Sun . 6 Oct . 2002
Welcome to Page # 4 of our Journey with Billy. Although Billy has lost his appetite, he still manages to eat some of his food. His jaw pain is really keeping the food out of his mouth more than anything. He knows that if he wants to go home on Tuesday he has to show the Dr.'s that he is eating, so we'll see ! Alicia's Mom (Ama), and Brother (Juan) arrived today. it was good to see them. I know this is tough on them as well to see Billy is this condition. I was feeling pretty tired, so I came home for a bit. It is great that we are only 2 miles from the Hospital, and can go home every now and then. Alicia, Juani, and Ama are still at the Hospital with Billy. His team, The Buccaneers won again today 20-6, and are now 4 and 1.
I want to thank you all once again for all of your Support, thoughts , and Prayers. Also for the Cards we've received in snail mail, through the Website. It is truly a pleasure to read all of the postings, cards, and letters. Although Billy hasn't seen all of the entries, he will get the chance when he is able to come home, and I am sure he will be just as happy as Alicia and I am. It certainly means alot to Us, and I hope you all understand just how much strength this provides. Let me go unwind a bit, I will update Billy's Page again soon. So until then, be well.
Mon . 7 Oct . 2002
Hello, and welcome back. It is now 6:45 pm, we just finished dinner. Yes, at home! We brought Billy home this evening. He is doing great, besides the occasional sickness. Uncle Juani spent the night at the Hospital with Billy, while Alicia, Ama and I spent a quiet night at home. Billy is glad to be home, as you can imagine, and "Kitty" ( his cat ) was just as glad to see him. We were given some medications for Billy while he is home. We have to give him an injection once a day, as well as monitor him for fever. He is expected to get a fever, and we are to return to the Hospital if it should be 101 or higher. We also have to get his blood monitored twice a week to check his blood counts. Providing there are no complications at home, Billy is scheduled to return to the Hospital on Oct. 22 for his 2nd Chemotherapy session. We should know by then if they will follow the same protocol with the drugs. As you know, Billy is on a pretty aggressive amount of drugs, This may be altered at some point.
Uncle Juani will be heading back to Miami tomorrow morning, but Ama will be staying for some time. Thanks Juani for all your help, we really appreciate it *wink*. Hope you are able to come back soon. Billy got another dozen get well cards today! They were from all over the Country, from all of the nice people who we've met on the Net since Billy's Page was started. Thank you all! You know who you are! Well let me go enjoy some quality time with My Son! See you all later, be well.
Tues . 8 Oct . 2002
Hello all, thank you for joining us. Billy is home as you know. He was up and down all night with a sick stomach. He is resting now. Alicia administered his injection last night. She feels better doing it because as you know she injects herself once a week for her MS condition. She admits that it is not easy injecting Our Son though. Billy has absolutely no desire to eat, and finds it difficult to swallow even water. He knows that it is very important to do both though. Uncle Juani left for Miami this morning, after spending the night by Billy's bedside (Thanks Juani). Ama made her home made Chicken and rice last night, and although the Food at the Hospital was great, it was a pleasure to have some home cooking!
7:00 pm: Billy just had dinner, and just as quick, gave it up!!
Wed . 9 Oct . 2002
Welcome back to Billy's Page. Billy had a pretty lack-luster day today, and spent most of the day in bed. He did get in some computer time though. He checked his e-mail, and guest book entries. Almost 300 of you have signed his guest book, and added a pin to his guest map. Thank you *wink*. We have to be at the Hospital tomorrow morning at 9:00 to have Billy's Blood counts checked. His red and white blood cells should show a marked decrease, and have to be monitored. His immune system is really cut to a minimum, and prone to attack. We have to give Billy an injection every day while he is home to boost his immune system.
Billy got sick a few times today as expected, but slept all night without incidenc. Alicia and her Mom (Ama) had the chance to get out today for awhile, which was a good thing! I managed to get some yard work done as well.
Billy had some ravioli for dinner, and was able to keep it down ( so far )! We have to give him his shot in about a half hour, and he knows it *grin*. We have a cream called EMLA that we put on the injection site an hour before the injection so it doesn't hurt. It works really good, Alicia is going to try it when she has to give herself her shot on Tuesdays. Well, until next time. Good night.
Thurs . 10 Oct . 2002
Hello to all Our friends . Billy went to the Hospital this morning to have his blood counts checked . We spent a few hours there as they accessed his IV port and administered fluids because he was a bit de-hydrated . They also gave Billy some medicine for his nausea , which worked just fine . Billy's white blood cells were at their lowest level , and he is at the most dangerous point in this Chemo session . He is at risk for infection , colds , and any other disease . He needs to be very careful the next week or so as his white blood cells are replenished to the normal levels . It should be a couple weeks , then he is ready for his next Chemotherapy session on the 22nd . The Dr. informed us that Billy SHOULD start to feel much better from now until his next session , which sounded great to him ! He never got the expected fever of 101 , and he still has his hair *wink* .
Billy was a bit upset because he missed his trip to Enterprise Village with his class mates today . He was really looking forward to it , and hopes he'll make the next trip . By the sound of one of the entries in his guest book , he was missed by the others as well . THANK YOU ALL !
When Billy's defenses are up , we will take him to school for a few hours so that he can spend some time with his classmates . This too , he is looking forward to . I hope you all have a good night , until next time.
Fri. 11 Oct. 2002
Hello, welcome back to Billy's Page # 4. Above is a clip from Billy's School Paper (not shown), as you can see, It was dedicated to Billy. This was such a surprise for Billy. Billy's Teacher visited him earlier today and brought him the paper along with a bunch of cards made by his classmates. Billy has had a fevor of 99 all day. It is now 101, and we are going to take him to the Hospital (per orders). We don't want to take any chances, with his defenses being so low. I will try to update a bit later, It is 6 pm at this time.
Sat. 12 Oct. 2002
What a day *grin*. Billy was re-admitted to the Hospital last night with a fever of 102.5. He was put on fluids and anti-biotics. He maintained a fever of between 101 and 102 all day today as well. Blood was taken to be analized for possible growth of infections. Billy had a pretty tranquil day, but managed to eat some. His Dr. said that he'll probably be in the Hospital till at least Monday, providing his fever subsides. Billy also lost 7 lbs. since his Chemo ended on Sunday. All of the above is expected due to the very aggressive Chemotherapy he received. He is being strong as he possibly can, and is not going to let this get the Best of him. I actually made him laugh as I was leaving the Hospital room. It sure was great to see him laugh, it's been a long time.
Dr. L-- , Billy's Surgeon, stopped by this afternoon to meet with Billy. He talked about what he will do (the operation) when Billy's Femur is replaced, and Billy was captivated by the procedure, and the Dr. was captivated by Billy's enthusiasm. Well, I'm gonna see if I can unwind a bit *wink*. Be Well , Good night.
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