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).

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Wednesday, Dec 5th 2007

After a little sleep and food - we woke up to a 5AM spinal tap and pic line insertion. While Aidan was in surgery, the Dr. gave us an update on his prognosis. We were told that according to what the doctor is looking at right now Aidan is in the low risk category; which gives him a 50/50 chance of beating this. We will start a clinical trial chemotherapy today. With this - Aidan is on a restricted diet, limited visitation and is unable to accept flowers but would LOVE letters and pictures.

Aidan was very brave today. As he came out of the anesthesia, he slept for most of the day. The doctors have him on morphine to help the pain. So he is feeling good. The highlight of Aidan's day was Nana's arrival.
Dad is busy trying to get him all set up with X-BOX 360, so don't mind some minor modifications to the hospital T.V. Thanks Dad for my new movie library.

Just before Chemotherapy started, we received a priesthood blessing from two members of our church.
Aidan was given a beautiful blessing that brought so much comfort that he was asleep (sound asleep) by the time it was over.

12 comments:

The Raica Family said...

Aimee,
Thank you so much for allowing Ken and I come visit you and Aidan tonight. You are so strong and such a wonderful person. You are such a great example to me. Know that we love you and are praying for you.

Lots of Love,
Janell

Anonymous said...

Aidan, Aimee, and Lucho,
Our thoughts, our prayers and our love are with you guys.

Aiden, You are a trooper buddy. Keep smiling and laughing everyday.

We love you guys,
Dave, Becky and Brock

four boys taxi driver said...

Hi Aiden,
Derek and I were just reading your cool blog. We loved seeing your pictures and remembering all of the good times we had together. It has been too long since the last time we saw you. We are really bummed you have to deal with cancer, but we know Heavenly Father will help you. You have always been an incredibly special boy. We hope to see you soon.
Love,
Derek and Leslie Clarke

Anonymous said...

ect: Fw: yesterday

from susan (nana!)


yesterday - thursday 12/6 - went well. gifts of toys, visitors, movies, video games--one huge game machine rolled in its own cart with big tv screen from the hospital--not sure what it is called, cube box maybe?, anyway, he was thrilled. smiles and laughing. lots of prayers from all over the country.
hoping the chemo effects continue to be mild (wishful thinking probably). they are really blasting his little body with it.
the hospital is extremely attentive.
when i left last night we had him sitting in a chair and he was quite comfortable. the doctor wants him getting out of bed and moving around.
24/7 aidan is surrounded with love from his mom and dad. i am there most of the day and tito comes at night after work. they all support each other with one goal--aidan's well being.
tito continues to be aimee's rock. heaven bless tito!
luis' generosity is unending. he has brought aidan some really cool stuff. aidan loves to look at photos of family, friends, himself. so luis got him one of those perpetual photo screen/frames. it is so cool.
you know, we have our sudden moments of torture and sadness --- but are finding that it is okay to laugh and be yourself. funny, when i am feeling okay i get a little guilt twinge.
i guess we will all discover emotions we never had before.
and what a kid! he truly is the most unusually compassionate child. he is worried about his parents and telling luis not to be sad. he is so loving.and aware. he does not complain and smiles most all the time.
thank you bridgett for setting up this blog.
love you all.

Anonymous said...

received by nana from dear friend libby jason............

Dear Susan,
good things for you to ponder.....

~how fortunate that aidan had flu-like symptoms so aimee took him
to the doctor. had she not, the outcome might have been different.
~how fortunate to have susan's brother-in-law a retired staff doctor
at kaiser where aimee and aidan are - someone to step in the gaps and
forge the way for them. wisdom and confidence is always comforting.
~how fortunate aidan is young as they "bounce back" and can tolerate
this disease better than adults.
~how fortunate that susan "intended" to come out to california anyway (papa paul is on his way dec 20th -aimee's birthday-)
and susan has a job that allows her to pick up at will in a moment's
notice without asking a boss.
~how fortunate that there is a whole host of supportive, loving
people surrounding that family.

hugs,
libby

a link for aidan
www.kidskonnected.org

Anonymous said...

Hey Aidan!
You don't know me but I have heard such great things about you. So many people you don't know are praying for you. I love looking at your pictures and your big bright smile. I can tell you are a really fun guy to be with. You keep that great attitude and you will beat this...no problem for someone like you!
I am praying for you and God is so close to you right now. Talk to Him anytime!
Lindsay Bailey

Anonymous said...

Dear Aidan,
Don't get used to all the attention you are getting. Because once you are up and being yourself again, we will treat you like we always did before.
Love you heaps and heaps. See you soon.
Love, Grandma Adele

diana said...

Aimee, Aidan, Tito - This Blog is such fun!! Gives everyone who loves y'all and the rest of the family, a great way to stay in touch.

There is so much love and prayers going to all of you right now. Aidan, I know that when you are quiet and close your eyes, you will feel all the love coming right to you.

Love, Diana and Bill

Jodi said...

Aimee,

My mom, Julie, passed this along to me. I'm so glad she did. It sounds like Aidan has quite a personality! I will be praying for him, for the doctors, and for you and your family. I look forward to getting updates. Praise God he is in good hands and I just know he will beat this!

All the best,

Jodi Whittemore

Anonymous said...

Hello Aidan, Aimee, Tito and the entire family,
Larry and I wanted to extend our love and prayers to you all at this difficult time.

Know that you are all in good hands. God has Aidan prepared to stay strong and get thru this. He also gives you the strength you need daily.

You are always on our minds.

My niece Jennah, in Illinois is Aidan's age, and she sends her prayers too.

Keep smiling Aidan, you are God's work. You, little guy, ARE AMAZING!!

Stay as wonderful as you ARE!!

This is so cool to blog you Aidan. You are the first person I have ever "blogged"! So COOL!!

Bless you all,
Terri and Larry Lindow

Anonymous said...

Aidan,
You are so brave and such a good little guy. Ed and I are praying for you and all your loved ones. We know God will bless you and keep yousafe.
Love Nancy Corwin

Anonymous said...

Susan,
Sending my prayers. Love Ed & Nancy Corwin