Tuesday 30 December 2009
Drew went the beach with his Daddy and brothers today and had a great time. Injection went well at home, I'm decked out in all the protective gear, must look a sight. After his injection Drew played cricket outside and then went down the nets as well - there doesn't seem to be anything holding this boy back. Had a bit of vomiting when he came back, but was fine after that - maybe a bit less activity after injection tomorrow.
Monday 29 December 2008
Back up to the hospital by 8.00am this morning. Drew's blood count is still too low, but we are going to start treatment anyway. He has an hour of fluids before they administer the chemotherapy (cyclophosamide) which takes an hour to flow through and then four hours of fluids after this. Another drug is administered with the fluid, which is all to protect his bladder from the cyclophosamide (cyclone we have called it). The nurses also 'insert' a little plastic tube into his leg, this will be for his injection of cytarabine (carribean) which I get to do at home. We have a practice run at the hospital and then the real thing on Drew, as it is his first time he isn't very happy about it, but all goes well - thank goodness. Left hospital at 5.30pm - very long day.
Sunday 28 December 2008
Drew had a huge sleep in today. He spent the day playing his new Nintendo DS and running around playing 'gentle' soccer with his brothers in the backyard, on what was a very hot day. It is nice to see that he is well enough to still do these things.
Saturday 27 December 2008
Drew and I came straight from the game to have a sleepover at John Hunter, to save us travelling to the Central Coast and back early this morning. Unfortunately Drew's blood count (neutrophils - Pacmans) were still not high enough to start the next round. We managed to see the replay of the Mariners/Jets game before we went home and Dr Frank, a Jets supporter walked in just as the Mariners scored the winning goal. Back on Monday.
Friday 26 December 2008
Drew was very excited about being the mascot tonight and the rest of us were pretty excited too. He had a big sleep so he'd be wide awake for the whole game. We arrived at 6.00pm and went up to the corporate box that had been arranged for us - which happened to be right above the Marinators - so we had atmosphere too. Andrew (who works for the Jets and had organised the evening) came and got Drew about 7.30pm and off he went. Drew got to spend time in the sheds with the boys before the game and walked out holding Alex's hand in his Mariners jersey (they had arranged another mascot for the Jets). Andrew brought Drew back around and he was so excited, he chatted about it throughout the whole game. It looked touch and go for a while, but we got the mighty Mariners got up in the end. What a fantastic day!!!! Thank you to everyone involved who helped organise it.
Thursday 25 December 2008 - Merry Christmas
Despite having no chimney, the big red man found his way into the house and none of the boys were disappointed, nintendo ds's, helmet, pads and magic set to name a few, with it being Drew's turn to play Santa, handing out the presents. We spent a nice quiet day at home, with Janelle, prawns, ham and turkey for lunch. Now he is off the Prednisone (steriods) Drew's appetite is gradually slowing down. Drew had a surprise visitor in Lawrie McKinna who dropped in to see him with a new Mariners jersey for him to wear at the Mariners vs Jets game tomorrow night. He is just as excited about being mascot, as he was about Santa coming. We hope you all had a festive day, filled with happiness, good wine or beer and an afternoon nap!
Wednesday 24 December
Drew went back up to hospital today to check his blood count and start his next round of chemotherapy. His blood count still wasn't high enough so we were soon on our way home way, but we had the best Christmas present ever. Drew's results from his lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspirant were back and he is in remission YEE HAA!!!. There is still a very long way to go but it is the result we wanted for this stage of his treatment. We didn't get to see Dr Helen today - so if you are reading this Merry Christmas Dr Helen, hope you enjoy your first Christmas in Australia.
Tuesday 23 December 2009
Drew played cricket with Dane, played the playstation and watched Madagascar for the umpteenth time - he just about knows every word off by heart. Back to the hospital tomorrow to see if Drew's blood count is OK to start the next phase of chemotherapy.
Monday 22 December 2008
Day 36 - today is a big day for Drew. He is having a lumbar puncture and a bone marrow aspirant - the results of these will tell us if Drew is in remission, he was also due to start a new phase of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Drew's blood count was not sufficient to start the new phase, which is normal, and we will go back on Wednesday to see if his count has climbed and get the results of his lumbar puncture and bone marrow. Drew was whisked up to the operating theatre this morning at about 9.00am - they were actually waiting for us - which was a pleasant surprise, it meant Drew could eat earlier. However, today was the first day Drew woke up grumpy from the anaesthetic - but food did the trick once he was back in his room.
Sunday 21 December 2008
Tristan came over to show Drew his new 'haircut', as Drew couldn't attend the club on Friday night to watch Tristan having it done. Drew was impressed. He spent the afternoon at the cricket nets with his Dad and brothers hitting shots and falling on his backside - that centre of gravity is still a bit out of whack.
Saturday 20 December 2008
Quiet day at home playing cricket in the backyard and playing the playstation.
Friday 19 December 2008
Drew had his last day at home by himself before his brothers joined him on holidays. He went and watched White Lightning win again. Tonight was also the night of Tristan's shave to raise money for the Starlight Foundation in honour of Drew. There was quite a crowd at the bowling club including Tristan and Drew's teacher. Tristan was very brave to get up in front of everyone and have his long locks shaved off for his new bald look (we did think Drew would have lost his hair by this time, but he still has a full head of hair). Tristan raised $1875.75 for the Starlight Foundation with the help of his mum, also called Donna - well done.
Thursday 18 December 2008
Today a quick visit to the hospital for Drew's last 'asparagus' injection, this time, turned into a 4 hour visit. Drew got to see Santa & Mrs Clause, some beauties sang, the Camp Quality Puppets and last but not least the Christmas Pantomine - starring Dr Frank, Dr Stephen and Nurse Di to name a few. The Newcastle Knights made an appearance too. Drew's blood counts were good, more Pacman's (neutrophils)this week, although he did need a plasma transfusion to help his clotting. He spent the afternoon watching his Football NSW team mates do their stuff and enjoying pizza with them.
Wednesday 17 December
Drew had a quick visit up to school to see his classmates one last time before school breaks up. He gave out his cards and received a present, and saw all his teachers he has had. Drew played with Quincy and had a quiet afternoon at home with Dane and Mummy.
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Drew went over to the neighbours, Ken and Ruth and enjoyed chatting to Ken about his treatment and doing his word search whilst Ken did his crossword. Later that afternoon, Drew was out in the backyard with his brothers having a kick around with the soccer ball. He tried to do a Beckham shot, but fell flat on his back - his centre of gravity has shifted - we all had a good chuckle.
Monday 15 December 2008
Off to the hospital this morning, no ops so Drew could eat. Today Drew said goodbye to this lot of chemotherapy drugs and we started to wean off the Prednisone (steriods). Drew has put on 8 kilos in 30 days. His thigh injection hurt again today, must be something about his left leg. Next Monday we start new drugs, ones that Mum gets to put into his leg (really excited about that - not!). Drew had a kick around with his older brothers at soccer this afternoon.
Sunday 14 December 2008
Spent a nice relaxing afternoon at "Our Man" Todd's house (thank you Vannessa, Spud & Ali too). Drew had lots of chicken and a belated soccer birthday cake made by Vannessa. Went to watch older brothers win at indoor soccer, then a quiet night at home, ready for our chemo day tomorrow.
Saturday 13 December 2009
Quiet day - raining - no cricket to watch, only Dane training in the rain. Had a game of backyard cricket with Kurt in the afternoon. Stayed home with Daddy and listened to the Mariners huge win over Sydney FC. Whoo Hoo!!!
Friday 12 December 2008
Nurse Di rang today, to tell me how brave and wonderful Drew had been without me yesterday - he earned himself an extra bravery bead. We headed out for Drew's surprise around 11.00am - the Mariner's training session. Drew was introduced to all the player's and got to shake their hands. He had his photo taken, shared fruit with Adrian, Sasho, Dylan & Dean. He kicked his first ball in 4 weeks, that Mile kicked onto the car, although he said his balance was off because of his tummy (he has put on 6-7kgs in 4 weeks). He was very impressed with Brad Porter, I'm not sure if that was because of his abs or his nickname - 'Chicken', he thought Sasho was a better football player than singer. He went in the dressing room with Lawrie and had a good look around and had a chat with all the boys. It was hard to wipe his smile off his face - thanks guys for making Drew's day.
Thursday 11 December 2008
Lumbar puncture day again today. Unfortunately Mummy nor Daddy could be there and Drew was entrusted in our dear friend Janelle's safe hands. Drew and Mummy were both a bit upset. However everything went well, and Drew was very proud of his brother Kurt, who was elected School Vice Captain. Kurt also collected a book on Drew's behalf at Presentation Day, the Class Citizenship award. Dane and Kurt also received class and sports awards. Drew finished the day by being given a big box of hand made toffees (thank you Nicole) and CHICKEN. (Those who know Drew know he is obsessed with Chicken at the moment), so it was a pretty good day all round. He also has a big surprise coming tomorrow and no it's nothing to do with chicken.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Today was full of surprises and Drew had a bit of explaining to do. Paula popped in with a cupcake the size of Mt Everest for Drew and then not long after she left Drew received a phone call from Lawrie McKinna (Mariners Coach). Lawrie had got wind Drew was sick and was ringing to see how he was and WHAT THE HECK HE WAS DOING WITH A JETS JERSEY ON??? Lawrie, wife Christine and grandson Mitchell were passing later in the day and popped in, Drew made amends by having his Mariners shirt on - which he incidently, had put on when he got dressed in the morning - maybe Drew has ESP.
Tuesday 9 December 2008
Quiet day at home. Again no ill effects from the chemo. Drew had a ride in our 'new car', courtesy of Mr Rudd's bonus and Vanessa & Allan - it will make life easier for the other boys to get around if Drew is in hospital. Drew likes it because it is a Hyundai - just like the A League.
Monday 8 December 2008
Long day of chemotherapy in the day unit, but no starving so that was a bonus, Drew could munch to his heart's content - and he did. He saw Ronald McDonald in the hospital foyer - Drew thought he was huge. I told him it was because he ate his vegetables (or maybe he is on steroids too!!). Drew sends thanks for your nice comments on his blog.
Sunday 7 December 2008
Today was a huge day. Drew & Dane's football academy, Football NSW held a gala day at Budgewoi Soccer grounds in honour of Drew (see below). The whole family had a great day. White Lightening (indoor soccer) won again tonight 5 - 0 and Drew received a lovely photo of the team and a present from his team mates. We are lucky to be part of a great group of people.
Special Thanks - Football NSW Gala Day
During the first few days of Drew's illness, I remember telling him that although what was happening to him wasn't nice that along the way many special things would happen to help him get through and that is what he would remember when it was all finished. Today was one of those days!!! Thank you to every one involved today, players, coaches, families and friends - for your generosity, time, care, cards and kind words of encouragement. There were many people helping cooking, selling raffle tickets, running games and just being there supporting us. Drew made an appearance despite his lack of pacmans (neutrophils). His team mates were excited to see him and he them and he had fun drawing the raffles. Drew also received an AC Milan shirt from his coach Tony, which he immediately put on. Drew felt like a celebrity he said - which helps to keep his spirits high! As his parents and brothers, it keeps our spirits high knowing there are so many people in our football and wider community (a lot we don't even know) supporting us. It is truly appreciated - thank you.
Saturday 6 December 2008
Drew was off to his brother's cricket - not too many crowds there. He chose to go and watch Kurt's game - Kurt was so excited he got out for a duck, (not a golden duck he told us, as if that makes a difference). Kyle on the other hand got a hat trick (3/2) and 11 runs, so maybe next week Drew may go and watch Kyle. It was a really hot day, but Drew coped well with the heat. His brothers and Daddy headed off to the Mariners match and unbeknown to Drew he was off on his own surprise - our friends Vannessa, Spud, Ali and "Our Man" Todd's house. He was so excited when he realised where we were. Todd and Drew watched the game on the big screen and had fun playing the Wii. Drew buzzed all the way home.
Friday 5 December 2008
Today Drew looked through all the cards he had received from 3K. He also received a beautiful card made by Emily and her Mum and signed by the Mariners and a surprise call from Joseph.
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Thursday 4 December 2008
Well today was pretty after all. Drew had his port accessed this morning which is still a bit uncomfortable, due to swelling and bruising. He was extra nice to Dr Helen, which was a good idea as she was doing his lumbar puncture and 'mexy' injection today. Theatre called early and he was asleep by 9.30am and back in recovery just after 10.00am. We nearly got kicked out of recovery because Drew was so loud, everyone else was either asleep or being ill and Drew is talking about food at the top of his voice. Drew was very happy to be back in his room and devouring his peanut butter sandwiches just after 10.30am. His 'asparagus' injection went well for both him and Nurse Leonie and Drew had a another jam session with Shaun the music therapist. Drew helped his brothers decorate the Christmas tree when they came home and they all did a great job. He also had a nice chat to Andre (Mariners) at Budgewoi today. Drew's blood count revealed he is now neutropenic (no pacmans to fight infections) so there will be no Mariners game on the weekend - only the odd healthy visitor.
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Drew had a quiet day at home with Mum and Dad. Went for a drive to the bank, didn't put up the Christmas tree. Had a surprise visit from Mrs Cox and Miss Cinitis :O) and got to speak to "Our Man" Todd. He hasn't eaten dinner tonight and is fasting from midnight - tomorrow isn't going to be pretty.
Tuesday 2 December 2008
Drew is feeling good today - again no reactions to the Chemo, so far. His hip was a little sore from the bone marrow, but not too bad. He spent the day mosing around home.
Monday 1 December 2008
Today is Drew's biggest day. Today he is having a lumbar puncture with an injection of Methotrexate (Mexy) and a bone marrow aspirant, as well as his chemotherapy which is Asparaginase (Asparagus - intramuscular injection), Vincristine (Chrissy), Dexrazoxane (Dexy) to protect his heart, and last but not least, Daunorubicin (Ruby Red - because it is) as well as his 12 Prednisone, 1 1/2 Zantac and 2 Bactrim (to prevent him getting pneumonia). Drew's port is accessed to take his blood, it is still a little uncomfortable. Drs Frank and Liz visit - again all is good. Drew is very grumpy (who wouldn't be) because he can't eat and is STARVING. He goes off to theatre at about 1.00pm and is in a much better mood. Lyndal and Jody, who we christen Meryl, Cheryl and Mummy is Beryl, take us up to theatre, with the ever reliable Sean (Craig Lowndes)steering the bed. Todd the anaethetist puts Drew to sleep - he is impressed because he has a friend called Todd. He has everyone in giggles and is talking right till he nods off. All that goes smoothly and in recovery he is onto his favourite subject - food. I have bought him a chicken schnitzel sandwich for lunch, which he is nursing eagerly on his bed waiting to go back to his room to devour it!!! Chemo goes fine and we are on our way home by 5.30pm. I told Drew he was the bravest boy in the whole world, he said the Universe, who could argue. Even the moon was smiling tonight.
Sunday 30 November 2008
A sleep in for all and Drew helped cook bacon and eggs. He enjoyed playing cricket with his brothers in the backyard and having a play with Quincy. Dave, Jake, Aunty Trish, Pammy, Kathryn and Abbie visited today. Back for treatment no. 4 tomorrow.
Saturday 29 November 2008
The older boys and Dane have gone off to cricket with Daddy and Uncle Bones. We had a visit from Leanne and a quiet day at home. Drew is getting hungrier and it is difficult to keep him satisfied - his appearance is changing day by day.
Friday 28 November 2008
Drew had a fairly quiet day. Robyn popped in and Ruth came down from Singleton to spend the day with us. This afternoon we went and watched Drew's indoor soccer team play. They won 4 - 1 and Chris, Maria and all the boys were happy to see him. It was also his belated birthday dinner tonight, from the Chicken Carvery - Drew thinks he could have eaten another one. The Predisnone has hugely affected his appetite - he is always starving - his appearance is also starting to change - but his beautiful personality is unaffected.
Thursday 27 November 2008
Back to John Hunter today for treatment No. 2 - an intramuscular injection (asparaginase) into his thigh - we alternate legs. They hurt and Drew doesn't like them at all, it is also the first time his porta cath will be accessed. Bloods are good and he is not neutropenic (which means he has Pacmans to fight infection), we are also told that after day 8 Drew is a good responder :O).
On the way home we stopped at La De Das for lunch and Drew polished off a big breakfast and an iced chocolate. In the afternoon we went and saw Tony and Drew's mates at Football NSW - they were all glad to see him.
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Today Drew went and visited his schoolmates. 3C were very excited to see him and had lots of questions. Drew answered the questions then walked around with his shirt up, showing his 'shark bite' (where is porta cath is inserted). Drew confused everyone by wearing his Jets jersey, he was also sporting his new smartie beanie - he's practising for when he is bald.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Today we waited for Drew's blood results before we could go home - all good - porta cath removed and we were on our way. Drew hasn't had any reactions so far to the chemotherapy - but it is early days.
Tristan from school came to visit and a signed Jets jersey from Mrs Ramsay and Tracey from Amart arrived. Despite being a Mariners supporter, Drew was rapt, he was born in Newcastle so they are his second team.
Drew is still taking Prednisone and his appetite is huge. We got through all four mouthwashes - used to keep his mouth clean and hopefully prevent ulcers in his mouth and oesophagus.
Monday 24 November 2008
Drew is to start chemotherapy today at 10.00am ish. Unfortunately things don't go quite according to plan. Dr Frank visited and told us the drug to protect Drew's heart from the other drugs, hasn't arrived from Sydney. At 3 o'clock we finally begin, Drew is anxious and so is Mum. The chemotherapy is administered in stages, the first drug takes about 15 minutes, then the drug to protect Drew's heart is hooked up. Once it has run through we wait about 30 minutes before the red chemotherapy is administered, this takes 60 minutes to run through and will turn his pee red - Drew is quite excited about that. During all the IVs Drew is also given an intramuscular injection into his thigh - he was not excited about that.
We finished about 8 o'clock and Mum decided to stay overnight - Drew wasn't excited about that either.
Sunday 23 November 2008
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Drew gets to go home again today. He was eager to play the playstation and play with Quincy our dog. The boys playe happily,with the occasional brotherly spat - somethings never change. Shari & Dylan came to visit. Drew received a signed card from the Mariners that somebody had arranged for him (thank you) and also a world cup soccer ball - he was pretty impressed. All too soon it was time to go back to hospital in preparation for Drew's first day of chemotherapy tomorrow.
Saturday 22 November
Good news all is well and Drew has day release. We went to McDonalds on the way home as Drew was starving (a common effect of Prednisone). Dane was very excited to see Drew home, as were his older brothers when they came home from cricket, with Uncle Bones. Vanessa and Michael visited bringing dinner for the next week - what a gem! We cracked open the Monopoly set for the first time and had a long game which Kyle won. After dinner Drew and Daddy said a sad goodbye and made their way back to the hospital.
Friday 21 November 2008
We went through Drew's medications he has to take when he comes home and his treatment plan today. Drew's intravenous tubes were removed - he was free, no more peeing in the bottle either - Drew was soooo excited. Joseph came to visit and they escaped to the Fairy Garden. Mrs Batten and Lauren also visited Drew today. The Novocastrian Quilters Society dropped off a beautiful quilt for all the children in the Oncology Ward today, Drew being one of them - thank you.
Thursday 20 November 2008
Today we couldn't have breakfast again as we were having our porta cath put into our chest, which meant we were being put into a big sleep and couldn't eat till after the procedure. The porta cath is where Drew's chemotherapy will go into his body and where they will take blood from. Dr Roy will be doing it and Dr Judy put Drew to sleep - he talked right to the end. Dr Frank and Dr Helen popped in and all is well. Dr Frank brought in the 'road map', Drew's treatment plan for the next four weeks - we will go through all the medications and procedures tomorrow. Drew was a bit sore after the operation - there was a story going round that a big wave had brought a shark in and Drew had fought it off. Drew's blood count below 1 today :O).
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