Aidan's Journey

Aidan's journey began on Monday, Dec 3rd 2007 when we received a phone call that came so unexpectedly. After leaving work, we received a panicked phone call from the Kaiser Peds staff saying that at that moment his blood panels had come back from a check up that morning and Aidan was critically anemic. Do not stop for anything-dinner, clothes, nada. Drive directly to the ER and check right in. The blood tests he had taken earlier that day revealed that every part of his blood test-hemoglobin, white and red cells etc were critically low and further tests needed to be done asap. Hours later he was given two units of blood and platelets. The next morning tests confirmed our worst fears. Aidan's blood was full of cancer as he was diagnosed Tuesday night with Leukemia (Acute Myeloid Leukemia).

Friday, December 7, 2007

Friday Dec 7th 2007




These were taken yesterday. As you can see, Aidan is in very good spirits. Although the pic line is causing a lot of discomfort, he is smiling and laughing. He's even still joking around. I think he's really enjoying the visitors (especially his Dad....obviously), video games, presents and Mom feeding him. Aidan's always enjoyed lots of love & attention--and boy is he getting LOTS of it!!!!
Today we've completed 2 days of chemo and so far our little patient is doing pretty well with it! Tonight will be his third dose. The chemo treatment will last for 10 days. Wednesday morning he received AraC (Cytarabine) directly into his spine. That night they injected the same medication directly through the IV. He will continue to receive this medication each night for 10 days. He is also getting Daunorubicin through a 6 hour IV drip on days 1, 3 and 5. The third medication is called Etoposide which he is getting through a 4 hour IV drip for days 1 through5. He is also on a 24 hour anti nausea drip. The doctors are expecting to control his nausea with the meds, so if he feels sick they can up his dosage. Mom and Dad are also in pretty good spirits, although very tired. The chemo is causing Aidan to use the bathroom every 1 - 1 1/2 hrs around the clock. With this said, Dr. Ruki is very impressed with how well Aidan is doing.
The doctors have set VERY restricted visitation limits at this point. Since Aidan no longer has the ability to fight off infection, they've asked that no children come at all. Anybody with any kind of illness is also resricted. Even if you have been exposed to anything, but aren't sick please don't visit. They have also asked those who do visit, not to wear any perfume or aftershave. Sorry to be so strict, but we have to do what's in Aidan's best interest. Please send him pictures of you & your kids along with cards or letters. He has started a picture wall & would love to add to it. Be careful friends......Aidan might send some Wet Willy's to be delivered in his absence!!!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,

I was so glad to see you yesterday! Like always you are such a wonderful boy! I love seeing your smile. Grace told me to say hi to you! She misses you and wanted me to send you a Big hug from her! Just know that we love you and you have so many people praying for your speedy recovery.

Love ya,
Audrey, Darren & Grace

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,

I was so happy to see you yesterday! You look so good. Looks like your enjoying all the gifts and of course, the video games :)Corey & Bryson are SOOOOOOOOOOOO bummed they can't come to visit for awhile. They are waiting for the Wet Willy War to begin, so hurry up & get better, okay? We love you so much Aidan & miss having you over!!!!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Bridge & da boyz

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,
We are praying for you and thinking of you all the time. Mia is looking forward for another chance to follow you around. In the mean time maybe you can teach your Nana how to play that "cube box" you have there. Good luck and God bless.
Love,
Matt, Alison, Amelia, and Elizabeth Poirier

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,

I wanted to send some love from the Shaheen / Healy's in the Bay Area. We are praying for you and your family. I hope your guitar hero skills are improving because there will be a challenge at the next Shaheen Xmas.

Love,

Patrick, Robert, Peter, and Aunt Sissy

Anonymous said...

Hey Aidan, this is the missionaries in your area, we just want you to know of our love we have for you. You are an example of strength to us. We hear so many good things about your amazing spirit from so many people we talk to. We hope that you can find strength in knowing that you have a Heavenly Father that loves and cares about you. Remember that Jesus Christ knows what you are going through and that He can give you comfort if you will ask Him.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13