I woke up at nine thirty. Alex came into our room and said he wanted breakfast. I told him to go pick out what cereal he wanted to have. Alex decided to have hot cereal. I made Alex his breakfast and my own.
After breakfast I told Alex I was going to have a shower, but then decided to have a bath. My back felt a little bit better for having a bath. Alex came running into the bathroom and said where are you? I told him that I was in the other bathroom and that I was having a bath. Alex said WHAT! I want to have a shower. I told him that I needed to have a bath because my back still hurts. Alex threw himself down on the floor and screamed he had to have a shower. I told him I was having a bath and went into the bathroom. Alex came into the bathroom and said he wanted a bath. I told him he could have a bath when I was finished.
After our baths we both got dressed. Alex watched C.O.P.S. on his tape. I made our bed and put away my laundry. Then it was time for lunch. After lunch we made snowflakes, put glitter on them and then hung them on our living room window. Then I did our Christmas cards.
I talked to Marla, she said Paxton wasn’t feeling well. She said he complained of pain all over. Marla said she didn’t know if he had the flu or if his legs were bothering him. I told her I was phoning to invite them for lunch but we had better wait. She agreed and I said phone me when Paxton is feeling okay.
Alex and I had dinner at five o’clock. Charlie came home at six o’clock, I made him his dinner. We watched TV and I did my puzzle.
I told Alex to get ready for bed after I had a bath. Alex said he was too tired to get ready for bed. I told Alex I could help him but he wouldn’t have a story or if he did it himself I would read him a story. Alex got ready for bed and I read him a story.
I wrote in the journal and watched TV. I’m going to bed soon.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 10:15 a.m. ------ -----
Prednisone 1:15 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.6C 10:15 a.m.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 28, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock. Alex was just getting out of bed when I went to check on him. Alex watched TV while I had a shower. After I got dressed I got Alex his breakfast.
My back sure is sore it’s hard to bend over. I don’t know what’s wrong with it.
I changed the sheets on our bed and did my laundry. I gave Alex a shower, he got himself dried and dressed.
We had an early lunch since we had to go to the hospital this afternoon. After lunch I got ready and we left just after twelve o’clock.
Once we were at the hospital we had to wait half an hour before anyone did anything. Krisann came to weigh Alex. She just came back from maternity leave, she had boy. She now has two boys, Adam who’s three years old and Evian who’s four months old. Krisann said she was going to send Alex’s Vincristine off, since Alex has been okay. I explained that Alex had been in the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Krisann said Alex should probably have a blood test first. She checked with Mary and said it would be a few minutes.
When Mary called us Alex sat in the chair by himself. He sat still while Mary gave him a finger poke. I was very proud of him, I told him he’s getting to be a big boy.
We went to the cafeteria to get a drink then we had to wait once we were in the clinic for Dr. S. we saw her at two thirty. Dr. S checked Alex and gave us Alex’s prescription. Alex stayed in the clinic while I went to the pharmacy. I waited while they filled the prescription, they said it would be only fifteen minutes. I read my book and the prescription was actually ready in fifteen minutes!
When I came back to the clinic Alex was having his Vincristine put in. Margaret was giving Alex his Vincristine, she said they were having trouble. Margaret also said that they had tried in the one arm but it didn’t work. I sat down with Alex while Margaret tried in the other arm and Heather held his hand. Margaret was able to get it into the other hand.
We saw Sheila today she came into the clinic while we were there. She said Alex had really changed and he had grown. I told her Alex had been in the hospital a couple of months ago. Shelia said nobody told me. I told her why Alex had been in the hospital and asked her if it took longer for someone with Leukemia to get better when they got sick. Sheila said it takes a person with Leukemia a lot longer to get better because when they had Chemotherapy it brings their counts down and it makes it harder for them to get better. I told Sheila that Alex’s HGB stayed normal all the time, the rest of his counts went down which I thought was good but I wondered why. Sheila said they usually all go down and that the WBC, ANC, and Platelets are usually the ones to go down first.
We left after Alex said good bye to all the nurses.
After we left the hospital we went to McDonald’s to get dinner for Alex and then to the mall to buy him a prize. Alex decided that he wanted a transformers, then we came home.
When we got home Charlie wasn’t home yet. Alex opened the transformer package and I showed him how it transformed.
I phoned Mom since she left a message on the machine. She sure sounded out of sorts. She didn’t talk long and wasn’t interested in what we had been doing. I heated up Alex’s dinner and heated up leftovers for myself.
Charlie came home at six o’clock. Alex and I watched “Popeye” the movie on TV.
I got Alex ready for bed at seven thirty. Charlie read him a story and I put him into bed, Alex took his transformer to bed with him.
I had a bath which seemed to help my back. I did the dishes and tided up the house. Then I watched tv and went to bed.
Tests
WBC 2.6
HGB 13.0
Platelets 390
ANC 1456
Medication
Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 5:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 5:15 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ ------ 5:15 p.m.
Prednisone ------- ----- 5:15 p.m.
My back sure is sore it’s hard to bend over. I don’t know what’s wrong with it.
I changed the sheets on our bed and did my laundry. I gave Alex a shower, he got himself dried and dressed.
We had an early lunch since we had to go to the hospital this afternoon. After lunch I got ready and we left just after twelve o’clock.
Once we were at the hospital we had to wait half an hour before anyone did anything. Krisann came to weigh Alex. She just came back from maternity leave, she had boy. She now has two boys, Adam who’s three years old and Evian who’s four months old. Krisann said she was going to send Alex’s Vincristine off, since Alex has been okay. I explained that Alex had been in the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Krisann said Alex should probably have a blood test first. She checked with Mary and said it would be a few minutes.
When Mary called us Alex sat in the chair by himself. He sat still while Mary gave him a finger poke. I was very proud of him, I told him he’s getting to be a big boy.
We went to the cafeteria to get a drink then we had to wait once we were in the clinic for Dr. S. we saw her at two thirty. Dr. S checked Alex and gave us Alex’s prescription. Alex stayed in the clinic while I went to the pharmacy. I waited while they filled the prescription, they said it would be only fifteen minutes. I read my book and the prescription was actually ready in fifteen minutes!
When I came back to the clinic Alex was having his Vincristine put in. Margaret was giving Alex his Vincristine, she said they were having trouble. Margaret also said that they had tried in the one arm but it didn’t work. I sat down with Alex while Margaret tried in the other arm and Heather held his hand. Margaret was able to get it into the other hand.
We saw Sheila today she came into the clinic while we were there. She said Alex had really changed and he had grown. I told her Alex had been in the hospital a couple of months ago. Shelia said nobody told me. I told her why Alex had been in the hospital and asked her if it took longer for someone with Leukemia to get better when they got sick. Sheila said it takes a person with Leukemia a lot longer to get better because when they had Chemotherapy it brings their counts down and it makes it harder for them to get better. I told Sheila that Alex’s HGB stayed normal all the time, the rest of his counts went down which I thought was good but I wondered why. Sheila said they usually all go down and that the WBC, ANC, and Platelets are usually the ones to go down first.
We left after Alex said good bye to all the nurses.
After we left the hospital we went to McDonald’s to get dinner for Alex and then to the mall to buy him a prize. Alex decided that he wanted a transformers, then we came home.
When we got home Charlie wasn’t home yet. Alex opened the transformer package and I showed him how it transformed.
I phoned Mom since she left a message on the machine. She sure sounded out of sorts. She didn’t talk long and wasn’t interested in what we had been doing. I heated up Alex’s dinner and heated up leftovers for myself.
Charlie came home at six o’clock. Alex and I watched “Popeye” the movie on TV.
I got Alex ready for bed at seven thirty. Charlie read him a story and I put him into bed, Alex took his transformer to bed with him.
I had a bath which seemed to help my back. I did the dishes and tided up the house. Then I watched tv and went to bed.
Tests
WBC 2.6
HGB 13.0
Platelets 390
ANC 1456
Medication
Bactrim 10:00 a.m. ------ 5:15 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 5:15 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ ------ 5:15 p.m.
Prednisone ------- ----- 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 27, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock. Alex and Charlie were already up. Alex hadn’t had breakfast yet but he said he wouldn’t have anything because we didn’t have any cold cereal. I had my breakfast, had a shower and got dressed.
I went to Canadian Tire and the drycleaners. I bought Charlie a cordless screwdriver for Christmas.
When I came home my back was pretty sore. Then I picked Alex up and it got progressively worse. I started to prepare the dinner for tonight, Mom and Dad are coming over for dinner.
Charlie went and returned the videos we had rented. I asked him when he came back if he would sweep the kitchen floor. I couldn’t bend over without being in a lot of pain.
I made a chocolate cake for dessert. We had chicken, cauliflower, baked potatoes and buns for dinner.
Mom and Dad arrived after four o’clock. We ate dinner at five thirty. After dinner Alex got out one of his games. Grandpa, Grandma, Alex and I played while Charlie cleaned the table. When we had finished playing I got Yatchee out and all five of us played. Alex got a really good score, he even beat Pa!
I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock and read him a story. Then we continued playing our game. It was nice for the four of us. It was nice and quiet with no interruptions!
Mom and Dad left at ten o’clock. I cleaned up the house, finished doing the dishes.
I went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 6:00 p.m.
Temperature 37.0C 8:00 p.m.
I went to Canadian Tire and the drycleaners. I bought Charlie a cordless screwdriver for Christmas.
When I came home my back was pretty sore. Then I picked Alex up and it got progressively worse. I started to prepare the dinner for tonight, Mom and Dad are coming over for dinner.
Charlie went and returned the videos we had rented. I asked him when he came back if he would sweep the kitchen floor. I couldn’t bend over without being in a lot of pain.
I made a chocolate cake for dessert. We had chicken, cauliflower, baked potatoes and buns for dinner.
Mom and Dad arrived after four o’clock. We ate dinner at five thirty. After dinner Alex got out one of his games. Grandpa, Grandma, Alex and I played while Charlie cleaned the table. When we had finished playing I got Yatchee out and all five of us played. Alex got a really good score, he even beat Pa!
I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock and read him a story. Then we continued playing our game. It was nice for the four of us. It was nice and quiet with no interruptions!
Mom and Dad left at ten o’clock. I cleaned up the house, finished doing the dishes.
I went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 6:00 p.m.
Temperature 37.0C 8:00 p.m.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 26, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock, Alex had been calling me from his room. He said he had to tell me something. Alex said he needed to get changed. I told him to take off his P.J.‘s and have a shower. Alex did and while he was taking off his P.J.‘s he asked me when we would be decorating the Gingerbread house. I told Alex after I had breakfast and I had a shower.
Charlie went grocery shopping before we woke up. After I had my breakfast and I had a shower, we started to do the decoration for the Gingerbread house. I used the icing from yesterday, but it was running. I had a little bit left of the icing sugar but is still didn’t work. I had to wait until Charlie came back to make a new batch.
Alex was pretty upset this morning and had a few temper tantrums. Not going out is sure hard on him. Charlie doesn’t seem to understand how hard it is.
When Charlie came home I put away the groceries and made a new batch of icing. It was better but not as good as it has been in the past. I had trouble getter the peppermint patties to stand up. Alex tried one said it tasted like a cookie. I broke one in half and it had a cookie in middle. They aren’t peppermint patties. As they fell down I kept putting them up until the icing set. It took all afternoon to decorate the gingerbread house.
Charlie went to get dinner for us. We ate at five thirty, after dinner we went to Mom and Dad’s. We had rented a movie and thought they would like to see it. We played a game first then watched the movie.
I had to take Alex into another room to have a talk with him, he was acting very rude. Alex was saying, “you wanta bet?”. He was also being rude and making funny faces.
After the movie we came home. I got Alex ready for bed. I went to bed near midnight.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 5:30 p.m.
Charlie went grocery shopping before we woke up. After I had my breakfast and I had a shower, we started to do the decoration for the Gingerbread house. I used the icing from yesterday, but it was running. I had a little bit left of the icing sugar but is still didn’t work. I had to wait until Charlie came back to make a new batch.
Alex was pretty upset this morning and had a few temper tantrums. Not going out is sure hard on him. Charlie doesn’t seem to understand how hard it is.
When Charlie came home I put away the groceries and made a new batch of icing. It was better but not as good as it has been in the past. I had trouble getter the peppermint patties to stand up. Alex tried one said it tasted like a cookie. I broke one in half and it had a cookie in middle. They aren’t peppermint patties. As they fell down I kept putting them up until the icing set. It took all afternoon to decorate the gingerbread house.
Charlie went to get dinner for us. We ate at five thirty, after dinner we went to Mom and Dad’s. We had rented a movie and thought they would like to see it. We played a game first then watched the movie.
I had to take Alex into another room to have a talk with him, he was acting very rude. Alex was saying, “you wanta bet?”. He was also being rude and making funny faces.
After the movie we came home. I got Alex ready for bed. I went to bed near midnight.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 5:30 p.m.
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 25, 1988
I woke up to the alarm at eight o’clock, I thought maybe I might have a few hours to myself but Alex woke up shortly afterwards.
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. Alex watched TV while I did my housework. After lunch Mom phoned to tell me she would take Alex if I wanted to go shopping. We got down there at one thirty. I went to the bank then I went to buy Alex a present with the money Grandpa had sent him. By the time I got to Mom and Dad’s it was three thirty. We had tea and cookies. Then we came home. Charlie went to the bank and Save-On-Foods.
Alex and I decided we wanted to have Pizza. I heated it up, it had been frozen previously. We ate before Charlie got back, he didn’t know what he wanted to eat anyways! We ate dinner at five thirty.
After dinner I decided to do the Gingerbread house. First of all I cut out the pattern for the house then I made the dough. After I had cooked the pieces and let them cook I made a batch of icing. Then I attempted to put it all together. The hardest part is getting the chimney together because it’s so small.
During the time I was doing the house, Alex went to bed. Alex asked me not to put the decorations on. He said he wanted to help put them on. I told him I wouldn’t be doing that tonight.
By the time I got the house together and cleaned up it was eleven o’clock. I went to bed before midnight.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 8:30 a.m. ----- 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine 8:30 a.m. ----- -----
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. Alex watched TV while I did my housework. After lunch Mom phoned to tell me she would take Alex if I wanted to go shopping. We got down there at one thirty. I went to the bank then I went to buy Alex a present with the money Grandpa had sent him. By the time I got to Mom and Dad’s it was three thirty. We had tea and cookies. Then we came home. Charlie went to the bank and Save-On-Foods.
Alex and I decided we wanted to have Pizza. I heated it up, it had been frozen previously. We ate before Charlie got back, he didn’t know what he wanted to eat anyways! We ate dinner at five thirty.
After dinner I decided to do the Gingerbread house. First of all I cut out the pattern for the house then I made the dough. After I had cooked the pieces and let them cook I made a batch of icing. Then I attempted to put it all together. The hardest part is getting the chimney together because it’s so small.
During the time I was doing the house, Alex went to bed. Alex asked me not to put the decorations on. He said he wanted to help put them on. I told him I wouldn’t be doing that tonight.
By the time I got the house together and cleaned up it was eleven o’clock. I went to bed before midnight.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 8:30 a.m. ----- 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine 8:30 a.m. ----- -----
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 24, 1988
I woke up at eight o’clock to the alarm. Alex was awake when I went into his room. Ever since he got over his cough he seems to be sleeping less.
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.
Last night I was able to get Alex the Proton Pack. Woodward’s had phoned before dinner and said that it was in.
It snowed last night, Alex couldn’t wait to go outside in it. We took Kelly for a walk and dropped in on Mom and Dad. I wasn’t planning on staying very long but Mom asked if I would make snowballs with her. We finished making them with Alex’s help at eleven thirty.
We walked back and it started to snow again. We had our lunch as soon as we got home.
In the afternoon we cut out snowflakes. I had copied the instructions out of a magazine. We also made a Christmas tree on purple construction paper with glitter. It looks really pretty with the gold and silver glitter.
Charlie came home at four thirty. After dinner I worked on the puzzle. Alex got ready for bed at eight o’clock.
I had been to the mall looking for Christmas presents.
I watched TV, wrote in the journal and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ----- ------ 5:00 p.m.
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.
Last night I was able to get Alex the Proton Pack. Woodward’s had phoned before dinner and said that it was in.
It snowed last night, Alex couldn’t wait to go outside in it. We took Kelly for a walk and dropped in on Mom and Dad. I wasn’t planning on staying very long but Mom asked if I would make snowballs with her. We finished making them with Alex’s help at eleven thirty.
We walked back and it started to snow again. We had our lunch as soon as we got home.
In the afternoon we cut out snowflakes. I had copied the instructions out of a magazine. We also made a Christmas tree on purple construction paper with glitter. It looks really pretty with the gold and silver glitter.
Charlie came home at four thirty. After dinner I worked on the puzzle. Alex got ready for bed at eight o’clock.
I had been to the mall looking for Christmas presents.
I watched TV, wrote in the journal and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ----- ------ 5:00 p.m.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 23, 1988
I woke up at eight o’clock. I had a shower and got dressed. Alex watched TV while I did housework.
In the afternoon Alex and I played games. Alex hide while I counted to twenty. When I found Alex it was his turn to hide.
Mom looked after Alex in the late afternoon while I went shopping. I’m still looking for the Proton Pack which nobody seems to have. We came home after four o’clock.
We ate dinner at five thirty. After dinner I worked on the puzzle then at eight o’clock I told Alex it was time to get ready for bed.
I watched tv and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ----- 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ----- -------
Temperature 36.5C 10:30 a.m.
In the afternoon Alex and I played games. Alex hide while I counted to twenty. When I found Alex it was his turn to hide.
Mom looked after Alex in the late afternoon while I went shopping. I’m still looking for the Proton Pack which nobody seems to have. We came home after four o’clock.
We ate dinner at five thirty. After dinner I worked on the puzzle then at eight o’clock I told Alex it was time to get ready for bed.
I watched tv and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ----- 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ----- -------
Temperature 36.5C 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 22, 1988
I woke up at eight o’clock to the alarm. I checked Alex, he was still sleeping. I got dressed, had breakfast and cleaned the bathrooms.
Alex woke up at nine thirty, I hadn’t finished cleaning the bathrooms yet. Alex wanted cereal for breakfast, he asked me to get him a bowl. Then Alex poured the cereal into the bowl and I put in the milk.
After I finished the bathrooms, I had a shower and got dressed. I got the E.T. puzzle down and brought up the card table to do it on. I thought it would be nice to do at Christmas time.
After lunch I wrote in the journal while Alex watched Dinosaucers.
A parcel from UPS came for Alex from Gloria and Bob (Mom and Dad’s friends). Alex was looking forward to getting a parcel so it was just what he needed. Alex got Army Ants and a Lego basic set. The Lego set makes houses which is neat. It sure was nice of them to buy Alex something.
I phoned to tell Mom what Alex had gotten from them. She asked me to write and thank them.
Charlie came home at four o’clock. Alex and Charlie fought over the TV as soon as Charlie sat down. I hardly ever watch TV in the living room, I usually go into our room and watch it.
We ate dinner at five o’clock. Alex didn’t eat dinner with us. He said he wanted dinner from McDonald’s. I went to McDonalds and got him Chicken McNuggets, fries and a turbomac (Grimace on a white car).
It’s been hard on Alex staying home so much when he has had so much freedom going wherever he wanted to go. Alex has been irritable the last few days. I think it’s just from being inside and not playing with other kids.
Shirley phoned while I was out, I phoned her back. She had invited us over but Brent has a cough. Charlie thought it was a bad idea for me to go over but it was up to me. I told Shirley that I would skip it for now.
I wrote in the journal most of the night. I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock. I wrote in the journal watched TV and went to bed at eleven thirty.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ----- ----- 5:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.7C 9:08 p.m.
Alex woke up at nine thirty, I hadn’t finished cleaning the bathrooms yet. Alex wanted cereal for breakfast, he asked me to get him a bowl. Then Alex poured the cereal into the bowl and I put in the milk.
After I finished the bathrooms, I had a shower and got dressed. I got the E.T. puzzle down and brought up the card table to do it on. I thought it would be nice to do at Christmas time.
After lunch I wrote in the journal while Alex watched Dinosaucers.
A parcel from UPS came for Alex from Gloria and Bob (Mom and Dad’s friends). Alex was looking forward to getting a parcel so it was just what he needed. Alex got Army Ants and a Lego basic set. The Lego set makes houses which is neat. It sure was nice of them to buy Alex something.
I phoned to tell Mom what Alex had gotten from them. She asked me to write and thank them.
Charlie came home at four o’clock. Alex and Charlie fought over the TV as soon as Charlie sat down. I hardly ever watch TV in the living room, I usually go into our room and watch it.
We ate dinner at five o’clock. Alex didn’t eat dinner with us. He said he wanted dinner from McDonald’s. I went to McDonalds and got him Chicken McNuggets, fries and a turbomac (Grimace on a white car).
It’s been hard on Alex staying home so much when he has had so much freedom going wherever he wanted to go. Alex has been irritable the last few days. I think it’s just from being inside and not playing with other kids.
Shirley phoned while I was out, I phoned her back. She had invited us over but Brent has a cough. Charlie thought it was a bad idea for me to go over but it was up to me. I told Shirley that I would skip it for now.
I wrote in the journal most of the night. I got Alex ready for bed at nine o’clock. I wrote in the journal watched TV and went to bed at eleven thirty.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine ----- ----- 5:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.7C 9:08 p.m.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 21, 1988
I woke up at eight o’clock. I set the alarm to wake me up instead of sleeping until ten o’clock. I thought I could get a few things done before Alex woke up.
I checked on Alex before I had a shower he was sleeping. After my shower I got dressed and wrote in the journal.
Alex woke up at ten o’clock. He was really happy, he said he had a good sleep. Alex had cereal for breakfast and a Japanese orange.
I did the laundry, the dishes and tided up the house. We had an early lunch.
Mom and Dad dropped by they wondered if I wanted to go vote. I told them I had to go take Alex to the hospital, but thanks anyways. Mom said if Charlie and I wanted to vote later to bring Alex down.
We left for the hospital before one o’clock. We got to about 12th and Nanaimo when I heard a thumping noise. I realized the car had a flat tire. We made it to the gas station but it was a self-serve. I went into the cashier but she was the only employee there. So I had to change the tire myself. It took me quite awhile to figure out how to work the jack. I read the handbook and figured it out. I never realized that tires were so heavy! I got the flat off okay but putting on the spare was something else. When I got the flat out I had to raise the car up some more, it wasn’t high enough for the spare. It took me quite awhile to get the spare on and to match up the wholes with the bolts. A guy came when I was half way there and asked if he could help. I said it was okay that I was almost finished. Then another came when I was almost done but I said it was okay thanks anyways. The first guy said you look like you know what you’re doing. I told him it wasn’t my car that I had never changed the tire on this car before. He said oh you’re doing just fine. You’ve got your brake on? I said yes I have. He said then you’re okay.
We finally got to the hospital at 2:20 p.m. our appointment was for 1:30 p.m. I told Joan that we had a flat halfway in that was why we were so late. Joan said oh you’re kidding! I told her I was using my husband’s car and I had never used the jack. I had to figure out how to use it first!
We went into the clinic where Mary was waiting. She said we almost gave up on you guys. I told her we had a flat tire on the way in. Mary said oh no how terrible. Alex quickly took off his jacket and went to run and play. Mary and I both called him to come back. Dr. S had been standing there but no doubt she didn’t hear me. She said I was about to leave a note. I said we would have been on time had it not been for the flat tire. She said oh you had a flat? When she said she was going to give them a note, she sounded really annoyed. Mary had even said you never are usually that late ever.
Mary took Alex to have his blood test, but first she ran warm water and put Alex’s hands in the water.
Alex played while we waited for the blood counts. Dr. S came to tell us that Alex’s counts were okay to go ahead with his Chemotherapy drugs. She was starting with half a dose since Alex had to have Chemotherapy next week. Alex is to take ¾ of a pill of Mercaptopurine and 3 Methotrexiate pills. I asked Dr. S about the Bactrim. I told her that on the ward they wanted me to asked her about the dosage. She looked very annoyed about me saying that. Then I told her they said the dosage wasn’t enough that they had never seen it that low. Now she looked really annoyed! I said he’s taking one pill daily three times a week, unless I read it incorrectly. I then gave her the pill bottle. Dr. S said oh I didn’t realize they were the small pills. Alex should be taking two pills daily three times a week. That annoyed me that Alex was taking the incorrect amount. I had asked Heather on October 5th why Alex’s Bactrim pills had been changed from two pills daily three times a week to one pill daily three times a week. Heather had told me to follow that was on the pill bottle and that she would check with Dr. S and if there was a change she would phone back. Heather never did phone back. When we went in on November 2nd we saw Dr. K I asked him what the dosage was supposed to be for Alex’s Bactrim. Dr. K said it wasn’t in Alex’s chart as to what the dosage was. I thought that was pretty strange. He then told me to check with Dr. S when she got back. I wonder if that was why Alex didn’t get over his cough.
We came home and got home at three forty five. When Charlie got home I told him about the flat tire on his car. Charlie said id you call BCAA? I told him I had changed it myself. Charlie phoned ICBC but they were closed then he phoned Kir Mac, the auto body shop and they said to bring it in. Charlie left for Kir Mac while I cooked dinner.
Luckily Charlie got back when dinner was ready. Charlie said the flat might have been caused by the accident. After dinner we took Alex down to Mom and Dad’s while we went to vote. When we came back Dad asked us to come in. We played a game and Alex watched us. I let Alex roll the dice in the game.
Alex wasn’t very nice in fact, he was quite rude when we came back from voting. Alex kept on saying “you want to bet?” I had to scold him he was so bad.
We came home at eight o’clock. Alex went to bed shortly after we got home.
I wrote in the journal, watched TV and went to bed at eleven thirty.
Tests
WBC 4.1
HGB 13.2
Platelets 614
ANC 1722
Medication
Bactrim ----- ----- 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 5:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ ------ 5:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.10C 10:30 p.m.
I checked on Alex before I had a shower he was sleeping. After my shower I got dressed and wrote in the journal.
Alex woke up at ten o’clock. He was really happy, he said he had a good sleep. Alex had cereal for breakfast and a Japanese orange.
I did the laundry, the dishes and tided up the house. We had an early lunch.
Mom and Dad dropped by they wondered if I wanted to go vote. I told them I had to go take Alex to the hospital, but thanks anyways. Mom said if Charlie and I wanted to vote later to bring Alex down.
We left for the hospital before one o’clock. We got to about 12th and Nanaimo when I heard a thumping noise. I realized the car had a flat tire. We made it to the gas station but it was a self-serve. I went into the cashier but she was the only employee there. So I had to change the tire myself. It took me quite awhile to figure out how to work the jack. I read the handbook and figured it out. I never realized that tires were so heavy! I got the flat off okay but putting on the spare was something else. When I got the flat out I had to raise the car up some more, it wasn’t high enough for the spare. It took me quite awhile to get the spare on and to match up the wholes with the bolts. A guy came when I was half way there and asked if he could help. I said it was okay that I was almost finished. Then another came when I was almost done but I said it was okay thanks anyways. The first guy said you look like you know what you’re doing. I told him it wasn’t my car that I had never changed the tire on this car before. He said oh you’re doing just fine. You’ve got your brake on? I said yes I have. He said then you’re okay.
We finally got to the hospital at 2:20 p.m. our appointment was for 1:30 p.m. I told Joan that we had a flat halfway in that was why we were so late. Joan said oh you’re kidding! I told her I was using my husband’s car and I had never used the jack. I had to figure out how to use it first!
We went into the clinic where Mary was waiting. She said we almost gave up on you guys. I told her we had a flat tire on the way in. Mary said oh no how terrible. Alex quickly took off his jacket and went to run and play. Mary and I both called him to come back. Dr. S had been standing there but no doubt she didn’t hear me. She said I was about to leave a note. I said we would have been on time had it not been for the flat tire. She said oh you had a flat? When she said she was going to give them a note, she sounded really annoyed. Mary had even said you never are usually that late ever.
Mary took Alex to have his blood test, but first she ran warm water and put Alex’s hands in the water.
Alex played while we waited for the blood counts. Dr. S came to tell us that Alex’s counts were okay to go ahead with his Chemotherapy drugs. She was starting with half a dose since Alex had to have Chemotherapy next week. Alex is to take ¾ of a pill of Mercaptopurine and 3 Methotrexiate pills. I asked Dr. S about the Bactrim. I told her that on the ward they wanted me to asked her about the dosage. She looked very annoyed about me saying that. Then I told her they said the dosage wasn’t enough that they had never seen it that low. Now she looked really annoyed! I said he’s taking one pill daily three times a week, unless I read it incorrectly. I then gave her the pill bottle. Dr. S said oh I didn’t realize they were the small pills. Alex should be taking two pills daily three times a week. That annoyed me that Alex was taking the incorrect amount. I had asked Heather on October 5th why Alex’s Bactrim pills had been changed from two pills daily three times a week to one pill daily three times a week. Heather had told me to follow that was on the pill bottle and that she would check with Dr. S and if there was a change she would phone back. Heather never did phone back. When we went in on November 2nd we saw Dr. K I asked him what the dosage was supposed to be for Alex’s Bactrim. Dr. K said it wasn’t in Alex’s chart as to what the dosage was. I thought that was pretty strange. He then told me to check with Dr. S when she got back. I wonder if that was why Alex didn’t get over his cough.
We came home and got home at three forty five. When Charlie got home I told him about the flat tire on his car. Charlie said id you call BCAA? I told him I had changed it myself. Charlie phoned ICBC but they were closed then he phoned Kir Mac, the auto body shop and they said to bring it in. Charlie left for Kir Mac while I cooked dinner.
Luckily Charlie got back when dinner was ready. Charlie said the flat might have been caused by the accident. After dinner we took Alex down to Mom and Dad’s while we went to vote. When we came back Dad asked us to come in. We played a game and Alex watched us. I let Alex roll the dice in the game.
Alex wasn’t very nice in fact, he was quite rude when we came back from voting. Alex kept on saying “you want to bet?” I had to scold him he was so bad.
We came home at eight o’clock. Alex went to bed shortly after we got home.
I wrote in the journal, watched TV and went to bed at eleven thirty.
Tests
WBC 4.1
HGB 13.2
Platelets 614
ANC 1722
Medication
Bactrim ----- ----- 5:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ----- 5:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------ ------ 5:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.10C 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 20, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Alex and Charlie were already up. Charlie had given Alex cereal for breakfast. I had my breakfast and before I had finished Charlie went grocery shopping. I had a shower and got dressed. Alex told me when I got dressed to phone Grandma. I asked him why and he said that Grandma had phoned when I was in the shower. He told me that he had picked up the phone and told Grandma that I was in the shower. He said Grandma asked him to tell me to phone her. I phoned Mom she asked us for dinner and if we would like to go shopping while they looked after Alex. I said that would be nice and we would bring Alex down soon.
When I told Alex he was a bit upset but I told him Grandma was going to do something special with him. Alex thought that would be fun.
We took Alex down to Mom and Dad’s at noon. Alex wanted to go from the car to the house by himself but we went with him. Alex was quite happy to see us go.
We went shopping downtown. We were looking for something for Alex but none of the stores had it. We had lunch at Eaton’s then we went to A&B Sound and bought two discs.
We went home, let Kelly outside and I did some work around the house. I phoned Mom, she said Alex was fine, I said we would be down soon.
We went to Mom and Dad’s at four o’clock. We had dinner before five o’clock. After dinner we played a game. We came home at eight thirty, Alex and I played a game we had borrowed from Mom and Dad. Then Alex went to bed. I watched TV, wrote in the journal and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Temperature 36.50C 11:00 a.m. 36.80C 8:50 p.m.
When I told Alex he was a bit upset but I told him Grandma was going to do something special with him. Alex thought that would be fun.
We took Alex down to Mom and Dad’s at noon. Alex wanted to go from the car to the house by himself but we went with him. Alex was quite happy to see us go.
We went shopping downtown. We were looking for something for Alex but none of the stores had it. We had lunch at Eaton’s then we went to A&B Sound and bought two discs.
We went home, let Kelly outside and I did some work around the house. I phoned Mom, she said Alex was fine, I said we would be down soon.
We went to Mom and Dad’s at four o’clock. We had dinner before five o’clock. After dinner we played a game. We came home at eight thirty, Alex and I played a game we had borrowed from Mom and Dad. Then Alex went to bed. I watched TV, wrote in the journal and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Temperature 36.50C 11:00 a.m. 36.80C 8:50 p.m.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 19, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Charlie had gotten up at five thirty to give Alex his medicine which I thought was very nice of him. I had set the alarm but I guess he decided to get up instead because the alarm had been moved from where I had put it last night. . I woke up to Alex was calling me from the bathroom, I gave Alex his breakfast and then made waffles. Charlie had gone out before Alex and I woke up. Charlie had waffles when he came back from shopping.
I had a shower, got dressed, and got ready to go out shopping. I wanted to get some presents for Alex’s friends. I left at two o’clock and went to Lougheed mall, it was really busy. I did find something for Brent and Monique but I didn’t find what I was looking for Lanie and Paxton. So I went to Coquitlam Centre, I bought Alex a few more things and a car for Paxton. I went to Consumers’ next and bought Lanie a Wish World Kid. I finally got home after five o’clock.
Charlie said he wanted Chinese food for dinner, he left shortly afterwards to pick it up at Sek Kee.
After dinner we went to Mom and Dad’s. Alex didn’t want me to phone them. He said he wanted to surprise them!
We played a game while Alex played and watched a tape on TV. We left at eleven o’clock, I got Alex ready for bed when we got home.
I watched TV and went to bed.
No Tests
Medication
Erythromycin 5:50 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m.
Temperature 36.70C 7:00 p.m.
I had a shower, got dressed, and got ready to go out shopping. I wanted to get some presents for Alex’s friends. I left at two o’clock and went to Lougheed mall, it was really busy. I did find something for Brent and Monique but I didn’t find what I was looking for Lanie and Paxton. So I went to Coquitlam Centre, I bought Alex a few more things and a car for Paxton. I went to Consumers’ next and bought Lanie a Wish World Kid. I finally got home after five o’clock.
Charlie said he wanted Chinese food for dinner, he left shortly afterwards to pick it up at Sek Kee.
After dinner we went to Mom and Dad’s. Alex didn’t want me to phone them. He said he wanted to surprise them!
We played a game while Alex played and watched a tape on TV. We left at eleven o’clock, I got Alex ready for bed when we got home.
I watched TV and went to bed.
No Tests
Medication
Erythromycin 5:50 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m.
Temperature 36.70C 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 18, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Alex was calling me from the bathroom. We then had breakfast, after breakfast Alex watched TV and I had a shower and got dressed.
Mom phoned while I was coming out of the shower. She wanted to know if I wanted to go shopping this afternoon, she would look after Alex. I said that would be great and that I would bring Alex down after lunch.
After I had gotten myself ready I got Alex ready and we had lunch. Alex was pretty upset that he was going to be left at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Alex said he wanted me to come with him and stay. I told him I had to go to the bank and buy him a Christmas present. Once we were there Alex seemed to be okay. I told Mom that Alex was a bit upset and he might cry. I tried sneaking away but Alex saw me. He said where are you going. I didn’t say anything and Alex said are you going shopping? I said yes, I was. Alex said have a good time. That was a surprise after how upset he was this morning about the idea.
So I first went to the bank and then I went to Metrotown. I was hoping to find the two things for Alex that I haven’t been able to find. I went to quite a few stores then I went into Just for Kids and they had one of the items. I couldn’t believe it, they had three of them and everywhere I had gone they said they wouldn’t be getting anymore.
I left the mall and went to Mom and Dad’s. The traffic was pretty heavy and I didn’t get back until after four o’clock. Mom said Alex had been fine that he had played and talked to himself. We came home and Charlie was home already. We decided to order a pizza for dinner, Charlie went to pick it up.
After dinner we watched TV Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at midnight. after I had given Alex his medicine.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim ------ ------ 7:30 p.m.
Erythromycin 5:35 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 5:45 p.m. 11:45 p.m.
Temperature 36.79C 11:30 a.m.
Mom phoned while I was coming out of the shower. She wanted to know if I wanted to go shopping this afternoon, she would look after Alex. I said that would be great and that I would bring Alex down after lunch.
After I had gotten myself ready I got Alex ready and we had lunch. Alex was pretty upset that he was going to be left at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Alex said he wanted me to come with him and stay. I told him I had to go to the bank and buy him a Christmas present. Once we were there Alex seemed to be okay. I told Mom that Alex was a bit upset and he might cry. I tried sneaking away but Alex saw me. He said where are you going. I didn’t say anything and Alex said are you going shopping? I said yes, I was. Alex said have a good time. That was a surprise after how upset he was this morning about the idea.
So I first went to the bank and then I went to Metrotown. I was hoping to find the two things for Alex that I haven’t been able to find. I went to quite a few stores then I went into Just for Kids and they had one of the items. I couldn’t believe it, they had three of them and everywhere I had gone they said they wouldn’t be getting anymore.
I left the mall and went to Mom and Dad’s. The traffic was pretty heavy and I didn’t get back until after four o’clock. Mom said Alex had been fine that he had played and talked to himself. We came home and Charlie was home already. We decided to order a pizza for dinner, Charlie went to pick it up.
After dinner we watched TV Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at midnight. after I had given Alex his medicine.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim ------ ------ 7:30 p.m.
Erythromycin 5:35 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 5:45 p.m. 11:45 p.m.
Temperature 36.79C 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 17, 1988
I woke up to the alarm ringing at nine o’clock. I had asked Charlie to set the alarm because we have to go to the hospital today.
I had a shower, got dressed and woke Alex up. I got Alex and my breakfast, I got Alex to have a shower. After Alex had his shower I dried him and helped him get dressed.
We left after ten o’clock. We had to wait once we got to the hospital. It was about half an hour before Alex had his blood taken. I told Mary that Alex was glad he wasn’t having his blood taken from his arm. He said that it hurts and he usually cries when he has it. Mary said if it’s done right it shouldn’t hurt at all. She said we’ll have to do something about that. She also said that when their finger is used too much it become hard and they can’t use it anymore. Luckily Alex didn’t hear that.
We waited to see Dr. S. Then we talked to Laurel, before we were finished Alex had his blood test. Lorraine talked to us but she got interrupted and then finally Laurel came back to talk to us.
They didn’t have it in Alex’s chart that he had been into the hospital last week. So I explained to Laurel exactly what his problem had been. She was very nice about it all. She seemed to be one of the nicest people we have met during our time at the clinic. Not saying that the other nurses and doctors haven’t been helpful. I’m very thankful that they’ve been able to help Alex, but they don’t seem to want to listen to our problems they’re in a hurry all the time.
I told Laurel that Alex had pain in his foot on Tuesday night. I had phoned 3B and the nurse said she couldn’t help me that there wasn’t a doctor on the floor. That the nurse then transferred me to Emergency where I talked to a doctor but the doctor told me she would have to see Alex first. I told her we decided we would wait first before giving Alex Tempra. I wasn’t sure if Tempra and the antibiotic were okay together, that’s all I wanted to know. Laurel was quite upset that the nurse on 3B couldn’t help me. She said in future we would be able to give Alex Tempra with his antibiotic
I also asked Laurel what risk level Alex was, that in the hospital they had asked me and I didn’t know. Laurel came back later and said that Alex was a moderate risk.
We finally saw Dr. S, I told her Alex had been in the hospital last week. She said she knew, she said that Dr. P had told her. She then asked me what ward Alex had been in. I told her 3B. Dr. S said she didn’t know what they had done with the information but it wasn’t with Alex’s chart. I then had to supply her with all the information, starting with the day it started. I explained that Alex had a temperature on November 8th and that I had phoned 3H and they told me to give Alex Tylenol and if his temperature didn’t go down to bring him into Emergency. If it did go down in two hours to take him to his family doctor the next day. I told her Alex’s temperature did go down and we went to see our family doctor. Dr. S then asked when we saw our doctor. I told her we saw Dr. C on Wednesday the 9th at three o’clock. Dr. C heard rattling in Alex’s chest. She ordered a X-Ray, blood and urine tests. Dr. C then consulted with Dr. R because she wanted an Oncologist’s opinion. I then told Dr. S that Dr. R advised her to send Alex to Children’s Hospital to be admitted to the hospital. Dr. S seemed surprised, she said without anyone seeing him? I said yes then I went on to say that we went to Emergency at seven o’clock that evening where we saw an Emergency doctor. We then went to 3H at ten o’clock. I told her Alex had been put on an I.V. with antibiotics. She asked me when he came off them. I told her Alex came off them on Saturday afternoon. She said so that was four days ago? I said yes. I showed her what Alex was taking now. Dr. S checked Alex’s chest and said it was clear now. I told the doctor that Alex had a pain in his foot. She also checked that and said it was okay.
I told her that on the ward they thought Alex shouldn’t have had some or all of his Chemotherapy on the 2nd. Dr. S didn’t like that at all, she seemed to take offence. She said we don’t know when a child’s counts will go down and we can’t stop Chemotherapy every time it is low. I told her I wanted to avoid this in the future. I feel that Alex had his cough too long and I had told the clinic about Alex’s cough and it was just left. Dr. S went into a great explanation that a cough treated with cough medicine did little use or sometimes made it worse. She said you can’t treat a cough with antibiotics every time. It could be an irritation to something in the air, it’s very hard to know. I said I realize cough medicine doesn’t help much but two months with a cough is not good and I’m just not happy to see Alex having it that long.
Dr. S gave us our next appointment. She decided we should come again on Monday. Alex’s counts weren’t high enough yet.
I told Alex it was time for us to go Alex said go where? I told him home. Alex said but I want to play. I said well I’m going home.
We stopped at McDonalds drive-thru and took our lunch home. After lunch Alex asked me to play with him. I played for a little while then I typed in the journal while Alex watched TV.
Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five thirty, after dinner I went out to the mall. I did some Christmas shopping and got Alex a few more things. So far there are two items that nobody has. I sure hope I can find them, I like to get Alex everything he wants.
I came home just after seven o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed after he had his snack.
I watched TV and went to bed at midnight after I had given Alex his medicine.
Tests
WBC 2.5
HGB 12.4
Platelets 375
ANC 780
Medication
Erythromycin 5:35 a.m. 11:40 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.
Temperature 36.04C 9:30a.m. 36.38C 2:30 p.m.
I had a shower, got dressed and woke Alex up. I got Alex and my breakfast, I got Alex to have a shower. After Alex had his shower I dried him and helped him get dressed.
We left after ten o’clock. We had to wait once we got to the hospital. It was about half an hour before Alex had his blood taken. I told Mary that Alex was glad he wasn’t having his blood taken from his arm. He said that it hurts and he usually cries when he has it. Mary said if it’s done right it shouldn’t hurt at all. She said we’ll have to do something about that. She also said that when their finger is used too much it become hard and they can’t use it anymore. Luckily Alex didn’t hear that.
We waited to see Dr. S. Then we talked to Laurel, before we were finished Alex had his blood test. Lorraine talked to us but she got interrupted and then finally Laurel came back to talk to us.
They didn’t have it in Alex’s chart that he had been into the hospital last week. So I explained to Laurel exactly what his problem had been. She was very nice about it all. She seemed to be one of the nicest people we have met during our time at the clinic. Not saying that the other nurses and doctors haven’t been helpful. I’m very thankful that they’ve been able to help Alex, but they don’t seem to want to listen to our problems they’re in a hurry all the time.
I told Laurel that Alex had pain in his foot on Tuesday night. I had phoned 3B and the nurse said she couldn’t help me that there wasn’t a doctor on the floor. That the nurse then transferred me to Emergency where I talked to a doctor but the doctor told me she would have to see Alex first. I told her we decided we would wait first before giving Alex Tempra. I wasn’t sure if Tempra and the antibiotic were okay together, that’s all I wanted to know. Laurel was quite upset that the nurse on 3B couldn’t help me. She said in future we would be able to give Alex Tempra with his antibiotic
I also asked Laurel what risk level Alex was, that in the hospital they had asked me and I didn’t know. Laurel came back later and said that Alex was a moderate risk.
We finally saw Dr. S, I told her Alex had been in the hospital last week. She said she knew, she said that Dr. P had told her. She then asked me what ward Alex had been in. I told her 3B. Dr. S said she didn’t know what they had done with the information but it wasn’t with Alex’s chart. I then had to supply her with all the information, starting with the day it started. I explained that Alex had a temperature on November 8th and that I had phoned 3H and they told me to give Alex Tylenol and if his temperature didn’t go down to bring him into Emergency. If it did go down in two hours to take him to his family doctor the next day. I told her Alex’s temperature did go down and we went to see our family doctor. Dr. S then asked when we saw our doctor. I told her we saw Dr. C on Wednesday the 9th at three o’clock. Dr. C heard rattling in Alex’s chest. She ordered a X-Ray, blood and urine tests. Dr. C then consulted with Dr. R because she wanted an Oncologist’s opinion. I then told Dr. S that Dr. R advised her to send Alex to Children’s Hospital to be admitted to the hospital. Dr. S seemed surprised, she said without anyone seeing him? I said yes then I went on to say that we went to Emergency at seven o’clock that evening where we saw an Emergency doctor. We then went to 3H at ten o’clock. I told her Alex had been put on an I.V. with antibiotics. She asked me when he came off them. I told her Alex came off them on Saturday afternoon. She said so that was four days ago? I said yes. I showed her what Alex was taking now. Dr. S checked Alex’s chest and said it was clear now. I told the doctor that Alex had a pain in his foot. She also checked that and said it was okay.
I told her that on the ward they thought Alex shouldn’t have had some or all of his Chemotherapy on the 2nd. Dr. S didn’t like that at all, she seemed to take offence. She said we don’t know when a child’s counts will go down and we can’t stop Chemotherapy every time it is low. I told her I wanted to avoid this in the future. I feel that Alex had his cough too long and I had told the clinic about Alex’s cough and it was just left. Dr. S went into a great explanation that a cough treated with cough medicine did little use or sometimes made it worse. She said you can’t treat a cough with antibiotics every time. It could be an irritation to something in the air, it’s very hard to know. I said I realize cough medicine doesn’t help much but two months with a cough is not good and I’m just not happy to see Alex having it that long.
Dr. S gave us our next appointment. She decided we should come again on Monday. Alex’s counts weren’t high enough yet.
I told Alex it was time for us to go Alex said go where? I told him home. Alex said but I want to play. I said well I’m going home.
We stopped at McDonalds drive-thru and took our lunch home. After lunch Alex asked me to play with him. I played for a little while then I typed in the journal while Alex watched TV.
Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five thirty, after dinner I went out to the mall. I did some Christmas shopping and got Alex a few more things. So far there are two items that nobody has. I sure hope I can find them, I like to get Alex everything he wants.
I came home just after seven o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed after he had his snack.
I watched TV and went to bed at midnight after I had given Alex his medicine.
Tests
WBC 2.5
HGB 12.4
Platelets 375
ANC 780
Medication
Erythromycin 5:35 a.m. 11:40 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.
Temperature 36.04C 9:30a.m. 36.38C 2:30 p.m.
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 16, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Alex and I had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.
We colored stickers and then it was time for lunch. After lunch we played school, Alex was the teacher and he said his name was Mr. Brown. I was a little girl named Nicole, I left my house (located in the spare room) said good bye to my Mama (who was also Alex). Then I went to the school room (located in Alex’s room) I sat down on the floor and when Mr. Brown said hello class. I said Good morning Mr. Brown. Then Mr. Brown got us to color, took us to the playground, we did more coloring then it was lunch time. Nicole had brought her lunch in her Ghostbusters lunch box. Nicole’s Mama had packed it. She put in a cheese and ham sandwich, an apple and tea. After lunch we colored some more and did our numbers then it was time to go home. Nicole told her Mama what she did at school and told her how much she missed her Mama.
Then it was Alex’s turn to be the child and I was the teacher. Alex said his name was Mr. Lee. I told him that kids don’t usually have a name like that. Alex said Mr. Bear has a name like that. We did the same things as we did before.
At lunch time Alex had his lunch in his Ghostbusters lunch box. He said it was just like the kids at school have. I had made it while Alex was playing so it was a surprise for him. He liked it especially with the juice in his thermos.
Charlie came home at four o’clock. We ate dinner at six o’clock. I did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Then I went to Save-On-Foods to buy a few things. I wasn’t gone long I felt sort of funny. I’ve been feeling very tired this last week and I haven’t slept very well. I keep walking up wondering if Alex had his medicine.
When I got home Alex said he wanted chips and dip. Then I got Alex ready for bed. I watched TV, wrote in the journal and went to bed at midnight after I had given Alex his medicine.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim ----- ----- 5:00 p.m.
Erythromycin 5:30 a.m. 11:40 a.m. 5:40 p.m. 11:40 p.m.
Temperature 36.20C 11:40 a.m. 36.30C 5:40 p.m. 34.73C 11:40 p.m.
We colored stickers and then it was time for lunch. After lunch we played school, Alex was the teacher and he said his name was Mr. Brown. I was a little girl named Nicole, I left my house (located in the spare room) said good bye to my Mama (who was also Alex). Then I went to the school room (located in Alex’s room) I sat down on the floor and when Mr. Brown said hello class. I said Good morning Mr. Brown. Then Mr. Brown got us to color, took us to the playground, we did more coloring then it was lunch time. Nicole had brought her lunch in her Ghostbusters lunch box. Nicole’s Mama had packed it. She put in a cheese and ham sandwich, an apple and tea. After lunch we colored some more and did our numbers then it was time to go home. Nicole told her Mama what she did at school and told her how much she missed her Mama.
Then it was Alex’s turn to be the child and I was the teacher. Alex said his name was Mr. Lee. I told him that kids don’t usually have a name like that. Alex said Mr. Bear has a name like that. We did the same things as we did before.
At lunch time Alex had his lunch in his Ghostbusters lunch box. He said it was just like the kids at school have. I had made it while Alex was playing so it was a surprise for him. He liked it especially with the juice in his thermos.
Charlie came home at four o’clock. We ate dinner at six o’clock. I did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Then I went to Save-On-Foods to buy a few things. I wasn’t gone long I felt sort of funny. I’ve been feeling very tired this last week and I haven’t slept very well. I keep walking up wondering if Alex had his medicine.
When I got home Alex said he wanted chips and dip. Then I got Alex ready for bed. I watched TV, wrote in the journal and went to bed at midnight after I had given Alex his medicine.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim ----- ----- 5:00 p.m.
Erythromycin 5:30 a.m. 11:40 a.m. 5:40 p.m. 11:40 p.m.
Temperature 36.20C 11:40 a.m. 36.30C 5:40 p.m. 34.73C 11:40 p.m.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 15, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. I feel so tired and I wish I could sleep longer. When I first woke up I was seeing double.
Mom phoned just after I had woken up and wanted to know how Alex was and if he had a temperature. I told her that Alex was fine and didn’t have a temperature.
Alex and I had breakfast, then I had a shower and got dressed. I did the dishes, the laundry, made our beds and tided up the house.
Alex wanted tuna fish sandwiches for lunch. So we had that, Alex likes if with celery. After lunch Alex watched TV while I vacuumed the house. Then I typed in the journal.
Charlie got home at four o’clock, I left to buy some groceries and I also needed to get out. It’s hard being confined in the house, knowing that you can’t go out because your child could get sick. I prefer staying home with Alex, his health is the most important thing to me.
I came home at four thirty and started to cook dinner. After dinner I cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. Then I went to K-Mart, it’s about the only place open besides London Drugs! I needed to get out of the house, Alex and I have argued quite a lot today. He seems to be trying to annoy me. He’s been making annoying noises and when I tell him to go into his room, he gets very annoyed.
Well it did me good to get away. It gave me a chance to think about things and calm myself down.
When I got home Alex asked if he could have chips and dip. I told him after he had that he had to get ready for bed. Alex said he would.
Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV, wrote in the journal and Alex woke up at eleven o’clock. He was complaining that his foot hurt. I told Alex that I should put an ice cube on it since the last time he had this problem it helped. Alex said it would be too cold. I got a warm cloth and wrapped it around his foot. Alex wanted to have Tempra but I didn’t think it was a good idea. Alex went to bed when I did but came into our room at 12:30 a.m. crying. He said it still hurt. I phoned the hospital, the nurse in 3B said she couldn’t help me and there wasn’t a doctor on the floor. She then transferred me to emergency where I talked to a doctor but the doctor said I would have to bring Alex in. All I wanted to know was whether or not I could give Alex Tempra while he was taking the antibiotic.
I told Alex he couldn’t have Tempra because it wasn’t a good idea. Alex was pretty upset and cried. Then he went into his room and flung himself on the floor and screamed.
Charlie and I went to bed there was no way we could reason with Alex. He followed us when he realized we weren’t going to give in to him. We rubbed his legs but it didn’t seem to work.
Alex woke us up again at two o’clock, crying I gave Alex Tempra, I gave him only one instead of three. After I gave him the Tempra Alex fell asleep and we all got to sleep. I know the Tempra didn’t work that quickly, it was more of a security for him knowing that he had taken medicine.
No Tests
Medication
Erythromycin 5:40 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 11:45 p.m.
Temperature 36.67C 12:00 p.m. 36.66c 6:00 p.m.
Mom phoned just after I had woken up and wanted to know how Alex was and if he had a temperature. I told her that Alex was fine and didn’t have a temperature.
Alex and I had breakfast, then I had a shower and got dressed. I did the dishes, the laundry, made our beds and tided up the house.
Alex wanted tuna fish sandwiches for lunch. So we had that, Alex likes if with celery. After lunch Alex watched TV while I vacuumed the house. Then I typed in the journal.
Charlie got home at four o’clock, I left to buy some groceries and I also needed to get out. It’s hard being confined in the house, knowing that you can’t go out because your child could get sick. I prefer staying home with Alex, his health is the most important thing to me.
I came home at four thirty and started to cook dinner. After dinner I cleaned up the kitchen and did the dishes. Then I went to K-Mart, it’s about the only place open besides London Drugs! I needed to get out of the house, Alex and I have argued quite a lot today. He seems to be trying to annoy me. He’s been making annoying noises and when I tell him to go into his room, he gets very annoyed.
Well it did me good to get away. It gave me a chance to think about things and calm myself down.
When I got home Alex asked if he could have chips and dip. I told him after he had that he had to get ready for bed. Alex said he would.
Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV, wrote in the journal and Alex woke up at eleven o’clock. He was complaining that his foot hurt. I told Alex that I should put an ice cube on it since the last time he had this problem it helped. Alex said it would be too cold. I got a warm cloth and wrapped it around his foot. Alex wanted to have Tempra but I didn’t think it was a good idea. Alex went to bed when I did but came into our room at 12:30 a.m. crying. He said it still hurt. I phoned the hospital, the nurse in 3B said she couldn’t help me and there wasn’t a doctor on the floor. She then transferred me to emergency where I talked to a doctor but the doctor said I would have to bring Alex in. All I wanted to know was whether or not I could give Alex Tempra while he was taking the antibiotic.
I told Alex he couldn’t have Tempra because it wasn’t a good idea. Alex was pretty upset and cried. Then he went into his room and flung himself on the floor and screamed.
Charlie and I went to bed there was no way we could reason with Alex. He followed us when he realized we weren’t going to give in to him. We rubbed his legs but it didn’t seem to work.
Alex woke us up again at two o’clock, crying I gave Alex Tempra, I gave him only one instead of three. After I gave him the Tempra Alex fell asleep and we all got to sleep. I know the Tempra didn’t work that quickly, it was more of a security for him knowing that he had taken medicine.
No Tests
Medication
Erythromycin 5:40 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 11:45 p.m.
Temperature 36.67C 12:00 p.m. 36.66c 6:00 p.m.
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 14, 1988
I woke up at nine thirty, I sure was tired. I could hardly get out of bed but I heard that Alex was already up. I think that I was so tired because I kept on waking up and wondering if Alex had his medicine.
I got out of bed and Alex was watching TV. Alex had cereal for breakfast and I had my breakfast as well.
I phoned the clinic and made an appointment for Thursday. Dr. P asked us to come in for a blood tests. Then I phoned Dr. C and the receptionist said she would give her the message.
I cleaned the bathroom and while I was in the middle of it Mom phoned. She just wondered how Alex was doing. I told her I had left a message with the doctor and she was going to phone back. We didn’t talk very long.
I had a shower and got dressed. In the mean time the doctor had phoned. She left a message and said she would phone back later.
Alex and I built a house out of his Lego.
Alex had another bow of cereal. I had my lunch around one o’clock. Alex asked if he could have tapioca pudding. I told him he had to have something for lunch first. Alex decided he would have potatoes and roast beef. Alex ate it all then he had a bowl of pudding which I had made while he was eating the meat and potatoes.
Alex and I did some coloring in the afternoon. Alex watched his shows at three o’clock while I did some typing.
When Charlie came home at four o’clock I went outside and planted the bulbs in the front garden.
Alex said he wanted roast beef and potatoes again for dinner. Charlie had made chicken which we both had.
After dinner Alex did more coloring we watched TV. Dr. C phoned at seven o’clock. I told her that the blood culture and the throat culture were negative. She said that was good. I told her that Dr. P said he could have a virus. Dr. C said he could very well have a virus but she felt that Alex shouldn’t have had chemo. I said it seemed ever since Alex got the cough his counts had come down. I asked her if Alex shouldn’t go out into public. I said I assumed that it would be advisable if Alex didn’t. The doctor at Children’s hadn’t said anything. Dr. C said because Alex’s counts are so low it is very advisable that he stay at home. She also advised that Alex not see any of his friends and not to go to the mall or restaurants. I told Dr. C that Mom had the flu and when would it would be advisable to see her. Dr. C said as long as Mom wasn’t coughing after she had gotten over the flu that should be okay.
After I talked to Dr. C I phoned Mom to let her know what I had talked to Dr. C about. She was glad Dr. C was so interested in Alex.
After that we watched TV then I got Alex ready for bed. Charlie read Alex a story.
I watched TV and wrote in the journal.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim ------ 1:30 p.m. -----
Erythromycin 5:35 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 5:30 p.m.
Temperature 35.98C 1:30 p.m. 36.58 5:30 p.m.
I got out of bed and Alex was watching TV. Alex had cereal for breakfast and I had my breakfast as well.
I phoned the clinic and made an appointment for Thursday. Dr. P asked us to come in for a blood tests. Then I phoned Dr. C and the receptionist said she would give her the message.
I cleaned the bathroom and while I was in the middle of it Mom phoned. She just wondered how Alex was doing. I told her I had left a message with the doctor and she was going to phone back. We didn’t talk very long.
I had a shower and got dressed. In the mean time the doctor had phoned. She left a message and said she would phone back later.
Alex and I built a house out of his Lego.
Alex had another bow of cereal. I had my lunch around one o’clock. Alex asked if he could have tapioca pudding. I told him he had to have something for lunch first. Alex decided he would have potatoes and roast beef. Alex ate it all then he had a bowl of pudding which I had made while he was eating the meat and potatoes.
Alex and I did some coloring in the afternoon. Alex watched his shows at three o’clock while I did some typing.
When Charlie came home at four o’clock I went outside and planted the bulbs in the front garden.
Alex said he wanted roast beef and potatoes again for dinner. Charlie had made chicken which we both had.
After dinner Alex did more coloring we watched TV. Dr. C phoned at seven o’clock. I told her that the blood culture and the throat culture were negative. She said that was good. I told her that Dr. P said he could have a virus. Dr. C said he could very well have a virus but she felt that Alex shouldn’t have had chemo. I said it seemed ever since Alex got the cough his counts had come down. I asked her if Alex shouldn’t go out into public. I said I assumed that it would be advisable if Alex didn’t. The doctor at Children’s hadn’t said anything. Dr. C said because Alex’s counts are so low it is very advisable that he stay at home. She also advised that Alex not see any of his friends and not to go to the mall or restaurants. I told Dr. C that Mom had the flu and when would it would be advisable to see her. Dr. C said as long as Mom wasn’t coughing after she had gotten over the flu that should be okay.
After I talked to Dr. C I phoned Mom to let her know what I had talked to Dr. C about. She was glad Dr. C was so interested in Alex.
After that we watched TV then I got Alex ready for bed. Charlie read Alex a story.
I watched TV and wrote in the journal.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim ------ 1:30 p.m. -----
Erythromycin 5:35 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 5:30 p.m.
Temperature 35.98C 1:30 p.m. 36.58 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 13, 1988
I woke up after ten o’clock, I felt so tired. I could hardly get up. Going to the hospital and the worry of Alex in the hospital is very tiring. The other problem is that Alex is full of energy. Charlie said he’s full of beans.
Well I finally got out of bed and cleaned the bathroom and had a shower. Then I had breakfast changed the sheets on our bed and did the laundry.
Alex phoned to tell me he had a blood test in his arm. I asked him if it hurt and Alex said yes. I asked him if he had cried and he said just a little bit. I told him that was okay.
I talked to Charlie for a little while, he asked me to come in around one o’clock. He figured that the doctor would probably come in at that time.
After I got off the phone Mom phoned to tell me that she has the flu and she didn’t want to come near Alex for awhile. I said that was a good idea anyways since his counts are so low.
Then I got ready to go the hospital. I arrived after one o’clock. When I got into the room Alex said I’ve got good news. I said you get to stay another night! Alex said no I get to go home today. I said that is good news, and Alex said yes. He was really excited that he got to go home, I don’t blame him. It’s been pretty boring for him. Alex and Charlie had been packing up everything before I got there, the doctor had been in about fifteen minutes before I got there. Taylor the nurse said that the doctor still had the Mercaptopurine and Methotrexiate on hold and that it probably would be assessed when we went to the clinic next time. She also gave us the prescription for the antibiotic that Alex would have to take for a week. Alex said bye to the nurses and they told him to stay well and then we left. I went into the Pharmasave while Alex and Charlie stayed in the car. We then came home, I had to phone the hospital since I didn’t know when Alex had his medicine last. Charlie had been there when the nurse had given it to Alex but he couldn’t remember when he had it last. The nurse said they were giving Alex the medicine at ten thirty and four thirty. We decided to delay it to five thirty so Charlie could give it to Alex in the morning and I would have to get up in the middle of the night.
I started to cook dinner and Charlie went out to do the grocery shopping. Alex and I played with the Duplo and built a castle with it.
We had dinner at six o’clock. After dinner Marla dropped off a present for Alex, he got Cops. Alex was really excited to get them and played with them right away. He got Bowser, Blitz and Big Boss.
I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock and I read him a story. I watched TV and wrote in the journal. I went to bed after I had give Alex his medicine.
Tests
WBC
HGB 12.2
Platelets
ANC
Medication
Erythromycin 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 11:10 p.m.
Temperature 36.58C 5:00 p.m.
Well I finally got out of bed and cleaned the bathroom and had a shower. Then I had breakfast changed the sheets on our bed and did the laundry.
Alex phoned to tell me he had a blood test in his arm. I asked him if it hurt and Alex said yes. I asked him if he had cried and he said just a little bit. I told him that was okay.
I talked to Charlie for a little while, he asked me to come in around one o’clock. He figured that the doctor would probably come in at that time.
After I got off the phone Mom phoned to tell me that she has the flu and she didn’t want to come near Alex for awhile. I said that was a good idea anyways since his counts are so low.
Then I got ready to go the hospital. I arrived after one o’clock. When I got into the room Alex said I’ve got good news. I said you get to stay another night! Alex said no I get to go home today. I said that is good news, and Alex said yes. He was really excited that he got to go home, I don’t blame him. It’s been pretty boring for him. Alex and Charlie had been packing up everything before I got there, the doctor had been in about fifteen minutes before I got there. Taylor the nurse said that the doctor still had the Mercaptopurine and Methotrexiate on hold and that it probably would be assessed when we went to the clinic next time. She also gave us the prescription for the antibiotic that Alex would have to take for a week. Alex said bye to the nurses and they told him to stay well and then we left. I went into the Pharmasave while Alex and Charlie stayed in the car. We then came home, I had to phone the hospital since I didn’t know when Alex had his medicine last. Charlie had been there when the nurse had given it to Alex but he couldn’t remember when he had it last. The nurse said they were giving Alex the medicine at ten thirty and four thirty. We decided to delay it to five thirty so Charlie could give it to Alex in the morning and I would have to get up in the middle of the night.
I started to cook dinner and Charlie went out to do the grocery shopping. Alex and I played with the Duplo and built a castle with it.
We had dinner at six o’clock. After dinner Marla dropped off a present for Alex, he got Cops. Alex was really excited to get them and played with them right away. He got Bowser, Blitz and Big Boss.
I got Alex ready for bed at eight o’clock and I read him a story. I watched TV and wrote in the journal. I went to bed after I had give Alex his medicine.
Tests
WBC
HGB 12.2
Platelets
ANC
Medication
Erythromycin 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 11:10 p.m.
Temperature 36.58C 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 12, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock. I cleaned the cushions from the love seat in the living room. After I had finished doing that I went into the kitchen and Kelly had left something on the carpet. I dumped it outside then I cleaned the carpet.
I had a shower, got dressed and phoned Charlie and Alex at the hospital. Alex said he was feeling okay. Charlie said that Alex had coughed quite a lot during the night. I said I would be in around one o’clock. Charlie asked me to phone Van City to see what time they were open until. He said give me at least a couple of hours before they close.
I did the laundry and a few other things around the house then I phoned Van City and they’re open until three o’clock.
I left the house just after eleven o’clock. Mom phoned before I left and asked about Alex. She didn’t talk for a few minutes and I could tell she was about to cry. She’s been very worried about Alex just like the rest of us.
I went to Canada Trust, London Drugs and McDonald’s then I drove to the hospital.
Every time I drive to the hospital I almost feel sick to my stomach. Once I’m in the room with Alex I’m okay. It’s such a worry and my imagination goes wild.
Alex seemed happy to see me. Charlie left to go for lunch then he was going home.
The doctor came after Charlie left I think she said her name was Dr. P. all this time I thought Dr. T was looking after him. All the other times Charlie saw her, this was the first time I had seen her. Anyways the doctor said she was taking Alex off his I.V. today and putting him on oral medicine. She said she would discuss with me tomorrow when he could go home. As usual the doctor didn’t give me much of a chance to ask her questions, so I went out to the nurses station to ask her something else.
What I wanted to know was whether or not his culture tests have came back or not. Dr. P said they had, well one of them. The blood culture had come back negative. That was a great relief. She said if there was anything seriously wrong it would show up in the blood culture. Dr. P said she felt it was a virus and that if will take Alex quite awhile to get rid of it. She said with the oral medicine one of them might make him nauseated and if so they will have to change it to another medicine. She said she wants to keep him in the hospital for at least 24 hours.
I came back to Alex’s room and we phoned Grandma and Grandpa and told them the news. Alex was really happy that he was getting his I.V. out and wanted someone to know.
Alex listened to a tape in the walkman. Then the nurse came in and took the I.V. out Alex was upset because he said it was going to hurt. Alex and I both did our breathing. Alex got mad at me, he said I was blowing in his face.
We then phone Brent, Alex wanted to tell Brent. Alex was really happy now he can walk around without the I.V.! I talked to Brent afterwards and explained to him what Alex was talking about. Brent didn’t realize what an I.V. was.
We played a game of cards and a game of hide and seek. Then I gave Alex a bath much to his disgust. Alex said why does this always happen to me?
After Alex had a bath he laid on his bed and fell asleep. Alex was quite irritable, he’s been pretty bored.
I wrote in the journal while Alex was sleeping. I got Alex’s blood count from the nurse. She said that the throat culture was negative.
When I came back to the room, the nurse was taking Alex’s temperature. It was 36.3C which was good.
Charlie phoned and I told him the news. He asked me what I wanted for dinner.
Alex’s dinner arrived shortly afterwards. I helped him because he didn’t want to eat very much.
Charlie came just before six o’clock and I had my dinner. Charlie said when the student doctor was about to come in. Alex said oh stupid doctor! Charlie said he told Alex that wasn’t nice and he shouldn’t say things like that. Alex does speak his mind.
We’re watching TV. and doing Spiro-tot. I’m going to stay until eight o’clock. Then I’ll go home probably watch TV. and do the laundry.
Tests
WBC .2
HGB 10.5
Platelets 87
ANC --
Medication given at hospital
I had a shower, got dressed and phoned Charlie and Alex at the hospital. Alex said he was feeling okay. Charlie said that Alex had coughed quite a lot during the night. I said I would be in around one o’clock. Charlie asked me to phone Van City to see what time they were open until. He said give me at least a couple of hours before they close.
I did the laundry and a few other things around the house then I phoned Van City and they’re open until three o’clock.
I left the house just after eleven o’clock. Mom phoned before I left and asked about Alex. She didn’t talk for a few minutes and I could tell she was about to cry. She’s been very worried about Alex just like the rest of us.
I went to Canada Trust, London Drugs and McDonald’s then I drove to the hospital.
Every time I drive to the hospital I almost feel sick to my stomach. Once I’m in the room with Alex I’m okay. It’s such a worry and my imagination goes wild.
Alex seemed happy to see me. Charlie left to go for lunch then he was going home.
The doctor came after Charlie left I think she said her name was Dr. P. all this time I thought Dr. T was looking after him. All the other times Charlie saw her, this was the first time I had seen her. Anyways the doctor said she was taking Alex off his I.V. today and putting him on oral medicine. She said she would discuss with me tomorrow when he could go home. As usual the doctor didn’t give me much of a chance to ask her questions, so I went out to the nurses station to ask her something else.
What I wanted to know was whether or not his culture tests have came back or not. Dr. P said they had, well one of them. The blood culture had come back negative. That was a great relief. She said if there was anything seriously wrong it would show up in the blood culture. Dr. P said she felt it was a virus and that if will take Alex quite awhile to get rid of it. She said with the oral medicine one of them might make him nauseated and if so they will have to change it to another medicine. She said she wants to keep him in the hospital for at least 24 hours.
I came back to Alex’s room and we phoned Grandma and Grandpa and told them the news. Alex was really happy that he was getting his I.V. out and wanted someone to know.
Alex listened to a tape in the walkman. Then the nurse came in and took the I.V. out Alex was upset because he said it was going to hurt. Alex and I both did our breathing. Alex got mad at me, he said I was blowing in his face.
We then phone Brent, Alex wanted to tell Brent. Alex was really happy now he can walk around without the I.V.! I talked to Brent afterwards and explained to him what Alex was talking about. Brent didn’t realize what an I.V. was.
We played a game of cards and a game of hide and seek. Then I gave Alex a bath much to his disgust. Alex said why does this always happen to me?
After Alex had a bath he laid on his bed and fell asleep. Alex was quite irritable, he’s been pretty bored.
I wrote in the journal while Alex was sleeping. I got Alex’s blood count from the nurse. She said that the throat culture was negative.
When I came back to the room, the nurse was taking Alex’s temperature. It was 36.3C which was good.
Charlie phoned and I told him the news. He asked me what I wanted for dinner.
Alex’s dinner arrived shortly afterwards. I helped him because he didn’t want to eat very much.
Charlie came just before six o’clock and I had my dinner. Charlie said when the student doctor was about to come in. Alex said oh stupid doctor! Charlie said he told Alex that wasn’t nice and he shouldn’t say things like that. Alex does speak his mind.
We’re watching TV. and doing Spiro-tot. I’m going to stay until eight o’clock. Then I’ll go home probably watch TV. and do the laundry.
Tests
WBC .2
HGB 10.5
Platelets 87
ANC --
Medication given at hospital
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 11, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock to hear the phone ringing. It was Shirley she wondered how Alex was. I said he seems to be fine. That he has a temperature, a low blood count and is on an I.V. She said don’t worry he’ll be okay, phone me from the hospital if you need someone to talk to.
I had breakfast, a shower and got dressed. I did a few things around the house. I left around eleven o’clock. I went to Canada Trust and Toy City. I bought a couple of presents for Alex.
When I got to the hospital Mom and Dad were there. They had the gowns and masks on. They sure looked strange, they reminded me of a story Alex has about Sesame Street going to visit a hospital.
Charlie left shortly after I got there. Mom and Dad stayed until three thirty and left.
Alex and I used the Spiro-tot I bought him. He had listened to tapes with the walkman I had brought when I came.
Charlie came back at six o’clock, and brought me dinner.
It sure is hard handling Alex in the hospital. He’s very energetic and bored! He says bad things and argues a lot.
I left at eight o’clock, Charlie stayed again tonight. When I got home I watched TV and did some work around the house.
It sure is strange not having Charlie and Alex in the house. Kelly has been very sympathetic, he keeps very close to me. He’s very glad to see me when I get home.
I went to bed at eleven o’clock.
Tests
WBC .3
HGB 11.1
Platelets 138
ANC
Medication give at the hospital
I had breakfast, a shower and got dressed. I did a few things around the house. I left around eleven o’clock. I went to Canada Trust and Toy City. I bought a couple of presents for Alex.
When I got to the hospital Mom and Dad were there. They had the gowns and masks on. They sure looked strange, they reminded me of a story Alex has about Sesame Street going to visit a hospital.
Charlie left shortly after I got there. Mom and Dad stayed until three thirty and left.
Alex and I used the Spiro-tot I bought him. He had listened to tapes with the walkman I had brought when I came.
Charlie came back at six o’clock, and brought me dinner.
It sure is hard handling Alex in the hospital. He’s very energetic and bored! He says bad things and argues a lot.
I left at eight o’clock, Charlie stayed again tonight. When I got home I watched TV and did some work around the house.
It sure is strange not having Charlie and Alex in the house. Kelly has been very sympathetic, he keeps very close to me. He’s very glad to see me when I get home.
I went to bed at eleven o’clock.
Tests
WBC .3
HGB 11.1
Platelets 138
ANC
Medication give at the hospital
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 10, 1988
Alex and I woke up at nine o’clock. Our nurse Ann said we looked so peaceful that she let us sleep in.
I didn’t sleep very well. Every time the nurse came in to do Alex’s I.V. I woke up. Alex is on three different kinds of antibiotics, Cloxacillin, Ceftazidime and Ampicillin. Ceftazidime was administered into Alex’s I.V. three times a day at 940 mg. the other two were administered four times a day at 940 mg. after each dose they were then flushed so every time the nurse put the fluid into the tube it would wake me up!
Alex’s breakfast was cold but this time, it had been sitting there for an hour. Alex had woken up at six o’clock and asked for breakfast but I told him it wasn’t time yet. Alex had half a piece of toast and that was it.
In the middle of the night Alex’s sheets were wet. He did have a diaper on but with the I.V. going it was just too much. I called the nurse to help me. She had to take the I.V. apart to get Alex’s night gown off. Alex said hurry up I’m freezing. The nurse said patience little man. Alex said I’m not an old man! The nurse was called away before she could finish making the bed. She said you’ll be okay to finish up. I said yes I would be fine. After I finished making the bed we both went back to sleep.
So Alex and I watched TV, I went down to the cafeteria to get my breakfast. Alex said he would be okay by himself and that he knew how to ring for the nurse. He seemed quite pleased with himself.
More interns came in to see Alex and to listen to his breathing. One intern said she was working with Dr. T., she said she thought Alex might have pneumonia but she would have to look at the X-Ray.
The rest of the day we spent watching TV. I had a headache, I had been reading for quite awhile and staying in the hospital didn’t help. Alex is feeling fine and very energetic. It’s hard for him since he can’t do much. It’s almost a good thing he has an I.V. on or he would be running around the room. It seems funny that his HGB has stayed normal and not dropped.
I had phoned Marla to tell her Alex was in the hospital and to cancel our lunch next Tuesday. She was quite upset that Alex was in the hospital. She said she would get Alex a present and drop it off at the hospital on the weekend. I said that’s nice of you but you don’t have to. She said it’s okay, I want to.
I phoned Shirley but she wasn’t at work so, I left a message with her answering service.
I left the hospital at six o’clock. Alex didn’t seem to mind me leaving. It was very hard for me to leave him behind with Charlie. I felt like I was deserting him but he needs to be with Charlie. Charlie needs to be in the hospital with Alex. To see what it’s like being there with him and seeing just what does go on. The first time I spent 10 days in the hospital with Alex. Alex wouldn’t let me leave except if Grandma was there.
I stopped at McDonald’s got my dinner, came home and ate it. I phoned Mom to let her know I was home. Then I watched TV, tided up the house and put away Alex’s toys.
I went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication give at the hospital
I didn’t sleep very well. Every time the nurse came in to do Alex’s I.V. I woke up. Alex is on three different kinds of antibiotics, Cloxacillin, Ceftazidime and Ampicillin. Ceftazidime was administered into Alex’s I.V. three times a day at 940 mg. the other two were administered four times a day at 940 mg. after each dose they were then flushed so every time the nurse put the fluid into the tube it would wake me up!
Alex’s breakfast was cold but this time, it had been sitting there for an hour. Alex had woken up at six o’clock and asked for breakfast but I told him it wasn’t time yet. Alex had half a piece of toast and that was it.
In the middle of the night Alex’s sheets were wet. He did have a diaper on but with the I.V. going it was just too much. I called the nurse to help me. She had to take the I.V. apart to get Alex’s night gown off. Alex said hurry up I’m freezing. The nurse said patience little man. Alex said I’m not an old man! The nurse was called away before she could finish making the bed. She said you’ll be okay to finish up. I said yes I would be fine. After I finished making the bed we both went back to sleep.
So Alex and I watched TV, I went down to the cafeteria to get my breakfast. Alex said he would be okay by himself and that he knew how to ring for the nurse. He seemed quite pleased with himself.
More interns came in to see Alex and to listen to his breathing. One intern said she was working with Dr. T., she said she thought Alex might have pneumonia but she would have to look at the X-Ray.
The rest of the day we spent watching TV. I had a headache, I had been reading for quite awhile and staying in the hospital didn’t help. Alex is feeling fine and very energetic. It’s hard for him since he can’t do much. It’s almost a good thing he has an I.V. on or he would be running around the room. It seems funny that his HGB has stayed normal and not dropped.
I had phoned Marla to tell her Alex was in the hospital and to cancel our lunch next Tuesday. She was quite upset that Alex was in the hospital. She said she would get Alex a present and drop it off at the hospital on the weekend. I said that’s nice of you but you don’t have to. She said it’s okay, I want to.
I phoned Shirley but she wasn’t at work so, I left a message with her answering service.
I left the hospital at six o’clock. Alex didn’t seem to mind me leaving. It was very hard for me to leave him behind with Charlie. I felt like I was deserting him but he needs to be with Charlie. Charlie needs to be in the hospital with Alex. To see what it’s like being there with him and seeing just what does go on. The first time I spent 10 days in the hospital with Alex. Alex wouldn’t let me leave except if Grandma was there.
I stopped at McDonald’s got my dinner, came home and ate it. I phoned Mom to let her know I was home. Then I watched TV, tided up the house and put away Alex’s toys.
I went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication give at the hospital
Friday, November 9, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 9, 1988
I woke up at eight thirty. I took Alex’s temperature and it was normal. I phoned and made an appointment with Dr. C. At first the nurse said I think she’s booked up, then she came back and said to come at 2:50 p.m.
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. After I had let Alex watch TV for awhile I got him to have a shower as well.
Alex fell asleep after lunch on the couch. We left to go see the doctor, we didn’t have to wait that long. Dr. C said she could hear rattling in his chest. I had told her what had happened last night. She said she wanted Alex to have a chest X-Ray, blood tests and a urine test in their lab. She wanted us to stay until she could look at it and make a decision as to what should be done.
Alex had all the test done and he was very good about it. He cried a little bit when he had his blood taken, they took it from his arm and it usually hurts when they do it. We waited in the waiting room of the lab until four thirty. Alex was impatient and wanted to go home right away. Two of the nurses of the lab went and asked the doctor if we could leave on two different occasions. At four thirty I asked one of the nurses that was outside of Dr. C’s office to ask her if we could leave now. Dr. C came out and said she had to get a hold of one of the Oncologist at Children’s as to whether or not Alex should be admitted. Dr. C seemed to be quite annoyed but what happened was that she had been on hold for Dr. K for fifteen minutes and he never came to the phone. The hospital had paged him and she had left many messages to phone her back right away but he never did. I told Dr. C that Alex wasn’t feeling very well and wanted to go home. She still insisted that we wait for her to get a hold of someone at Children’s Hospital. At four fifty Dr. C came to us and told us that she had gotten a hold of Dr. R and that he had advised her to send Alex to Children’s to be admitted. We then came home, Alex didn’t mind when the doctor told him, that he had to go into the hospital and stay overnight, but when we got home he was pretty upset about it. Alex looked like he was going to cry. We had to explain to his that he had to go there to get better that his blood was low and that he had a cold and a cough for almost two months now.
Charlie had already started to cook dinner so we had dinner before we went to the hospital. We got there at seven o’clock. I thought we would be in the emergency for a little while then we would be upstairs to the ward. Alex had to be checked by the emergency doctors and nurses and asked a lot of questions. We finally go up to the ward at ten o’clock. Alex had to go into the isolation ward since he had a cough and they didn’t know what was wrong with him.
Alex had his blood taken and an I.V. put into his arm when we were in the emergency. Alex had cried when it was put in but he was very good and didn’t move.
Once we were upstairs it was quite a while before we saw our nurse. We did see quite a few interns who asked the same question again. This one intern asked me how my pregnancy and labour where. What has that got to do with Alex being sick right now? The interns asked us those questions when Alex first was diagnosed.
The nurse came in after ten o’clock and I told her Alex hadn’t had his medicine yet. She said that the intern who saw Alex would be writing up his prescription. He had asked me what medicine Alex was taking.
The nurse came back and gave me a pamphlet on the ward, Alex was on 3H the isolation ward. She explained that we have to wash our hands and put on a gown before we enter Alex’s room. The door to Alex’s room must be closed at all times. When we come out of the room we must wash our hands, take off our gown and put it into the bin inside the room.
I went out to get sheets for my bed and asked the nurse for pillows. Alex didn’t have a pillow.
The nurse came in before midnight with Alex’s medicine. The Bactrim was the wrong dose. It wasn’t paediatric pills. The nurse went out to check with the doctor. When she came back she asked me to give Alex one of the Bactrim from our own medicine.
Another nurse came in with a pillow for me and made up a pillow for Alex out of flannel sheets. We both went to sleep.
Tests
WBC .4
HGB 11.2
Platelets 200
ANC --
Medication
Given at Hospital
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. After I had let Alex watch TV for awhile I got him to have a shower as well.
Alex fell asleep after lunch on the couch. We left to go see the doctor, we didn’t have to wait that long. Dr. C said she could hear rattling in his chest. I had told her what had happened last night. She said she wanted Alex to have a chest X-Ray, blood tests and a urine test in their lab. She wanted us to stay until she could look at it and make a decision as to what should be done.
Alex had all the test done and he was very good about it. He cried a little bit when he had his blood taken, they took it from his arm and it usually hurts when they do it. We waited in the waiting room of the lab until four thirty. Alex was impatient and wanted to go home right away. Two of the nurses of the lab went and asked the doctor if we could leave on two different occasions. At four thirty I asked one of the nurses that was outside of Dr. C’s office to ask her if we could leave now. Dr. C came out and said she had to get a hold of one of the Oncologist at Children’s as to whether or not Alex should be admitted. Dr. C seemed to be quite annoyed but what happened was that she had been on hold for Dr. K for fifteen minutes and he never came to the phone. The hospital had paged him and she had left many messages to phone her back right away but he never did. I told Dr. C that Alex wasn’t feeling very well and wanted to go home. She still insisted that we wait for her to get a hold of someone at Children’s Hospital. At four fifty Dr. C came to us and told us that she had gotten a hold of Dr. R and that he had advised her to send Alex to Children’s to be admitted. We then came home, Alex didn’t mind when the doctor told him, that he had to go into the hospital and stay overnight, but when we got home he was pretty upset about it. Alex looked like he was going to cry. We had to explain to his that he had to go there to get better that his blood was low and that he had a cold and a cough for almost two months now.
Charlie had already started to cook dinner so we had dinner before we went to the hospital. We got there at seven o’clock. I thought we would be in the emergency for a little while then we would be upstairs to the ward. Alex had to be checked by the emergency doctors and nurses and asked a lot of questions. We finally go up to the ward at ten o’clock. Alex had to go into the isolation ward since he had a cough and they didn’t know what was wrong with him.
Alex had his blood taken and an I.V. put into his arm when we were in the emergency. Alex had cried when it was put in but he was very good and didn’t move.
Once we were upstairs it was quite a while before we saw our nurse. We did see quite a few interns who asked the same question again. This one intern asked me how my pregnancy and labour where. What has that got to do with Alex being sick right now? The interns asked us those questions when Alex first was diagnosed.
The nurse came in after ten o’clock and I told her Alex hadn’t had his medicine yet. She said that the intern who saw Alex would be writing up his prescription. He had asked me what medicine Alex was taking.
The nurse came back and gave me a pamphlet on the ward, Alex was on 3H the isolation ward. She explained that we have to wash our hands and put on a gown before we enter Alex’s room. The door to Alex’s room must be closed at all times. When we come out of the room we must wash our hands, take off our gown and put it into the bin inside the room.
I went out to get sheets for my bed and asked the nurse for pillows. Alex didn’t have a pillow.
The nurse came in before midnight with Alex’s medicine. The Bactrim was the wrong dose. It wasn’t paediatric pills. The nurse went out to check with the doctor. When she came back she asked me to give Alex one of the Bactrim from our own medicine.
Another nurse came in with a pillow for me and made up a pillow for Alex out of flannel sheets. We both went to sleep.
Tests
WBC .4
HGB 11.2
Platelets 200
ANC --
Medication
Given at Hospital
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 8, 1988
I woke up at nine o‘clock. Alex and I had breakfast, he seems to be okay today. I wonder if he had the flu yesterday. Alex played in his room while I did some work around the house.
After lunch Alex played some more while I finished doing my work. Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five thirty and then we got ready to go to Shirley’s. Brent asked us to bring over the Cops tape. We arrived before seven o’clock. When we got there Shirley said she had just found out that Monique hadn’t been feeling well and had a temperature. By that time it was too late, Alex had already come in contact with her. I told Alex to stay away from her and when I found she was in Brent’s room with them I told Alex he couldn’t stay in the room with her. It probably wasn’t very nice of me but I didn’t want Alex to get anything more. Brent told Alex to come back into the room but I told him he could only go back in if Monique wasn’t there. They quickly got into Brent’s room before Monique and closed the door. Monique cried since she couldn’t get in the room. Shirley tried to console her but she was pretty upset about the whole matter. Monique really doesn’t look too good, she must have a very bad cold. She fell asleep in Shirley’s arms while we were watching TV. Aaron put her to bed, she cried a little bit when he took her upstairs to bed.
We stayed until ten o’clock and came home. When I was getting Alex ready for bed he said he was cold. I said maybe you have a temperature. Alex said he wasn’t hot that he was cold. When I took his temperature it was 38.8C, so he did have a temperature. I phoned the hospital after I had gotten him ready for bed. The nurse told me that I should give Alex Tylenol and to take his temperature two hours from now. By the time I gave Alex the Tylenol it was 11:45 p.m. so I had to wait until two o’clock in the morning to take his temperature. I watched tv, I figured there wasn’t much point in going to bed.
At two o’clock I too Alex’s temperature and it had gone down to 37.4C the nurse had said if it didn’t go down that we would have to bring Alex into the emergency. If it did go down we should bring Alex into see our family doctor the next day. I went to bed after I had taken Alex’s temperature, Charlie had slept through the whole ordeal. It was probably better anyways since he would have been very tired.
No Tests
Medication
Tylenol ------ ------ 11:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ----- -------
Temperature 38.86C 10:30 p.m. 38.44C 11:00 p.m. 39.31C 11:30 p.m.
39.41C 12:05p.m. 38.77C 12:30 a.m. 37.65C 1:15 a.m. 37.40 1:45 a.m.
After lunch Alex played some more while I finished doing my work. Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five thirty and then we got ready to go to Shirley’s. Brent asked us to bring over the Cops tape. We arrived before seven o’clock. When we got there Shirley said she had just found out that Monique hadn’t been feeling well and had a temperature. By that time it was too late, Alex had already come in contact with her. I told Alex to stay away from her and when I found she was in Brent’s room with them I told Alex he couldn’t stay in the room with her. It probably wasn’t very nice of me but I didn’t want Alex to get anything more. Brent told Alex to come back into the room but I told him he could only go back in if Monique wasn’t there. They quickly got into Brent’s room before Monique and closed the door. Monique cried since she couldn’t get in the room. Shirley tried to console her but she was pretty upset about the whole matter. Monique really doesn’t look too good, she must have a very bad cold. She fell asleep in Shirley’s arms while we were watching TV. Aaron put her to bed, she cried a little bit when he took her upstairs to bed.
We stayed until ten o’clock and came home. When I was getting Alex ready for bed he said he was cold. I said maybe you have a temperature. Alex said he wasn’t hot that he was cold. When I took his temperature it was 38.8C, so he did have a temperature. I phoned the hospital after I had gotten him ready for bed. The nurse told me that I should give Alex Tylenol and to take his temperature two hours from now. By the time I gave Alex the Tylenol it was 11:45 p.m. so I had to wait until two o’clock in the morning to take his temperature. I watched tv, I figured there wasn’t much point in going to bed.
At two o’clock I too Alex’s temperature and it had gone down to 37.4C the nurse had said if it didn’t go down that we would have to bring Alex into the emergency. If it did go down we should bring Alex into see our family doctor the next day. I went to bed after I had taken Alex’s temperature, Charlie had slept through the whole ordeal. It was probably better anyways since he would have been very tired.
No Tests
Medication
Tylenol ------ ------ 11:45 p.m.
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ----- -------
Temperature 38.86C 10:30 p.m. 38.44C 11:00 p.m. 39.31C 11:30 p.m.
39.41C 12:05p.m. 38.77C 12:30 a.m. 37.65C 1:15 a.m. 37.40 1:45 a.m.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 7, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock. Alex asked me to get him down from his bed, he said he wasn’t feeling good. Alex asked if he could have a fruit cup for breakfast, that usually means he definitely isn’t feeling good. Alex asked for another one as well. Alex watched TV and asked if he could have a blanket, then about an hour later he said he felt like he could throw up. All of a sudden Alex ran into the bathroom and threw up. I’m sure all of his breakfast. I had given him his medicine for the day so I don’t know if that came up as well or not. Alex was very pale this morning when he first got up, so something wasn’t right with him.
The rest of the day Alex didn’t do that much but watched TV and rest. He seems to feel a lot better than he did this morning, so hopefully he’s okay.
I worked around the house and tided up the place. Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five thirty. After dinner Alex and I played a game and watched TV with Charlie. Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ -----
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ------ ------
Methotrexiate 9:00 a.m. ------
The rest of the day Alex didn’t do that much but watched TV and rest. He seems to feel a lot better than he did this morning, so hopefully he’s okay.
I worked around the house and tided up the place. Charlie came home at four o’clock. We had dinner at five thirty. After dinner Alex and I played a game and watched TV with Charlie. Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 9:00 a.m. ------ -----
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ------ ------
Methotrexiate 9:00 a.m. ------
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 6, 1988
I woke up at nine o’clock. I made our breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. I went out to Consumers to buy Christmas presents but they were out of stock. The item was actually on sale which I thought was pretty dumb considering that they didn’t have any stock. I went on the first day of the sale so they knew that they didn’t have any stock in the first place. I had dropped off a tape for Dad that we had rented last night and then I came home.
After I got back Charlie and Alex wanted to go to K-Mart, so we all went together. We bought Alex a snowsuit and winter boots. Before we came home we picked up the tape. We went home and got the other tape and some toys for Alex then we took the tapes back and went to Mom and Dad’s for dinner.
After dinner we played a couple of games and came home around ten o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed when we got home, he wasn’t very tired since he had a nap at Mom and Dad’s. He finally fell asleep at eleven o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven thirty.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ----- -----
Temperature 35.34C 9:30 p.m.
After I got back Charlie and Alex wanted to go to K-Mart, so we all went together. We bought Alex a snowsuit and winter boots. Before we came home we picked up the tape. We went home and got the other tape and some toys for Alex then we took the tapes back and went to Mom and Dad’s for dinner.
After dinner we played a couple of games and came home around ten o’clock. I got Alex ready for bed when we got home, he wasn’t very tired since he had a nap at Mom and Dad’s. He finally fell asleep at eleven o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven thirty.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ----- -----
Temperature 35.34C 9:30 p.m.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 5, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Charlie and Alex were already up and Charlie had gotten Alex his breakfast. I had my breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed.
After lunch we went to Metrotown and then we went to the Club. The Club is a warehouse that sells a variety of items at a low rate, but you have to have a membership. We had gotten a coupon out of the paper which entitled us to buy anything one time. When we got back to the car it wouldn’t start, the battery was dead. We got someone to jump stat it and then we went home. It had been raining very hard and I think it was probably the rain, the fact we had the lights, wipers and the radio on didn’t help it.
Alex played while we watched TV. We had dinner at six o’clock. After dinner we watched TV and Alex and I played a game. Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I watched and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ------ -----
Prednisone 10:30 a.m. ------ -----
Temperature 36.08 10:30 a.m.
After lunch we went to Metrotown and then we went to the Club. The Club is a warehouse that sells a variety of items at a low rate, but you have to have a membership. We had gotten a coupon out of the paper which entitled us to buy anything one time. When we got back to the car it wouldn’t start, the battery was dead. We got someone to jump stat it and then we went home. It had been raining very hard and I think it was probably the rain, the fact we had the lights, wipers and the radio on didn’t help it.
Alex played while we watched TV. We had dinner at six o’clock. After dinner we watched TV and Alex and I played a game. Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I watched and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ------ -----
Prednisone 10:30 a.m. ------ -----
Temperature 36.08 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 4, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Alex woke shortly afterwards and we had breakfast, had a shower and got dressed. I vacuumed the house and tided up the house. Then it was time for lunch. After lunch Alex watched TV while I did some things around the house.
We went to the mall at four thirty and had dinner there and shopped around. We got home around six o’clock. Charlie watched the news while Alex and I played a game. At eight o’clock I got Alex ready for bed. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ----- -----
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ------ -----
Prednisone 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. ------
We went to the mall at four thirty and had dinner there and shopped around. We got home around six o’clock. Charlie watched the news while Alex and I played a game. At eight o’clock I got Alex ready for bed. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ----- -----
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ------ -----
Prednisone 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. ------
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 3, 1988
I woke up at eight o’clock, the alarm had gone off earlier but I went back to sleep. I had a shower, got dressed and went to wake Alex up. Alex said he didn’t want to get up that he was too tired to get up. I asked him if he didn’t want to go to gym class today but Alex said that he wanted to go. Alex got up, had a shower and then he had his breakfast.
We left to go to gym just after nine o’clock. I did some errands while Alex was in the class. We came home after his class.
In the afternoon Alex watched TV while I made butter tarts. It took me most of the afternoon to make them, in all I made 42 butter tarts.
We had dinner at six o’clock. After dinner we watched TV and Alex and I did some coloring. Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ------ ------
Prednisone 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. -------
36.54C 9:00 a.m. 34.87C 12:00 p.m.
We left to go to gym just after nine o’clock. I did some errands while Alex was in the class. We came home after his class.
In the afternoon Alex watched TV while I made butter tarts. It took me most of the afternoon to make them, in all I made 42 butter tarts.
We had dinner at six o’clock. After dinner we watched TV and Alex and I did some coloring. Alex went to bed at eight o’clock. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Mercaptopurine 9:00 a.m. ------ ------
Prednisone 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. -------
36.54C 9:00 a.m. 34.87C 12:00 p.m.
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 2, 1988
I woke up at ten thirty. We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. Alex watched TV while I did housework.
After lunch I took Alex to Dinosaur Delight. I did some errands while Alex was in his class. We came home after his class. Alex watched tv while I tided up the house.
Mom phoned in the afternoon to tell us that Dad had come home from the hospital.
We had dinner at five thirty and after I had done the dishes we went down to see Mom and Dad. Dad was feeling pretty good and very glad to be home. They had quite a time getting Dad’s prescription, it took them a couple of hours to get them. That’s pretty normal for hospital pharmacy!
We played a couple of games while we were there and came home around ten o’clock.
When we got home I got Alex ready for bed. I watched tv and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ------ -------
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ------ ------
Prednisone 10:30 a.m. ----- ------
Temperature 35.67C 10:30 a.m.
After lunch I took Alex to Dinosaur Delight. I did some errands while Alex was in his class. We came home after his class. Alex watched tv while I tided up the house.
Mom phoned in the afternoon to tell us that Dad had come home from the hospital.
We had dinner at five thirty and after I had done the dishes we went down to see Mom and Dad. Dad was feeling pretty good and very glad to be home. They had quite a time getting Dad’s prescription, it took them a couple of hours to get them. That’s pretty normal for hospital pharmacy!
We played a couple of games while we were there and came home around ten o’clock.
When we got home I got Alex ready for bed. I watched tv and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
No Tests
Medication
Bactrim 10:30 a.m. ------ -------
Mercaptopurine 10:30 a.m. ------ ------
Prednisone 10:30 a.m. ----- ------
Temperature 35.67C 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Diagnosis: Leukemia; November 1, 1988
I woke up at ten o’clock. Alex woke up shortly afterwards. He asked me to help him down from his bed and to carry him to the kitchen. Alex asked if he could have fruit cup for breakfast. Alex said he was tired and he wasn’t feeling good.
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. We then got ready to go to the hospital. Charlie had the day off so he came with us.
The clinic had been remodelled, I thought it would be a lot bigger. When we got inside the clinic, it seemed smaller to me. They had remodelled the clinic within the same amount of space. We had been there for about half an hour when Margaret told Alex it was time for his medicine. I told her that Alex had a cough since the middle of September and didn’t she think Alex should at least have a blood test. Margaret said she would check with the doctor.
Dr. K came to see Alex, he said Dr. S was on holidays and he was taking over for her. I told him that Alex had a cough and didn’t he want to check him out and go a blood test first. Dr. K said he would check Alex first. He then listened to Alex’s chest, back and felt his stomach. Dr. K said he couldn’t hear anything in Alex’s chest and he thought Alex had a virus. Dr. K said that Alex would get over it, he said to me you think just because Alex has Leukemia that he takes longer to get over things. I said Yes, I do, he’s had this for almost two months. The doctor said no, two kids could have the same virus. One could be healthy and the other with Leukemia and they both have the virus for the same amount of time. Dr. K said he was going to give Alex his Vincristine and check his blood to make sure his counts were high enough to start on Prednisone.
Alex cried a bit when he had his I.V. push. Alex asked me to blow, when it was being done. The doctor asked us to wait for the counts then he would give us his prescription.
We waited for about half an hour and Dr. K said Alex’s counts were okay and gave us the prescription.
Charlie took the prescription to the pharmacy, when he came back he said it would be forty five minutes. We went into the lounge and waited, we did take a walk around the hospital but Alex complained that his legs hurt. Then in the lounge Alex complained that he was tired and wanted to lie down. We told Alex to lie down on the chair, there was enough room for him to stretch out. Alex got mad and said he couldn’t do that. I went into the Gift Shop and then went to the Pharmacy where I had to wait ten minutes. The pharmacist had to talk to the doctor since he had written down the amount incorrectly.
Dr. K had asked me exactly what medication Alex was taking too bad if I hadn’t remembered! So the Pharmacist got a hold of him and I got the prescription and then we left.
We went downtown to buy tickets at Eaton’s then we went to McDonalds for dinner. We also bought Alex a Pretender for being so good at the hospital.
After dinner we went to visit Dad at the hospital. He was really surprised to see us. It was a good break for him, he’s getting pretty bored in the hospital.
We had quite the time getting the pretender together but I finally got it together. Dad kept on saying no that doesn’t look right Nancy.
We left at seven o’clock and came home. When we got home I got Alex ready for bed. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
Tests
WBC 1.9
HGB
Platelets 209
ANC 1634
Medication
Methotrexiate ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.
Prednisone ------- ------ 5:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.16C 9:00 p.m.
We had breakfast then I had a shower and got dressed. We then got ready to go to the hospital. Charlie had the day off so he came with us.
The clinic had been remodelled, I thought it would be a lot bigger. When we got inside the clinic, it seemed smaller to me. They had remodelled the clinic within the same amount of space. We had been there for about half an hour when Margaret told Alex it was time for his medicine. I told her that Alex had a cough since the middle of September and didn’t she think Alex should at least have a blood test. Margaret said she would check with the doctor.
Dr. K came to see Alex, he said Dr. S was on holidays and he was taking over for her. I told him that Alex had a cough and didn’t he want to check him out and go a blood test first. Dr. K said he would check Alex first. He then listened to Alex’s chest, back and felt his stomach. Dr. K said he couldn’t hear anything in Alex’s chest and he thought Alex had a virus. Dr. K said that Alex would get over it, he said to me you think just because Alex has Leukemia that he takes longer to get over things. I said Yes, I do, he’s had this for almost two months. The doctor said no, two kids could have the same virus. One could be healthy and the other with Leukemia and they both have the virus for the same amount of time. Dr. K said he was going to give Alex his Vincristine and check his blood to make sure his counts were high enough to start on Prednisone.
Alex cried a bit when he had his I.V. push. Alex asked me to blow, when it was being done. The doctor asked us to wait for the counts then he would give us his prescription.
We waited for about half an hour and Dr. K said Alex’s counts were okay and gave us the prescription.
Charlie took the prescription to the pharmacy, when he came back he said it would be forty five minutes. We went into the lounge and waited, we did take a walk around the hospital but Alex complained that his legs hurt. Then in the lounge Alex complained that he was tired and wanted to lie down. We told Alex to lie down on the chair, there was enough room for him to stretch out. Alex got mad and said he couldn’t do that. I went into the Gift Shop and then went to the Pharmacy where I had to wait ten minutes. The pharmacist had to talk to the doctor since he had written down the amount incorrectly.
Dr. K had asked me exactly what medication Alex was taking too bad if I hadn’t remembered! So the Pharmacist got a hold of him and I got the prescription and then we left.
We went downtown to buy tickets at Eaton’s then we went to McDonalds for dinner. We also bought Alex a Pretender for being so good at the hospital.
After dinner we went to visit Dad at the hospital. He was really surprised to see us. It was a good break for him, he’s getting pretty bored in the hospital.
We had quite the time getting the pretender together but I finally got it together. Dad kept on saying no that doesn’t look right Nancy.
We left at seven o’clock and came home. When we got home I got Alex ready for bed. I watched TV and went to bed at eleven o’clock.
Tests
WBC 1.9
HGB
Platelets 209
ANC 1634
Medication
Methotrexiate ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.
Prednisone ------- ------ 5:00 p.m.
Temperature 36.16C 9:00 p.m.
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