March 15th, 2008 - No Reds Rugby – now it’s neutropenia
Cameron enjoyed getting his own back on me with the electric razor yesterday. Yes, my hair is all gone. Yikes! I do hope it grows back… Carlton had his hair coloured in front of the school at assembly and we have pictures and video of both events. However, these may never see the light of day here because so far we’ve only managed to move our sponsorship tally up by $100 with all of that coming from one very generous donor… Grateful thanks Ken and Shaz! Anyway, by late yesterday poor Owen was feeling rather left out of the hair games so this morning right after he got back from his first rugby game of the season he got his hair coloured too.
Yesterday Cameron had one of his many regular blood tests, which revealed that he is now neutropenic, which means his system has no ability to defend itself against infections. It’s all rather complicated so if you want to learn more just follow the link. This came as a rather big disappointment to Cameron as his new friend Caleb Brown had arranged 6 comp tickets for us to all go and watch the Reds beat the Bulls tonight in Brisbane (yes the final result is just in!). Of course Carlton did come up with one of his brilliant off the cuff solutions when the doctor confirmed that a crowded stadium was out of the question … which was to leave Cam behind! We still have so much work to do on that boy… ha ha.
It also means Cam can’t go to church tomorrow. In fact he is not even allowed outside without shoes and socks, which is really, really hard when you’re 11 years old and living on the Sunshine Coast! Today was a beautiful, very warm day and Leigh suggested that maybe a walk on a quiet beach would be nice, but Cameron refused saying that it was too hard to go to the beach and not get in the water… His pride and joy up until very recently was his new boogey board! Of course swimming is a non-starter and will remain so for many months yet, because he has the central line in his chest. Chemotherapy has also made Cam extra sensitive to sunlight… so the outdoor life that he has been thriving on is now well and truly off limits.Â
March 16th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Hi Cameron,
I didn’t think Dad would do it but it sounds as if he DID! No wonder I couldn’t raise him on skype!!I think I would have firstly had a shock followed by a good laugh!! Sorry but I would look too much like a bald eagle, so I will let Dad do the honours.
So you missed the ‘hiding’ the Bulls got from the ‘Reds’. I must say it was a BIG surprise to us because tha Reds were not doing all that well. But that’s rugby for you, but the Stormers made up for it in the morning (our time) so there is still hope for the SA sides. Sorry to hear you are not able to move out because of the infection danger, but the doctors know best. You must look after yourself, don’t kiss the girls!!! Will send a message again soon with much love from all in SA Grandad Bill XXX Cape Town South Africa
March 16th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Hi Cam
What fun shaving your Dad’s hair must have been a good laugh, and Carlton and Owen what colurs did you use?? Blue or red? Manuella and Kenneth did that many years ago with food colouring and they made red green and blue streaks, they had fun and enjoyed shocking Martin and I. Pity that you cant go out, but you have made it this far with much worse, a little while to have to give up something you like, is not so bad cos it means you will get better again. You will have to take up chess and beat the family at that game or practise in your computer games. Take care sweetheart and lots of love and kisses Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth
March 17th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Hi Cam,
You look so trendy with your hair shaven & i’m sure that Dad is too! You must have enjoyed getting stuck into Dad’s hair with the razor. We need to see the family with all their new hair styles & colours.
So sorry to hear you had to miss the rugby but it is best to avoid any nasty bugs that may be floating around. You have been incredibly strong & positive, you truely are an example to us all! Kimerly & Chelsea pray for you each night. Kimberly keeps asking if you are better yet. When i reply that you are getting better each day then she says” Then we must keep praying LOTS”
She was so excited to hear that you are no longer in hospital.
So, yes Cam, we continue to pray for you & your whole family ,each day. We pray that God will continue to give you courage & strength as you continue your treatment & we pray that he will remind you again & again to trust that he is looking after each one of you, in a very special way.
Thank-you Bill for all your updates & photo’s.
Love to you all.
Mark, Lou, Kimble & Chel’s