Billy's Page #20

Mon. 23 June 2003 (727-898-7451 / Room #276 - private room)
 
Billy woke this morning, and was in a great mood aside from a little discomfort. He had breakfast and began to experience some symptoms of fever.
Yes, Billy was admitted to ACH early this afternoon. He was complaining of pain in his "bottom", and his fever jumped to 101.5 during the course of this morning, so we called the Hospital as per instructions when Billy gets a fever, and we were told to bring Billy in as soon as possible.
I will up-date again later this evening.... 
Billy is resting now in his Hospital room. They had to get a private room ready because of his fever, this took an hour or so of waiting. They will administer meds when cultures, and blood samples tell them what is causing Billy's fever. Billy is scared, as you can imagine. Having cancer, and experiencing pain in other regions sets off the alarm bells. We try to assure him that the pain is associated with constipation *wink*, lets hope so.
 
Tues. 24 June 2003

Hello all. Billy's fever is down to around 99 or so today, and he is feeling better. His Dr. looked in on him this afternoon, and had a look at his bottom. She feels that the chemo from his last session caused a bit of constipation which irritated his............you know!! He is on anti-biotics, and stool softener to make things a bit easier when they decide to exit *wink*! Billy is also on some pain meds for the discomfort. His Dr. explained to him that the pain will go away as his counts drop, and will probably return for a bit when his counts go back to normal, so he should be prepared. Billy will be in the Hospital for at least 72 hours because of the fever so they can figure out what caused it, He should be able to come home probably on Thursday morning.

Wed. 25 June 2003

Today finds Billy in good spirits. His blood counts were checked this morning, and his hemoglobin was quite low so he is receiving a transfusion of 1 1/2 pints of blood as we speak. His fever is all but gone, and he ate well today. Billy also got his caricature done today!! The person who dose them comes to the Hospital every Wed. from 2-4 pm, but Billy always misses him! Well today was Billy's lucky day, and he had his done. It looks GREAT, and I'll scan it to Billy's web site when he comes home (probably tomorrow) for you all to see!

Billy also got another surprise today, Alicia picked up the New Game Cube and attachment for the game-boy games. Billy's Uncle Jorge bought it for him. Thank you Jorge, you know Billy will just FLIP ! I can't wait to play it either! You can play "Super Mario" on it, My favorite game *wink*


Thurs. 26 June 2003 - Home!

Billy was released this afternoon. His counts are still low, of course, but his fever is gone along with the pain and discomfort he has had for the past few days. We have to return on Monday to have his blood counts checked again, and Billy is scheduled to start his next session of chemo on July 3rd (next week). It is now a 1 day admission because he is no longer getting the 48 hours of doxorubicin. As I said before, Billy's 48 week chemotherapy protocol is over in mid October, so 3 1/2 more months of chemo. and then we'll be in remission..........right? RIGHT!

Yes, Billy is busy playing his new game cube, I won't even get between him and the TV! I managed to find the console attachment that was needed so he can play all his game boy games on it and view them on the TV. Boy, it's a far cry from the Atari game I used to have growing up!! Remember that one?!!

Sat. 27 June 2003

Well, here you have it! We just Love it, How 'bout you?! You can click the image (Below) to view a larger version if you like *wink*, It really looks like Billy too. The person who did this comes to ACH every Wed. and does these for children who are in the Hospital on the cancer ward. Billy has been trying to have his done for months, but he is either too sick to leave his Hospital room, or not in the Hospital at the time the artist is there. We made sure Billy would finally get his done this time! They even said that the artist would come to Billy's room if Billy couldn't come done the hall to him. Billy wasn't isolated this time so all went well, and he finally got the chance.

Billy is feeling pretty good today, although the weather outside is pretty stormy. This is the rainy season down here in St. Pete., and we've had our share of rain over the past few weeks. Billy's Dr. told us that it was OK to take Billy to the beach when the sun wasn't too hot (am or late pm). This was a good thing to hear because Billy really misses the Beach. Now all we have to do is get him away from his new Game Cube!!

Tues. 1 July 2003

Billy had his counts checked this afternoon, his ANC was 1600. This is good news , and means he'll be admitted on Thursday for his next round of chemo. As I said earlier, this round of chemo will only be over a one day period because Billy is no longer receiving the 48 hour chemo drug Doxorubicin. So instead of 3 days, he'll be in for 1 day. The 6 day session will stay the same, and will follow this session in about 3 weeks.

Billy is doing very well in his physical therapy sessions as well. He had another session today. Billy is walking around the house without his crutches! He still needs to support himself by holding the wall's or the chair's as he passes, but all his weight is being placed on his leg's now. He can bend his leg to just about 90 degrees, and is making daily improvements as his confidence grows.

Thur. 3 July 2003

Hello, welcome back to Billy's page. Just got back from the Hospital, Billy's platelet counts were too low for admission today for his chemotherapy. We will have to wait till at least tuesday to try again "grin". All his other counts were great including his ANC which was 3,600.

Most of you know that Billy went to Hollywood, Ca. in January to see his favorite TV personality Ryan Styles (the tall skinny guy on the Drew Cary show). We spent the whole day on the set of the show, and watched the cast in rehearsals. Well............................ last nights Drew Cary show was the one's we saw them rehearsing for!! Billy freaked out! So did I!!! It was really weird to see, as you can imagine. They did the show just as we saw it in person.

Mon. 7 July 2003

Hello all! What a great weekend here in Sunny St. Pete.! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend as well. Billy is doing very well, and will hopefully be admitted tomorrow morning for his next round of chemo. His counts should be high enough to tolerate the drugs. Billy is really getting tired of the fact that he is isolated most of the time during all of his treatment. It is a good thing that Billy only has 3 1/2 more months of chemotherapy to go through. We talked with him the other day concerning this, and he told us that he will try his best to put up with the boredom, but it is getting really hard.

Tue. 8 July 2003

Oh Well "grin"...................Billy wasn't admitted today, this time his ANC was too low, only at 600. This is really frustrating to Billy, he gears himself up for his admissions, and comes crashing down when he is unable to continue on with his chemotherapy. You see , his body has to be able to withstand the effects of the drugs, so when his platelets are too low, or his ANC is too low he has to wait a couple more days until his body rebounds from the last chemo. Billy will have his counts checked again on Thursday, and will be admitted if all is well enough.

Thur. 10 July 2003 (727-898-7451 / Room #262 - B)

YES......Billy was admitted to ACH this morning. It was close, but his counts were good enough to continue with his chemotherapy. This is only a 1 day admission. Billy will be hydrated for a few hours before his chemo is started because these particular drugs are damaging to the bladder. Billy will also be receiving at least 4 doses of Mesna to help prevent bladder problems. So, with any luck, Billy should be home tomorrow!

Billy received a package in the mail today, and was shocked to see that he won a prize in a contest he entered. We all entered for him as well, and he won a game boy game! He was so happy, because he never won any contest he's entered through the mail, or internet.

Sat. 12 July 2003 - Home!

We're home!! Actually, we got home yesterday! Billy is doing good, and even thought it was only a day, he is glad to be home. This stay in the Hospital paired him up with a 17 year old room mate, you know how we feel about that sort of thing *wink*. Billy had an x-ray done of his leg while in the Hospital to check on the prosthetic alignment. He is also scheduled for an MRI to have a better look at his leg, muscles, and surrounding tissue. Billy will be admitted again in about 3 weeks for his next 5 day round of chemotherapy, baring any fever or troubles that cause him to be admitted sooner "grin".

We also have some great news regarding Billy's rehabilitation progress. Billy is now walking (around the house) without the use of his crutches!! His walk is very stable, but his right leg is an inch longer than his left which takes a bit of getting used to. We insist on him not using the crutches while at home, but will continue to use them if he is to leave the house. This is a big milestone, and he is excited that he is able to do this.

Mon. 14 July 2003

Hello all, and welcome back! Billy is in good spirits today. He did very well in his daily exercises, and is feeling a little discomfort because of the workout! "no pain.............no gain"! Billy received a package today from "Barcelona, Spain"! a Great t-shirt from Barcelona, and a hat from NASA, Thank you Carmelina .

Billy is to be at the Hospital tomorrow morning for his regular bi-weekly blood tests, followed by his physical therapy. Billy is doing well getting around the house without the use of his crutches, although the fact that his right leg is an inch longer than his left, and will remain so until he stops growing, is taking some getting used to. His Dr. has ordered an insert for his left shoe to compensate for the difference, this should make it a bit easier to walk with less of a limp.

Thurs. 17 July 2003

Hello there! Billy just left for the Hospital to have his counts checked, physical therapy, and an MRI of his leg. Yes, a busy day! Why an MRI of his leg, you ask! Well, they want to have a good look at his leg, the position of the prosthesis, and any other signs of........................well, you know *wink*.
Billy has been a "Champ" through this whole episode thus far, and is looking forward to his last chemo! Which will probably be in early November now due to the set backs of the past few chemo's. Billy will be starting School in about a month or so as well. At first he'll continue to be Home Bound, but will attend the first few days at his school to meet all his new teachers, students, and just to let every one know who he is, and why he's not attending regular school until his treatment is over. He is really looking forward to starting a new school year.

Sun. 20 July 2003

Well, this weekend has been touch and go. Billy was flirting with a fever of 99-101 for the past couple days, and we all know what happens when his temp. get's up to 101.5 *wink*. He rebounded fairly well, and has been hovering around 99 all day today. Billy is in good spirits, and sends all his "THANKS" once again, out to all his many Friends for your Thoughts, Prayers, letter's, and gifts.

I want to share with all of you, Billy's Friends, this wonderful web site I was made aware of today. It is about a young boy named Kyle Antony Lee who passed away last month after a 19 month battle with ewings sarcoma. I added the link to his web site on Billy's Link's Page (inactive) It is a very moving memorial to a very precious child, who is dearly missed by his Family and Friends.

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*click to enlarge