colors. I find it a lot of work but they look really good in the end. I like to make the cookies the day before, otherwise I find it too much work!

We had dinner after five o’clock.

I watched TV and got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:47 a.m. ------ 7:50 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:50 p.m.
Prednisone 9:47 a.m. 2:50 p.m. 7:50 p.m.

Temperature 35.70C 9:47 a.m. 36.36C 2:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 15, 1987

We woke up at nine o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had breakfast.

We went to Marla’s for a Christmas party. Charlie stayed a few minutes and left. We had lunch then the kids played for awhile before Santa came. There were about twelve kids there, most of the kids were dressed up. They sure looked cute. Santa came at two o’clock, the kids were so excited. The look on their faces was priceless. We left at four o’clock and came home. Alex played in the snow when we got back.

We had dinner after five o’clock. Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactgrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopruine ------- ------ 8:000 p.m.
Prednisone 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.61C 9:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 14, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. It snowed last night about five or six inches. Alex was really excited. Charlie and Alex went outside to shovel the snow.

Alex came in at eleven o’clock. I made him hot chocolate and made our lunches.

I got ready to go to the hospital. We left at noon and arrived there at twelve thirty.

They were behind schedule, I guess because of the snow.

We saw Alex’s doctor at two o’clock. I told her about Alex’s sleeping habits. She said it had nothing to do with Alex having Leukemia. Dr S said it’s just a phase he’s going through. I really don’t believe it. I can see different signs which shows Alex is more insecure. He doesn’t like to sleep alone and he comes into bed every night. He doesn’t’ like going to his cooking class anymore. He doesn’t like to leave us. He’s started to hold a Kleenex and sucks his thumb a lot more. The way he holds the Kleenex is like a child holding a blanket.

Dr. S suggested we lock our door at night so he couldn’t get in. She said you have to be very hard with him. Quite different from what Dr. W said. He said we would just have to work through it slowly.

Right now I’m not going to worry about it. I don’t let him sleep in our bed when he first goes to sleep. Maybe when he feels more secure he’ll sleep in his bed all night.

I’ve also noticed that he likes to do a lot of hold and hugging. Alex takes his bear in the car with him which he didn’t do before.

The doctor sent his prescription for Chemotherapy then we waited for about half an hour.

We left at three o’clock. We got Alex’s prescription for his medicine he takes at home.

We got home at four o’clock. Charlie decided he wouldn’t go to work.

I started to cook dinner at four thirty. We ate at five thirty. After dinner I went to the mall.

When I got back I got Alex ready for bed. I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

Tests

WBC 3.1
HGB 13.3
Platelets 452 000
ANC 1,922

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ------- 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 8:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ---------- 4:30 p.m. --------
Prednisone --------- -------- 8:000 p.m.

Temperature 35.68C 11:00 a.m. 36.17C 4:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 13, 1987

I woke up ate ten o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed. Charlie made us pancakes.

We went out shopping and came home at two o’clock. We watched TV.

We went out for dinner then we went to North Vancouver to watch the carol ships. They were suppose to come at six or seven thirty but they didn’t come until almost eight thirty. I was almost frozen, we only stayed to watch for about ten minutes then we left. Alex wasn’t too interested in the boats. He wanted to play in the sand!

We looked at some more Christmas lights then we came home.

I got Alex ready for bed at ten o’clock.

I went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:50 a.m. ------- 10:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------ 10:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.28C 10:50 a.m. 35.19C 10:00 p.m.

Diagnosis Leukemia; December 12, 1987

I woke up at ten o’clock. I had breakfast and got dressed.

In the afternoon we went to the Landsdown mall. Then we went out for dinner. We drove around the city and looked at the Christmas lights. The lights are so beautiful, it’s amazing what people will do. The cost must be unbelievable, just to have them on for some many hours and for the month of December. I sure wouldn’t want their electricity bill!

We came home around seven o’clock. We watched TV and I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:45 p.m. -------- 7:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------- 7:30 p.m.

Temperature 36.28C 7:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 11, 1987

I woke up at ten o’clock. I have a cold and feel miserable.

I had a shower and got dressed. In the afternoon Kurt came over and I made sugar cookies. Kurt went home at three o’clock.

We had dinner at five o’clock. We watched TV after dinner.

I go Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at ten o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ------- 7:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- -------- 7:45 p.m.

Temperature 35.09C 11:00 a.m. 36.51C 7:45 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 10, 1987

I woke up before nine o’clock. I think I’m coming down with a cold. I took some medicine, I had a shower and got dressed.

Alex woke up at ten thirty. He looked really tired, it worried me. I thought maybe his blood count was down. By lunchtime though Alex was back to normal.

In the morning I made shortbread. Then I had lunch. After lunch I vacuumed the house.

At three thirty we went to the bank. Then we went to McDonald's, as we were leaving McDonald’s I dropped Alex’s hot chocolate. Alex made such a big deal out of it. I told him we had to go home so I could change my pants since I had chocolate down the front of them. Alex had a fit, he said I don’t want to go home I want to go to the mall. If I’m going to the mall with a brown stain down my pants!

When we got home Alex had a temper tantrum. He didn’t listen to me, I told him we were going to the mall after I got changed.

We went to the mall. I was able to get a pair of boots and they’re the last pair in my size!

We came home at seven thirty. Alex played while I watch TV. At nine o’clock I got Alex ready for bed. Before I got him ready I went to tape a show for Charlie on the VCR but it ate two tapes. I had put the one tape on the chest of drawers. I told Alex not to touch it. So of course he touched it. I tapped his hand and told him not to touch it. This made him really mad and he started to hit me, he also was swearing at me. I told him to wash his hands and go to bed.

Alex said he was sorry when he got into bed but he wouldn’t look at me.

It sure is frustrating having a fight with him. It sure ruins the night.

I watched TV and wrote in the journal. I’m going to go to bed soon, it’s eleven o’clock now.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ------- 7:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine --------- --------- 7:45 p.m.

Temperature 35.09C 11:00 a.m. 36.51C 7:45 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 9, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. Shirley phoned and asked me to do a test for her. I got ready for Aerobics. I came home at eleven thirty.

Charlie and Alex were out when I got home. I had a shower, got dressed and had my lunch.

In the afternoon I made Spritz cookies. Alex went for a nap. I woke him up at four o’clock. We had dinner at five o’clock. Alex didn’t want pork chops, as yet he hasn’t eaten pork. I don’t know why he doesn’t like it.

Alex had pizza, it may seem wrong to give him something else but it’s better to please him right now.

We watched TV and went to bed at ten thirty. Alex wanted to come to bed with me but I told him to sleep in his own bed. He finally went to sleep in his bed, but as usual he came into bed later in the night.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim ------- 1:40 p.m. 7:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:15 p.m.

Temperature ------- 35.79C 1:40 35.93C 7:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 8, 1987

I woke up at nine thirty. I had a shower and got dressed.

I played with Alex, everyday we play his car game. Each person has to pick a car for the other person and you have to close your eyes.

Alex had a nap in the afternoon. I made Dutch butter cake, it’s a recipe from Alex’s cooking class.

While Alex was still asleep I went downstairs to exercise. I started cooking dinner at five o’clock.

Shirley phone and asked if we wanted to go to P.J.’s. she came at five thirty, then we went to the restaurant. Alex was really good in the restaurant, I was really proud of him.

Afterwards we went to Woodward’s. We came home at nine thirty. Shirley left as soon as we got back.

Alex and I watched TV. We went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ----- ------ 7:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.88C 10:00 a.m. 36.06C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 7, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I got ready to go to Aerobics. I came home at 11:30 a.m. I had lunch, had a shower and got dressed. In the afternoon I made a fruit cake and cookie dough. The fruit cake I found in a brochure years ago. I like it because it isn’t so strong tasting and it’s pretty moist. I’m usually the only one who will eat it. Charlie and Alex don’t like it. I give away some to friends and they seem to appreciate it.

We had dinner after five o’clock. After dinner we went to McDonald’s. Alex had an ice cream cone. Then we went to the mall. I wanted to buy a pair of boots, but I couldn’t find anything in my size.

We came home before eight o’clock. Alex had a nap this afternoon. I wasn’t able to get him to bed until ten thirty when I went to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim ------ 11:45 p.m. 10:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ----- ----- 10:15 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 5:00 p.m. ------

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 6, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty. Alex came into bed at one o’clock this morning. I made waffles for breakfast.

Charlie went grocery shopping. After he came back I had a shower, got dressed and put the groceries away.

We had lunch and played video games. We left at 2:30 p.m. for Oakridge mall. The mall is sure busy. Afterwards we went out for dinner and to the Chew’s. Alex played with Carrie and Robert.

We came home after eight o’clock. We all watched TV. I have to get Alex ready for bed then I’ll go to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.00c 9:30 a.m. 35.69C 2:00 p.m. 36.69C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 5, 1987

I woke up at 5:30 a.m., we’re going to have breakfast with Santa.

I had a shower, got dressed, had some tea then I woke Alex up. I got Alex dressed and we left at seven o’clock. We followed Shirley and her family to Eaton’s.

We were four tables from the stage which was good. Otherwise you get picked on to go on stage. They had a lot of characters. Santa came around from table to table and we were able to get a picture of Alex with Santa. We sang songs and did the hokey pokey. It was over by ten o’clock.

We went down to Woodward’s to look at the window display.

Then we went for Dim Sum. Alex, Charlie and I went to the mall afterwards. Shirley, Aaron, Brent and Monique went home, they said they would come over at four o’clock.

We got home before three o’clock. Charlie and I were really tired from today. I’m not use to getting up that early.

Shirley phoned and said Aaron and the kids should be over shortly. She was working at the telethon.

They got here at four thirty and left after six o’clock.

After they left we had dinner. I watched TV until eight thirty then I went to bed.

Charlie put Alex to bed sometime around ten o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim ------ 3:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:15 p.m.

Temperature 34.80C 3:15 p.m. 35.98C 8:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 4, 1987

I woke up at ten o’clock. Alex woke up at 11:30 last night. He said he heard the dishwasher. Alex seems to hear every little noise.

I went to Aerobics this morning and went shopping afterwards. I got home at 12:30 p.m. I had lunch then I washed my car. I had a shower and got dressed.

Alex and I played games then around four thirty we went to Wendy’s for dinner. After dinner we went to the mall.

We came home before eight o’clock. We watched a Christmas show on TV. I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock.

I watched TV, tided up the house, did the dishes and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 8:25 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:25 p.m.

Temperature 35.79 4:00 p.m. 36.21C 8:25 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 3, 1987

I woke up at ten o’clock, I felt like I had hardly slept at all. Charlie didn’t believe I had gotten to sleep until three a.m.!

I got dressed and had an early lunch. I also made Alex lunch.

I polished all the furniture in the house, cleaned the window sills and the banister. I had a shower and got dressed.

We left at 2:50 p.m. to go see Dr. W. I had a really good talk with him. Dr. W said Alex’s sleeping habits are related to everything that’s happened to Alex in the last year or so. He said basically we would have to work through it. He also explained about Alex’s blood count. It was really nice to talk to the doctor and have him talk to me as a person. Not like at the hospital I feel like I am wasting their time.

We went to Toy City afterwards then we came home.

We had dinner at five thirty. After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.


We watched TV and I wrote in the journal. Alex fell asleep and I had to wake him up for his medicine. This made him cranky but he went back to sleep shortly afterwards.

I wrote in the journal until 11:20 p.m. I’m going to tidy up the house, do the dishes then go to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ----- 8:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:45 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 2, 1987

I woke up at nine thirty. I got ready for the exercise class and came home at eleven thirty.

Charlie said Marla phoned, she invited Alex and I to a Christmas party. I had lunch, had a shower and got dressed.

Alex and I went to his class but the teacher didn’t show up. They gave us a refund for the two remaining classes.

We came home, I did some work around the house. Alex asked if we could go to the mall. We came home at four thirty and I started to cook dinner.

We watched TV after dinner. I caught up in the writing of the journal.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. He actually wanted to go to bed.

I watched TV and wrote some more in the journal.

Marla phone and we talked for over an hour. It felt really good to talk to her.

Alex woke up at ten o’clock. He was wide awake. Alex went to bed with me at eleven o’clock.

When Charlie came to bed he told me to put Alex into his own bed. Ten minutes after I did that Alex was awake, he wanted to play in the spare room.

I was up until three o’clock with Alex. I went back to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ----- 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:00 p.m.

Temperature ------- 36.30 5:00 p.m. 35.79C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; December 1, 1987

I woke up around ten o’clock. Alex kept me up quite late last night. I guess he wasn’t very tired since he had a nap.

I got dressed then I vacuumed the house. I made lunch for Alex and myself. I cleaned the bathrooms and washed the floors.

Charlie came back from K-Mart he bought my Christmas present. He gave it to me since I already knew what it is. I wanted an Atari, so I could play games with Alex. I’m hoping to get some games that teach Alex something.

Alex went to sleep around two o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed. I started cooking dinner at four o’clock. I woke Alex up and we at five thirty.

After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I phoned Marla to see how they’re doing. I hadn’t heard from her since they moved. The babysitter answered, she said that Marla was working. That sure was a shock.

I watched TV and went to bed at eleven. Alex didn’t go to sleep at eight he wasn’t tired. He went to bed with me.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ------ 8:15 p.m.

Temperature 36.18 10:30 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 30, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I got ready to go to the exercise class. I came home from my class at 11:30 p.m. I had lunch, had a shower and got dressed.

Alex and I went to K-Mart, we bought clothes for Alex. Alex said he was tired and wanted to come home. Alex asked me to make his dinner, he ate dinner then he fell asleep.

I had dinner at five o’clock. While Alex was asleep I made butter tarts. It’s such an easy recipe and Aaron said I make the best butter tarts! What a nice compliment!

Alex and I watched TV when he woke up.

We went to bed around eleven o’clock.

Alex has been having trouble sleeping in his bed. He sleeps better when I hold him. He holds my arm really tight.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:20 a.m. ------ 9:40 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:40 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 3:30 p.m. ------

Temperature 36.59C 9:20 a.m. 36.45C 3:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 29, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock. I made waffles for breakfast. We went to Mom and Dad’s to get their mail and to rake the leaves. We got about three bags, the orange garbage bags.

We went to McDonalds for lunch, then we came home.

I put the roast in the oven at 2:30 p.m. then I went to the mall. Alex and Charlie stayed home.

I came home at four o’clock.. I finished cooking dinner, I roasted the potatoes and made gravy. We ate before six o’clock. After dinner we watched TV. I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:30 a.m. ----- 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ----- ----- 6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 28, 1987

Alex and I woke up at ten o’clock. I made Alex breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.

We left to go to downtown at eleven o’clock, to see the parade. It’s was really good, it was a bit cold. My feet felt like they were frozen.

After the parade we went to the Pacific Centre mall. Charlie went to get his hair permed. Alex and I went shopping in the mall. We met Charlie at the hair place at five thirty.

We went out for dinner, then we came home. I felt terrible when we came home, I was sick to my stomach. I went to bed early.

Alex came to bed with me.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:20 a.m. ------ 9:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.47C 9:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 27, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I got ready to go to my exercise class. I came home at 11:30 p.m. I had my lunch then I had a shower and got dressed.

I phoned Shirley to see if they were going to the Grey Cup Parade. They weren’t but she asked if we wanted to meet Brent, Aaron and Monique at McDonalds. Then at seven thirty pick her up at the sky train station.

First Alex and I went to the bank, K-Mart then we went to McDonalds. We met Aaron and the kids, we all had dinner then Brent came home with us.

We left at seven thirty to pick up Shirley then we came home. We watched a video we had rented.

Alex and Brent played really well together. They didn’t fight which is really nice to see.

We drove Shirley and Brent home then we came home.

Alex said he was still hungry. I got him something to eat. Alex helped me put away the toys.

Charlie came home while we were putting the stuff away.

Alex stayed up with Charlie while I went to bed. They went to bed around one o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 12:00 p.m. ------ 9:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.62C 12:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 26, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

We went to the mall and had lunch there. I love seeing the mall decorated at Christmas. Santa looks so good sitting in his castle. Mrs. Claus was escorting the children up to see Santa. We came home around one o’clock.

Alex and I played games in the afternoon. He seems to need my attention all the time, he’s not one to play by himself much.

We had dinner around five o’clock. After dinner we went downstairs and exercised. Well I exercised and Alex rode his bike.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 1:45 p.m. ------- 8:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 8:15 p.m.

Temperature 36.88 8:15 p.m.

Diagnosis Leukemia; November 25, 1987

I woke up before nine o’clock. I got ready to go to my exercise class. I got home after the class at 11:30 a.m. I had lunch then I had a shower and got dressed.

I told Alex we had to get ready for his cooking class. He said last night that he wanted to go, but now he said he wouldn’t go. I told him I would buy him a car if he went. He finally agreed and said he would go.

I took Alex to his class and he didn’t complain at all. I went to consumers, it took an hour to get the stuff I wanted. Then I went to pick Alex up. They were having a tea party. The teacher gave us tea and the kids served us butter cake they had made. They also made fruit salad.

We went to the mall since I promised Alex a car. After we got home I started to cook dinner. We ate at five o’clock.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed a eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.30C 9:00 a.m. ------- 36.70C

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 24, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

I tried the cookie gun last night. It works really well. I made Spritz cookies, they are similar in taste to Shortbread. It sure saves a lot of time. I just put the dough in the cylinder, choose a design plate, press the trigger and out comes the cookie shape! In no time at all I have a dozen cookies to go into the oven!

We didn’t do much, Alex wanted me to play cars with him.

We had dinner at five o’clock. After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:15 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.08C 8:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 23, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I got dressed and got ready. Kurt came over while Nora went shopping. Alex and Kurt played quite well together, they didn’t fight too much. Nora came to get Kurt just after twelve o’clock.

We didn’t do much in the afternoon. We Played with Alex’s cars.

We had dinner at five o’clock. After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 4:30 p.m. -------

Temperature 36.59C 10:00 a.m. 35.85C 4:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 22, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty. I had a shower and got dressed.

I picked Shirley and Monique up and went to McDonald’s. Alex was really excited. Ronald McDonald was coming for the grand opening. Brent and Aaron came after Church.

After McDonald’s Shirley, Brent, Alex and I went back to our house. They stayed for a few hours, Aaron and Monique came to pick them up.

Charlie went out and got dinner. They ate around five thirty, I ate later.

Alex went to bed around nine o’clock. I watched TV then went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.07C 9:00 a.m. ------ 36.55C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 21, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

We went out shopping to Coquitlam Centre and had lunch out. We came home, Charlie and Alex watched TV while I tided up.

We went out for dinner to Shanghai Restaurant, then we went to the Chew’s. Alex played with Carrie and Robert. He seems to get along better with Carrie. Robert never wants to share any of his toys with Alex. We came home around nine o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed.

I watched TV and did my knitting. I went to bed around midnight.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:40 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercapotopurine ------ ------ 7:00 p.m.
Prednisone 9:40 a.m. ------ ------

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 20, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

The doctor asked me to fast before having my blood test. I had done this last night. We went to the doctor’s office for my blood test. Alex wanted to watch. Alex didn’t see the needle go in. I told him, look the blood is coming out. Alex’s eyes got really big. He said doesn’t it hurt, I told him just a little bit. He stared blowing for me!

We went to the mall afterwards then we came home.

We had dinner at five o’clock. After dinner we went to rent a movie and came home.

Shirley phoned and asked if we wanted to meet them at McDonald’s. We met them then we came back to our house. Brent and Alex played while Shirley, Charlie and I watched the movie.

They left around eleven o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed, he was really mad he didn’t want to go to bed. He had a temper tantrum, I finally got him to bed. I went to bed around eleven thirty.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:30 a.m. ------ 7:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:45 p.m.
Prednisone 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m.

Temperature 36.06C 1:30 p.m. 35.79C 7:45 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 19, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed.

Charlie wanted to go for Dim Sum, we left around ten o’clock. It’s always so crowded in the restaurant for Dim Sum. The noise is unbelievable, I find it rather intimidating. We came home around one o’clock.

I left at one thirty, I dropped Alex off at Nora’s and went to the doctor’s. Dr. W said I was in pretty good health. There are days were I feel totally drained, I’m tired a lot and I do seem to get sick more often. Dr. W said that's normal considering the year I've had.


I went shopping after the doctor’s. The doctor told me I should have an afternoon off.

I got Alex around four o’clock. We went to McDonald’s for dinner and went to the mall afterwards.

Alex went to bed around eight o’clock. I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 6:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:15 p.m.
Prednisone 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m.

Temperature 26.12C 1:00 p.m. 35.87C 6:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 18, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I had breakfast showered and got dressed. I tided up the house then we went to the Bay to get Alex’s pictures. They’re really good, they have a special on for $24.95, otherwise it would cost about $100. We bought the package as well as two more 5X7’s.

Afterwards we drove Alex to his cooking class. When we got there Alex said he didn’t want to go. We took him inside but there was no way he would stay.

We came home and I felt totally frustrated, I just don’t know why Alex doesn’t want to go.

We didn’t do much the rest of the afternoon. We had dinner at five o’clock. Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:15 a.m. ------ 7:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:30 p.m.
Prednisone 9:15 a.m. 3:50 p.m. 8:45 p.m.

Temperature 35.73C 3:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 17, 1987

I slept in until ten o’clock, I just didn’t seem to be able to get going.

Charlie went to get his car fixed this morning.. I cleaned up the house and then we went outside. I planted the bulbs in the front and back, cleaned up the garden for winter.

We came in the house at three o’clock. I played with Alex for awhile then I started dinner. We ate at five o’clock.

Alex has been very irritable since yesterday. This seems to be pretty normal every time he goes to the hospital and once he starts on prednisone.

We watched TV and Alex went to bed around nine o’clock.

I went to be at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 12:00 p.m. ------ 6:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:30 p.m.
Prednisone 8:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 7:40 p.m.

Temperature 36.25C 12:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 16, 1987

I slept in Alex’s bed last night. I woke up at 7:30 a.m., I had over slept. We have to be at the hospital at 8:45 a.m. I woke Charlie and Alex up. We were half an hour late.

We didn’t have to wait as much this time but the doctor sure was rude.

I told her about Alex’s arm, after she had examined him. She said why didn’t you tell me in the beginning well bring him off the table and take off his shirt. I felt like saying what’s your problem, it’s only the beginning of the week.

Then when Alex had his bone marrow they put in a clear fluid. It looked like Methotrexiate and I asked if it was. Dr S said we never put it in a bone marrow. Her tone of voice was really uncalled for. Krisann looked quite shocked, she said that’s the freezing for the bone marrow.

When we went for Alex’s I.V. push, Alex decided he didn’t want it. Alex fought a lot. I had to hold Alex’s arm while Lenore put the needle in.

We left the hospital around one o’clock, we went to the post office to get a registered letter for Dad. We went to McDonald’s for lunch and then we went home.

When we got home Kurt and Nora were just coming home. Alex asked if Kurt could come over. I also asked Nora if she could look after Alex when I went to the doctors on Thursday. She said she could and Kurt came over to play.

Kurt left around three o’clock. I cleaned up the house and started to cook dinner. We ate dinner at five o’clock and then we went downstairs to exercise.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight thirty.

I watched TV and went to bed. I was totally exhausted from today.

Tests

WBC 2.4
HGB 13.4
Platelets 400
ANC 1968

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 6:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------- 5:30 p.m. --------

Temperature 36.11C 6:30 p.m. 36.22C 6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 15, 1987

We had to wake up early as Aaron is coming to pick Brent up. I woke up Brent at eight o’clock. Alex was already awake. He slept in his bed all night, which he hasn’t for a couple of months.

I made them breakfast and got Brent to get dressed.

Aaron came at nine thirty. Shirley phoned and asked me if I would like to go to the mall with her.

We went around two o’clock and came home around four o’clock. Shirley asked us if she could join us for dinner, which was great by me.

After dinner we came home, Shirley stayed for awhile then she went home.

I watched TV and went to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.43C 8:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 14, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. Charlie was working overtime.

Alex and I went to see Santa Clause fly into Coquitlam Centre by helicopter we arrived about fifteen minutes early, there was quite a few people there already. Alex was really excited when Santa got out of the helicopter. We went into the mall and Santa came in on a train. Before the train there was a band playing.

We shopped around for awhile and came home around one thirty.

Shirley phoned at two o’clock. Aaron dropped Shirley and Brent off. We went to P.J.’s and came home after four o’clock. We dropped Shirley off at her house, then we went out for dinner.

Brent stayed over night. Alex and Brent got along really well, they didn’t fight. I had to separate them when they went to bed. Alex kept on talking it was ten o’clock before they were asleep.

I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------- 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopuine ------ ------- 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.14C 4:30 p.m. 36.39C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 13, 1987

I woke up around eight thirty. I didn’t want to go out today. I didn’t do much today, cleaned up the house and played with Alex.

Alex wanted to go out, so we went to McDonald's and then to the mall. We didn’t stay in the mall very long. Once Alex had gotten a toy car he wanted to go home and he made it very difficult for me. We came home.

We watched TV. , then I got Alex ready for bed around eight o’clock.

I wrote in the journal, watched TV and went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:50 a.m. ------ 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 5:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.33C 8:50 a.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 12, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty. Alex wanted me to play with him right way. I told him I was going to have breakfast first. This made him really mad.

We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.

We went to see Dr. W. , he said he was very pleased with Alex’s condition. He said Alex seems to be doing really well. Dr. W has been very supportive, we are very lucky to have such a good family doctor.

We went to Dairy Queen after the doctors for lunch and came home.

I watched TV and at three o’clock Alex asked to have his dinner. I heated up some leftovers for him. I had dinner at five o’clock.

It’s almost six thirty, I’ll probably watch TV and do some knitting after I get Alex into bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------- 6:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------- 6:30 p.m.

Temperature 36.38C 9:00 a.m. 35.79C 6:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 11, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty. It’s Remembrance Day today, so it’s a holiday.

Lucy phoned and asked us to meet them for dinner in Richmond.

We went to the mall before lunch, we came home at two o’clock.

We watched a video on TV, then we got ready. We left at 5:45 p.m., we had dinner at Gala in Richmond. The food wasn’t very good. Lucy and Shirley usually pick the restaurant. I think next time we should pick it. Maybe they have different tastes.

We came home after dinner, we got home just after nine o’clock. I read for awhile then I got Alex ready for bed. Alex didn’t want to sleep in his bed, he came into bed with me. Charlie slept in Alex’s bed.

We all were in bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:000 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.58C 9:00 a.m. 35.58C 4:30 p.m. 34.96C 8:00 0.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 10, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock, I had a shower got dressed and had breakfast.

I felt a lot better today. I don’t feel so run down.

We went to the bank to pay my credit card bill. Alex wanted to go buy a toy car, so we went to the mall. It’s starting to get busy in the mall. A few more weeks and the crowds will start. I’ll have to make sure I get most of my Christmas shopping done before that. It’s so hard moving a stroller through the crowds.

We came home at four o’clock. Alex played, while I started to make dinner at five o’clock.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.79C 4:00 p.m. 34.44C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 9, 1987

I woke up at ten thirty. I must have been really tired, I don’t feel too energetic. I had breakfast, had a shower, and got dressed.

I didn’t do much today, I just didn’t feel like it. I played with Alex and we watched TV.

We had dinner at five o’clock.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight thirty. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:45 a.m. ------ 6:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 6:30 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 2:30 p.m. --------

Temperature 34.07C 11:45 a.m. 34.86C 6:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 8, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.

Charlie and Alex went grocery shopping. I tided up the house while they were gone.

We went downtown to Pacific Centre mall in the afternoon. Charlie and Alex had lunch in the food court while I wandered around the stores. I could shop for hours while they would rather not be there!

We went to Shanghai for dinner, then we came home. We usually have hot and sour soup, their chicken is so good too.

We watched TV, I went to bed after ten o’clock. I didn’t get much sleep last night as I had an upset stomach.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:15 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.93C 10:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 7, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I made Alex and myself breakfast then I had a shower.

We went to Lansdowne mall in the afternoon, it’s such a confusing mall. There is a circle within a circle. If you take a wrong turn it takes forever to find your way back! We went out for dinner, I so enjoy not having to cook or figure out what we should have. We went to the Chew’s after dinner. Robert and Alex never seem to get a long too well. Robert just doesn’t usually want to share any toys with Alex.

We came home at ten o’clock. Alex fell asleep on the way home. I carried him upstairs and got him ready for bed. We went to bed around eleven o’clock. My stomach feels funny I sure hope I can sleep.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:45 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.25C 10:45 a.m. 35.19C 6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 6, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock. I made Alex breakfast then I got ready to go to my exercise class.

I came home at eleven thirty. We had lunch and after lunch I polished the furniture. I had a shower got dressed and got ready to go out.

Alex and I went to McDonald’s and the mall. Alex wanted to go to the toy store but after he got his car he told me he wanted to go home. He made it really difficult for me to look at anything.

At a shore store Alex threw his car along the chair. I took the car from him and we went home.

When we got home I got Alex ready for bed right away. I told him I would give him his car back if he brushed his teeth and didn’t complain. Alex asked me to read him a story but I told him no. I won’t read him a story when he acts so badly in the store.

Alex was in bed by eight o’clock. I watched tv and wrote in the journal.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:15 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.64C 9:15 a.m. 35.09C 4:00 p.m. 35.95C 6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 5, 1987

I woke up before nine o’clock. I made Alex and myself breakfast. I got dressed and made shortbread.

We had lunch and after lunch I planned to clean the furniture but Alex wanted me to play with him.

Then while I was in the bathroom the doorbell rang. Charlie, Alex and Kelly went to the door, Alex tripped. He said his arm hurt but it looked okay. For the rest of the afternoon I had to sit with him.

This week Alex seems to need a lot of attention. I don’t think he’s been feeling all that well.

We had dinner around five o’clock but Alex didn’t eat that much. After dinner we went downstairs to exercise. Alex ran around a lot, his arm seemed to be okay. He seems to crave sympathy.

I got Alex read y for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 6:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:30 p.m.

Temperature 35.09C 4:00 p.m. 35.40C 6:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 4, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock, made breakfast for Alex and got ready for my exercise class. I left at ten o’clock and came home at eleven thirty. I had a shower, got dressed, got Alex dressed and had lunch.

Alex and I left for his class then I came home.

Charlie, Kelly and I went for a walk. After we came home I changed the sheets on our bed. Then it was time to get Alex.

Alex wanted to go to the mall. We came home at four o’clock.

I started making dinner but Alex didn’t eat anything. He threw up this morning, he doesn’t seem to be feeling too good this week.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed after ten o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:50 a.m. ------- 5:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 5:30 p.m.


Temperature 35.95C ------- 36.07C 5:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 3, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock to hear Alex throwing up in the bathroom.

We sat and watched TV, I had breakfast and got dressed.

We went out for lunch and got a part for the mixer.

We came home before one o’clock. Alex painted downstairs for awhile. I vacuumed the house, cleaned the bathrooms and cleaned the floors. Then I had a shower, got dressed and started dinner. Alex was asleep, he fell asleep after three o’clock.

I had dinner at five o’clock,, I let Alex sleep. Alex woke up at five thirty, he had dinner after six o’clock.

After six thirty we went downstairs to exercise. We came upstairs and watched TV.

I wrote in the journal for about an hour and a half.

I’ll probably go to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercapotpurine ------ ------ 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.96C 9:00 a.m. 35.79C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 2, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock, got dressed and ready to go to the exercise class. After the class I came home, had a shower and got dressed.

After lunch Alex went to Kurt’s house. I cleaned up the house then I went shopping. I picked Alex up at four o’clock. We had dinner at five o’clock. Alex didn’t want the ribs I was having, he wanted the leftover roast beef.

Alex fell asleep sometime around six thirty. I had to wake him up for his medicine which made him really cranky.

Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I watched TV, read for awhile and went to bed around midnight.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:50 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercapotpurine ----- ------ 7:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 4:30 p.m. -------

Temperature 35.99C 9:50 a.m. 36.37C 4:30 p.m. 36.09C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 1, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty. I made breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.

After lunch we went to the market in North Vancouver, looked at some houses on the way to Deep Cove. For sale by a company which was the builder of our old house, then we went for dinner. After dinner we went grocery shopping and came home.

We all watched TV then I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock.

I cleaned up the house then I went to bed around midnight.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrom 9:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.51C 9:00 a.m. 35.91C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis Leukemia; October 31, 1987

I woke up around eight o’clock. I made breakfast and got dressed.

Charlie had to work overtime today.

Alex and I carved the pumpkin this afternoon. While I cleaned up the house Alex played with his cars.

Alex had a nap at three o’clock. I started cooking dinner, Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five o’clock.

The kids started coming at five thirty. Alex and I got ready to go, Nora phone and asked if she and Kurt could join us. We went out at six o’clock. We went down Westlake, part of Lost Lake then to Goldstream and home. We came home around seven thirty. Nora invited us over for the neighbour’s fireworks. She said six of them chipped in together.

I talked to Allison most of the time. She lives next to Nora, they had a baby girl in September. I thought she knew about Alex having Leukemia but she didn’t. I felt badly I had brought it up. We had talked about some kids getting sick and others being so healthy.

We came home at nine o’clock.

Before going to see the fireworks, we lit the sparklers that Mom had given Alex. Alex burnt his fingers on one, he said he wanted to touch the light.

Alex had some of the goodies when we came back. He fell asleep around eleven o’clock in our bed. I put him into his own bed.

I went to bed as well.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 9:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:30 p.m.

Temperature 35.38C 9:00 a.m. 35.38C 9:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 30, 1987

I woke up around nine thirty. I was going to go to the exercise class but I was too sore. I wanted to be able to take Alex out tomorrow on Halloween.

We went to the bank and then to the mall. Alex and Charlie had lunch while I wandered through the mall. We came home before noon and I had lunch. Kurt came over before one o’clock.

Alex and Kurt had a fight. They were about to punch each other out. Alex was upset because he didn’t want Kurt to do something. Alex started to cry and finally told me what happened. Kurt went home around three thirty.

Alex and I went out for dinner then to the mall. Alex sure loves to go out. We came home around eight o’clock.

Alex went to bed at nine o’clock.

I watched TV and went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim ------ 12:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 8:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.18C 12:45 p.m. 36.38C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 29, 1987

I woke up around nine o’clock. I made breakfast had a shower and got dressed

We went to the mall and came home for lunch. After lunch Alex and I played games most of the afternoon.

We had dinner after five o’clock. Alex had another temper tantrum, he didn’t want to eat what I had cooked. I told him if he didn’t eat it there would be no snack. He wouldn’t eat any of it.

I got him ready for bed around eight o’clock. Alex wanted a snack but I told him no.

I watched TV and went to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Temperature ------ 35.38C 1:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 28, 1987

I woke up around nine o’clock. I got ready to go to the Dyna Fit class. I came home at eleven thirty. Charlie and Alex were out. I had a shower and got dressed.

I took Alex to his class and came home. I vacuumed the house, put away Alex’s toys and tided up the house. I went and got Alex, we came home afterwards.

Kurt invited Alex over to play. He came home around five o’clock.

We had dinner after five o’clock. We had a big fight over dinner. Alex wanted to pick his own food. He had a temper tantrum, he finally had dinner.

I got Alex ready for bed around eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------- 6:50 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 6:50 p.m.

Temperature 35.47C 9:00 p.m. 36.46C 6:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 27, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock and had my breakfast. Then I had a shower and got dressed.

We went to the Bay to have Alex’s portrait taken. We came home and had lunch. Alex didn’t want me to have lunch, he wanted me to play with him first. I told him after lunch I would. He was really mad and threw on of his small cars. I put it away and he started to cry.

After lunch I played with Alex for a couple of hours.

We had dinner at five o’clock. Alex told me he wouldn’t eat it. I told him he couldn’t have a snack. He made a big deal about it. He ended up having another temper tantrum.

After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.

I got Alex ready for bed at 7:30 p.m. I did the dishes and helped Alex put away his toys. He was in bed by eight o’clock.

I watched TV and wrote in the journal for an hour.

I’ll probably go to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 7:30 p.m.
Mercapotpurine ------ ------ 7:30 p.m.

Temperature 35.06C 1:00 p.m. 35.28C 7:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 26, 1987

At eight o’clock Alex yelled from his room. Charlie was already up so I asked him to check on him. I went back to sleep and got up at nine thirty.

Alex had also gone back to bed and he woke up before ten o’clock. He’s in a much better mood after having more sleep.

We had breakfast, I had a shower and got dressed. Alex wanted to go to Toy City, we went at eleven o’clock.

We came home and had lunch. After lunch we took Kelly for a walk. We watched TV and played with Alex’s cars in the afternoon.

We had dinner at five o’clock. After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.

I got Alex ready for bed at 7:30 p.m.

I watched TV and did my knitting I went to bed at eleven o’clock. Alex had woken up at 10 15 p.m. and went to bed with me. When Charlie came home he went and watched TV with Charlie.

Alex woke me up after one o’clock, he was chattering away. He definitely wasn’t tired!

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:50 a.m. ------ 7:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:15 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 2:30 p.m. -------

Temperature 37.48C 9:50 a.m. 36.68C 2:30 p.m. 36.98C 7:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 25, 1987

Alex woke me up at eight o’clock, he wanted his breakfast. I made him breakfast and clean up the kitchen. I made our beds and did our laundry.

I forgot that the time was put back one hour last night. I though I had gotten up at eight but I had gotten up at seven o’clock. That’s early for me on a Sunday!

We went out for the afternoon and had dinner out. We came home at six o’clock. I did the dishes and got Alex ready for bed at 7:30 p.m.

I watched TV and wrote in the journal for about an hour. I probably will go to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 24, 1987

I woke up before nine o’clock, I made our breakfast. Then I had a shower and got dressed.

We went to the bank and then to the mall. I bought some bonds and returned something at the mall. We had lunch in the mall and came home.

Charlie wanted to get his hair cut. We left at one o’clock. Afterwards we went out for dinner then we went to the Chew’s. Alex was mad when we left the Chew’s, he wanted to stay longer.

On the way home Alex fell asleep but when we got home Alex woke up. He kept on saying I don’t want to go home. I finally got him to bed at ten o’clock.

I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:000 a.m. ----- 7:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ----- ------ 7:30 p.m.
Prednisone 9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Temperature 35.29C 9:00 a.m. 36.05C 1:30 p.m. 35.39C 7:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 23, 1987

Alex woke me up at eight o’clock,, he wanted his breakfast. We had breakfast then I started to clean the kitchen. I cleaned the door of the oven then I put it on self-clean. I cleaned the counter tops and everything on them. It took a couple of hours, I also cleaned the fridge.

Charlie and Alex went out to get lunch. I had a shower and got dressed.

After lunch Alex asked if Kurt could come over. He came over at one thirty and stayed until three thirty. They had made a mess in Alex’s room, I asked them to clean it up. Kurt would have but Alex said he couldn’t do it. He had one of his temper tantrums. He screamed and yelled for about 30 minutes. I told him he had to stay in our room until he had calmed down.

Alex was fine after he calmed down, he apologized and continued playing with Kurt.

We went out for dinner then we went to the mall. We came home around seven o’clock.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 7:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:30 p.m.
Prednisone 8:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Temperature 35.39C 8:00 a.m. 36.05C 1:30 p.m. 35.39C 7:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 22, 1987

Alex woke me up at eight o’clock, he wanted his breakfast. I made our breakfast then I cleaned the bathrooms and the floors. I had a shower, got dress and did the dishes.

We went out for lunch and to the mall then we came home.

I gave Alex his medicine and a snack then he went to bed.

I wrote in the journal for half an hour. I did my knitting while Alex had his nap. Alex woke up at four o’clock. We had dinner at five o’clock after dinner we went downstairs to exercise. I put away the laundry then we watched TV.

I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock. I watched TV and wrote in the journal. I’m going to go to bed soon.

No tests


Medicine.

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 7:50 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:50 p.m.
Prednisone 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:50 p.m.

Temperature 35.97C 2:00 p.m. 35.25C 7:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 21, 1987

I woke up at nine o’clock, Alex slept in our bed last night. Charlie went into Alex’s bed.

I made Alex his breakfast and gave him his medicine. Then I made bran muffins, cleaned up the kitchen, had a shower and got dressed.

We went to Hutch at eleven o’clock. Alex was hard to control in the store. We came home, I made Alex his lunch then I took Alex to this class and came home.

I had my lunch and cleaned up the kitchen. I went and picked Alex up then we went to the mall. We came home around four o’clock. We had dinner at five o’clock. After diner we went downstairs and exercised, I also cleaned the basement.

I got Alex read for bed after seven o’clock. He said he was tired and wanted to go to bed.

I wrote in the journal and watched TV. It’s 8:30 p.m. I’m going to do my knitting. I’ll go to bed around eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:000 a.m. ------ 7:25 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:25 P.m.
Prednisone 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 7:25 p.m.

Temperature 35.37C 2:30 p.m. 35.67C 7:25 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 20, 1987

Alex woke up at one o’clock, Charlie went to check on him. Alex screamed I don’t want you I want Mama. Charlie told him to be quiet that I was asleep. Alex came into bed with us.

I woke up at eight o’clock. I gave Alex his medicine which he complained about. I had my breakfast, a shower and got dressed. I tided up the house and vacuumed the house.

Charlie and Alex went outside to wash the car.

After lunch we went for a walk. Alex was mad at me, I hadn’t done anything but he sure thought I had. I told him I didn’t want to go with them. Alex cried for about ten minutes. He kept on telling Charlie I was bad. Charlie said so, what do you want me to do. After ten minutes he calmed down and asked me if I would go with them. Halfway on our walk Alex said he couldn’t walk any more. Charlie carried him the rest of the way home.

Alex fell asleep on the sofa at two o’clock and slept until three thirty. While he was sleeping I did the dishes and went outside to do the gardening.

We went to Toy City and came home at four thirty. Alex played while I started dinner. We ate dinner at five o’clock.

After dinner we went downstairs to exercise. I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock.

I watched TV and wrote in the journal. It’s eleven o’clock I’m going to go to bed soon.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:20 a.m. ------ 7:50 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:50 p.m.
Prednisone 8:20 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 6:50 p.m.

Temperature 35.70C 8:20 a.m. ------ 36.77C 7:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 19, 1987

We all got up at seven o’clock. We have to be at the hospital at nine o’clock. I had a shower, got dressed and had my breakfast.

Charlie got Alex his breakfast while I was in the shower.

We left at 8:15 a.m. for the hospital and got there at nine o’clock. After fifteen minutes Alex had his blood taken. I asked Heather if Alex was going to have a sedative. Dr S said she had wanted Alex to have a sedative when he had a LP as he fights during most of the time. Heather said nothing had been ordered and Dr. S is on holidays. Heather asked the relieving doctor and he asked us to come into one of the rooms.

The doctor said he would give Alex a sedative. He checked Alex’s heart, breathing, blood pressure, reflexes and ears.

After that we waited until ten thirty when a nurse gave a Alex a sedative. It didn’t seem to have any effect at all on Alex. Just before twelve o’clock Alex had his LP. He screamed and yelled throughout most of it. The problem was that the nurse had to hold Alex tight which he can’t stand. He finally calmed down the last ten minutes or so.

This time they didn’t have any prizes in the treasure box.

When we went out into the waiting room, Alex was pretty upset. The nurse took the pillow away which really bothered him. Alex cried and cried, it was really difficult to make him happy.

At one o’clock Alex had his I.V. push of Vincristine. Alex was really good, he just moved a little bit and he didn’t cry at all. He said that it hurt, but Vincristine stings when it goes in. We went back to the waiting room.

I asked Lorraine if I could have Alex’s appointment slip. She said there’s nothing on it, I’ll have to find out what he’s coming in for next. A couple minutes later Lorraine left for lunch. I couldn’t believe it, she sure is something else. She never lets you know right away like the other nurses. I asked Heather after Lorraine had left and she filled it in.

When we went to get our next appointment Joan wasn’t there. The women that was taking over said oh you want an appointment. Then she said four weeks that’ll be let see December, January, February, some time in February. I thought what is she talking about, I said it’s for four weeks. She said oh yes that’s in November, how about November 20th that’s on a Thursday. Then I said but it’s for four weeks. It told her I wanted an afternoon appointment. She said why, you came in the morning today why can’t you come in the morning. I told her we came in this morning because Alex had an LP. She said I can’t give you an afternoon appointment. I’m just not sure how the appointments work. I’ll have the other girl give you a call.

We left and I thought I don’t believe this. Charlie said they overbooked this morning. It sure is frustrating waiting around. That’s what really bothers me.

Alex fell asleep on the way home. He woke up when we got home. For the rest of the afternoon he was really cranky, there was no pleasing him.

We had dinner at five o’clock. After dinner we watched TV. Alex was pretty upset, he cried at almost anything.

I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed after ten o’clock.

Tests

WBC 2.8
HGB 13.4
Platelets 293,000
ANC 2240

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------- 6:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 6:30 p.m.
Prednisone ------ 3:00 p.m.8:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.36C 8:00 a.m. 34.77C 3:00 p.m. 35.94 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 18, 1987

I woke up around nine o’clock. Charlie had gotten Alex his breakfast. I had my breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.

I cleaned up the house, did the laundry and put away Alex’s toys.

We went to Metrotown after lunch. Then we went to the Westminster market. We came home at four o’clock. We had dinner after five o’clock. After dinner we watched TV. I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock. I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ------ 7:000 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------ 7:000 p.m.

Temperature 35.17C 11:00 a.m. 36.58C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 17, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty, I woke up quite a few times during the night. It’s hard to get comfortable. I had a shower, got dressed and made breakfast.

Charlie and Alex went to the bank. I tided up the house, did the laundry and started to put the photos in the album.

We went out at one thirty, I want to get my hair cut. We got to Toppy’s but Galena was busy and I was told to come back at four o’clock.

We went to Mom and Dad’s, the house smells of moth balls. It was so strong we had to open the windows. I took the mail and watered the plants. We didn’t stay long, it was getting too cold! I closed the windows and checked everything.

We walked around 4th avenue then we went back to Topy’s . Galena took me at 4:15 p.m.

Afterwards we went for dinner and came home.

I got Alex ready for bed at 8:30 p.m. I watched TV, did my knitting, wrote in the journal and tided up the house. I’m going to bed soon.

No tests
Medicine

Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 7:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 7:40 p.m.

Temperature 36.32C 36.38C

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 16, 1987

I woke up at eight o’clock, I made breakfast and gave Alex his medicine. My back is still bothering me, I didn’t do much this morning. I had a shower and got dressed then I watched TV and did my knitting.

Alex said he needed a rest so he went for a nap. He woke up at one thirty.

Alex and I went to the mall at three o’clock. Even though my back was bothering me, I had to get out. Alex didn’t want to do anything I wanted to do. He got a balloon in the mall which he lost at Woodward’s. This upset him something terribly.

We went to McDonald’s for dinner, then Alex wanted to go somewhere else. We went to Lougheed mall then we came home.

Since Alex had a nap he didn’t want to go to bed. I finally got him to bed after nine o’clock.

I watched TV and did my knitting. My leg is aching a lot, it seems like the pain in my back has gone down my left leg.

I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:15 a.m. ------ 7:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:15 p.m.

Temperature 35.67C 8:15 a.m. 35.07C 2:00 p.m. 36.88 7:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 15, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty, I told Alex today he would get his prize from Grandma. Alex was really excited about this, he picked a small cement truck. He played with it for quite a while.


I went and had my breakfast. Then I made breakfast for Alex, had a shower and got dressed.

Charlie went out to the car dealer.

Alex watched TV for a while. I tided up the house, did our laundry, and made the beds. It probably wasn’t a good ideas as my back is still bothering me.

Charlie came home and Alex went for a nap. I watched TV and did my knitting.

After lunch Kurt came over. Alex had a couple of temper tantrums this afternoon. As soon as Kurt came over Alex started fighting with him. This sure isn’t like Alex, looks more like the medicine taking affect.

I put Alex in our room and told him when he could calm down he could come out. I also told him he had to apologize before he could play with Kurt again. About ten minutes later he came to me and told me he was sorry. He was a lot better after this.

Kurt went home at four o’clock. We watched TV then I started dinner. Alex watched tv, I wrote in the journal.

Alex asked me to make some pudding. I told him on the condition he pick up his toys. He wasn’t too pleased about this. Alex asked me to help, I told him I would but my back hurts too much.

I took him about half an hour to pick up his toys. I made the pudding for Alex then I got him ready for bed.

I watched tv and did my knitting. I’m going to go to bed soon.

No tests

Medicine
Bactrim 10:45 a.m. ------ 8:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 8:15 p.m.

Temperature 36.27C 10:45 a.m. 36.17C

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 14, 1987

I woke up after eight o’clock. I’m in agony, my back is worse today. The lower part of my back is really tight.

I made breakfast for Alex and myself. Then I made Nanaimo bars for Alex. I had told him I would make him some.

Then I had a shower and got dressed. I didn’t do much since my back hurt so much. I took a couple of panadol, it was getting so painful. I took Alex to his cooking class. While he was in his class I went to the mall.

I picked Alex up at 2:30 p.m., he sure is enjoying his class. We went to Toy City afterwards then we came home. Alex fell asleep at five o’clock. I woke him up which made him really mad. He calmed down after fifteen minutes. He had dinner, I didn’t feel like eating anything.

After he had dinner we watched TV and played a game of fish. I got him ready for bed.

I watched TV, did my knitting and wrote in the journal. I’ll be going to bed soon.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 6:30 p.m.
Mercapoturine ----- ------ 6:30 p.m.

Temperature 35.07C 9:00 a.m. 36.37C 6:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 13, 1987

I woke up after eight o’clock, Alex was still in our bed. He had woken me up in the middle of the night.

I had breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.

Charlie and Alex went out shopping. I tided up the house, did the dishes, and did our laundry. I wrote in the journal for about an hour.

Alex went over to Kurt’s house in the afternoon. Nora said she had to get William at three o’clock. She wondered if we wanted to go and met them at 2:50 p.m.. Unfortunately they were repairing the road, I wish I hadn’t come along. The smell of tar was bad and it was hard to walk. When we came back Nora asked me in for tea.

Alex started to cry, he wanted the car Kurt had. He was tired. We came home at four thirty. We had dinner at five o’clock. I had quite a time keeping Alex awake. At six o’clock I gave him a bath, then I got him ready for bed. Alex was in bed by seven o’clock.

I watched TV and did my knitting. I went to bed around ten thirty. I did something to my back it sure hurts.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ 6:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:45 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ 4:50 p.m. ------

Temperature ----- 35.66C 4:50 p.m. 26.04C 6:45 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 12, 1987

It’s Thanksgiving! Happy Turkey Day!

I woke up at nine o’clock . I had breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.

Alex and I went to buy onions for the stuffing. I was planning on going by myself but Alex wanted to go, even started to cry when I was going.

We came back after one o’clock. I started making the stuffing for the turkey.

Alex said he needed a rest and went to bed.

I prepared the rest of the dinner. We ate at five o’clock. After dinner Charlie helped clean up the kitchen. I froze some of the turkey.

We watched TV, I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock, with a lot of complaints.

I went to bed after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:20 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ----- ------ 8:000 p.m.

Temperature 35.66C 11:20 a.m. 35.64 3:00 p.m. 35.68C 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 11, 1987

Alex and I woke up around nine o’clock. I made waffles for breakfast. I had a shower and we all went out. We went to Lumberland to buy some shelves to put in the closets.

We didn’t do much in the afternoon, I watched TV. I was feeling pretty tired.

We met Shirley at the White Spot for dinner. She’s looking after Alex while we go to a concert. We’re going to see Whitney Houston, she’s quite popular right now.

Shirley took Alex in her car, she’s to bring Alex back to our house later.

We came home and got ready to go. We left before 6:30 p.m. The traffic was really heavy it took us a while before we got parked. By the time we got seated it was 7:30 p.m. The back up group came out first. They played for about an hour. Whitney Houston came out around nine o’clock and finished after ten o’clock. I found it really loud some times the sound was even distorted. I was a bit disappointed by her performance.

We got home after eleven o’clock. I made a snack and we watched TV. Shirley left before midnight.

Alex woke up after midnight and told me everything he had done. He was really happy to see me which was nice. I had a hard time getting him back to bed. He had a temper tantrum and was screaming. We finally got to bed at one thirty.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.70C 10:00 a.m. 36.03C 6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 10, 1987

I woke up around eight thirty. I had breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.

I told Charlie I wanted to go out shopping by myself. I found it impossible shopping with both of them. I left around eleven o’clock. I went to Lougheed mall then to Coquitlam Centre. I came home after three o’clock. Kurt had come over to play with Alex when I was out. Nora came over to ask if it was okay. She said she had just gotten home.

Kurt left before five o’clock. We left shortly afterwards for dinner. We went to visit the Chew’s after dinner. Robert was naughty again. We really have to watch him, he’s always throwing things.

We got home around ten o’clock. Alex woke up when we got home. He didn’t go to sleep until we all went to bed, which was some time after eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 10:20 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:00 p.m.

Temperature 36.30 10:20 a.m. 35.30C 7:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 9, 1987

Alex woke me up at 2:30 a.m., he wanted to get changed. I got him changed and we went back to bed. About fifteen minutes later Alex said he had gone to the bathroom and wanted his prize. I said Alex it’s in the middle of the night go back to bed.

Alex woke me up again at seven thirty to tell me he had gone to the bathroom. He still wanted his prize. I told no. He said but I went to the bathroom. Finally I gave in and gave him a puzzle.

I made Alex and my breakfast. I got dressed and polished all the furniture. Then I had a shower and got dressed. I played with Alex for a while. Then I told him it was time for him to have his nap.

I did the dishes and watched TV. I had lunch then I took Kelly for a walk.

Kurt came over to play with Alex at two o’clock. I wrote in the journal for about an hour and a half. Kurt went home before four o’clock.

Alex wanted to ride his bike outside, we went out for about half an hour. We came in and I started dinner. After dinner we went downstairs to exercise.

Alex had a snack and his medicine. Then I gave him a bath, got him ready for bed and read him a story.

I did the dishes, watched TV and did my knitting. I finished writing in the journal. I’ll be going to bed soon.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 6:30 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------ 6:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 8, 1987

Alex woke up around seven o’clock and wanted his prize from Grandma. I told him to go to his room and I would bring in the basket. Alex picked one and it was a cookie mix.

I went back to sleep and was woken up by Alex hitting me in my back. He wanted me to play with him. I told him I would be there in a few minutes and promptly fell asleep. In came Alex again asking me what was taking so long, I figured I had better get up. I had a shower which made Alex really cranky. He started pounding on the door. Charlie took him into the spare room and they played with Alex’s cars.

I had breakfast and got dressed. I played with Alex for awhile then I got Alex ready for his nap.

I tided up the house and did the dishes. I had lunch, Alex had macaroni before he had his nap.

We left at two o’clock for the doctors office. We saw Dr. W, he wants to see Alex ever month. Dr W said that Alex looks better than he did the last visit. The doctor said Alex’s behaviour and eating consumption could be affected by the medication.

Afterwards we went to the bank, to pay my MasterCard bill. Then we went to the mall and came home.

Alex played for about an hour then we had dinner. We went downstairs for our exercising.

I gave Alex a bath and got him ready for bed. I did the dishes and while I was doing them I realized I had forgotten to give Alex Methotrexiate. I felt absolutely sick about it since it was suppose to be given last Monday (three days ago). Alex was fast asleep so I didn’t wake him up.

I put away Alex’s toys. I still had a terrible feeling in my stomach. I just can’t see how I could forget to do it. I couldn’t concentrate on anything so I figured I might as well go to bed. Before I went to bed I checked on Alex. He needed to go to the bathroom, I picked him up and took him to the bathroom. This woke him up so I gave him the methotrexiate. I felt better but not by much. I went to bed after ten o’clock

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:30 a.m. ------ 7:50 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ----- ------ 7:50 p.m.
Methrotrexiate ----- ------ 10:00 p.m.

Temperature 35.80C 9:30 a.m.36.59C 6:50 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 7, 1987

Alex woke up before eight o’clock. I thought he would sleep in since he went to sleep so late. I gave Alex his breakfast and had mine as well.

I tided up the house them vacuumed it.

Charlie went to work early this morning.

The cabinet man came to fix the bathroom cabinet. Half way through vacuuming I told Alex he had to have a nap. I put him to bed and read him a story, then I finished vacuuming. We had lunch then we got ready to go to Alex’s class.

I had no trouble leaving Alex, he didn’t complain at all. I did some Christmas shopping, came home, put away the stuff and went back to the class.

Alex was really excited about the class. They made muffins which they ate in the class and they also got to take one home with a recipe card.

We came home, Alex wanted to go for a walk.

Charlie came home around four o’clock. I started dinner and we ate at five thirty.

I exercised downstairs at seven o’clock. I started getting Alex ready for bed after eight o’clock.

I went to bed after ten o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 7:40 a.m. ------ 7:15 p.m.
Mercapotpurine ------ ------ 7:15 p.m.

Temperature 36.47C 7:40 a.m. 36.17C 7:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 6, 1987

Alex woke me up at seven o’clock for breakfast. I got Alex his breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.

We went to A & B Sound in Surrey to look at a stereo. We decided on the one we had seen at the home show. It comes with a stand, when we got home Charlie started to put it together. We put the old stereo downstairs.

Charlie and I checked the stereo and found it was the wrong one. Charlie phoned the salesman and they told him to phone back in an hour. Charlie phoned back after an hour and fifteen minutes. They said he was still out, that’s when Charlie said when will he be back. He’s been gone for more than an hour. Finally Charlie got a hold of him. The salesman said to bring it back.

Charlie went back to the store. When he left Alex cried and cried.

Nora phoned not long after and asked if Alex could come over to play. I took Alex over and when I came back I cleaned the bathrooms. Then I took the records downstairs and put them in the stereo bench.

Charlie came home and went to connect the speakers up, but they didn’t fit the stereo. Charlie phoned back and they told him oh we gave you the wrong stereo. You’ll have to bring it back. By this time he was pretty cranky. He had to pack it all back into the boxes.

I went to get Alex and we came home. Alex wanted dinner but I told him we would be going out later.

Charlie came home again, they even gave him the wrong stand. Charlie put the stand together and we were able to hear the new stereo.

We went out to eat at six o’clock. Afterwards we went to Mom and Dad’s.

We got home at nine thirty, Alex woke up when we came home and didn’t fall asleep until I went to bed at eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 8:00 a.m. ------ 7:30 p.m.
Mercatpopurine ------ ------ 7:30 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 5, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty, Alex was still in bed. I made Alex and my breakfast then I had a shower.

We went to the mall to look at stereos. We came back at 12:30 p.m.

Nora had phoned earlier and asked if Kurt was still coming over this afternoon. She said she had some errands to do.

Kurt came over at one o’clock. Alex didn’t play very well with him. Anything Kurt wanted to play with Alex wanted.

I put away the towels, put away the laundry, did the dishes and tided up the house.

Kurt left at four thirty, I started to cook dinner. Alex didn’t want what I was cooking so he had leftovers. After dinner we went downstairs, Alex rode his bike and I exercised.

I gave Alex a bath and got him ready for bed.

I watched TV and did my knitting. I wrote in the journal and did the dishes. I went to bed before eleven o’clock.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ----- 6:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 6:00 p.m.

Leukemia Diagnosis; October 4, 1987

Alex woke me up before seven o’clock, he said he’s hungry and wanted his breakfast. I got him his breakfast and watched TV.

Charlie woke up at 7:30 a.m. and I went back to bed. I woke up at ten o’clock, I started to make waffles. We didn’t have any Aunt Jemima mix so I had to make it from scratch. Alex and I had them for breakfast. There were three left, I put them in the freezer.

I had a shower, got dressed and got Alex’s diaper bag ready. Then I tided up the house. We left at one o’clock for the home show. Afterwards we went out for dinner and dropped by at Mom and Dad’s.

They had gone up to Blair and Paul’s for the weekend. I was glad to hear everything went well. The way Blair was acting when they were down I wondered if they would have a big fight.

Jeff dropped by when we were there. He’s looking really good, so much more rested.

We left at ten o’clock, Alex had fallen asleep on the sofa. He woke up for a few minutes before we left. Mom gave him a basket of little presents, she said he could pick one once a week. Mom got a bit choked up, they will be leaving for Arizona on Thursday if everything goes well.

We got home at eleven o’clock. I put Alex into his bed, he woke for only a few minutes and went back to sleep.

I had a bath and went to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 7:00 a.m. ------ 8:00 p.m.
Mercpatopurine ------ ------ 8:00 pm.

Temperature 36.35C 7:00 a.m. ------ 36.40 8:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: Leukemia; October 3, 1987

I woke up at eight thirty. I had my breakfast, Alex had already had his breakfast. He woke up early with Charlie.

Charlie had asked me yesterday if we were going to buy a new TV. So today I told him either you buy it or you don’t mention it again. Charlie has been talking about it for the last week. He finally decided he should buy it. We went to Woodward’s and bought it.

It sure is a nice TV the color and the picture are so clear.

In the afternoon Alex and I went to the mall, we came home after four o’clock.

I started to cook dinner, we ate at six o’clock. We watched TV after dinner.

Alex went to bed at nine o’clock.

I went to bed at eleven o’clock. I woke up at one o’clock, I heard the doorbell and Kelly was barking. Charlie said some guy had the wrong house. We went back to bed.

No tests

Medicine

Bactrim 11:00 a.m. ------ 7:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------- 7:00 p.m.

Temperature ------ ------ 36.67C