I'm sorry! It's been awhile since we last posted anything. No news is good news..right?We've been playing a 'waiting' game. As you know we found Mr. T's dad...Fred....and he was more than happy to get tested to see if he would be a bone marrow match.
The Winnipeg Hospital was very obliging...although it took several weeks to set it up. They sent a nurse out to the reserve...8 hours away...so that Fred wouldn't have to make the trip and they took a blood test. Then we had to wait 3 weeks for the results. Fred was very anxious. He called me often to see if I had any news.
Yesterday...I found out that No...he isn't a match. Fred is very disappointed. I told him...not to feel bad...70% of parents aren't a match. Mr. T's name is in the world-wide registry and as soon as they find a match we will be called and told to 'Come on down'. I hope it's not before Christmas. I would love to spend Christmas at home with my family.
In the past 2 months...Mr. T. and I go to the Children's every 2nd Tuesday for bloodwork & for his plebotomy treatment. That's where they take 2 cups of blood from him...hoping to get rid of the extra iron in his liver which could be deadly. This should continue till January '08.
Next Tuesday, the 27th November...he will have another bone marrow test done (to see if there are more cancer cells in his body) ..more bloodwork and another phlebotomy treatment.
Lately his immune system has weakened. His neutro-polys which should be between 1.8 - 8.0.....is now at 50. Under 25 he will need blood & platelets transfusion.
Since August all the numbers have been going down....from hemoglobin to platelets, neutro-polys which you need to clot your blood, etc.
At this time of the year....I worry....about colds that can turn into pneumonia...nose-bleeds that won't stop....dry air from heating our homes.
Those are the major things to worry about....bruising, pneumonia, bleeding!
And hopefully they will find a bone marrow match.....after Christmas!
Looking at Mr. T...he looks like any other normal 12 yr old. He enjoys school...having his friends over...he is learning how to play the guitar.....and he's now taking home-ec in school....which he loves. He is now busy making his Christmas list. Ouch!
I will keep you up-dated.
