Diagnosis: Leukemia; May 7, 1990

Samantha woke up at seven thirty. Charlie and Alex were already up. They left at eight o’clock for the hospital.

At nine o’clock Charlie phoned. He asked me when Alex had a chest x-ray last. I told him October 1988 why? Charlie said Dr. K wants another x-ray because I told him Alex has been coughing a lot.

After I had hung up I started thinking about it. I sure didn’t like the idea of Alex having another x-ray unless it was really necessary.

I phoned back but they said Alex had already gone for an x-ray.

Charlie phoned when he got back, he said the doctor thought he heard something in Alex’s chest. He said he had to go as Dr. K had come back from x-ray.

I had a shower, got dressed and did work around the house. I kept wondering how Alex was and wishing Charlie would hurry up and phone.

They arrived home at noon. Alex couldn’t have any treatment because of his cough. His counts were good, so I don’t know why he couldn’t have the LP. Better for Alex anyways. The doctor started Alex on an antibiotic.

Alex wanted to go to school, so we got ready. I told Mrs. Wall what happened. She said is he feeling alright. I said yes he feels fine.

Samantha was having a nap. I fed her again at two o’clock. Charlie isn’t feeling too good after going to the hospital. I can relate to that, it always wore me out.

When I picked Alex up I was able to leave Samantha at home with Charlie. Charlie took the day off.

Alex was annoyed when we got home. I gave him a pill (the new antibiotic) and told him he couldn’t eat until four o’clock. Alex said I’m so hungry I have to eat. It should be interesting for the next ten days!

At six o’clock I told Alex he couldn’t eat anything so I could give him his next pill. Of course the same production!

Alex went to bed at nine o’clock. I went to bed at ten o’clock. Samantha had eaten at nine o’clock.

Tests

WBC 6.7
HGB 13.9
Platelets 299
ANC 5226

Medication

Erythromid ------- 3:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Bactrim ------ ------ 9:00 p.m.
Mercaptopurine ------- ------ 9:00 p.m.
Methotrexiate ------- ----- 9:00 p.m.