RED LIPSTICK

By far, Scott's hardest yet, physically. We're in isolation, which means I (and anyone entering the room) am dressed in gloves and a gown and we're limited in where we can go on the floor. However Scott isn't going anywhere regardless, and for the first time has spent the entire day in bed attempting to… Continue reading A rough 24 hrs in room 46. 

Reinduction wrapped up yesterday morning, and Scott's blood levels are reflecting that. So long neuts and immune system - it was fun while it lasted.  Once again, we're sitting with a long wait ahead of us, during which he tries to avoid fever (infection) and hopes not see that dirty Red Man again. And fights… Continue reading Second round down

Over half way through reinduction, Scott is feeling "good" and still staying positive. With some chemo experience under his belt, he was able to anticipate and avoid some ill side effects this time. For example, he had awful cramping on a day that he skipped two meals and won't be doing that again. Some fibre… Continue reading 8/12 doses done.

Friends and family have kindly expressed interest in being tested in order to see if they could be a match for Scott's marrow transplant.  Thank you.  As it happens, the transplant team isn't able to cherry pick from potential donors. Scott's brother Jeff will be typed, and if he's a match, then he will be… Continue reading Bone marrow donations

Our patient has settled back into the Juravinski routine and has taken up residence in room 46. A private room that does not have any special features, which means he is more likely to hold onto it for the duration of his stay.  Scott has finished two doses of chemo and will have his third… Continue reading Settling in

So the party may need to be delayed for a bit... It was confirmed today that the blast cells that were detected in his biopsy sample last week were indeed lukaemia cells. Scott's first round of chemo was not successful in getting rid of his cancer, and therefore he will need to undergo a round… Continue reading Round 2.

Scott was so happy to walk in the front door of our home on Tuesday, and has been savouring each day out of the hospital before treatment resumes. There has definitely been a readjustment period... Not having the security of a nurse checking his vitals every four hours making sure he doesn't have a temperature… Continue reading Hurry up and wait.

When it became a reality that Scott would be in hospital over Christmas this year, it was really easy to leave the house undecorated, change radio stations to avoid carols and remain completely un- festive with 14 degree temps and sterile hospital surroundings leading up to the big day. I do love the holidays, but… Continue reading It’s (still) looking a lot like Christmas.

Scott is home for a week on Juravinski furlough. Yipppeeeee! Turns out 1.0 neuts did the trick.  Another biopsy handled like a pro, and another impressed medical team. There is no denying he has strong bones, making sample extraction tougher for the one performing the procedure. This sample was much redder than the last, and… Continue reading Furlough

Scott's Neupogen injection did the trick last night and his neuts rocketed to 1.0 this morning! He's scheduled for another couple shots if needed, so let's home for a trend overnight. Biopsy will happen this morning, and then we wait for results.