Archive for November, 2009
Today was a ‘free day’ but it was rather cold; to say the least. So I was lucky enough to go downtown to the Jimo Market with a few of the other mum’s. After a rather freaky experience of being driven to the wrong part of town & then a drive to the airport we ended back at the hospital. I swear the taxi driver thought we were MUGS – oh dear; he messed with the wrong people LOL! There’s a story to be told when we come home LOL! We were very lucky to be rescued by Charlie (a very nice man who’s a driver from the hospital). We eventually ended up downtown.
Keiran & Keith stayed at the hospital and they enjoyed listening to Star Trek & Keith fell asleep. Which Keiran thought was highly funny as Keith was snoring.
We went to Pizza Hut this evening for dinner. We now have rather full tummies. I’ve really turned into a ‘ten ton tessa’ since being here…………There’s nothing to do but eat. I thought I’d possibly loose some weight with all the stress – wishful thinking!
We are now waiting to see if we he can chat to the girls before we turn in for the evening but Mum has told me that Kelly is having problems with her connection to the Internet due to some not very nice people cutting their cables 
Tomorrow Keiran has his 6th treatment via IV. He really doesn’t mind the IV’s – which is a good job as he has extra this week.
Just over a week until we are home & I get to see my beautiful girls in person rather than an image on the computer. We are really looking forward to coming home & I hope the week will go quickly.
Thank you to everyone who’s been encouraging us………..without you guys it would have been much harder!!!
See you all soon
xxxx
November 29th, 2009
Keiran received his 5th lot of stemcells yesterday via IV. All went smoothly & he is doing just fine. No visit from the Dr today, but he had his usual therapies with Forest & I also managed to receive Accupuncture to try and help my back & shoulder pain……….I take my hat off to Keiran; although it was not painful, I struggled to lay still for half hour. It makes me wonder just how difficult he finds it lying flat for 6 hours after his Lumbar.
We managed to walk over to the Lotte Mart to get some groceries and a homemade chicken curry & rice went down a storm. I’m so sick & tired of having fried food or not knowing what you are actually buying
Keiran also enjoyed a walk out down to Century Park – although it was rather cold! He just hates being in the hospital all day! It’s great that he ventures out of the room a bit more now & will sit in the common area with us talking to other families that we’ve met. It was lovely to see Amy & Spencer up and about today as they’ve both been a little poorly BUT it was good to see that they are on the mend.
Keiran’s just gone to bed & I’m going to attempt the shower & then hit the sack too (hopefully it’ll be hot – but I’m not holding my breath).
We are now in single figures of days until we come home YEAH!! We have 9 days to go & then we’ll be home :O) wooo hoooo!!!
See you all soon. Miss Ya
xx
November 28th, 2009
After a long nite of watching Keiran & checking that he’s ok – he’s doing great!!!!! It’s as if it’s another thing that he can tick of his list for the day; bless him.
We’ve moved hospital rooms today. So it kept me out of trouble; packing and unpacking. Together with another spot of cleaning. The day went much quicker!
We spoke to the Dr yesterday and asked about Keiran receiving an extra 2x stemcells injection’s. The Dr has agreed that we can go ahead with the extra 2 stemcell treatments. It makes sense to seek maximum treatment while we are here & keep our fingers & toes crossed that it will help him. I want to walk away knowing that I’ve done everything in my power to help my son this time around!!!! 8 x stem cells is the recommended maximum and that is what Keiran is will now be receiving – it is then upto 12 months later that the immature stemcells have time to grow…….it’s a time to be patient (something that I don’t do well – but I know I’m goin to try).
Tomorrow should have been a ‘free day’ but he is due to receive an IV tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm. So it’s another day in the hospital!
After his IV treatment tomorrow we will chill out in the room & on the 8th Floor with other families. Tomorrow will be his 5th Treatment!!!!!
We celebrated thanks giving with other families tonight mainly from the USA, we enjoyed a dinner of roast turkey, vegs & pumpkin….we even had a big cake to celebrate. I must admit it’s the best dinner so far that I’ve had out here…………..turkey, broccoli, cauliflour & carrotts. It almost felt human to eat different flavours.
Best get some zzzz’s as I need my energy for tomorrow for treatment day..
xxxx
November 27th, 2009
Today has been a mentally exhasting day for us all. Today felt like it was going so low; it was just dreading 3.30pm for Keiran to recieve his 4th course of stemcells via Lumbar. Although, it was lovely to spend some time with Michelle, Beth, Mandy, Ricky & lil’ Summer; having coffee in the common area as it helped time to pass by a little quicker & they are all such wonderful people. Keiran enjoyed telling them his jokes and it was nice to hear laughter & see smiles on people’s faces.
Keiran was not due to see Forest this afternoon BUT Forest offered to come after lunch (homemade spag bol) and give him a massage & fire cups to help relax him before his spinal. We are all very grateful to him; Keiran really enjoys his afternoon sessions with Forest
Unfortunately, the canula didn’t go in on the first attempt (again), so it was 2nd time lucky. Keiran was taken up to the room at 3.15pm and back in his room 35mins later. Then it was the next hurdle………………………..Keiran lying flat on his back for 6 hours. Which I must admit he done fantastically!!!!! After 4 hours of me nagging him about if he’s got any pains, feels sick, headache etc; he told me to ‘shut up & he’ll tell me if he’s got a problem’. That was me told LOL!
He’s had some pizza, drink & a long huge hug from me & now it’s time for him to get some sleep. Even though he says he doesn’t feel tired!!! As for me I’m shattered – treatment days tend to drain me BUT I won’t rest well tonight & I think tomorrow will be an early night for us all.
Love to all
xxx
November 25th, 2009
Today Keiran was woken by the nurse at 7.20am to have his bloods taken to check his growth hormone level. So it was time to get up, breakfast & then the usual wake up call from Forest with electric wave therapy (with several games of dominoes – 6-1 to Keiran), ear point & accupuncture. As always, Keiran just gets on with it and does as he’s told. We had Dr Apple come round with a Professor from downtown & they were trying to access Keiran’s vision.
Keiran really loves the afternoon therapies. He really does look forward to Forest knocking on the door & he quite happily chats away to Forest as he’s having his massage. Firecups; it’s amazing to see just how relaxed Keiran is………….it’s definitley worth it. The smile on his face just melts my heart.
This afternoon we had to say goodbye to Pam, Dave & Sam………we wish them well & really hope that Sam continues to show improvement. It’ll be quiet without those guys!!!!
Also this afternoon we had a chat with Jon from Beike H/O (we spoke with him & Matt late last week). He spoke to us with regard to any concerns we’ve had with our room etc since we arrived. They have taken our comments onboard and have tried to rectify the smell in the bathroom by resealing the sink twice but it didn’t work. We’ve had someone put something in the drain cover and have now got 3x airfreshners on the go, plus a candle. Fingers crossed it might do the job (I’m not so sure….but trying to stay positive)!!!
This evening we went to the Holiday Inn to say goodbye to more great people. Our best wishes go out to Eric, Boudelle, Emelie & Victoria & also to Chris, Wendy & Michaela……..we wish you every success & happiness with the future. It’s been a pleasure to meet you all.
Now it’s back to the hospital room & thinking of tomorrow. Another day of pure anxiety, worry & fear. My beautiful son; not a care in the world; me it makes me sick in my stomach and an aching in my heart just thinking about tomorrow’s treatment……….. BUT…………… his strength just ozzes out & I need to grab onto it. He’s one tough cookie!!! He will be receiving his fourth treatment – 2nd one by Lumbar. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Thanks for all your support, even though we are miles apart; I’m always thinking of home. Love you guys.
xxxx
November 24th, 2009
We went to the RT Mart today (never again on a Sunday – it was busy beyond belief) and brought some fresh meat, potatoes & vegetables. I’m not looking forward to trying to cook it in the the kitchen but I’m certainly looking forward to eating it!
Tonight we went to Pizza Hut. They have an amazing choice of foods on the menu. Keiran ordered the chicken curry with spaghetti & Keith and I had pizza. Keith’s never been to Pizza Hut in England as he’s not keen on Pizza’s – it’s strange to think that his first experience in Pzza Hut is here in China! Unfortunately, Keiran’s curry & spaghetti didn’t come BUT he munched away on plenty of pizza & fried squid. Then we headed back to the hospital.
Sunday is a day when I have so much buzzing around in my head as we are given Keiran’s schedule for the coming week & then reality hits me. Back to my same thoughts…………are we doing the right thing, am I asking the Dr’s the right questions, why didn’t I take Mandarin lessons before we came, will Keiran look back & regret coming out, will Georgia & Maddie resent us from being away from home? The list of questions & thoughts just bounce around in my head & some days I feel like it’s going to explode! Our lives have been one hell of a roller coaster ride for the past 9 months & will continue to be so.
I wish I could report some improvement so far, but as off yet there is none. However, we need to stay positive & hope that this will come with time. His next stemcell day is Wednesday & he will receive these via Lumbar. He’s not worried about it but it just makes me feel sick in my stomach to see my baby boy go through it, but he smiles & it melts my heart as to how well he is coping with being in a foreign country and taking everything on the chin! I’m so very proud of him – he really is a superstar!! Just wish I could be the same.
Missing you all
xxx
November 23rd, 2009
Sorry peeps for not posting yesterday after Keiran’s 3rd treatment but I was completely wiped out & was asleep by 9pm.
Yesterday, the nurse came in around 11am & inserted his canula. Although, they didn’t get it correct the 1st time & it was a case of 2nd time lucky. He then went upto the IV room at 1.30pm and sat talking & listening to his music on his Ipod. Although, he did have company as Sam was receiving his treatment at the same time. Keiran didn’t complain once as he sat there for an hour whilst the stem cells travelled through his IV. We then went back to the room & he was full of beans! As for me I found myself totally exhausted……..I think that will be the case everytime he’s due to receive the treatment. As we cuddled on the bed waching a dvd, I fell asleep. Once again his canula needed to be left in – just incase he had any reactions….but he was fine.
This morning he had the canula removed and we got ready to go out – as today’s a ‘free day’. We arranged to go Downtown with Chad, Brandy & Spencer. Charlie (the driver) took us all down to Jimo Road Market & we had a mooch around or a couple of hours – it’s shopping heaven! Even Keith tried a bit of bartering. Then we went on to Polar Ocean World. We watched a dolphin display; which was fab. Then we had a look round at the rest of the animals that were there. Keiran thoroughly enjoyed watching the animals swim past him & all the lights reflecting off the water. It was nice to get out & spend sometime away from the hospital.
We are going to chill out tonight & then tomorrow is another ‘free day’ BUT I think it will be another day of scrubbing the bathroom as it absolutly reaks again!! Although, we have got hot water again – yeahhhhh!!
Missing everyone like mad, but we are nearly halfway through our stint out here.
Love to all
xxx
November 21st, 2009
The day started really early as fireworks were being set off at 5.45am (not good). I am so lacking my sleep!!
I went downtown to the Jimo Market with a few of the others from the 8th floor. What an experience that is……..although I will definitely go back again before we come home. Keiran & Keith, stayed in the hospital & had chinese for lunch & played on the Wii.
Keiran is really enjoying talking to the other families on the ward; especially Summer – she’s so sweet & is 16months old from America & she reminds Keiran of his cousin Summer at home. Also, Amy from Southend as she likes to Burp like he does!
We are going to the Holiday Inn for dinner tomorrow nite as Kevin & Peter, Laurinda & Odette are escaping Friday and are off home. It will be strange to see them leave.
xx
November 19th, 2009
After a long day yesterday, I eventually got to sleep at around 4am as I found myself watching Keiran sleeping ad wanted to make sure he was ok. We were woken at 6.20am as the nurse came in to take Keiran’s bloods………..really not good as Keiran was not asleep until gone midnight.
Keiran was feeling fine & fighting fit after yesterday’s Lumbar injection. He had all his therapies in the morning & afternoon then we decided to go out for a walk. We walked down to Qingdao Century Park. It’s so beautiful – it’s based around the 2008 Olympics. They’re are statue’s scattered around the park representing the different events that take place in the Olympic games. We were all pleased to get out & get some fresh air and to see something much prettier. There are various water features in the park & Keiran felt the trickling water as well as crossing the streams on the stepping stones. It get’s so much colder by around 4pm here, so we had to head back to the hospital BUT it felt good to get out for a couple of hours.
Keiran really wanted a burger for dinner, so he tucked into a large burger & chips. We actually had hot water today in the hospital – so it was showers & early bed. Although Keiran was not happy about this & got upset. He would not admit that he was tired from the night before but admitted that he is still missing home! It’s horrible seeing him upset as this is very rare BUT it was a true sign that he was tired. Hopefully, we’ll all be refreshed in the morning.
xx
November 18th, 2009
Keiran is one major superstar & we are sooooooo proud of him!!!
He received his second lot of stem cells today but this time via lumbar puncture. This was another day Keith & I were not looking forward to and the day felt like it would not end. Keiran had his morning therapies with Forest & then Keith cooked spaghetti bolog to fill Keiran up as we knew he would not be able to eat again until after 10.30pm. Cooking dinner was a task in itself as the facilities are very basic (2 hobs & a tiny oven with one shelf) together with the fact that it’s shared with perhaps 20+ other families……not ideal; but we managed.
The hours appeared to drag by; but 4.30pm came round and off we went upto the 9th floor. We were not allowed into the stemcell room this time as it’s sterile & classified as an operating room. Keith & I waited outside those doors for 20mins – which felt like eternity, sobbing at not being at our son’s side and not knowing what was/is happening (the whole afternoon/eve’s been full of emotions & tears). Keiran came out a bit groggy and his speach was a little slower as he was given valium to help him relax. He came back to the hospital room and had to lay still for another 6hours. He was not to lift his head and keep all movement to a minimal, plus no drink or food. He done a fantastic job of doing as he was told and I think he was fed up with me keep asking him if he was ok or if he had any pain. The valium might have helped him relax but it certainly didn’t make him tired…….he continued to chat the whole time whilst he was listening to music & watching a dvd. He got a little restless for the last hour and was looking forward to getting off his bed.
Hooray, the 6 hours were over. I made him an omelette which he ate rather quickly & a few glasses of water later – he’s as good as new!!!
He is so resiliant & so much stronger than I’ve ever given him credit for. I’m so very proud of him for everything that he has endured since being here in China; I could not ask for better!!!
I don’t think I’ll get much sleep tonight as I’ve found myself watching Keiran sleep – he looks so peaceful & it helps me to try & forget about everything that he’s gone through that day and remind me that ‘tomorrow is a new day’.
We are all missing you all at home & love you all loads
xx
November 17th, 2009
Previous Posts
