Aidan at QMFM for Balding for Dollars

i was trying to upload the audio i will have to work on it and upload

BUSY WEEK

Whew I am so happy that this week is over. It has been busy trying to work and also shuffle around for events and programs.  This week Aidan's school had their musical production called I Believe. They have been practicing non stop and Aidan was on drums.  He said his legs are killing him.  Last year he wanted to be in the band but because of a low immune system he had to stay at home.  They had the dress rehearsal on tuesday which i got to attend and also Brandan's school came over to watch.  On Wednesday it was the real performance so Diana( sister) and Keith (bro-inlaw) went.  They were lucky because at the end Aidan added in a little bit extra drum playing for those that were still there.  

Thursday the kids had music class from 4:30 to 5pm and then we raced to BCCH.  Brandan has started a sibling group for the cancer kids.  It is 8 weeks long and he will meet other kids that are in the same situation as him.  It will be good, I already noticed from just last night he is more open about talking about what was and is happening with Aidan.   I just want to make sure both of the kids are on track.  Aidan had Teen group at the Oncology clinic which is hosted by the child life specialist Kristina and also a couple of the Social Workers, Pam and Andrea.  Yesterday the music therapist came and remembered Aidan from last year when he was in the hospital.  He got to play the Djembe and was REALLY happy about that.  He wants to buy one but I am hoping to find one a little cheaper on craigslist because they are kind of pricey.  I had Brandan home for a pro d day so we went and checked out the new Lego store at Oakridge and yes I did end up buying something.  

Paul is exhausted at work and he found out he has to go in tomorrow and then monday is a 6AM start.  BRUTAL.  Well my husband is definitely a work horse he came home and went straight to doing the yard work.  Aidan enjoys hanging out with dad so he went out and helped clean the yard.   I think he is getting his real reward because Paul said he will sign him up for an account to get mindcraft. 

Behind the Stethoscope

 I found a way to give back a little bit.  I am offering my services at BCCHF  as a volunteer photographer.  I just did my first event yesterday at Behind the Stethoscope.  The hospital gets Funding from the various banks and so a group of them got to tour the facilities.  Dr. Rod http://www.dm.bcchf.ca/oncology/doctor.php   gave the tour of the Oncology dept which I am so familiar with.  As we were touring I saw one of the fellow cancer parents in 3B I didn't get a chance to talk to him though.  I did feel for him because last time I had spoke to him his son was suppose to be in maintenance in April.   It should mean that he doesn't have to get admitted again unless he had a fever or some other kind of set back.  

I brought home a treat for Aidan and Brandan from the event.  They had BCCH chocolates and Aidan wanted me to photograph the progression of him making it disappear.

Easter Monday

 

YEAH spring is finally here, the boys got out into the garden wearing  T-shirts.  We got the garden prepped and Aidan and Brandan also started a new bug farm.  

April is Cancer Awareness Month.  Two more months before the Childrun, also the 15th of April is the early bird registration to join Team Aidan.

Childrun.com/aidanchin

Starlight-Easter Hunt

On Saturday the Starlight Foundation hosted an Easter Hunt at the Burnaby Village Museum.  There was coloring, beading, facepainting, cookie decorating, painting of flower pots and filling them up.  There was food and beverages supplied by Starbucks and of course an Easter Egg hunt.  Oh I forgot there were also Carousel rides.  Debbie our Great Escapes Co-ordinator from Starlight is leaving her position and was presented with a Hockey Jersey it was an FUN event.  IT was also a beautiful day. 

another unexpected visit to the hospital

 The day after Aidan's Emergency visit he had to go back the next day for blood work and some antibiotics.  The next day after we got the blood culture results back and they were negative so that was a bonus.  Our next hiccup was Aidan's little brother getting sick.  Brandan woke up to diarrhea and vomiting.  He didn't eat all day and everything he drank came out just as fast. By 3:30 I realized that he had not gone pee and from past experiences with Aidan was that Brandan was dehydrated.  I phoned our clinic and the nurse said to take him to Emergency to get fluids.  The fear of a 4 hour wait was frightening enough.  Brandan of course just thought the worse especially with all that Aidan has been going though. Aidan was a FANTASTIC big brother, he told him not to worry and gave his brother a big hug.  On the drive up to the hospital Aidan told stories to Brandan and got him to laugh.  I guess it could have been worse wait time included we were there for 3 hours.  I found out that just giving water alone is not good but to give pedialite or gatorade 1:1.  The vomiting had stopped on its own and Brandan had pedialite when we were at the hospital so no IV line(BIG RELIEF).  The doctor said get him to pee and he can go home. 

Brandan was able to eat a bit of food and had a bit more life today.  Oh Simba our cat also got a big gash on his ear and had stitches so he is in the box so he could get fresh air also. Aidan was taking care of both of them. Aidan said he woke up to Brandan poking him in the face this morning.  

They are hoping that the Easter Bunny will find them this weekend and won't be scared off by the virus they are carrying.

Child RUN 2012

We just signed up for  The Child Run at the BC Children's Hospital so if you are able to please join our team or donate.  

Childrun.com/aidanchin

I will keep you posted for events we are going to have to raise funds .

Thanks : )

NO THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING

After school today Aidan just wanted to come because he wasn't feeling well.  He tried to take a bit of a nap but ended up throwing up and having diarrhea.  I didn't really want to but I knew it was for the best.  I took his temperature and it was 37.7 at 6:30 an hour later he just felt miserable so he took a shower which did not help.  Temperature time again at 7:30 and it was 38.3  EGADS.  38.5 is the all time panic number for us parents of kids with cancer. I made the call to the BCCH and the Oncology Doc told me to bring him in.   Did the routine of calling my sisters and calling my girlfriend Laura to do a school drop off for Brandan in the morning just in case. I had to pack an overnight bag, pillow and blankie for Aidan because the doctor said there would be a chance he would get admitted.

I looked at the clock and it was 8:30 just like the first time he was diagnosed and the same song was playing on the radio.  As we were walking up to Emerg I said to Aidan think positive everything will be fine.  There were a few kids in the Emergency but we got in quickly (the one benefit of being an Oncology kid)  after he was admitted with the paperwork they sent us down to room 8.  You have got to be KIDDING me it was the same room as last time TOO!  The nurse came in and i lost it and started crying.....OY I kept apologizing to Aidan he just stared at me blankly.  The nurse left and Aidan said " mom what did you say about being positive how embarassing"  They did some blood cultures and they came back normal and his temperature went down to 37.2 he was give some Ondansetron(anti nausea meds) and some antibiotics, everything was given through his line so he would not throw it up.   The Doc gave us the green light to go home and return to the clinic to see Dr. Lucy in the afternoon.  It is midnight right now and we just got home about 10 minutes ago. 

Tonight was a lucky one.  good night zzzzzzzzzzzzzz











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13th birthday weekend

The birthday weekend is all done.  Aidan said it made up for last year when he was in the hospital for his birthday.  We had a great time up at Mount Seymour today.  The weather was fantastic as you can see that Jordan and Daniel took off their jackets because it got so warm.  There wasn't very many people up there so no line ups, you have to love that.   Auntie Dee Dee wasn't feeling well last night when we had dinner so that is her face timing us for a picture with the birthday boy. 

Aidan's energy has been holding up and so signs of feeling sick.   Next hospital day is in a couple of weeks.  

Aidan is trying to get a team together for the Child run June 3 so if you are interested give us a shout.  All the funds are for the hospital so it is a VERY good thing.  will keep all posted