AIDAN'S DIARY - FEBRUARY 2000

01 Feb 2000

Routine visit to Dr. Baker at PMH with Mum for a blood count, breathing and hearing tests. Everything checked out OK. The vincristine has been playing havoc with his muscle coordination, so he still wobbles from place to place and looks perpetually tired due to droopy eyelids. We've been told these side-effects will pass with time.

- Dad

02 Feb 2000

First day in pre-primary at Walliston Primary School. Everthing went great. Aidan returned home very, very tired.

- Dad

05 Feb 2000

Aidan has been tired and listless the past few days. Dr. Baker commented on Monday 01 Feb this was to be expected.. Took Aidan to Stirk Park in the bike trailer to feed the ducks again. He had a good giggle with all the ducks and water fowls gathering around and pecking each others tail feathers, but ignored most of the equipment. When we returned home he flopped onto the lounge room floor and remained there until Mum returned from shopping. Mum checked Aidan's temperature ... 38.5 degrees Celcius. Not good. Aidan and Mum spent the night at PMH with Aidan on a drip and anti-biotics.

- Dad

06 Feb 2000

Nurses took blood samples, but found no obvious infection. However, the lymph nodes under his arms were swollen so a virual infection is suspected. Dropped of a care pack to Mum and Aidan in hospital. His spirits were good. I could hear him singing from the other end of the ward. He was watching play school. Aidan and Mum spent another night at PMH. Caitlin and I supped with Auntry Nicola for her birthday. Aunty Liz and Neil rushed a care package of food items to Mum. Hospital food is not good for one's health.

- Dad

07 Feb 2000

Aidan's temperature was still high in the morning and he was given a different regime of anti-biotics to which he had an almost immediate reaction with flushed and itchy skin. The nurses swapped him back to the original medication in a hurry. Later in the day Aidan's temperature returned to normal, but the pathology report of his blood sample(s) was in limbo. Without the all clear Aidan could not be dischared, so Aidan and Mum spent another night at PMH. Caitlin, Big Matthew and I dined on a fine pepperoni pizza.

- Dad

08 Feb 2000

Aidan and Mum returned home about mid-day, both very weary from their hospital adventure. Aidan's blood samples revealed nothing of note. A viral infection is still suspected.

- Dad

09 Feb 2000

Aidan spent the morning at pre-primary and the afternoon with Grandma. He returned home tired, but happy.

- Dad

15 Feb 2000

Mum and Aunty Flo took Aidan to SCGH for his first MRI since finishing radio therapy and the first round of chemo therapy. All went well and Aidan returned home rather tired. We won't receive the results until next week, but are hoping for the best outcome.

- Dad

17 Feb 2000

The day Lauren came to play.

Lauren's parents and us (Mum & Dad) attended the same pre-natal classes for Lauren and Aidan, respectively. When we returned to Perth, :Lauren was attending the same day-care. Aidan and Lauren became friends, but did not see each other very often this year or last as they were attending different kindergarten classes and then pre-primary classes. A sort of homecoming.

- Dad

22 Feb 2000

Mum and Dad checked Aidan into PMH this morning for the first phase of chemo therapy for this year. It will be a 2 - 3 day stay to deliver the chemo drugs and flush his system afterwards. Dr. Baker dropped by Aidan's room to outline the results of Aidan's MRI from 15 Feb. The MRI reveals a thin film of tissue at the base of the fourth ventricle. This film was left during surgery on 01 Nov 1999 because it was too dangerous to remove. The fact the film is still evident after radio therapy could be an artifact of surgery (eg. scar tissue), tumour which has been destroyed but not yet reabsorbed or tumour which has not been destroyed. We'll be playing the waiting game on this issue. Hang in there buddy.

- Dad

23 Feb 2000

Caitlin and I are slumped out with a flu. No visits to the hospital to see Aidan. Spoke with Mum and all is well. Aidan had more visitors at the hospital, but he chose to sleep instead of party-on.

- Dad

24 Feb 2000

Took Catilin to PMH with me to collect Aidan and Mum. Aidan was in fine form, ordering people about and organising things. He receives the royal treatment in hospital, so why not emjoy it ? His first batch of chemo treatment for his first cycle went according to plan; no hiccups. He returned home tired and has been sleeping more than usual. To be expected. Now, if only Caitlin would take note and rest for a few minutes.

- Dad

28 Feb 2000

Mum took Aidan to visit Dr. George Wong, the chief neurosurgeon who removed his tumour on 1 November 1999. Dr. Wong was happy with Aidan's progress and did not think he would need another "official" checkup. He also noted that Aidan's lack of coordination could be much worse and that previous patients who were much worse had regained their coordination over time. It's one of those "it's bad, but could be worse" scenarios.

Or to quote from the "stoning" scene in "Life of Brian" ...

Centurion (John Cleese): Who threw that rock ?
Crowd: She did !!! (pointing at culprit)
Centurion: There's always one, isn't there.

- Dad

29 Feb 2000

Another dose of Vincristine at PMH for Aidan after lunch. Fortunately, he was able to attend pre-primary before treatment. The classroom is great therapy for him. His balance deteriorates noticably after the Vincristine has run its course. Not much fun.

- Dad