Billy's Page #17

Thurs. 1 May 2003

Welcome back to Billy's Page. Billy had his blood counts checked again today and his counts are still very low. We will be returning to the Hospital tomorrow morning for a transfusion of platelets. Alicia's Sister Ana, and her Husband Frank are on vacation, and are due to arrive here at our home tomorrow, and stay a few days. We are trying to make some plans that include Billy (and Busch Gardens) for the weekend, but Billy's condition dictates otherwise *grin*. We'll just have to wait and see. Billy's Friend Bradley wants to visit Billy on Saturday as well. I really hope Billy's counts are up, and that he has a Great weekend *wink*.

Sat. 3 May 2003

Wish you were here!! Well, so far so good!! Billy's Friend Bradley is here, along with another one of Billy's friends Jarred from next door. They are having a blast on the play station! What about the photo of the Beach, you may ask!! Well, thats where Alicia, her Sister, and her Sister's Husband Frank are!! Yep, I'm here at home with the kids!! Oh well, at least the weekend has gotten off to a great start. Maybe we'll be able to get out for dinner tonight after all *wink*.

Mon. 5 May 2003

Well, another end to a pretty good weekend! Billy had a wonderful time with Aunt Ana and Uncle Frank. They spent some quality time together, and enjoyed each others company. Putt-Putt golf was Saturday, and the Movies Sunday night! Ana and Frank did manage to get a couple good days in at the Beach as well!! Now they're on their way back to NJ, but get to take a nice tan back with them *wink*! Thanks guy's, we enjoyed your company.

Billy will be having his blood counts checked again tomorrow afternoon after his physical therapy session. He is getting around fairly well around the house without his brace, but still with the help of his crutches. Day by day he is regaining strength in his leg, but knows he still has a long way to go. The Dr.'s were kind enough to schedule Billy's next chemotherapy session on the 20th of May, after his Graduation Ceremony at School the same day. We are so glad Billy is able to attend his Graduation to the 6th grade. We'll just keep our fingers crossed that he doesn't get the "dreaded fever".

Wed. 7 May 2003

Well, at least Billy has been without fever thus far. Billy is at the Hospital this afternoon to receive a blood transfusion (1 pint). When he had his blood counts checked yesterday, his hemoglobin was quite low, so he is receiving some much needed red blood cells. This procedure is all done through his chest port, so he doesn't have to get "stuck" every time he needs to be transfused, or given meds.

Billy had another good day of lessons yesterday with Ms. Baker his homebound Teacher. He has done very well in his studies while being treated, with only the minimum of un-provoked interruptions. He has just one more week of schooling for this school year, and is already looking forward to the 6th grade!

Thurs. 8 May 2003

Hello all, welcome back to Billy's Page. Here is a photo I took this evening of Billy and Alicia (Billy's Mom, my Beautiful Wife!!) on their way to Billy's School party at the St. Petersburg Yacht club. Billy is so very glad to be able to attend. Billy had a bit of an accident today after his field trip to his new middle school (South side Fundamental). He was accidentally triped when they returned to Lake View Fundamental, and he fell. He did sprain his ankle on his right leg (yes, that leg "grrr"), but he is feeling much better now. It was an accident, and he felt just as bad for the kid that triped him. All is well though *wink*.
Oh yea, did you notice how tall Billy is getting? Well, Alicia is only 4'11!! Billy is 2 inches shorter and growing!!

Sat. 10 May 2003

Hello, and welcome back to Billy's Page. I just had to post this photo of Alicia. I took it the same day as the photo above, and I just Love it *wink*. Alicia doesn't really care for it, but I feel it really shows Alicia in another light, one she is rarely seen in. Maybe you can see it as well, or maybe it's just me. Anyway, Billy is at home and is feeling very well. His ankle is feeling just fine as well, and he is putting more and more weight on his leg as the days pass. We were visited yesterday by some good Friends from PR, they were really grateful to be able to spend some time with Billy, as well as Alicia and I. We too, were happy to be able to spend some time with them. They were in town visiting with their daughter who lives in Tampa. It was a pleasure to visit with them, if only for a short time.

Mon. 12 May 2003

Just got home from the Hospital where Billy had his blood counts checked. Although his counts are still on the low side, Billy is feeling very well. He is eating good, and is maintaining his weight at about 69 pounds. Billy weighed about 80 lbs when he became ill, so 11 lbs really isn't all that bad....right, *wink*. Here to the left Billy is just relaxing in his favorite chair (mine). You can notice the beginning of the incision on his leg in this photo. The incision is looking very good, and believe it or not, it is already fading a bit! Billy is really proud of it !!LOL!! Alicia is having a bit of an attack, her right leg is giving her some trouble, and will be starting a three day IV of steroids tomorrow. She has been going non stop since Billy got sick, and it is starting to catch up to her, but "Mother's will be Mother's" right!! She'll be just fine, and will be out and about as usual!
Billy's D.A.R.E. Graduation is on Wed. this week. He is one of the speakers, and is really looking forward to it. I'll try and get a photo *wink*.

Wed. 14 May 2003

Hello all! Today was Graduation day from the D.A.R.E. Program, and I took a few photo's for you all to see. Billy was assigned the task to announce the Guest speaker, of which he did a great job!! All of the Children from the 5th Grade had a big part in the program, and they All deserve a "Big hand"! Congrats' Kids!!
Billy spent the whole day at school, and enjoyed it totally! There are only 4 more school days left in the school year......................next Tues. is Graduation Day!

Thurs. 15 May 2003

Today was Billy's final day of Schooling (home bound), and Ms. Baker, Billy's Teacher expressed her great appreciation for Billy's positive attitude, and just plain hard work. Billy and Ms. Baker were really good Friends as well as Teacher-Student. Billy invited her to his Graduation on next Tuesday at Lake view, we hope she can make it *wink*. Billy said that he'll miss her and hope's she'll be his Teacher for the beginning of next school year. Billy will he starting school after his chemotherapy is over sometime in October, The regular school year starts in August.
Billy had a good session at physical therapy today, and is really trying to walk without the crutches, but with his brace on. He is really proud of his accomplishments, as are we.
Billy will be spending the day tomorrow at school. There are only 3 more school days left, and I imagine he isn't about to lose them!! His Friends have really been supportive of him, and are eager to help him in any way the can. Thanks Kids!!

Sun. 18 May 2003

Hello all, and welcome back to Billy's Page. Well, another end to an un-eventful weekend *wink*. Uncle Juani stopped by on his way back to Miami, and we all went out to dinner and had a wonderful time. Billy will be heading off to school tomorrow. The 5th grade graduating class is going to a skate party at a local skate rink, Billy included!! I hope to have a photo or two for you all to see ! And don't forget ............................ Tuesday (day after tomorrow) is Graduation day!

Tues. 20 May 2003 - "Graduation Day"
What a day! Billy is now a Graduate of the 5th grade, and will be going to South Side Fundamental Middle School next year as a 6th grader!! We are so very Proud of him and all his accomplishments. Billy was so excited about the day and all it involved! He was even given "Special Mention", and Awarded a montage signed by all the Students and Teachers admiring his courage, strength, and ambition. He received a standing ovation from all in attendance which made him feel 10 feet tall ! Thank you all so very much for helping to keep a smile on Billy's face.

OOOPs!! In all the excitement of the day, I forgot to mention that Billy was admitted to ACH this afternoon. Thats right, after Graduation and school, he was admitted for his next round of chemotherapy.

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