Sat. 30 Nov. 2002
Welcome Back to Billy's Page. Here we start page #9 of Our Journey with Billy. This entry finds Billy in good Spirits, and taking advantage of the fact that he feels fine. Ama, Apa, Uncle Juani, and Juani's girl Friend came up from Miami for the day. We'll have dinner, and they'll head back. It is a nice day, for a road trip!
As for myself *wink*, i'm taking a break to update Billy's Page. UM is playing SU now, and kicking butt 28-7, GO CANES! The Gators are in Tallahassee tonight to play the Seminoles ,GO GAT-NOLES !! (I like both teams ). Anyway, back to the games! Be Well.
Thank you Maria C. of Clearwater, FL. for sending Billy that wonderful book "101 stories of Courage, hope, and laughter"
, he can't put it down! Give our best to your Mom and Family.
Tues. 3 Dec. 2002
Sorry about those 'Bucs! Yes, they blew it against the Saints on Sunday 23-20, and the Gators lost one against the Seminoles on Saturday. Well, Billy and Alicia are off for a day trip to the Ringling Mansion (Museum) in Sarasota, with Billy's School. Billy is feeling really well, and decided to take advantage of this gorgeous day here in Sunny Florida!
Billy will be admitted to the Hospital again on Thursday for another round of chemotherapy. If you all remember, these are the 2 drugs that always give Billy the worst of the side-effects. He made a point of it to eat alot during the past couple weeks so if he has troubles again, he won't lose as much weight this time. I'll update again later, after they return from their trip. So until then, be well.
Billy and Alicia are home from their trip to Sarasota. They had a great time, but Billy was quite taken back by the "nakedness" of the Statues there! They have replica's of the Statues of David, and a few more of the well known Roman/Greek statues. I guess he reacted like any other 10 year old, right *wink*. Again, his class mates and teachers were glad to see him. This will probably be one of the last times he's able to see anyone before his surgery in mid-January.
Thurs. 5 Dec. 2002
Hello All! Billy had a wonderful day at school yesterday, again seeing all his teachers and Friends was a treat. He was kind of worn out after the school day was over, but managed to come with Alicia and I to Appleby's for dinner, thanks to a few of the Staff at Lakeview Fundamental Elementary (Billy's School), THANK YOU, dinner was GREAT!
Billy was admitted to ACH this morning at 9:15 AM., for his 5th round of chemotherapy, he is in room # 276 probably to at least Monday. He had a nice BIG cheese burger when he got there, just in case *wink*.
I want to acknowledge a few cards Billy received today. Thank you Rottencat1 (Bruce), and Rogelio & Aurora; Thank you sooooo much!
Alicia just relieved me at the Hospital, and will be staying the night with Billy (Thanks Sweetie!) Well, let me go unwind a bit *wink*, be well and have a good 'nite.
Fri. 6 Dec. 2002
Hello All, welcome back to Billy's Page. Billy has had a pretty rough day, with the chemotherapy and eating *wink* Billy's Chemotherapy 12-6-2002. He is such a champ though. He'll look up at me or Alicia after he has a bout with an upset stomach and say, "it's alright, I'll try to eat again in a minute." We'll wipe his face, hold back a tear or two, and continue on this Journey. The image above (unavailable) is a 24 hour bag of one of the Chemotherapy drugs Billy will get while in the Hospital during this stay. After this bag is finished tonight he will get one more 24 hour bag followed by another chemotherapy drug. Please click the Chemotherapy link above to learn about these Chemicals, you'll be shocked as well as enlightened. You'll also learn that Adults have a hard time tolerating these drugs, which is why I have a hard time trying to comprehend what Our Son is going through. What is in his little mind that he isn't telling us? What does he really think is going to happen to him, next week, next month, next year, ten years from now? Can a 10 year old Boy truly know why the Prayers are coming to him from around the world, and what is the need? Can we?
Sat. 7 Dec. 2002 [A Date which will live in Infamy]
Hello, welcome. Well, Billy's chemotherapy will be over tonight at 11:30, and he should be able to come home in time for the Buc's game at 1:00! Speaking of Football ,"GO CANES"! The Miami Hurricanes have won the right to go to the National Championship of College Football AGAIN this year! They kind of had me going NUTS today watching the game, The score was 56-45! Also, Our Gators will be playing in the Outback Bowl here in Tampa on New Years day......GO GATORS!!
Billy received a package from Kathy in North Carolina today. Billy hasn't seen it yet but she has told me it is a hat from her Son Scott, who is one of the US Navy's Finest; a Navy Seal. I can tell you all now that Billy will have a new favorite hat!! Thank you Scott, and Thank you Kathy.
Mon. 09 Dec. 2002
Hello All, welcome back to Billy's page. Yes, the Bucs won yesterday 34-10 ( 10-3 ) . What a great game it was to watch! Billy was soooooo excited! Billy was released from ACH yesterday, and is home now. We should find out this week what the next path will be. Dr. B informed us yesterday that we should wait a few weeks before the MRI to get the full effect of the chemotherapy. We will know then if Billy will receive more chemo. or not, before his surgery next month. If all goes as planned (fingers crossed), Billy will have an MRI in 3 weeks, followed by surgery to replace his right femur in mid-January. In any case, we will follow what the Dr's advise.
I was hit hard with a terrible cold yesterday, and Alicia is showing signs as well. I have never washed my hands so much in my life! As you all know, we can't take a chance on Billy getting sick so we have to keep our distance as much as possible. We have surgical masks to wear when we are in close proximity to Billy to lessen the chances. Billy hasn't shown any side effects as of yet from the last chemotherapy session, besides the expected episodes of nausea. Have a great day, I'll update again this evening if possible.
Tues. 10 Dec. 2002
Well, I never got the chance to update last 'nite *wink*. I am really not feeling very well. Alicia too, is a bit under the weather but is doing somewhat better than I *grin*. Billy is in good spirits, and says hello to all his Friends. Billy received a package today from Maria F. in MA. It was a hat from the Boston Bruins (Hockey Team), and it was signed by some of the players! In the package was also the 2002-2003 Team Yearbook! "What a GREAT hat", is what Billy expressed!! It's the only hat from a Hockey Team he has, and what a Great team. Thank you Maria, and Yes, we will tell Ana you asked about her.
Billy's teacher came today, and spent a few hours with Billy. I am truly glad he has this opportunity for home schooling when he is not feeling well, and can't be around others. She will come back again on Thursday for more lessons. Ama and Apa are do to return today from Miami. They will be spending the 'nite on their way back to New Jersey tomorrow.
Thurs. 12 Dec. 2002
Hello all. We just returned from the Hospital, Billy had his blood counts checked. His red blood cells were extremely low, as were his hemoglobin counts, so we are going back tomorrow for a transfusion. Billy will receive at least one pint of blood. We also learned that Billy will undergo surgery the week of the 13th of January, which means Billy's trip to California on the 10th of January should go as planned (fingers crossed) .
Billy's teacher came again today for a few hours of schooling. Billy is doing very well, but really wishes he was attending class with all his friends. He hopes they all don't forget about him before next school year (sixth grade) starts. I told him "your friends will always be your friends, and that they all miss you too".
Sat. 14 Dec. 2002
I hope this entry finds you in good spirits. Although Billy's counts are very low he is being visited by his friend from next door. They are playing one of their computer games and catching up on what they've been up to. Earlier this day, a few of his other friends from down the block came by and asked for Billy to come outside and play. These boys haven't been by in some time, and were unaware of the fact that Billy had cancer. The few times they came over, and Billy wasn't feeling well, I had told them that Billy was not feeling well and couldn't come outside. I had always figured they knew of Billy's condition. I was once again put in the position to explain to the three of them that Billy had a very serious condition, and that he would require some serious treatments over the up coming months. As shock came over their young faces, I found myself humbled by their comprehension, and concern. I explained Billy's disease to them in a way that they could understand, and found myself fighting to control my emotions. I didn't want to bombard their minds with too much with all the bad that Billy has endured over the past 3 months, so I cut it short and invited them back anytime as long as Billy was up to seeing anyone. Without warning, as they turned to leave, they turned back and said, "we'll pray for Billy to get well". I almost lost it, but regained my composer and said goodbye. It sure doesn't get any easier explaining to people Billy's condition.
Sun. 15 Dec. 2002
Well, the Buc's won again 23-20, but we had to watch it in the Hospital. Billy was admitted again today with a fever of 101 1/2. He also has a very sore throat. He had an x-ray done of his chest, blood cultures taken, was given anti-biotics, and platelets. He may also need another transfusion. We were all kind of hoping that we didn't have to be admitted again until his surgery date in mid-January, but I guess we lucked out *wink*. Billy should be in the Hospital at least 3 days during this stay if all goes well .
Mon. 16 Dec. 2002
Hello all, welcome back to Billy's Page. Billy is still in isolation at All Childrens Hospital. He received 2 pints of blood today along with anti-biotics. He was in good spirits all day today, he ate well and was able to keep his food down. We are waiting for word from Dr. L (Billy's Surgeon) as to the EXACT day of Billy's surgery, so his trip to California won't interfere in any way. Billy is really looking forward to this trip! You can't imagine.
Alicia and I, and of course Billy, would like to thank the 2 Friends that have donated blood this time for Billy, THANK YOU! He will probably need at least 3 pints of blood for his surgery next month. Those of you on Billy's list can contact Alicia for information regarding blood donations.
Tues. 17 Dec. 2002
Boy, what a difference a day makes. Well, and a visit by the Tampa bay Buccanneers! Billy was visited by some of Our Hometown Professional football team!! What a surprise! I was at the Dr. at the time they visited so I missed them! BUT, as Alicia and I were getting off the elevator guess who we just happened to bump into?? Go ahead..guess! I'll give you a hint! He is Billy's favorite Buc! give up? Thats right, as the elevator door opened, standing right in front of us was #40, the "A Train", MIKE ALSTOTT!! Alicia about fainted! She said "oh please, you have to come see your biggest fan", our Son Billy! How could he resist! He followed us back to Billy's room Billy's curtain was drawn so he couldn't see us come in! Billy's teacher was there with him, we came around the curtain and Billy freaked out! It was his most favorite football star, in the flesh, in his room! He was in shock, as Mike reached out to shake his hand! They had a short visit and talked, Mike signed his hat and banner, wished him a very happy holiday, and told him to get better soon. Mike shook Alicia's hand then mine, and wished us the best as well. It was very nice of the team to come see the kids in the Hospital, and spend some time with them. THANK YOU FELLA'S! now let's WIN the Super Bowl!
Wed. 18 Dec. 2002
Welcome back to Billy's Page. Billy was released from ACH this afternoon. His counts are still low, and he has an infection in his mouth, but we can take care of this at home! The mouth sores are part of his reaction to the chemotherapy, and we have a mouth rinse and antibiotics for this. Billy will get his counts checked again on the 23 rd, and we should have a date for the MRI of his femur by then. His surgery date has been set, and will take place on January 17 th. (book mark that date). His prosthesis has been ordered, and should arrive in the next couple weeks for fitting. The surgery will be about 10 hours long, and will be done at ACH by Dr. L.
As you can imagine, Billy is glad to be home. He really missed his cat (Kitty), and she was at the door when we walked in! You can also imagine that Billy is still flying high over meeting the Buc's, and most of all Mike Alstott #40. He can't put the photo down!
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