THANK YOU.........

Your prayers and ours have been answered! Yahoo! Yesterday I got a call from the Oncology Doctor. They have found a bone marrow donor for Mr. T. They now rate a match by 12 instead of 6......and the donor is 11/12.

Isn't that wonderful? This is proof that there is Power in Prayers.......and I want to thank everyone who has been praying for Mr. T.

On Monday we leave for the Children's Hospital. There....Mr. T. will receive 2 treatments of chemo. The 1st treatment will take 3 weeks.....I'm not sure about the 2nd treatment...I was too excited to pay attention. From there....after his treatments we will go straight to the Children's Hospital in Toronto. That's where they do the bone marrow transplants. We will be in Toronto for more than a month!

I told Mr. T....that we won't be home on May 25th for his birthday.....but that we can pretend that his birthday is 'whenever' we get home.....whether its' June or July.....and he agrees. He just wants this over......he wants to be a 'normal' kid. It will be the biggest 'home-coming, BBQ & pool party' imaginable!

I have Mr. T's textbooks packed. As soon as we get to the Hospital.....Candlelighter's which is an organization that helps kids with cancer....will lend Mr. T. a laptop. They do this for all kids of school-age...so that they can keep in touch with their teachers, (home-work) classmates, and friends.

I will be bringing my son's laptop as I did in the past....so I can blog daily and keep everyone up-dated on Mr. T.'s health.

Please don't stop praying. Mr. T. has got to get a lot worse before he can get better. The chemo treatments can be quite an ordeal to get through.

I will try to take pictures and post them so you can follow Mr. T.'s journey to health.

Thank you Shelly @ THIS ECLECTIC LIFE & Marcia @ Tumbled Words for going above & beyond the call of duty. You can bet that Mr. T. will be taking his home-made afghan with him to the Hospital. And I want to thank all the other bloggers who have sent warm wishes and prayers. Your prayers have been answered!

UPDATE.....

I apologize for not posting sooner. The past few months have been very difficult for me & my family.....and the long dreary days of winter haven't helped either.

I know there are many of you out there that have been praying for Mr. T....and hoping that he can get a bone marrow donor soon....but that hasn't happened yet.

We are still waiting patiently....so please don't stop praying! I'm convinced that the reason that Mr. T and I are still at home...is because of all the big-hearted bloggers out there who continually keep us in their prayers.

Talking about big-hearted people.....please go visit Shelly @ THIS ECLECTIC LIFE . They do things 'really big' in Texas....and surely, Shelly is proof of that. As some of you know....Shelly has a goal of creating 140 afghans for kids with cancer. As of today...she has almost reached that goal with the help of many wonderful people from all around the world. If you visit her site....please click on 'Share a Square' in the upper-right hand corner of her blog and be ready to be overwhelmed when you see the multi-colored squares that have been sent to her from all over the globe. As of now she has enough squares to finish the afghans & more....but she could use some help putting the afghans together....or making little bags to put the name cards in. Although we don't live in the States.....Shelly sent my grandson, Mr. T. the very first afghan that was made. He loves it....he finds it warm and cuddly....as it was meant to be. To think that 40 prs of hands made this afghan....so you know this afghan was made with a lot of love....and it brings a lot of comfort to my grandson when he is not feeling well.

Shelly doesn't stop there.....she just keeps on giving. This week she really out-did herself. She researched how to be a bone marrow donor.....and she did it. Did I tell you that she is PETRIFIED of needles?? (except for crochet needles)........and she hates the sight of blood, especially her own....but with Mr. T's picture in hand.....and her LAST WILL in the other.....she did it! THANK YOU SHELLY!

She did it for Mr. T., my grandson and for all the kids out there who desperately need a bone marrow donor......and if Shelly can do it.....you can too!

Please visit Shelly @ THIS ECLECTIC LIFE to read about her experience on St. Patrick's Day and to see what she went through in order to be a donor. She even took pictures so everyone can see it's not as bad as you think. Just think....you WILL save a life......and all it takes is a few hours of your time. Now...isn't it worth it?

Mr. T continues to do well....although his immune system has taken a real beating. The oncology team has decided to continue with the phlebotomy treatments as he still has too much iron in his blood.

This week all the numbers are low:

RBC is 3.85* normal is 4.5-5.2

HGB is 102* normal is 120-160

PLATELETS are 23* normal is 150-450

NEUTRO-POLYS are 0.78* normal is 1.8-8.0

The Oncology team tell me to keep a close eye on Mr. T.....and watch for bruising or bleeding. No rough-housing or wrestling....no contact sports.....etc. I do notice that he tires easily and he's not eating as much. If his numbers continue to drop...he will become neutro-penic and then he won't be able to go to school or have friends over.

On April 8th....he will be having another bone marrow test done...and I promise to keep you up-dated.

Mr. T....becomes a teenager on May 25th! Help!! He turns '13' and this year wants to have his 'pool party' & BBQ with all his friends. I hope that we get to stay home till then! I want to give Mr. T a party he won't forget!

Again......I thank you for all the warm wishes and prayers!

WAITING & HOPING...

There is not much to tell you....Mr. T and I have been going for bi-monthly appointments at the Children's Hospital for his phlebotomy treatments. This is the treatment used to remove iron from the blood. They tell us that the treatment is going well...they hope that by January he will no longer need them. It appears that the treatment is working....the amount of iron in his blood has been returning to normal...so that's something to look forward to.

As for the bloodwork.....his readings have been going down as well...very 'slowly'...but gradually...which means his platelets are 50*...normal is in the range of 150-450........and his neutro-polys are 1.75* and normal is 1.8-8.0...........so you can see they are lower than normal.

Mr. T. feels good....he is looking forward to Christmas.......even though his immune system is taking a beating.....he has the perpetual cough...but no fever.....he has to use his puffer every day....no exertion...no shoveling? no vacuuming?? but he sure can reach for the cookie jar!!

We are patiently waiting for a bone marrow match. As you know...Mr. T's name is in the bone marrow registry......this is a world-wide registry....and I have faith that they will find a bone marrow match very soon.

Unfortunately....his biological dad was not a match....I've been told that 70% of biological parents aren't a match......and that's why we have a registry.

Hopefully.....Mr. T. will find a match in the New Year! That's my Christmas Wish!

Right now...Mr. T. is not thinking about that at all......he's hoping that Santa brings him Guitar Hero 3 for Christmas.....and Nanny is hoping she gets 'earplugs'!!

Let's pray that Nanny gets her wish and Mr. T as well!

IT'S ABOUT TIME....

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.

WE DID IT....

Yes...I have found Mr. T's biological dad. I'd like to say it was my 'psychic abilities' or 'sheer genius' but I'd be lying to you. It was plain old work and perseverance...that's all it was...and maybe a little luck thrown in. If I learned anything from this experience is 'never say never' ...no matter who you are and no matter where you live...if somebody wants to find you they will.

Now my son is calling me 'the dawg'! You can run...but you can't hide! So back off 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' eat your heart out!

It wasn't too hard! I entered the name 'Francois' in Canada 411...and got a list of names to start with.... looking in the area of Winnipeg, Nelson House and Norway House and all the Indian reservations. With each number I called...I hoped to get in touch with a cousin or an Aunt or Uncle that would be related somehow......and that's exactly what happened. I happened to call a cousin of his....at first she was hesitant...not knowing if I was a bill collector or looking for child support. When I explained the situation...that we were hoping to find a bone marrow match...she went out of her way to help me. She told me to look at Norway House which is an Indian Reservation outside of Winnipeg. She went as far as to tell me...that Fred's mother was living there on the reserve...but she didn't have a phone. From that information alone..I sent a letter to the band police via email....and a few days after I got a call from a lady officer telling me that Yes....the lady did live there...and Eureka!! so did her son, Fred Francois. This lady officer made sure to deliver my letter to the mother of Fred and the same day...late at night...Fred called me!

He called me at 12:30 at night...I was so thrilled and excited. Finally...I was talking to Mr. T's biological dad. He was more than anxious to help out in any way he could. Even though it would mean an 8 hr drive to Winnipeg, (the closest big city) to get tested.... he was more than happy to do so.

I found out a bit of his medical history....he is 40 and suffers from diabetes and epilepsy...which is good to know. I told him that the Oncology Team would be in touch and they would have him tested at the closest hospital to see if he would be a good bone marrow match.

I was so excited I couldn't go back to sleep for hours. This is a win/win situation! If he is a bone marrow match....great...and if not...he can help me get Mr. T an Indian card which will help with all his dental and medical bills.

Fred told me to his knowledge he has 9 kids in all! From the age of 8 to 22. The head nurse was thrilled when she found out...but I told her Fred doesn't have custody of any of these kids...so it's not up to him to decide if they are to be tested or not. I know that the nurse was thinking...the more, the merrier. It does happen that sometimes both parents aren't a match ..that's why they will test other children from the parents....and if not...then they have to go to the worldwide bone marrow registry to find a match...but still.... there is a chance that he just might be 'the' perfect match. Wouldn't that be great?

Everything happens for a reason...I don't believe in coincidences! Hopefully one day Mr. T. can meet his biological dad and perhaps find out about his ancestors and meet his other siblings...and know his roots. We all have a need to know where we come from...in order to know where we're headed. I have spoken to Mr. T about his roots...and he is curious...so hopefully one day when Mr. T is ready....he can meet his father and learn about his roots and culture. I will let you know what happens.....just stay tuned!

For those of you that are looking for a loved one or family member or friend...I say...Never Give Up.....follow your heart...and follow the clue's. Nobody can go through life without leaving clues like breadcrumbs behind them. Start with what you know...and go from there. Where there's a will....there's a way. You'll find it.

NOW WE KNOW....

what the diagnosis is.... Mr. T has been diagnosed with 'Mylodysplastic Syndrome'. In plain english it means 'sick bone marrow'. October 2nd was a very long day. First there was blood work....then Mr. T. had his bone marrow aspiration. They tried to give him a lumbar puncture but he had problems breathing so the anesthesiologist had the doctor stop. The results of the bone marrow aspiration was the same as previous weeks results. They can see cancer cells but they haven't moved much....they go from 3% to 6% and back down again...which tells them that he has a sick bone marrow. The Oncology team told us that the only way to correct this is to have a bone marrow transplant....so that is the plan. They have sent all the results to a crytogenetics lab...and regardless of the lab results...they will go ahead with a bone marrow transplant. We await the results...as this will tell the Team what program to follow....In 2 to 3 weeks they will call us in for a meeting....and start the plan in action.

We know that we will stay at the hospital and they will try to get rid of the cancer cells...then we will be transferred to Toronto Sick Kids for the bone marrow transplant. They told us to expect to be away from home for several months...2 to 3 months depending on his health.

Late in the day he had 2 more cups of blood removed.....they are still trying to remove iron from his liver....which made him sick and dizzy but thankfully....Mr. T's appetite is quite good!

Mr. T is anxious to get the show on the road. He wants the bone marrow transplant. He is tired of appointments, missing school, blood work, bone marrow tests and just wants to be a normal kid.

I don't blame him at all....he knows that his bone marrow is not normal.....and he believes with a new bone marrow he can lead a normal life.....a life without cancer, needles and chemo.

I'm glad that Mr. T and I get to spend 2 or 3 more weeks at home..to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for the ordeal ahead.

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes you have sent our way. We are so happy to have the support and encouragement from all the wonderful bloggers that will be with us on our journey to good health. Together we can make it happen!

WHERE'S MY DADDY?

We know 'who' Mr. T's daddy is...but 'where' is he? That's the question. 13 years ago...a young lady of 15 met a 27 year old gent...and a child was born. 'Mr. T'. When this man heard the young woman was pregnant.....he left...he was concerned about his age and her age. He knew she was pregnant...but he doesn't know he has a son. When Mr. T. was 6 months old...my son met this young lady...fell in love...(I became an instant grandma) and 2 years later they had a daughter. I now have 2 grandkids.

When Mr. T. was first diagnosed with Leukemia...his birth mother was tested to see if she could possibly be a bone marrow donor (if needed) ...and so was his half-brother and half-sister...but unfortunately they didn't match.

A month ago...the Oncology Team asked me if it was possible to find the biological father?? I asked them if it was absolutely necessary?? I'm a firm believer in the adage..'if it's not broke...don't fix it'....and the team told me that yes...it was a good idea to pursue it. They told me that the 'father' may not be a match...but then again he just 'might' be...and it was worthwhile to find him. We also know that he has 2 other daughters that are older than Mr. T. somewhere in Canada....and they as well just might be a donor match. So the hunt is on!

Oh and also....even if the biological father is not a match....we can ask him to sign a form stating that he is the biological father....and this will give Mr. T. the rights to get an Indian Card.
My son...the adopted father...has no medical insurance or drug plan. This Indian card would benefit Mr. T. in so many ways.

Because Mr. T received 6 months of aggressive chemo...his teeth suffered. (Chemo dries out the mouth, bacteria thrives and causes havoc on teeth). He needs $1400 of dental surgery right now...and more in the future. This is just for 6 tiny cavities not seen by the eye. Also., some of the cancer drugs are not fully covered by his health card. From what I understand...an Indian card would help with the dental work...chemo medication...transportation to and from apts...rental of any medical equipment he may need now or in the future & tutors if needed while in the hospital.

As you can see...it has not been a smooth journey for my Young Warrior! I believe he should have his Indian Card...it's his right and his heritage. Mr. T's mother is Caucasion and his father is Cree. The oncology team has told me that it is more difficult to find a bone marrow donor if you are of mixed heritage. Your chances are much better if both of your parents are caucasian.

Perhaps someone out there can help me find his father?? or tell me how to go about it??

His father's name is FRED FRANCOIS...he is a Cree Indian and approximately 40 years old. When Mr. T's mother met him 13 years ago...he was working as a 'carny' in the fair..travelling all over Canada and the States..but mainly in Canada. He did move around a lot...so I don't think he does the same work..most probably he's a laborer. Mr. T's mother tells me that Fred Francois just moved around from place to place and worked in labor or construction. She believes that his family came from western Canada...possibly Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba...etc. And that when she knew him he had 2 daughters (from different women) ...who would now be 18 or 20...so possibly he has more children now.


It is possible that we're looking for a 'needle in a haystack'...but I believe in miracle's. If you have any idea's or suggestions on how I can find his father...please let me know..I welcome any thoughts you may have.
I have entered the name 'Francois' in Canada 411...for different provinces...and I have quite a list of names. I am calling each person hoping that maybe they are somehow related and know how to get in touch with this man. I do have a telephone plan...600 minutes for $26...so I am making good use of it. Any idea's??