Over the weekend Austin had a very high fever (40 C /104.5 F) that did not go away after his regular "team" of broad-spectrum antibiotics were given. The doctors decided to combat this unknown infection (no results yet from the blood cultures) with an antibiotic called Meropenem (often used to treat pneumonia and meningitis). Within 48 hours of starting this heavy-duty antibiotic, Austin's fever broke - which was a big relief!! I suspect he must have had some sort of bacterial infection.
Austin just received his 4th and final stem-cell/bone-marrow transplant. It went very smoothly (as usual). Austin has been so fortunate over the course of his treatment not to run into any major complications (knock on wood). Believe it or not - this is very rare. Children receiving Austin's treatment usually run into some serious problems along the way. (I guess a year ago I would have thought that Austin's problems were very "serious" - isolation, regular blood transfusions, non-stop antibiotics, IV nutrition, constant monitoring of vitals, chemo, fluctuating electrolyte levels, heart/oxygen/blood pressure monitors, tests, daily blood work, etc. etc., etc. - but you get so used to it that it becomes a "normal" part of every day). Fortunately, Austin has never been unstable to the point that he needed to go to ICU during this phase of treatment. Like I said, for most kids on this unit, this is not the case. So I remind myself daily at how blessed Austin and I are in so many ways.
Austin's spirits seem to be up a bit as he is now approaching the end of treatment. It will be a long road of recovery for Austin, and he will need all the support he can get to keep up a positive attitude. Any gestures of encouragement/congratulations/help you can send over the next few weeks would be very much appreciated to help Austin along the way.
My life at Sick Kids....
Austin
At Toronto's Sick Kids
Children with cancer are like candles in the wind who accept the possibility that they are in danger of being extinguished by a gust of wind from no where; and yet as they flicker and dance to remain alive, their brilliance challenges the darkness and dazzles those of us who watch their light.
12 comments:
Glad to hear he is doing better than most patients do. It must feel great to be knocking of things as done for the final time. Glad the transplant went well. Praying his fevers stay down and he finishes things off well now. Keep up the braveness Austin!!!!! Your doing a great job!!!!
Patty and Brad
Wow, you're a real trooper Austin. Congratulations. Almost there. You must be anxious to come back to Longlac and relax in your new bedroom. When things are rough, just think that you've made it this far and you are almost done the icky chemo treatments. Imagine yourself in a place you like the most or a place you know you will be able to enjoy soon....
We'Re very proud of you Austin.
Take care
Elaine, Steve and Christian
Hi there! What a roller-coaster ride!! You'll never forget the year 2007. You sure have been through lots. You definitely are a brave soldier. We're very happy to hear that the 4 rounds are almost over. It'll be nice for you to get back home in your things with your friends and family. Everyone will be so happy to see you.
We will definitely have to keep in touch. Maybe someday we'll go out camping your way.
Take good care of yourselves,
We wish you all a very happy recovery.
All the best,
Sylvain, André
Pierre and Joce
Hey Aust! I'm booked to come on the 4th of August. I hope by then you're out of the hospital. I miss you a lot bud, we have a lot of video games to catch up on. Maybe if you're feeling up to it we can play some hallway hockey too.
Keep being strong bud, this is all almost over.
Love
Uncle Richy
Hooray for Austin!! As a Mom Lindsay, are you ready for "last chemo happy dance!!!" It is the best dance ever!! We will be up in August so we hope we can get together, Danica has kisses and hugs for everyone! So happy to hear you are both doing well and near the end of this. Take Care.
Shelley and Danica
Ok Austin you are so close to the finish line. Don’t give up hope!!!! You are one amazing kid!!!! Now you need to eat and build up your strength I am getting married in three months, so polish off you dancing shoes cause I’ll be wanting a dance. You can’t say NO to me on my wedding day! LOL Oh yes I all most forgot. I have a joke for you. ( Savannah has be walking around with a big joke book over the last few days) How do you spell mouse trap with only three letters????????????????????CAT!!! LOLOLOL okay well maybe it was not that funny, hope it made you smile. Chat again soon remember polish up those shoes!! All our love Angie & Family XOXOXO
Way to Go Austin!!! Just a little bit more and you cross the finish line Buddy!!! Victory is yours!! Take care, Carolyn Lilly
Hey guys,
This is such comforting news...you have been such a trouper Austin and you Lindsay what an exemplary Mom...you have been so strong through all this! We can't wait to have you back here again...bet you can't wait to enjoy your new home...Austin, I hear Scott did a great job at renovating your new room...and a baseball diamond and basketball court a ball throw away, how good is that? Speedy recovery...Our prayers and thoughts are with you both, Hurry home, Love always, Dave and Jo.
wow...that is some list of things that you've had to endure to get to this point!! i can't imagine what you've felt this past year...quite the ride. it's a blessing that you've done so well through this austin!! you're one brave boy...and lindsay i can't imagine where you draw your strength from...the finish line is so close...keep kicking cancer's butt austin! :)
oh i possibly should have "signed" that post...oops...that's the stuff that happens when kids distract you with stuff like loose teeth :)
anyways...
charissa (meems) scheltus and family
Hey Austin,
you're on the last lap buddy - hang in there - you're victory lap is just around the bend. You'll be home before you know it - and we can't wait to serve you up that whopping double - booboo bubble ice cream.
Keep Smilin'
Sylvie, Dave and the Birchcrest Staff
You are one strong and brave little guy there Austin. We have been praying since day one and will not stop. You've gone through a tough battle and won, and soon you'll be your old self and heading home. Lindsay, you have been his strength and we admire how you never give up. We are all so proud of you both and look forward to seeing you soon. Maybe food will start looking good soon Austin. Take care.
The Coull's
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