Blog about my baby boy diagnosed with leukemia [Archive]

Bully

17-03-2008, 11:16 PM

I started playing bushtarion when my first boy was only 3 years old, He is 8, we now have a 2 year old girl and recently as some of you know we had another baby. I'm writing this as a way to release some stress headache to keep some of my bush friends informed on this life changing event. I'm not sure if I will have the energy, time or spirit to keep playing, however, I want you to know that I respect and have made some great friends over the years.

So here goes an attempt at some sort of blog...

Ted our 7 month old boy was diagnosed with leukemia on sunday night 16th March 2008 in Basildon Hospital, essex.

We took him for blood tests at 10am, and by 3pm they recalled us back to hospital to urgently do more tests.

By 8pm the awful truth of his illness hit us like a speeding train.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k183/drummojf01/DSC09934.jpg

Edward before he got sick with leukemia notice the pink cheeks.

Monday 17th March 2008 07:30
Mum and Ted got moved to GOSH (great ormand street hospital).

15:00 Ted under goes surgery to remove bone marrow to identify what type of leukemia, if it is treatable and what type of treatment will be required. They also did a blood transfusion, plus inserted permanant tubes into his chest, neck and back for chemotheorphy if this is an option.

18:00 He is started on steroids to prepare his body for chemo, they have found out the type of leukemia, however it has 2 variants one gives him a 50/50 chance the other a 90% chance of survival.

Good night my angel, see you tomorrow.

Garrett

17-03-2008, 11:58 PM

I'm really sorry to hear man. I promise to keep spying you more often! I have not the words, they would be meaningless anyway. I appreciate hanging out the past few rounds as pnaps and talking about our stressful jobs and crazy kids...

you can blow off steam anytime, just give a yell.

Illumination

18-03-2008, 12:38 AM

I havent the fortune of crossing paths with you ingame before...but I'm crying. As a mother of two young children I honestly can not imagine the horror you are experiencing. Your baby boy is precious, just as adorable as can be. Love him with all your heart and he will feel that love seeping into his precious body through all of his upcoming trials.
I hope you get the best results possible from those tests.

Sometimes, life just isnt fair.

Rosa

18-03-2008, 02:30 AM

I'm really sorry Bully... I cannot even begin to understand what you must be feeling right now. I'll pray extra hard for the well being of your little boy and your family.

The best of luck to you and your family.

DarkSider

18-03-2008, 08:56 AM

Very sorry to hear Bully :(
Wish your son all the best, hope he will get well.

Nonny

18-03-2008, 09:04 AM

I don't know you, but I can imagine your pain. My daughter is 4 months old and the light of my life. Born in Southend hospital on the 9th November 2007.

I so hope future news on this is always the best possible for you and that in the future you'll be able to look back on this as a dark time defeated.

Bully

19-03-2008, 12:36 AM

thnx ppl, I'm visiting him tomorrow, and if anyone wants to send him an electronic get well.

http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/gosh_families/gr ... _card.form (http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/gosh_families/greetings_card.form)

his name is ted drummond
giraffe ward

I'll update the blog with some photos and stuff tomorrow.

harriergirl

19-03-2008, 02:45 AM

:symp1:

There are few things more devastating than a sick child bully . May you and your family endure and love each other harder than ever through this time.

-Tana

Jorizz

19-03-2008, 08:04 AM

Hey mate, I'm really sorry to hear such news. My languastic skills are not good enough to express my compassion both for you and your wife as well as your little Ted. Forget all abot Bushtarion mate, these things keep absolute priority; I hope with all of my heart that your boy fights himself trough the upcomming period. Best wishes and luck!

- Joris

ps: Don't feel obliged to blog in here, tough we all wish to hear news updates on how your boy is doing, Ted, your other children and wife are much more importand than we are - they deserve all your energy. We come in the last place.

Cheese

19-03-2008, 10:06 AM

Very sorry to hear mate, like garrett said if you need to vent any fustration/anger just send it my way I won't mind. I hope he gets better mate your a tough one so I'm sure he is aswell!
You should still be in leeds :( coulda bought you a pint then!

All the best mate!

yoyo

19-03-2008, 03:52 PM

i can only offer this:

keep a very positive attitude. love works wonders.

i wish your family the best that love can provide.

Bully

19-03-2008, 08:48 PM

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k183/drummojf01/DSC00040.jpg

Latest photo, showing our baby with his true fighting spirit.

Today wed 19th march 2008, saw me cradling him in my arms and walking him for what felt like a hour, through the hospital to the operating theatre.

I cuddled him as they put his tiny body to sleep, and he fought till his eyes rolled into the back of his head.
Mum and me left the room whilst they did the surgical procedure, to remove spinal fluid to test the level of leukemia in his brain.

We await the results hopefully some time in the next 24 hours.

The disease is called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. He has been given a 50% chance of survival as he is so young, however on a positve note, the doctors seem to agree he is on the good side of the 50% as he is a little fighter and got some good body weight.

I hope to revist again in a couple days.

CLem

19-03-2008, 09:22 PM

Bully I wish Ted all the best. I am no doctor but he looks very strong and should definitely be on the good side of that 50%!! Love and support is all you can offer and all you need to offer to him now. But don't forget to take care of yourself and your family as well.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

Clem

harriergirl

19-03-2008, 09:48 PM

Look at that redheaded little devil

give em hell Ted :)

anth

19-03-2008, 10:40 PM

As a parent I cant help but get tears. God bless you guys and Ill keep you in my prayers.

saint1d

19-03-2008, 11:35 PM

Again as a parent I found this thread very upsetting, I wish Ted all the best. I hope you and your family find the strength and courage to get through this difficult time.

And wow, what a big lad !! :shock:

pinpower

20-03-2008, 12:01 AM

Dont really know how to express in words what i mean to say...

But i wish your little boy all the best, and hope he can get through this soon...all the best mate...

Pin
xx

f0xx

20-03-2008, 02:16 PM

Words are maeningless...

I sencirely hope he gets better, best of luck to you and your family bulle.

Podunk

21-03-2008, 02:14 AM

I wish all the best to your son and your family Bully. Fight on Ted!

Nonny

21-03-2008, 06:22 PM

I'm in two minds posting this here as I don't want to hijack this of all threads but it couldn't be closer to the topic.

Before this bad news my wife was aware of leukemia and wanted to go on the donor register. Now I thought that donating bone marrow was a painful procedure and to my present discomfort put her off. She's not good with pain. However, she has looked into it further and apparently it's very simple and pretty painless.

Step 1. Blood sample to see if you match anyone who requires a transplant.

Step 2. Anaestathise, (<can't spell right now!), an area (hip?). Hypodermic needle into the bone drawing out a small portion of the marrow and you're done. Home you go, no wait like a blood donation. You're fine and 24 hours later your body will have regrown all the marrow. Job done.

So if the thought of anyone, especially a toddler like Ted, suffering for the sake of the above procedure leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Check it out, there may be something amazing you can do to save a life.

We're looking into the details further. If Bully doesn't mind we'll post in here exactly what's involved. Maybe someone else already knows?

In the meantime, our thoughts for you and your family Bully, especially Ted.

Bully

24-03-2008, 10:41 AM

Updated
=======

Sunday 23rd March 2008.

Ted does not have a genetic mutation from the leukaemia. The doctors have said this means that he won’t automatically relapse. He is holding his red cells and is maintaining a good temperature and pulse. He no longer needs fluids and will start full blown Chemotherapy Tuesday 25th march.

The doctors seem to agree that he is doing very well, and shows all the signs of someone that should beat this illness. We would like to thank everyone for all the support and kindnesses shown so far.

I visited Ted on Easter Sunday, and managed to grab 5 minutes with him, it really does touch my heart just how brave someone so tiny is. I truly am blessed to of been given such wonderful children to look after in this life. Once again thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and good feelings towards my family especially ted.

The Drummonds.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k183/drummojf01/DSC00045-1.jpg

harriergirl

24-03-2008, 10:49 AM

Happy Easter to you and yours Bully

Illumination

26-03-2008, 11:58 PM

Boy do those two look alike!!! Two handsome fellows there:)

Go get 'em Ted!

Somebody

28-03-2008, 01:35 AM

Hey!

I'm a couple of days late into this - I apologise!

But My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time

Your son is adorable! He has lovely eyes!

Here's praying for a full and speedy recovery!

Love Claire
aka Somebody
xxx

Bully

06-04-2008, 01:29 PM

==========================
updated 6th April 2008

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k183/drummojf01/teddy-1.jpg

Ted is on his 3rd week of chemotherapy. The doctors are still pleased with his response to the medication. However he is in significant pain and being given morphine every 4 hours.
Last week he removed his own gastric nasal tube, and seemed very pleased with his efforts as he was playing with the tube out of the end of his nose.

The staff had decided to initially not replace the tube for a few days, however Ted's health had dropped significantly.

He is currently not allowed visitors as he has contracted flu and a gastric bug. This weakened him to the point of him being unable to feed unaided, and means he is sleeping up to 20 hours a day. We understand that there will be high and low points during his treatment and this for me apart from the initial diagnosis of his illness is one of the lowest points.

I hope and pray that this coming week sees Ted’s strength and immune system build up enough to fight the flu and tummy bug which is taking such a toll on his body.

Further updates will probably be every 2 weeks.

http://www.justgiving.com/kennysnaddon
https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/teddrummond

Both these fundraising links have been setup by friends of ours and will enable family and friends who have asked us how they can offer support a couple options.

Bully

06-04-2008, 05:46 PM

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k183/drummojf01/tedill.jpg
Just got word that my boy is so poorly that they will be giving him antibiotics to help fight his flu, plus may have to stop his chemo in order for his body to have the strength to fight this.

Garrett

11-04-2008, 01:19 AM

didn't plan on logging in again after my last post in gripes, but this is the only thread I read until the end of the round....

so damn it... is ted better yet? or does he still have the flu :(

I take a lapse between updates as not a great sign :(

*hugs*

Illumination

12-04-2008, 03:50 AM

*checks in*

Im always wishing you well Ted, may the sun shine warm upon you and brighten your day:)

Nightmare

13-04-2008, 08:21 PM

Hope Ted is getting better, best wishes for all the family.
*cuddles*

Bully

27-04-2008, 10:56 PM

Hi all,

Firstly sorry about the long pause between the updates, things have kept us busy for the last 3 weeks. Ted is currently at home as we speak. He successfully completed the first stage of Chemotherapy and was discharged from Great Ormond Street hospital Last Sunday. The first report from GOSH says on his admittance he had 90% of cancerous blood cells, 5% red cells and 5% white cells / platelets. And by day 8 of treatment that figure had dropped to 1% of cancerous blood cells.

He now has a nurse visiting once to twice a week. For blood tests and to check and clean his Hickman line dressing etc.

It has been a great blessing having Sarah and Ted at home this week. The whole family has been uplifted and Ted has bounced back to the bundle of fun and laughter he formerly was.

Ted was scheduled to start phase 2 of chemotherapy last week however certain blood levels were not as high as the hospital needed them to be, which means he currently has no immune system. He will have another blood test on Monday to determine if he can start phase 2 on Tuesday.

Whenever phase 2 starts it will involve a very long day at GOSH for Sarah and Ted, leaving the house at 6am and possibly returning back as late as 10pm. He will then have a combination of visits to our local hospital and GOSH every day for the following 32 odd days. Fortunately this round of chemotherapy is a lot less aggressive than the first round so he should not be as out of sorts or in as much discomfort.

Once again thank you all for your prayers, support and friendship during this change in our life.

The Drummonds.

http://photos-788.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v240/93/64/684572788/n684572788_424209_4104.jpg

Illumination

28-04-2008, 03:03 AM

When I look at that picture, I hear that deep deep belly laugh that babies get when you do that rediculously silly thing to them for the 26th time and they think its funnier each time its done! He looks happy Bully and he looks completely loved, a beautiful picture.

Nonny

28-04-2008, 09:07 AM

I can't wait to get home and show my wife the new pic with the good news. Only tears of joy, the way we like it!!

Fingers crossed, may the recovery path be a steep up and up :D :D :D :D :D !!

No-Dachi

28-04-2008, 07:53 PM

I guess my e-card is a bit late, then? I sent it before I'd read through the thread..

I wish you the best of luck!

harriergirl

29-04-2008, 08:03 PM

What a wonderful pic! I stared at it for like five minutes with a big smile on my face. Garrett and I were hoping that no news was good news. Bully, I'm so happy that your family is back home for you. I know you have a long road ahead, but that baby looks well loved and I'm sure you will all pull through it and be stronger in the end. Please keep us updated :)

-Tana

Somebody

03-05-2008, 12:55 AM

Ted is gorgeous :D

Glad to hear the first stage went well!

Please keep us updated! (I really should log in more...)

*hugs to the family*

Nevaes

14-07-2008, 07:04 PM

I have a fairly young son myself. Due to a very long story that I won't go on about here, I do not get to see him. He was born beginning of this year. If something like this was to happen to him, I would be in tears constantly. It is rather hard not getting to see my son. I was in tears reading this. I read just your posts, and no one elses. Still kind of uhh.. bawling. I am very happy that your son is improving. I really hope the best for you, your son, and your family. Will definitely keep your family, and him in my thoughts. Wish him well for me, Tye'.

Take care.

Nevaes a.k.a. Tye'

saint1d

25-10-2008, 02:51 PM

Has anyone heard any more on how Ted is progressing?

Elderveld

10-11-2008, 01:10 PM

I've send a card towards the site he gave, Not actualy looking at the date he posted (was sort of a hypnotic feeling, only thinking about how it was and sending the card!)

I cannot say im not touched, im realy reading this all whit much respect and can probably only guess how hard this must be.

Best of luck! hope he gets better soon!

Younge

14-11-2008, 10:05 AM

Been away from the game for a while and remember reading this post before i left.
just wanted to check up and hope everything is going well and best of luck with everything.
My little cousin had this from round the same age till his early teens and still has to have check up now. My family went through a lot but pushed through it together.

Best of luck to you and my wishes go out.

younge

Bully

13-12-2008, 09:00 PM

Its been way too long since i last updateds however.

A lot has happened this year apart from Ted spending most of his time in hospital , I've lost both my parents to cancer. So forgive the lapse...

Currently as I write this message I'm in our local hospital, with my son who is unable to eat or drink, he is a shaddow of his former self. Down to 9.7 kg for a 15 month old, which puts him in the bottom 2% weight for his age. Compared to the chunky baby that he has mostly been. (in a comical light, his skin looks like the men in black guy who got took over by an alien and its dropping off him in places)

He is poorly however I never give up hope, and i'm greatful for every day that he is still with us.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k183/drummojf01/meted.jpg

This was a few weeks ago, when he was not as ill as he is today.

We should be going to centreparcs on monday for a weeks holiday, something that we have been looking forward to all year. However I will continue to stay in hospital with him whilst my wife takes our 2 other children, (they seriously need a break from hospitals)

Thanks for all your messages of support. I hope to find some time to joining in next round next year.

God bless
bully & family

f0xx

14-12-2008, 12:59 AM

Don't give up Bully, our prayers are with you!

Illumination

14-12-2008, 02:27 AM

Life isn't fair, and sometimes it just isn't right. My thoughts will remain with you until you are all healthy and at home.

Alcibiades

14-12-2008, 02:45 AM

Don't give up Bully, our prayers are with you!

I couldn't say it much better myself. Thoughts and wishes of health and happiness to you and your family.

timtadams

14-12-2008, 11:20 AM

I hope and pray that your son gets well and best wishes to you and your family

saint1d

14-12-2008, 11:48 AM

Keep fighting it Ted !!

Twigley

14-12-2008, 04:30 PM

:symp1:

:(

Cheese

24-02-2009, 11:59 PM

Just posting for bully who for some reason can't get on his forum account:

Ted was in the local paper today and bully wanted me to post the link for people to see:

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/search/4148174.Super_Ted___s_cancer_fight_earns_him_a_Little_Star/

I hope things continue to improve for him! I can't imagine how things have been for you mate nice to see you updating us.