Sun. 10 Nov. 2002
Hello, and welcome back to Billy's page. Today has been a relaxing, uneventful day full of Football! Billy has pretty much rebounded from last weeks episode with the fever, and his stay in the Hospital. Although his blood counts are down, he feels well. Billy did some of his school work today, and will be visited by his teacher tomorrow for a few hours of schooling. Billy really looks forward to the visits from his homebound teacher, they really get along well, and he is able to keep up with his school work with little or no problems. It also gives him some time to step back into the *real world". Well, back to the game!! Have a good evening.
Tues. 12 Nov. 2002
First of all, let me thank those of you at Billy's School who have given us the FABULOUS gift certificates to our local restaurants, and shopping centers. THANK YOU! They will surly come in handy during these difficult times when there is really no time to cook, or even think about cooking.
Yesterday Billy had a few hours of Schooling, and was able to attend the Book Fair at his School. He got a few books to read, and a CD ROM for his computer. His teacher will be here today as well because Billy will be admitted to the Hospital on Thursday, his normal day for Schooling.
Wed. 13 Nov. 2002
Hello All, and welcome back to Billy's page. Well here it is, and all too soon. Tomorrow is Thursday and Billy will be admitted to ACH once again. We are to be at the Hospital at 8:30 am for another chemotherapy session. Billy will be receiving 3 chemotherapy drugs per day over a 5 day period. One of the drugs is the one that Billy has had a difficult time with (VP 16).
Alicia's Sister Ana (Billy's Aunt) is due to arrive tomorrow night, and spend some time here in St. Pete., Billy hasn't seen her since last July, and is really looking forward to seeing her, as are we too! It's gonna be chilly, 70 degrees here tomorrow, so dress warm!
Thurs. 14 Nov. 2002 (Room # 265 bed A)
Hello, to All Our Friends. Yes, Billy was admitted to ACH this morning at 8:30. He has already had one of the chemotherapy drugs administered, and was receiving the second one when I left the Hospital at 6:30 pm. He managed to eat something before he fell under the effects of the drugs, which is a good thing *wink*. He handled the VP-16 very well because he had a dose of hydro-cortazone and benedryl which counter-act the very bad side effects of this particular drug. These also knock him out for a couple hours too!! Speaking of "knocked out", I'm going to try and get an hours sleep, I have to go to Tampa and pick up Ana (Alicia's Sister) at 10:00 tonight, she's flying in from NJ. Until next time, Be Well.
Sat. 16 Nov. 2002
Hello All, welcome back to Billy's Page. As you can tell by the icon above (inactive), it is stormy here today. We are expecting some severe weather in this part of Florida today and tonight, due to one of a few "Cold" fronts we'll have during our 2 weeks of winter *wink*!
Ana brought with her, a wonderful gift for Billy. She brought the collectors DVD set from the Lord of the Rings for Billy, he was in shock! He Loves the Lord of the Rings. The book, the Movie, the Video game, everything about it! He spent most of the day with Ana watching it, as you can imagine. Thank you Ana! Billy got another surprise in the mail yesterday from A&M in Summit, NJ. He recieved Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 which is a CD ROM for the computer in which you build an amusement park from the ground up, sort of like the one he got before he became ill. Thank you very much, Billy Loves it, and can't wait to come home to install, and play it!
Billy has been doing very well during the first few days of this chemotherapy session. He has a great appetite, and is eating what he orders. He knows that in a few days he'll feel pretty lousy so he is really taking advantage of the times he feels good. Today is the 3rd day of 5, that Billy will be getting treatment. We hope to be home on Tuesday the 19th, providing everything goes well.
Mon. 18 Nov. 2002 (Happy Birthday to my Mother, in Heaven)
Welcome back to Billy's page. Billy will be coming home tonight at 9:00 pm. Yes, it is kind of an odd time of day to be coming home from the Hospital. We thought it best that Billy come home, given the opportunity. He finished his chemotherapy at 3:00, but has to be hydrated, and watched for a few hours. We asked him if he wanted to come home or stay another night *wink*, Yes, he choose to come Home!
Billy did exceptionally well this time around. He did get sick once, but it didn't last all that long. The past couple days have been good to him, and I'm glad, because he can sure use it. All of the thoughts and Prayers coming to Billy are truly being answered, THANK YOU ALL.
Billy is schedualed to be re-admitted on Dec. 4th, for the start of his next round of chemotherapy. Again, 3 days of 2 drugs, followed by two weeks off (fingers crossed), then 5 more days of 3 drugs. This should take us to the 1st of the year. After this session of chemotherapy Billy will most likely have about 2 months to recover from the chemotherapy, have another MRI done of his leg, and then if all goes as planed, he will have the surgery performed to replace his femur with an artificial (expandable, titanium) one, But lets not jump that far ahead! Lets get him through the next month or so, and cross that bridge when we get to it! OK, OK! Good night, Be well.
Wed. 20 Nov. 2002
Hello All, welcome back to Billy's page. Billy is doing very well since his release from the Hospital. His appetite is just as it always was, and he hasn't stopped eating! Don't get me wrong, the Hospital food is Great, but you can't beat home cooking (thanks Ana)!
Alicia's childhood friend Wanda, and her husband stopped by today for a visit. They are visiting Orlando from their home in New York City. It was wonderful to see her again, she was a member of Our Wedding party when Alicia and I were married.
ALSO! We received a phone call from the Childrens Dream Fund today, and they informed Billy that his wish has been granted, and that we are all to be guests of the taping of the Drew Carey Show in Burbank, California; at the WB Studios. Billy will get to meet his favorite actor, Ryan Stiles (the tall skinny guy); and all the rest of the cast as well! We will be going in mid January (probably) if all goes well with Billy's next Chemotherapy session the 1st week of December. Billy is Sooooooooooo Excited, as you can imagine. Alicia and I are as well!! *wink*, after all, I get to meet Mimi! We will spend a long weekend there, and also get a tour of the Warner Bros' Studios.
Billy is scheduled to have his blood counts checked on Friday, and is also planning on going on a field trip with his class to Sunken Gardens the same day. Billy's Teacher will visit again tomorrow for a few hours of school work. Billy has been doing very well with his school work, and he has been visited both at home and at the Hospital by his Teacher at least twice a week, for 2-3 hours a day. Well, let me go for now, I hope you all have a great evening.
Fri. 22 Nov. 2002 (Where were you, 39 years ago today?)
Hello, and welcome back to Billy's page. Billy is with his class mates today on a field trip to Sunken Gardens here in St.Petersburg, Alicia went along as well. As you can probably imagine, Billy was very excited about the trip, and he can't wait to see all his Friends. They should be gone most of the day, although Billy is due at the Hospital this afternoon to have his blood counts checked.
As I've said earlier, Billy is doing very well after this round of chemotherapy but did have a few bouts with an upset stomach. He helped me pick oranges and grapefruit from our tree's Wed., as we took advantage of the great weather. He stayed on the ground of course, as I climbed the ladder!
Well, Alicia and Billy made it home in one piece!! Billy's blood counts were right on target, We have to continue his GCSF injections though, until his counts are checked again on Tuesday. I had talked to Alicia on the phone and she had told me that Billy was able to handle an Alligator, taranchula, and a Madagasgar hissing cockroach!! Yes, he had all his fingers when he got home! They had a wonderful time, and he was so happy to see all his Friends. I want to thank all of you from Billy's School who sent something home with Alicia. Your letters, cards, gift certificates, food, and even money are all very much appreciated; THANK YOU ALL !
Sat. 23 Nov. 2002
Hello, all is well! Just wanted to say that we just had the most PERFECT view of the Space ShuttleSpace Shuttle take off! It is a perfectly clear night here in St.Pete., and we can see the launch from our front yard when it goes up. Billy is amazed at the fact that it is launched from 150 miles to the east (Cape Kennedy), and we can see it! We can also see it during the day if the skies are clear. Good Night!
Mon. 25 Nov. 2002
Hello All, welcome back to Billy's Page. What a great end to a fabulous weekend, The Tampa Bay Bucaneers Kicked it up a notch, and whooped the Green Bay Packers 21-7! Although jumping up and down was out of the question, Billy showed his "Team Spirit" by numerous high fives, and sudden out-bursts of joy and excitement! What a Game!! Billy also received a package from Military Moms Online today, it included a Cleveland Cavaliers hat, and numerous stickers and ornaments. Thank you D. Weller (Owner), and all M.M.O. who have contributed to this package! Billy has had this hat on ALL DAY! Hey isn't Drew Careys' show in Cleveland!!
Thurs. 28 Nov. 2002 "HAPPY THANKSGIVING"
Hello to All Our Friends, Welcome back to Billy's Page. Let me say to All of you who recognize this day as a day we reflect on the things we are thankful for, Happy Thanksgiving . On this day we (My Family) can honestly say that we are thankful for All Of You. Thank you All for your thoughts, Prayers, Love, and Support; You are the Strength behind Billy's Page. I hope you all can find in your hearts something you are Thankful for.
Because Billy's blood counts are so low, Alicia, Billy, and I will be spending this day together at home. We will enjoy a Ham Dinner with all the trimmings, and of course some Football! Please have a Safe and Secure Holiday, surrounded by those you Love.
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