Hi, sorry been too busy to update but hear goes.
Last Monday Lewis had his bloods done, these were not too bad. He had some mouth ulcers and other sores from the chemo. The doctors gave him some thing to treat these. The have been going away slowly but not enough.
Wednesday Lewis went back in hospital as the doctor was not happy with his drinking, he's not having enough. They stopped one of his chemo that we give him at home and done more blood tests. Thursday bloods done again and this time docs were happy with him.
Friday bloods done first thing and a trip to Charlies day ward Basingstoke hospital for a blood transfusion. So much for a week out of hospital.
The weekend Lewis had some life in him as the new bloods kicked in, he has started to eat well and things were looking good for a week in from today.
We left home at 9am heading off to Southampton to Piam Brown ward for a week of intesive chemo. After a check up and as he still has a few ulcers we was sent home.
So this week Lewis is out of hospital, lets hope we get in next week to get this week in week out finished as it seems to be week in two weeks out and a few days in hear and there.
Any way Lewis is feeling good in himself and eating and drinking well.
Monday 27 April 2009
Saturday 11 April 2009
Saturday 11th April
Bit of a boring week not much going on for us, lewis has been sick most mornings but only lasting for an hour or two.
Tomorrow we have Ben and Kelly, Jamie and Heather all coming for dinner and a walk with the dogs. Lewis has made crackle cakes and mums made her chocolate cake.
The nurse is booked in for Monday morning to take Lewis's bloods ready to go in again for a week in Piam Brown ward.
I will post everyday with the updates from the hospital
Tomorrow we have Ben and Kelly, Jamie and Heather all coming for dinner and a walk with the dogs. Lewis has made crackle cakes and mums made her chocolate cake.
The nurse is booked in for Monday morning to take Lewis's bloods ready to go in again for a week in Piam Brown ward.
I will post everyday with the updates from the hospital
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Tuesday 7th April
Last night was a long one, mum and Lewis up all night being sick, This morning he continued to be sick so I called the hospital. Just as we thought yesterday a trip to hospital was booked.
Lewis was given a can of Red Bull through his line (Fluids) and some anti sickness, that worked wonders and within an hour or so he was full of life.
He just needs time to catch up on sleep now.
Lewis was given a can of Red Bull through his line (Fluids) and some anti sickness, that worked wonders and within an hour or so he was full of life.
He just needs time to catch up on sleep now.
Monday 6 April 2009
Monday 6th April
Well after a good week at school lewis is ready for a few weeks off from school.
He has been well all week as long as he has his anti sickness. He is on chemo at home for the next 8 weeks with the week in week out routeine.
As normal things are not always what they seem with a phone call today asking why we never turned up for our week in, Last week we was told not to come in and we will be in Bank holiday Monday. Anyway we agreed to make our way in to hospital for the week until I checked the due to the drugs he is on we are unable to come in, so all change again, we are in next week as was.
Lewis is feeling sick tonight so we may be in hospital anyway tomorrow.
This week our rabbit Lucy broke her leg so we had to take her to the vet. We now must have the worlds biggest three legged rabit.
I will update tomorrow with Lewis's sickness update.
He has been well all week as long as he has his anti sickness. He is on chemo at home for the next 8 weeks with the week in week out routeine.
As normal things are not always what they seem with a phone call today asking why we never turned up for our week in, Last week we was told not to come in and we will be in Bank holiday Monday. Anyway we agreed to make our way in to hospital for the week until I checked the due to the drugs he is on we are unable to come in, so all change again, we are in next week as was.
Lewis is feeling sick tonight so we may be in hospital anyway tomorrow.
This week our rabbit Lucy broke her leg so we had to take her to the vet. We now must have the worlds biggest three legged rabit.
I will update tomorrow with Lewis's sickness update.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
I hope you never
I hope you never have to hear the words, "Your child has cancer."
I hope you never have to hear, "The prognosis is not good."
I hope you never have to watch your child undergo radiation or chemotherapy or emergency surgery.
I hope you never have to see a rubber tube surgically inserted into their chest, be connected to IV machines for hours and hours.
I hope you never have to watch your baby boy look at you with fear in their eyes.
I hope you never have to hear your child Scream so load it hurts your heart.
I hope you never have to hold your child as they vomit green bile.
I hope you never have to sit there for 4 days waiting for your child to move.
I hope you never have to inject morphine into your child every 20 minutes to stop their pain
I hope you never have to feed them through a tube in their nose, through their chest just to keep them alive.
I hope you never have to watch their bodies become so thin because they don’t eat for 32 days
I hope you never have to watch the "cure" slowly take away their identity, as they lose their hair, become skeletal, then swell up from steroids, develop severe ulcers in their mouth that stops them eating, become barely or unable to walk or move, and look at you with hope in their eyes and say, "I love you."
I hope that you never have to stay in the hospital for weeks, months, at a time, where there is no privacy, sleeping on a make-shift bed, with your face to the wall, where you cry in muffled silence.
I hope you never have to see a mother, alone, huddled, in a dark hospital corridor...crying quietly, after just being told, "There is nothing more we can do."
I hope you never have to watch a family wander aimlessly, minutes after their child's body has been removed.
I hope you never have to use every bit of energy you have left, with all of this going on around you to remain positive, and the feelings of guilt, sorrow, hope and fear, overwhelm you.
I hope you never have to see a child receive radiation over and over again.
I hope you never have to see your child’s skin fall off due to treatment designed to save their life.
I hope you never have to take your child home (grateful but so afraid) because the chemo and radiation has damaged their muscles, lighter, pale, bald, and scarred; with tubes hanging out of their chest. And they look at you with faith in their eyes and say, "I love you."
I hope you never have to face the few friends that have stuck beside you and hear them say, "How long has he got left.”
I hope you never have to say “he’s fine” when he’s really very ill but you don’t want to upset your few remaining friends.
Your life becomes a whirl of doctors, blood tests and MRI's and you try to get your life back to "normal". I hope you never forget what normal is…. Or was
I hope you never forget what a normal conversation is that doesn’t include cancer in the sentence.
While living in mind-numbing fear that any one of those tests could result in hearing the dreaded words...
"The cancer has returned."
And watch as your friends become even fewer and fewer.
I hope you never have to experience any of these things...Because...only then...
Will you understand.
I hope you never have to hear, "The prognosis is not good."
I hope you never have to watch your child undergo radiation or chemotherapy or emergency surgery.
I hope you never have to see a rubber tube surgically inserted into their chest, be connected to IV machines for hours and hours.
I hope you never have to watch your baby boy look at you with fear in their eyes.
I hope you never have to hear your child Scream so load it hurts your heart.
I hope you never have to hold your child as they vomit green bile.
I hope you never have to sit there for 4 days waiting for your child to move.
I hope you never have to inject morphine into your child every 20 minutes to stop their pain
I hope you never have to feed them through a tube in their nose, through their chest just to keep them alive.
I hope you never have to watch their bodies become so thin because they don’t eat for 32 days
I hope you never have to watch the "cure" slowly take away their identity, as they lose their hair, become skeletal, then swell up from steroids, develop severe ulcers in their mouth that stops them eating, become barely or unable to walk or move, and look at you with hope in their eyes and say, "I love you."
I hope that you never have to stay in the hospital for weeks, months, at a time, where there is no privacy, sleeping on a make-shift bed, with your face to the wall, where you cry in muffled silence.
I hope you never have to see a mother, alone, huddled, in a dark hospital corridor...crying quietly, after just being told, "There is nothing more we can do."
I hope you never have to watch a family wander aimlessly, minutes after their child's body has been removed.
I hope you never have to use every bit of energy you have left, with all of this going on around you to remain positive, and the feelings of guilt, sorrow, hope and fear, overwhelm you.
I hope you never have to see a child receive radiation over and over again.
I hope you never have to see your child’s skin fall off due to treatment designed to save their life.
I hope you never have to take your child home (grateful but so afraid) because the chemo and radiation has damaged their muscles, lighter, pale, bald, and scarred; with tubes hanging out of their chest. And they look at you with faith in their eyes and say, "I love you."
I hope you never have to face the few friends that have stuck beside you and hear them say, "How long has he got left.”
I hope you never have to say “he’s fine” when he’s really very ill but you don’t want to upset your few remaining friends.
Your life becomes a whirl of doctors, blood tests and MRI's and you try to get your life back to "normal". I hope you never forget what normal is…. Or was
I hope you never forget what a normal conversation is that doesn’t include cancer in the sentence.
While living in mind-numbing fear that any one of those tests could result in hearing the dreaded words...
"The cancer has returned."
And watch as your friends become even fewer and fewer.
I hope you never have to experience any of these things...Because...only then...
Will you understand.
Saturday 28 March 2009
Day 5 Friday
Hoping to get out today Lewis's levels didn't come down quick enough so we will be in till Saturday 8am. Lewis spent the morning in school and then the afternoon doing some drawings and model making with mum.
Doctors came around and done their checks, Lewis had a pain and doctor suspected a Hernia, he will have to under go more checks if he swells again just something else for us to deal with.
We go let out at 8am this morning and have two weeks off, back to school on Monday.
Doctors came around and done their checks, Lewis had a pain and doctor suspected a Hernia, he will have to under go more checks if he swells again just something else for us to deal with.
We go let out at 8am this morning and have two weeks off, back to school on Monday.
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Day 3
7am this morning Lewis was taken off the Meths and was put on to another flushing fluid, they need to take out what they put in now, we have been told they know what their doing. Lewis was being sick through the night and also this morning so they changed his anti sickness and he is OK now.
He managed an hour at school on the ward to do some school work he took in with him.
Lots of visitors tomorrow with Ben and Kelly in the morning and Zanni a bit later, Jamie passed his driving test again today so he is coming up for a visit later in the day.
He managed to sleep for most of today which is good as he didn't get much sleep last night. More children in and out of the room again today so we get to meet other people. Lia spent the day at the hospital today and also went to the inward school.
With a bit of luck he may be out tomorrow as he is having his bloods done throughout the night and if his levels are good he can come home, we wont hold our breathe.
He managed an hour at school on the ward to do some school work he took in with him.
Lots of visitors tomorrow with Ben and Kelly in the morning and Zanni a bit later, Jamie passed his driving test again today so he is coming up for a visit later in the day.
He managed to sleep for most of today which is good as he didn't get much sleep last night. More children in and out of the room again today so we get to meet other people. Lia spent the day at the hospital today and also went to the inward school.
With a bit of luck he may be out tomorrow as he is having his bloods done throughout the night and if his levels are good he can come home, we wont hold our breathe.
Tuesday 24 March 2009
Day 2
Midnight Lewis was hooked up to the drip to start fluids and at 7am he was ready to start the Methotrexate (Its yellow and lasts for 24hrs) Chemo. Just as Lewis was getting settled it was time to put him to sleep and give him a Lumber puncher.
He came around quickly from the op and was watching TV again. I popped in to visit and for a coffee while in between jobs. One of the children in his room got moved and someone else moved in.
Lewis started feeling sick and was a few times, this lasted throughout the afternoon, he hasn't eaten much today but has been drinking a bit.
Lia and me went back in to visit for a few hours tonight and will be back there in the morning, Lewis will be off the Meths by 7am and will be flushed through for the next few days to get it out his body.
Lewis is looking forward to his visitors this week.
Monday 23 March 2009
Monday 23rd March
We got to hospital at 9-45 this morning nice and early to start at 10am as instructed. At 10am nurse Mary took Lewis's bloods and sent them off to the lab. We was told that was it for a few hours, what we should of been told is that was it till mid-night, we could of gone home and come back in that time, never mind.
Anyway Lewis is being started off on a drip at mid-night tonight and then he should have his 24hr Chemo from 7am.
He managed a few hours in the ward school today so that kept him busy. He favorite saying at the moment is whats for tea. always after food that boy. He also has a craving for chocolate.
Lewis is in a room with 3 others so no room for swinging cats, no room for clothes or putting things. Never mind only 5 days to go.
Anyway Lewis is being started off on a drip at mid-night tonight and then he should have his 24hr Chemo from 7am.
He managed a few hours in the ward school today so that kept him busy. He favorite saying at the moment is whats for tea. always after food that boy. He also has a craving for chocolate.
Lewis is in a room with 3 others so no room for swinging cats, no room for clothes or putting things. Never mind only 5 days to go.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Sunday 22 March
Lewis start his chemo again this week ready for tomorrow when he and mum go into hospital for the week in week out for 8 weeks. I will be posting every two days now as his chemo has stepped up a gear and there will be lots to report on, I will also take photos of the visits in and out of hospital.
Emails welcome I will pass on to Lewis if you want
lewisedgson97@hotmail.co.uk
Emails welcome I will pass on to Lewis if you want
lewisedgson97@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday 14 March 2009
Nice one Boys
Connor, Kurtis and George off their own back decided to do a sponsored bike ride to raise money for Piam Brown ward where Lewis is being treated for his Cancer. So after going around family and friend with cap in hand they managed to raise a massive £531
On 22 Feb they got on their bikes and headed off around Oakley, Malshanger, Hannington,Ashe,Dean down and then back to Connors house. All together they managed to do 10 miles. Well done Boys and thank you for your support.
A special thank you to the Dads for going with them, hope you have recovered.
Good news
We found out on Thursday that after the scan Lewis had on Monday that he is responding very well to the treatment so far and that he only has a few small nodes (cancer lumps) left and all the other ones have now gone. He will still have to complete the full course of treatment over the next 4 months but we are very happy with this news.
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Liams head shave for charity
One of Lewis's friend's had his head shaved to raise money for Piam Brown ward and managed to raise £330. Well done Liam you will feel the cold now, your hair grows back quickly so dont worry. A big thank you to every one who sponsored Liam in raising this money.
Monday 9 March 2009
Monday 9th March
As you can see below Ben has been busy this weekend with Purple man out and about in Southampton raising money for Piam Brown ward.
Sorry for the long gap between posts, this will make up for it.
Lewis's friend's also raised lots of money over the last month and I will post the details this week, just waiting for the photos to come in.
last week was not too bad as Lewis managed several days at school. He got to worn out towards the end of the week and went in on Friday for a blood transfusion. This lead to some energy to go out for the night.
Lewis, Mum and me (Dad) went to Pizza Express for dinner and then on to The Anvil to see Billy Ocean. Lewis only managed through to 10-30 so we left and got him back to bed.
We had a quiet weekend to recover as we were off to Piam Brown for a CT scan this morning, Lia came along to see what it's all about and we should have the results in later this week. Fingers crossed we will have good news.
Lewis had bloods done today and yes youv'e guest it, there too low to start Chemo today, we must wait till Thursday. All being well Lewis will be in on Monday for one week Chemo at Southampton.
Anyway back to school in the morning for Lewis, he's looking forward to Red Nose Day for a sleep over.
Sorry for the long gap between posts, this will make up for it.
Lewis's friend's also raised lots of money over the last month and I will post the details this week, just waiting for the photos to come in.
last week was not too bad as Lewis managed several days at school. He got to worn out towards the end of the week and went in on Friday for a blood transfusion. This lead to some energy to go out for the night.
Lewis, Mum and me (Dad) went to Pizza Express for dinner and then on to The Anvil to see Billy Ocean. Lewis only managed through to 10-30 so we left and got him back to bed.
We had a quiet weekend to recover as we were off to Piam Brown for a CT scan this morning, Lia came along to see what it's all about and we should have the results in later this week. Fingers crossed we will have good news.
Lewis had bloods done today and yes youv'e guest it, there too low to start Chemo today, we must wait till Thursday. All being well Lewis will be in on Monday for one week Chemo at Southampton.
Anyway back to school in the morning for Lewis, he's looking forward to Red Nose Day for a sleep over.
Sunday 8 March 2009
CRAZY PURPLE BROTHER BEN!!
And He Says It Was For Charity.......
I Think he enjoyed it!!!!!!! Please donate to the PIAM BROWN WARD vis http://www.justgiving.com/markedgson
I Think he enjoyed it!!!!!!! Please donate to the PIAM BROWN WARD vis http://www.justgiving.com/markedgson
Sunday 1 March 2009
Sunday 1st March
Well we finally got out the hospital on Friday afternoon, Lewis is much better now and the sickness has gone. We are having a lazy weekend and Lewis hopes to get back to school tomorrow. There's no more chemo for a few weeks so he hopes to get to school everyday.
Lewis is looking forward to Friday night all being well we are off to see Billy Ocean at Basingstoke Anvil.
Lewis is looking forward to Friday night all being well we are off to see Billy Ocean at Basingstoke Anvil.
Wednesday 25 February 2009
Wednesday 25th Feb
Lewis had a bad night and got the sick bug dad had yesterday and been up all night. This morning he had his nurse around to take bloods for a cross match for the transfusion today, she suggested we go in for a check up. after an xray Lewis was hooked up with IV to put fluids in him.
At 3pm he was started on the transfusion till 7pm then back onto the Fluids again, he will stay on that all night so its his first unscheduled night in.
O yes, nearly forgot all they found on the xray was a big POO. LOL
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Tuesday 24th Feb
Today was hospital day, all day. Left at 7-30 and got back after 6pm. Kicked off with a Lumber puncher and then 4 hours of IV Chemo. Its a long day being stuck inside all day and not being able to escape. Next time we will take the wire cutters.
Tomorrow Lewis is going out for a few pints again as his bloods are low. Then thats it until Monday week when Lewis goes in for a CT scan to check the progress of his treatment. Lewis is looking forward to the gap between treatments so he can get to school.
A few of Lewis's friends have been raising money for the Piam Brown ward and I will post photos and details later this week.
Tomorrow Lewis is going out for a few pints again as his bloods are low. Then thats it until Monday week when Lewis goes in for a CT scan to check the progress of his treatment. Lewis is looking forward to the gap between treatments so he can get to school.
A few of Lewis's friends have been raising money for the Piam Brown ward and I will post photos and details later this week.
Friday 20 February 2009
Friday 20th Feb
Thursday was the last day of Cytarabine, glad thats over. Lewis had bloods done at the same time and it's good news as they are looking good. His Haemoglobin level is low but every thing is on the way up, (for now). neutrophils are good so less chance of infections.
Hg. 82
White 2.7
Nu. 1.78
Plt. 230
lewis spent the afternoon at his friend Ryans house and done too much as he was Zonked out when he got home, didn't we know it.
This morning Mum, Lia and Lewis got packed up and left me home alone with the dogs and left for Wales for the weekend.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Wednesday 18th Feb
A day of being mucked around. Lewis was to have his nurse in at 2pm to give his cytarabine chemo, at 1pm we got a call asking us to go up to Basingstoke for it. With Lia and two of Lewis's friends in tow they all went up to the hospital. After a long wait, even though they were expected he finally got his chemo.
Tomorrow is the last day of cytarabin. Lewis is due in on Tuesday for more chemo, then a week off we hope.
Mum, Lia and Lewis are off to Wales for the weekend leaving me (dad) home alone, Saturday night is Poker night so if anyone wants to pop round for a few hands give us a call.
Tomorrow is the last day of cytarabin. Lewis is due in on Tuesday for more chemo, then a week off we hope.
Mum, Lia and Lewis are off to Wales for the weekend leaving me (dad) home alone, Saturday night is Poker night so if anyone wants to pop round for a few hands give us a call.
Tuesday 17 February 2009
Sunday 15 February 2009
Sunday 15th Feb
This has been a full week of school with visits home at lunch time for chemo and a lunch. Friday was a day off school so Lewis and Lia played the Wii Fit all day.
Saturday Lewis and his friend Connor came with me (Dad) to watch Ben (Lewis's brother) play rugby, he plays for Millbrook in Southampton, they played Overton. Lewis got cold and week so I took him inside to warm up, he managed to watch the second half. We then came home to watch England play on TV and a Pizza.
Sunday we had the nurse around to do FBC's (Full blood count)
Hg. 69
White 1.5
Nu. 0.53
Plt. 309
Too low again for chemo tomorrow so we expect another pint or two of the red stuff. Big bro Jamie is coming tomorrow with his shaved head.
Saturday Lewis and his friend Connor came with me (Dad) to watch Ben (Lewis's brother) play rugby, he plays for Millbrook in Southampton, they played Overton. Lewis got cold and week so I took him inside to warm up, he managed to watch the second half. We then came home to watch England play on TV and a Pizza.
Sunday we had the nurse around to do FBC's (Full blood count)
Hg. 69
White 1.5
Nu. 0.53
Plt. 309
Too low again for chemo tomorrow so we expect another pint or two of the red stuff. Big bro Jamie is coming tomorrow with his shaved head.
Monday 9 February 2009
Monday 9th Feb
Lewis had his friend Ryan for a sleep over on Saturday night and spent most of the time playing on the Wii FiT, Lewis has had a bit of energy since stopping Chemo last week. Bloods were done again on Sunday and although the platelets were up every thing else remained low so off to Basingstoke for a Blood Transfusion today. We bumped into Jimmy who was in for his Chemo.
Hg. 61
White 0.8
Nu. 0.14
Plt. 216
Lewis managed to do an hour or so at school today then we got the call to go for bloods, he should be in school every day now in the mornings as Chemo will be in the afternoons. Lets hope the bloods stay good to finish this course of chemo.
As you can see from the video below Bens hair has taken a hit, I will get photos done tomorrow and post them, I am bald and yes it is cold.
In the photo this is Lewis chilling on his bed in hospital waiting for bloods.
Dont forget if you would like to say hello to Lewis or send your messages his email address is lewisedgson@hotmail.co.uk
Bens Bad Hair Day
As part of Bald week I (dad) have had my hair shaved, photos will follow later.
Ben has decided to have a bad hair day, see video. He is also going to go bald soon. Jamie is also doing this week so remember to look back to see photos.
Contains sceens of a balding nature
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO RAISE £500 FOR THE PIAM BROWN WARD SOUTHAMPTON.
We are continuing to raise money for the ward so please support us and help children with cancer get the facilities they deserve.
Ben has decided to have a bad hair day, see video. He is also going to go bald soon. Jamie is also doing this week so remember to look back to see photos.
Contains sceens of a balding nature
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO RAISE £500 FOR THE PIAM BROWN WARD SOUTHAMPTON.
We are continuing to raise money for the ward so please support us and help children with cancer get the facilities they deserve.
Sunday 8 February 2009
Lewis's email address
If you would like to send messages to Lewis then hear is his email address
lewisedgson97@hotmail.co.uk
lewisedgson97@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday 7 February 2009
Dads hair coming off
Although he wanted to get to £500 dad is shaving his hair off tomorrow afternoon because Lewis has had his shaved and dad is doing with Lewis, he has another £40 to put in form work and needs £100 more, please if you are going to help us get to £500 now is the time to donate. Lewis has £10 he is putting in and I have £10 so we need about £80 that's all, thank you .
Friday 6 February 2009
Friday 6th Feb
Today will be known as official hair loss day
After a week off chemo Lewis has found his strength to go back to school, today he managed to spend the whole day in school and enjoyed doing art this afternoon. He has been using the Pimped wheel chair to get around as this helps him to keep his energy. He is more stable and more like a child than a 90 year old man.
Blood counts done on Tuesday
Hg. 72
White 0.2
Nu. 0.04
Plt. 34
Down on the last one, next count is on Sunday to see if he can get back on the chemo.
Lewis managed to play a bit in the snow, see photos.
All week we have noticed his hair starting to come out in bigger clumps so he decided to take the plunge and have it shaved, its less mess and looks neater. In a week or two it will all be gone anyway.
I still have £140 to raise before I shave off my hair, thanks to all that have donated already, please if you are or want to donate and dint know how please email us or ask.
markthedrainman@aol.com
i will put up an email address later today for Lewis to receive your emails.
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Monday 2 February 2009
monday 02 Feb 09
Lewis was already to go back to school today and it snows, school closed. We couldn't waste a day so off we go to Basingstoke hospital for a blood test at a minutes notice. After Fridays transfusion we thought they would be OK, but NO.
Hg. 82
White 0.2
Nu. 0.07
Plt. 38
This means no Chemo tomorrow and with more snow forecast for tonight maybe no school.
Auntie Vikki arrived yesterday for a few days so at least Lewis will be able to spend some time with her.
Thank you for the donations over the last few days this money goes straight to the Children's Cancer unit in Southampton where Lewis is under for all his treatment.
UPDATE
Just had a call from Basingstoke saying we are to stop Chemo for this week as Lewis's bloods are too low to continue, he will have further blood tests this week and start Chemo again on Monday.
Hg. 82
White 0.2
Nu. 0.07
Plt. 38
This means no Chemo tomorrow and with more snow forecast for tonight maybe no school.
Auntie Vikki arrived yesterday for a few days so at least Lewis will be able to spend some time with her.
Thank you for the donations over the last few days this money goes straight to the Children's Cancer unit in Southampton where Lewis is under for all his treatment.
UPDATE
Just had a call from Basingstoke saying we are to stop Chemo for this week as Lewis's bloods are too low to continue, he will have further blood tests this week and start Chemo again on Monday.
Saturday 31 January 2009
Sat 31st Jan
This week has brought us Blood transfusions and hickman lines, Monday we started with Lewis going in to PB ward to have his line fitted. He was knocked out with gas which didn't agree with him. The next day he was zonked out.
Lewis has had the week off school as he's been very weak and shaky, his bloods have been dropping all week seeing his neutrophils dropping from 10.8 down to 0.18 in 5 days. Finally he popped out for a few pints on Friday night. (A blood transfusion)
Today we saw Lewis more stable, no shakes and moving around more. He is so much different today than yesterday. He even managed to shout at us and go off in a huff.
Chemo is still being given at home with daily visits for the nurse, he has this for another 2 weeks then he changes over to another cycle.
For all Lewis's friends at school, he should be coming into school this week all being well.
The sponsorship is going well and we are over £300 now, thank you to everyone who has given, and every one who has said they will, as soon as we get £500 I am shaving off my hair so if you would like to see that then get the cash in by clicking on the widget.
Lewis has had the week off school as he's been very weak and shaky, his bloods have been dropping all week seeing his neutrophils dropping from 10.8 down to 0.18 in 5 days. Finally he popped out for a few pints on Friday night. (A blood transfusion)
Today we saw Lewis more stable, no shakes and moving around more. He is so much different today than yesterday. He even managed to shout at us and go off in a huff.
Chemo is still being given at home with daily visits for the nurse, he has this for another 2 weeks then he changes over to another cycle.
For all Lewis's friends at school, he should be coming into school this week all being well.
The sponsorship is going well and we are over £300 now, thank you to everyone who has given, and every one who has said they will, as soon as we get £500 I am shaving off my hair so if you would like to see that then get the cash in by clicking on the widget.
Friday 30 January 2009
friday 30th Jan
Just a quick up-date, Lewis has gone into Basingstoke Hospital for a Blood Transfusion as his bloods have been getting worse all week. He will be in till 1am tomorrow morning. I will catch up with this weeks news tomorrow.
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Tuesday 27th Jan
Lewis spent last night in Southampton hospital after his op yesterday to put in the Hickman line, he also had a lumber puncher again, that's number 6 I think. His platelets were low yesterday so he had his first blood transfusion.
Now with the line fitted he wont have to have anymore injections and needles for blood tests, all this can be done through the line.
Lewis is feeling weaker and finding it hard to get around now so we have to help him out.
Now with the line fitted he wont have to have anymore injections and needles for blood tests, all this can be done through the line.
Lewis is feeling weaker and finding it hard to get around now so we have to help him out.
Saturday 24 January 2009
Up-date
Friday was the last visit from the nurse this week, we will see her back again on Wednesday. We had a call from Piam Brown ward about Lewis's Line (Hickman Line) see below, this will be put in on Monday so another small op and a full day and maybe night in the Ward.
Today we went to Bournemouth and had a walk along the prom, we took a wheel chair for Lewis but he kept jumping out, it was like Lou and Andy (I want that one).
Nanny and Grandad have come down for the weekend from Wales.
Getting closer to the £500 in donations so will have to shave off my hair soon, photos will be posted on hear for all to see.
Hickman® line – this is a tube that is
inserted by a small operation into
a vein near your heart. All your
liquid chemotherapy will go
through this and you can have
blood tests and transfusions
through it. So no more needles!
Today we went to Bournemouth and had a walk along the prom, we took a wheel chair for Lewis but he kept jumping out, it was like Lou and Andy (I want that one).
Nanny and Grandad have come down for the weekend from Wales.
Getting closer to the £500 in donations so will have to shave off my hair soon, photos will be posted on hear for all to see.
Hickman® line – this is a tube that is
inserted by a small operation into
a vein near your heart. All your
liquid chemotherapy will go
through this and you can have
blood tests and transfusions
through it. So no more needles!
All the questions answered
We have been given a book called Cancer Cakes and Chemotherapy, you can get this on line, we have read it and have been through most of it already.
www.clicsargent.org.uk/Publicationsresources/CLICSargentpublications/main_content/chemocakescancer.pdf
Any problems down loading please contact me, don't know what I can do about it but it sounds good.
www.clicsargent.org.uk/Publicationsresources/CLICSargentpublications/main_content/chemocakescancer.pdf
Any problems down loading please contact me, don't know what I can do about it but it sounds good.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Some Good News
Today we got the results of Lewis's bone marrow op on Tuesday, the first time he was tested he had 5% and now there is now no trace in his bone marrow and he is in remission for that. Lets hope he is beating this cancer and the rest of his body is doing the same as the bone marrow.
This was only a small part of the Cancer so we still have a long way to go.
This was only a small part of the Cancer so we still have a long way to go.
Wednesday 21 January 2009
More Treatment
Tuesday mum and Lew got up early and were out by 7am on the way to Southampton for more Chemo. When they got there Lew was seen by the Doctors and ENT (Ears nose and throat) specialist. He put a camera up Lewis's nose to see if he could find a reason for his funny voice.
Then he had two procedures, a Lumber puncher and Bone marrow taken again. This took half hour or so, mum went to get a coffee. Lewis woke up and had his baguette, he is always hungry after an op.
He had his bloods done and his Platelets are only 76 which is low so we need to keep an eye on them. I will do a blood lesson in my next post for anyone who wants to know about them.
Time was moving on and before they knew it, it was 3-30pm, Lewis was set up for his Chemo, it has now changed and he was given Cyclophosphamide 'don't ask'. He was also given Cytarabine and will have to have that for 4 days a week for 4 weeks. He is also having Mercaptopurine everyday. All the drugs are part of the Chemo and all treat his Cancer.
He has been cutting down on the steroids and seems to be a bit happier and not eating as much. His torrets has gone.
Today we had a visit from the children's nurse to give him his Cytarabine but she had problems so he had to go up to the hospital to have it. She will be back tomorrow.
Lewis was off school today because yesterday was a very long day and it takes it out of him, also the drugs make him tired.
My Dad has started his training for the 10k run www.bupa10k.blogspot.com
Then he had two procedures, a Lumber puncher and Bone marrow taken again. This took half hour or so, mum went to get a coffee. Lewis woke up and had his baguette, he is always hungry after an op.
He had his bloods done and his Platelets are only 76 which is low so we need to keep an eye on them. I will do a blood lesson in my next post for anyone who wants to know about them.
Time was moving on and before they knew it, it was 3-30pm, Lewis was set up for his Chemo, it has now changed and he was given Cyclophosphamide 'don't ask'. He was also given Cytarabine and will have to have that for 4 days a week for 4 weeks. He is also having Mercaptopurine everyday. All the drugs are part of the Chemo and all treat his Cancer.
He has been cutting down on the steroids and seems to be a bit happier and not eating as much. His torrets has gone.
Today we had a visit from the children's nurse to give him his Cytarabine but she had problems so he had to go up to the hospital to have it. She will be back tomorrow.
Lewis was off school today because yesterday was a very long day and it takes it out of him, also the drugs make him tired.
My Dad has started his training for the 10k run www.bupa10k.blogspot.com
Tuesday 20 January 2009
Monday 19 January 2009
Weekend
Well the weekend went well, Lewis managed to get out to his friends for a birthday party and was out for five and a half hours, he came back smile on his face which was nice to see. He was ready for more food when he got back and the chicken curry came out. He then went to bed for the night.
Sunday was time to recover and with the odd torrets outburst. Battles to get him to take him medication as normal, cant wait till the sodium tablets have ended. Lewis even managed to eat his meat at dinner time, without being asked. He finally got to bed at 10pm as he had plenty of sleep during the day. NOT FOR LONG I was woken up at 1am by the sound of Lewis stabbing the cover film of a chicken curry before putting it into the microwave, we sat up watching Family Guy while Lewis eat his curry and got back to bed at 1-30am.
Monday Lewis managed a full day at school, that curry gave him loads of energy. Early to bed tonight as tomorrow is a long day at Southampton in Piam Brown ward for Chemo and other things, will tell you about them tomorrow.
Thank you for everyone who has sponsored me so far, still not enough to shave off my hair so keep it coming please. I will start training tomorrow for the BUPA 10k RUN. I feel another blog coming on.
Dad http://bupa10k.blogspot.com/
Sunday was time to recover and with the odd torrets outburst. Battles to get him to take him medication as normal, cant wait till the sodium tablets have ended. Lewis even managed to eat his meat at dinner time, without being asked. He finally got to bed at 10pm as he had plenty of sleep during the day. NOT FOR LONG I was woken up at 1am by the sound of Lewis stabbing the cover film of a chicken curry before putting it into the microwave, we sat up watching Family Guy while Lewis eat his curry and got back to bed at 1-30am.
Monday Lewis managed a full day at school, that curry gave him loads of energy. Early to bed tonight as tomorrow is a long day at Southampton in Piam Brown ward for Chemo and other things, will tell you about them tomorrow.
Thank you for everyone who has sponsored me so far, still not enough to shave off my hair so keep it coming please. I will start training tomorrow for the BUPA 10k RUN. I feel another blog coming on.
Dad http://bupa10k.blogspot.com/
Thursday 15 January 2009
Lewis had his Vincristine and Doxorubicin chemo yesterday at Piam Brown ward, after he wanted a cheese burger from the Burger King inside the hospital. We got home at 5pm in time to feed him again. As normal the battle to give the medication took place.
Today Lewis has had a day off school to recover, he is Zonked out.
We have just started to lower his Steroids so we hope he will start to come back to normal soon as the food bills are massive. The Steroids make him eat a lot more than normal, Last night he had chicken curry at 9-30pm and made it through to the morning without eating again. He is on about 5 meals a day.
He has mood swings and is like Jekyll and Hyde one minute he wants to kill you and the next he wants cuddles. Don't cross some one on steroids you never know what one of them you will get.
Lewis has a bit of a cough so we hope it doesn't hang around. His bloods were OK yesterday except platletts were slightly low and his temperature is OK so fingers crossed.
Today Lewis has had a day off school to recover, he is Zonked out.
We have just started to lower his Steroids so we hope he will start to come back to normal soon as the food bills are massive. The Steroids make him eat a lot more than normal, Last night he had chicken curry at 9-30pm and made it through to the morning without eating again. He is on about 5 meals a day.
He has mood swings and is like Jekyll and Hyde one minute he wants to kill you and the next he wants cuddles. Don't cross some one on steroids you never know what one of them you will get.
Lewis has a bit of a cough so we hope it doesn't hang around. His bloods were OK yesterday except platletts were slightly low and his temperature is OK so fingers crossed.
Wednesday 14 January 2009
The Piam Brown Ward is the Wessex Paediatric Oncology Centre - based at Southampton General Hospital, treating all types of childhood cancer in the age range of a day old to eighteen years of age. The unit has ten in-patient beds and a day ward area. Leukaemia is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for approximately one-third of new patients each year. On average the unit receives 60 to 80 new patients each year, whilst caring for approximately 100 to 150 patients on treatment at any one time. The unit covers the whole of the Wessex region - stretching from the Isle of Wight, Dorchester, Brighton and on past Basingstoke and includes the Channel Islands.
For more details take a look at their webpage by clicking http://freespace.virgin.net/shelton.hines/piambrown2.htm
Tuesday 13 January 2009
New Home for the snails
Brian and Sally the snails have now moved to their new home, they now live in Lewis's classroom at school. We hope they will both be happy there.
Lewis is back to school but only managing to do half days, it was hard enough for him to do a full day when he was well LOL
Yesterday Lewis had an injection called Asparaginase this is injected into the muscle, this was done at Basingstoke hospital. He has some in Basingstoke and some in Southampton. I will put some details of the Piam Brown ward on here tomorrow.
Tomorrow Lewis has to go upto the PB ward for his Chemo, Thats where he has Daunorubicin. That's what kills off the cells.
Lewis has his blood checked to make sure he is staying healthy, yesterday his blood count was really good. We hope it will stay like that.
Please help us http://www.justgiving.com/markedgson
You never know if you will need it one day, we hope you dont so please help others.
Lewis is back to school but only managing to do half days, it was hard enough for him to do a full day when he was well LOL
Yesterday Lewis had an injection called Asparaginase this is injected into the muscle, this was done at Basingstoke hospital. He has some in Basingstoke and some in Southampton. I will put some details of the Piam Brown ward on here tomorrow.
Tomorrow Lewis has to go upto the PB ward for his Chemo, Thats where he has Daunorubicin. That's what kills off the cells.
Lewis has his blood checked to make sure he is staying healthy, yesterday his blood count was really good. We hope it will stay like that.
Please help us http://www.justgiving.com/markedgson
You never know if you will need it one day, we hope you dont so please help others.
Saturday 10 January 2009
Fund Raising
My Dad is going to have his head shaved for charity and would like you to help him, please click on the link if you would like to help.
http://www.justgiving.com/markedgson
All money raised off line will also be added to the total. Please visit back to see how he is doing.
We will take a video of the head shave, my other brothers Ben and Jamie will also join in and will be raising money too.
http://www.justgiving.com/markedgson
All money raised off line will also be added to the total. Please visit back to see how he is doing.
We will take a video of the head shave, my other brothers Ben and Jamie will also join in and will be raising money too.
Lewis back at school
Thursday Lewis came back to school, everyone asking loads of questions. On Friday he only made it half way through the day and had to go home to sleep. He has started to eat everything all hours of the day, this is due to the steroids that he takes with his Chemo.
The snails have got a new home at the school and will be going on Tuesday, at least he can still see them.
I will post some photos this weekend.
The snails have got a new home at the school and will be going on Tuesday, at least he can still see them.
I will post some photos this weekend.
Thursday 8 January 2009
African Land Snails
Hi, Lewis has 2 LARGE African land snails with a tank to live in. They are very easy to keep and don't need cleaning out too often. The eat cucumber and need a small spray of water every few days.
Lewis is not able to keep these now and they require a good home. If you would like them please contact us by email liaedgson@hotmail.co.uk or ask Me or Lewis at school, you must ask your parents first.
Lewis is not able to keep these now and they require a good home. If you would like them please contact us by email liaedgson@hotmail.co.uk or ask Me or Lewis at school, you must ask your parents first.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Back to School
Today was the day we went back to school. Mr Howe told yr 5 and 6 about Lewis.
Lewis, Mum and Dad have been to the hospital today, up at 6am and get to Southampton for 8am. First he had a lumber puncher, that's where they take fluid from the spine (a small operation) and this afternoon he had another dose of Chemotherapy (an injection over 1 hour of a chemical into the body)
Lewis also had a blood test to make sure his immune system is ok. We have to keep a record of all the tests to see how he's doing. He has been given more drugs to take, he now has 10 tablets twice a day.
Our brother Ben and his girlfriend Kelly looked after the dogs.
Lewis has to have an injection on Monday at Basingstoke hospital and Chemo again on the Wednesday in Southampton. We think Lewis will be back at school very soon and is looking forward to seeing his friends again.
Lewis says "THANKYOU" for all the cards and gifts you have sent.
Please leave a message for him on hear if you want to.
Lewis, Mum and Dad have been to the hospital today, up at 6am and get to Southampton for 8am. First he had a lumber puncher, that's where they take fluid from the spine (a small operation) and this afternoon he had another dose of Chemotherapy (an injection over 1 hour of a chemical into the body)
Lewis also had a blood test to make sure his immune system is ok. We have to keep a record of all the tests to see how he's doing. He has been given more drugs to take, he now has 10 tablets twice a day.
Our brother Ben and his girlfriend Kelly looked after the dogs.
Lewis has to have an injection on Monday at Basingstoke hospital and Chemo again on the Wednesday in Southampton. We think Lewis will be back at school very soon and is looking forward to seeing his friends again.
Lewis says "THANKYOU" for all the cards and gifts you have sent.
Please leave a message for him on hear if you want to.
Sunday 4 January 2009
All about lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a very rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults, accounting for less than 3 in 100 cases overall. However, it accounts for more than 1 in 3 of all cases occurring in children and teenagers. It more commonly affects males than females. It may develop from either T- or B-lymphocytes, but in 4 out of 5 cases, the T-lymphocytes are affected.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is very similar to the condition acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). In ALL, the abnormal lymphocytes are mainly in the blood and bone marrow, whereas in lymphoblastic lymphoma they are generally in the lymph nodes or thymus gland. However, they may also affect the bone marrow or other organs such as the liver and kidneys. The two conditions are often treated in very similar ways.
Causes
The causes of lymphoblastic lymphoma are unknown. Lymphoblastic lymphoma, like other cancers, is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
Signs and symptoms
The first sign of the condition is often a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin, caused by enlarged lymph nodes. The thymus gland, or lymph nodes deep within the chest (the mediastinal lymph nodes), are also often affected. Sometimes more than one group of nodes is affected. The lymphoma may spread to involve various organs in the body, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, skin, the testicles and the brain. Some people experience a loss of appetite and tiredness.
Other symptoms may include night sweats, unexplained high temperatures, and weight loss. These are known as B symptoms.
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis is made by removing some of the affected tissue and examining the cells under a microscope (biopsy). You will be referred to a surgeon for this procedure. It is a very small operation and may be done under local or general anaesthetic.
Additional tests, including blood tests, x-rays, scans, a lumbar puncture to examine the cerebrospinal fluid (which protects your brain and spinal cord), and bone marrow samples, are then used to get more information about the type of lymphoma and how far it has spread in the body. This information is used to help decide which treatment is most appropriate for you.
Staging and grading
Staging
The stage of non-Hodgkin lymphoma describes how many groups of lymph nodes are affected, where they are in the body, and whether other organs, such as the bone marrow or liver, are affected.
Stage 1 The lymphoma is only in one group of lymph nodes, in one particular area of the body.
Stage 2 More than one group of lymph nodes is involved, but all the involved nodes are contained within either the upper half or the lower half of the body. The upper half of the body is above the sheet of muscle underneath the lungs (the diaphragm), and the lower half is below the diaphragm.
Stage 3 Lymphoma is present in lymph nodes in both the upper and lower parts of the body (ie in lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm). The spleen is considered as a lymph node in this staging system.
Stage 4 The lymphoma has spread beyond lymph nodes to other lymphatic organs – for example, to sites such as the bone marrow, liver or lungs.
The stage usually includes the letter A or B, which describes whether the B symptoms are present or not (eg stage 2B). Sometimes the lymphoma can start in areas outside the lymph nodes, and this is represented by the letter E, which stands for extranodal (eg stage 3AE).
Grading
For practical purposes, non-Hodgkin lymphomas are also divided into two groups: low- and high-grade. Low-grade lymphomas are usually slow-growing, and high-grade lymphomas tend to grow more quickly.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a high-grade lymphoma. This means that it is fast-growing and needs prompt treatment.
Treatment
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. The type of chemotherapy used is similar to that used for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Lymphoblastic lymphoma is usually treated more intensively than other types of lymphoma. In the initial phase of treatment, called the induction phase, multiple chemotherapy drugs are given weekly, usually for 10 weeks.
Following this early phase of treatment, high-dose chemotherapy may be considered (see below), or else less intense maintenance doses of chemotherapy are given over several months.
As there is a risk of this type of lymphoma spreading to the cerebrospinal fluid, chemotherapy drugs are also usually injected into the spine (intrathecal chemotherapy). This treatment is used if lymphoma cells have been detected here, or as a preventative measure against future spread to the cerebrospinal fluid.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to the healthy cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy to the brain and spine, if lymphoma cells are present in the cerebrospinal fluid.
High-dose treatment with stem cell support
High-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell infusion may be considered for patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma, after the initial chemotherapy has been completed. This type of treatment involves very intensive chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy.
As the side effects can be severe, some types of high-dose treatment are not given to people over the age of 45–50 and others can be given to people of up to 65 years if they are fit enough. This is because the intensity of the treatment increases the risks of serious side effects for people older than this.
Steroid therapy
Steroids are drugs which are often given with chemotherapy to help treat lymphomas. They also help you to feel better and can reduce feelings of sickness.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is very similar to the condition acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). In ALL, the abnormal lymphocytes are mainly in the blood and bone marrow, whereas in lymphoblastic lymphoma they are generally in the lymph nodes or thymus gland. However, they may also affect the bone marrow or other organs such as the liver and kidneys. The two conditions are often treated in very similar ways.
Causes
The causes of lymphoblastic lymphoma are unknown. Lymphoblastic lymphoma, like other cancers, is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
Signs and symptoms
The first sign of the condition is often a painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin, caused by enlarged lymph nodes. The thymus gland, or lymph nodes deep within the chest (the mediastinal lymph nodes), are also often affected. Sometimes more than one group of nodes is affected. The lymphoma may spread to involve various organs in the body, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, skin, the testicles and the brain. Some people experience a loss of appetite and tiredness.
Other symptoms may include night sweats, unexplained high temperatures, and weight loss. These are known as B symptoms.
How it is diagnosed
The diagnosis is made by removing some of the affected tissue and examining the cells under a microscope (biopsy). You will be referred to a surgeon for this procedure. It is a very small operation and may be done under local or general anaesthetic.
Additional tests, including blood tests, x-rays, scans, a lumbar puncture to examine the cerebrospinal fluid (which protects your brain and spinal cord), and bone marrow samples, are then used to get more information about the type of lymphoma and how far it has spread in the body. This information is used to help decide which treatment is most appropriate for you.
Staging and grading
Staging
The stage of non-Hodgkin lymphoma describes how many groups of lymph nodes are affected, where they are in the body, and whether other organs, such as the bone marrow or liver, are affected.
Stage 1 The lymphoma is only in one group of lymph nodes, in one particular area of the body.
Stage 2 More than one group of lymph nodes is involved, but all the involved nodes are contained within either the upper half or the lower half of the body. The upper half of the body is above the sheet of muscle underneath the lungs (the diaphragm), and the lower half is below the diaphragm.
Stage 3 Lymphoma is present in lymph nodes in both the upper and lower parts of the body (ie in lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm). The spleen is considered as a lymph node in this staging system.
Stage 4 The lymphoma has spread beyond lymph nodes to other lymphatic organs – for example, to sites such as the bone marrow, liver or lungs.
The stage usually includes the letter A or B, which describes whether the B symptoms are present or not (eg stage 2B). Sometimes the lymphoma can start in areas outside the lymph nodes, and this is represented by the letter E, which stands for extranodal (eg stage 3AE).
Grading
For practical purposes, non-Hodgkin lymphomas are also divided into two groups: low- and high-grade. Low-grade lymphomas are usually slow-growing, and high-grade lymphomas tend to grow more quickly.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a high-grade lymphoma. This means that it is fast-growing and needs prompt treatment.
Treatment
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. The type of chemotherapy used is similar to that used for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Lymphoblastic lymphoma is usually treated more intensively than other types of lymphoma. In the initial phase of treatment, called the induction phase, multiple chemotherapy drugs are given weekly, usually for 10 weeks.
Following this early phase of treatment, high-dose chemotherapy may be considered (see below), or else less intense maintenance doses of chemotherapy are given over several months.
As there is a risk of this type of lymphoma spreading to the cerebrospinal fluid, chemotherapy drugs are also usually injected into the spine (intrathecal chemotherapy). This treatment is used if lymphoma cells have been detected here, or as a preventative measure against future spread to the cerebrospinal fluid.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to the healthy cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy to the brain and spine, if lymphoma cells are present in the cerebrospinal fluid.
High-dose treatment with stem cell support
High-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell infusion may be considered for patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma, after the initial chemotherapy has been completed. This type of treatment involves very intensive chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy.
As the side effects can be severe, some types of high-dose treatment are not given to people over the age of 45–50 and others can be given to people of up to 65 years if they are fit enough. This is because the intensity of the treatment increases the risks of serious side effects for people older than this.
Steroid therapy
Steroids are drugs which are often given with chemotherapy to help treat lymphomas. They also help you to feel better and can reduce feelings of sickness.
Back in for tests
On Fridays Lewis has to go back to the Piam Brown ward for Blood tests to check if his blood is ok and thankfully for now it's fine!!! Lewis stayed there for the day with our parents.
On Saturday Kurtis one of Lewis' friends came round for the day. Kurtis had a few questions to ask Lewis but that was ok. He went home at four o'clock and then Lewis had to take all his pills.
On Saturday Kurtis one of Lewis' friends came round for the day. Kurtis had a few questions to ask Lewis but that was ok. He went home at four o'clock and then Lewis had to take all his pills.
Thursday 1 January 2009
Lots going on
Yesterday Auntie Zanni came to visit Lewis in the hospital. This morning Lewis had a Lumber Puncture before Sharon, Steve, Ryan and Hannah came to visit. Ryan and Hannah came into the Teenage room with Lewis and me while the adults went into the other adults lounge. Around four o'clock they went home, Dad and me went home later on after Lewis's Chemotherapy. We were told that Lewis would be able to come home tomorrow.
It's new years eve and Lewis is going to come home this afternoon (Yippee!). When Lewis got home dad had to go off to go and pick up Ben(our other older brother) and Kelly(Ben's girlfriend) from the airport as they had just been to California. Ben didn't know about Lewis until he came home. A while later they arrived here and gave Lewis and me loads of sweets!!!!!!
It's new years eve and Lewis is going to come home this afternoon (Yippee!). When Lewis got home dad had to go off to go and pick up Ben(our other older brother) and Kelly(Ben's girlfriend) from the airport as they had just been to California. Ben didn't know about Lewis until he came home. A while later they arrived here and gave Lewis and me loads of sweets!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
