History

Journal History

Tuesday, September 27, 2005 8:14 PM CDT

Hello Friends!

We had a wonderful summer.
Both kids enjoyed Special Days Camp (cancer camp) this July/Aug. Kayla and Keaton have been attending Special Days since 1999. We enjoyed a family vacation to Gatlinburg, TN in June, 26 family members in all. The age span was 85 to 2 years old.

It's hard to believe that it's been 6, almost 7 years since diagnosis (12/23/98) and off treatment 3 years (4/2/02)!! Keaton has had a nice growth spurt and is looking very young manish (where has my baby gone?). Playing 7th grade football (defense--noseguard and offens--wide receiver and tight end) Who would have thought that my little boy would grow to be so robust! : ) Very THANKFUL we are that he is here and enjoying life to the fullest. Keaton has made good progress with his school work and is on the honor roll with all a's and B's. He still spends one hour a day in study skills to help with his academics. We are very proud of our boy.

Monday, October 18, 2004 7:10 PM CDT

Hello Friends and Family!

Wanted to share a wonderful story with you all.

Keaton's cousin (Ms. Durkee) asked him if he would like to share his cancer journey with her 6th grade classes. She is teaching an encore/enrichment class and decided that her students would complete a fund raiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The program is called Pennies for Patients. Keaton and I traveled 2 hours from our home in Tecumseh to Saginaw Twp. (here in MI) and spoke to her classes. I gave them the technical info (blood counts, procedures, overview of the protocol, treatment info and basic cancer statistics) while Keaton supplied his feelings and memories of treatment, not to mention sharing his broviac and port scars! : ) What an awesome experience for both of us! He did a great job. I think it's very healthy for him to be able to share his thoughts about his cancer experience, especially with other kids. Through the class the students will use their math skills (counting, graphing their progress, setting goals), science knowledge (blood cells, biology) and they are learning how important civic/community activities are. Their donations will help fund research and benefit families that are experiencing cancer in their lives. While Keaton shared his story some of the students shared their own. We heard a story of a mother lost to breast cancer, grandparents battling the disease and a couple of kids had also experienced a spinal tap. The students had already raised over $90 and set their goal at $150 and have 2 more weeks to raise funds. Even though Keaton missed a day of his school, he gained confidence in his public speaking skills and taught other kids what childhood cancer was like.

We're so very proud of him!

Health and Happiness!

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 9:06 PM CDT

Hello Friends!

A six month update, last check up was in March. It's been 2 1/2 years being off treatment(OT 4/02).

Visited the Dr. last week and Keaton's check up went great.
He's feeling really well, growing and his health is wonderful. His feet have grown by 2 sizes in one year! 2 inches in height!

He has started 6th grade (Middle School) and tackle football season has begun. Still using support resources in school and making very good progress. Keaton still experiences a few panic/anxiety attacks, but not as often as he did on treatment.

Life is GOOD!

Friday, March 19, 2004 8:04 AM CST

What a joy to report another uneventful 3 month check up!

Keaton is feeling wonderful, growing right on schedule and has no problems to contend with. He will now go in for check ups every 6 months, our next to be in August 2004, before school starts. We're looking forward to a fun, happy and healthy Spring and Summer!

LIFE IS GOOD!

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 4:54 PM CST

NEW PICTURES!! NEW PICTURES!!

Hello Family and Friends!

A short update to announce that Keaton is officially 5 years from his original DX date!! He was DX on 12/23/98 and obtained complete remission somewhere between day 7 and day 14 of induction (first phase of treatment)

According our Dr.'s at U of M Mott's Children Hospital, 5 years from date of remission is considered "cured"!!!!

Of course we know that Keaton's health will be a concern for the rest of his life, but it is joyous to have reached yet another benchmark in his journey with cancer. His next appt. will be in March 2004 (the last of his every 3-month check-ups), and after that he will only have to go for check-ups every 6 months. : ) This is a very good thing.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2004, hoping that everyone has health and happiness as we venture into a new year!

Tuesday, December 23, 2003 8:14 PM CST

Hello Friends and Family!

5 years ago today we received the worst possible news, our son had cancer, Leukemia, ALL to be exact.

And today we are CELEBRATING our son being cancer-FREE and healthy!

It's been a long haul and we're very glad that the days of treatment, hospitals and tests are, for the better part, behind us. Life is good and we're all together. Keaton had a 3 month check up this past week and his counts are all in the "normal" range and he looks and feels great. He's grown about 2 1/2 inches in the past 6 months, making up for those years on chemo! He's in the 5th grade, is on the Honor Roll and he played tackle football this Fall. What a fun time we had watching and cheering him on. He's looking forward to playing next year already.

On another note, my 83 year old father, Morgan Ford, will be making an appearance on The Tonight Show, with Jay Leno with his famous 125 year old fruitcake tonight! This is a family heirloom that has been kept for generations. After an e-mail to the Tonight Show, he was contacted and arrangements were made to fly my parents and the fruitcake to California. We're so excited about this as he has had many interviews by phone for radio and some local TV stations, but never of this caliber. What a great way to celebrate the holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

May your year be filled with Health and Happiness!

Thursday, July 3, 2003 8:50 PM CDT

Keaton had his first 3 month check up and everything was just peachy! Counts were great, very normal and growing like a weed.
Keaton will be going back this month (July) for neuro-psych testing consisting of 22 different tests/games. This is necessary due to the drugs and cranial radiation that he received during treatment. It's one of those long term/late effects issues that has to be followed up on. It's an all-day process (8:00am-4:00pm), but well worth it as it helps us determine any areas of help that may be needed in his school work. He was initially tested 3 years ago and an IEP (Individual Education Program) was activated. It was determined that he has a slight reading disorder and some difficulty with cognitive processing info. We have used the resource room at school for supportive help for the last 3 years, and he's made wonderful progress! This past school year (4th grade), Keaton made the honor roll all 4 quarters!!!! We are so very proud of him.

On a lighter note; we'll be taking a "family vacation" with 25 members of our family to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It's a traditon we do every other year.

Happy Summer!

Thursday, July 3, 2003 8:50 PM CDT

Keaton had his first 3 month check up and everything was just peachy! Counts were great, very normal and growing like a weed.
Keaton will be going back this month (July) for neuro-psych testing consisting of 22 different tests/games. This is necessary due to the drugs and cranial radiation that he received during treatment. It's one of those long term/late effects issues that has to be followed up on. It's an all-day process (8:00am-4:00pm), but well worth it as it helps us determine any areas of help that may be needed in his school work. He was initially tested 3 years ago and an IEP (Individual Education Program) was activated. It was determined that he has a slight reading disorder and some difficulty with cognitive processing info. We have used the resource room at school for supportive help for the last 3 years, and he's made wonderful progress! This past school year (4th grade), Keaton made the honor roll all 4 qurters!!!! We are so very proud of him.

On a lighter note; we'll be taking a "family vacation" with 25 members of our family to Gatlinburg, Tenessee. It's a traditon we do every other year.

Happy Summer!

Thursday, March 20, 2003 10:01 PM CST

Hello Friends!

We are approaching the 1 year OFF TREATMENT anniversary, officially 4/6/03.

Keaton had his last MONTHLY check up today. We now start our 3 month cycle for check ups, seems like we've been going to the hospital every month for ever (3 years). I do believe that I'm more excited about this milestone more than Keaton!

Counts were wonderful, Keaton is growing by the inches and pounds. By all accounts he is back to a "normal" state of health. I am scheduling a follow up neuro-psych test for this summer. Keaton was intially tested 3 years ago and I think before starting middle school in the Fall, he should have update testing. He's done so wonderfully over the last 3 school years with resourse room help, I truely am amazed. He's made great progress and has been on the Honor Roll all year!!! Keaton is anxiously waiting for Spring soccer to start in 2 weeks, as the weather here in MI has been unseasonably warm for the last few days.

HAPPY SPRING!

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 10:01 PM CST

Hello Friends!

What a CRAZY week we've had around our house!

Last week Keaton had a birthday, turning 10, the kids attended winter cancer camp (special Days) and I had emergency gall bladder surgery!
Of course the gall bladder attack happened on Wednesday night and Keaton's birthday was Thursday, Feb.6 and the kids were leaving for camp on Friday morning. My surgery took place Thursday morning, so Dad (Joe) had to fill in by baking the blueberry muffins for school, doing laundry duty so the kids had clean clothes for camp and packing up both kids for the weekend. I came home on Friday afternoon and am recovering nicely. Grandma and Aunt Sue made sure the kids got to camp, Grandpa picked me up at the hospital and Dad went back to work. We all survived.

Keaton celebrated his 10th birthday by taking 4 friends to play lazer tag on the Sunday before his birthday. We enjoyed a fun afternoon of zapping each other and then a wonderful pizza lunch. Can't believe that my baby is 10!!!!
We know how lucky and blessed that we are to have a son to celebrate with. Here's to many more happy birthdays!

Friday, January 24, 2003 at 10:52 AM (CST)

Hello Friends!

Keaton was in for a monthly OT check up yesterday. Very happy to share that his counts are wonderful, he's growing like a weed and OT suits him just fine!!! : ) The Drs. are very pleased with the fact that his counts have restored themselves to the normal range after only a couple of months. We have also noted that his respiratory system sounds much better OT also. I still believe that all that coughing and wheezing was from the methotrexate!! He hasn't had to use an inhaler since last June, only taking his allergy meds (clarinex) and asthma meds (singulair) daily. The only illness we've encountered since going OT last April, is one ear infection in Dec. Keaton hadn't even complained about his ear, the Oncs. found it at his check up. He has missed 0 (zero) days this year at school!!!!!!

The kids are looking forward to winter cancer camp (Special Days) coming up in 2 weeks. They really enjoy going, I'm just hoping that the weather warms up a little! : )

Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 10:32 PM (CST)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

We're fast approaching our 4 year anniversary of DX, 12/23/98. We spent 9 days as in-patient, coming home on New Year's Eve. Sure didn't feel like celebrating much that night. This will be the first year that we don't have to worry about how far away and how long we are out celebrating.: )

Keaton is due for his monthly check up next week, I expect that all will be well. His counts have returned to the "normal" range the last 5 months. He looks good and feels good. Keaton played flag football for the 3rd year in a row. Even on days of spinal taps, he wanted and would be on the field practicing or playing. I believe keeping him active (as much as he wanted too) truely helped him through 3 1/2 years of treatment.

December is a busy month around our house. Joe is a UPS driver, so he's been working long hours. Kayla (soon to be 12) and I (the big 40!!!) both have birthdays, in addition to 10 other immediate family members!!!

I'll be adding some new pictures soon.

Wishing you all Safe, Happy and Healthy Holidays!

Saturday, August 10, 2002 at 03:43 AM (CDT)

Hi Friends,
Short update:
Just completed our local Relay For Life, Keaton cut the ceremonial ribbon tonight. What an awesome experience it is to be a part of a wonderful community that does a great job at raising $$ for the American Cancer Society. Our small little county (Lennawee) here in MI, ranks as the #1 in the state of MI and #13 in the country (out of 3000) for relay events! I'll post a new picture soon, need to develope the film we took this weekend.

Friday, July 19, 2002 at 12:28 AM (CDT)

Keaton had a routine monthly check up on 7/18/02. His counts are wonderful and rising each month off treatment. He also had his port removed. The surgery went very well and in Keaton's words "I'm a normal kid again". ; ) I had requested 2 tests, a pulmonary function test and an echo cardiagram of his heart. We'll use these for baseline monitoring over the years to come. Both test results look good. Next month will be his last aerolisized pentamidene treatment, no more need for the lung protection. There after he will go for monthly blood counts and rountine check up. We're looking forward to moving into the every 3 month check up schedule.

Keaton and Kayla are enjoying the summer. Keaton participated in a soccer camp and Kayla in art camp. Kayla is also getting ready for Partner's Camp (camp for the siblings of cancer patients). The new puppy (Scrappy Doo) is doing wonderfully! We really enjoy him, he's added so much fun to our family.

Our Annual Relay For Life event is Aug. 9-10. We're getting our walking shoes ready. Hoping to raise more funds than last year. Please support The American Cancer Society.

Monday, June 24, 2002 at 07:38 PM (CDT)

Short update:

Keaton has been doing very well off treatment. We recently had an end-of-chemo pig roast party for him. We rented a tent, moonwalk and a snowcone machine. We also had 2 pinatas and about 300 water balloons. The kids had a wonderful day, as did the adults. We invited about 85 and think we had about 70-75 show.

Keaton is scheduled to have his port removed on July, 18. That will be one more step closer to "normal" living! : )
I have also scheduled a few tests: EKG, pulmonary function and I'm trying to schedule a dexa bone scan.

Sunday, April 07, 2002 at 10:16 AM (CDT)

KEATON IS OFF TREATMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keaton has completed his treatment schedule. He is all done with all of his medicines. No more pills! He was feeling very good last night and asked if he could have a "flushing ceremony" for the remainder of his meds. I have pictures of this glorious event. We went to his favorite place yesterday, the warhammer shop (a gaming store), in honor of his finishing treatment, then out for a great dinner at Rosie's pizza place. It really is hard to believe that we're at the end of this 3 year, 4 month protocol. We are planning a BIG backyard pigroast picnic in June to celebrate with our family and friends. What a GREAT feeling it is to be done and have a son that is cancer-free and HEALTHY!

Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 07:49 AM (CST)

We're off to the hospital today for Keaton's LAST chemo infusion on treatment! He'll then take 2 more weeks of 6mp, methotrexate and 1 week of prednisone and then he's all done! No end of treatment spinal or bone marrow asp. Can't believe we're finally here!

Sunday, March 10, 2002 at 11:24 PM (CST)

Pnemonia again.
Keaton came home from school on Tuesday, 3/5 not feeling very well. He complained of a headache and fever. His temp. was 102.4 so off to the Dr. office we went. His ears had been bothering him some, has he had fluid in them about 3 weeks ago, I figured this was just an ear infection. I was right and then some! He had crackling sounds in his lungs and his temp. went to 103.8. Dr. ordered chest x-rays and blood draw to see where his counts were. He was neutropenic, WBC 1000 and ANC was 500. So, of to the ER at U of M we went. He was admitted that night and we come home on Thursday night. Ear infection and mild pnemonia was the dx. We'll be returning to the clinic on Tuesday for a re-check of counts and to be de-accessed. He's been on oral and IV antibiotics since Tuesday and will continue until Tuesday of this next week. Hoping that his counts are on the rise so he can return to school and normal activities.

Wednesday February 6, 2002 11:03 PM CST

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY KEATON!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Keaton is 9 years old. He requested a small outing to the local lazer-tag arena for some fun, then off to The Olive Garden for dinner. We celebrated his b-day last Saturday, as the kids (Keaton and sister Kayla) are going to winter cancer camp this weekend. Then of course he did the cupcake thing at school today and cake tonight. It really is a special day, as all birthdays are, but to anyone in our experience knows, each b-day is proof that treatment is working and survival means victory! We're looking forward to being OT (Off Treatment)in April!

Wednesday, January 09, 2002 at 11:00 AM (CST)

Hello all,
Keaton has to have two teeth pulled today. We're not looking forward to this, but never the less, it must be done. He has two baby teeth that have not come out and the adult teeth have started to grow down on the outside of the baby teeth. So we are doing the usual routine of antibiotics before the appointment. Due to Keaton's anxiety state, I have also asked for some ativan. I'm hoping that this will help him to stay relatively calm. Maybe a little of the Dr.'s special "gas" too. Wonder if Mom's can have it also for the waiting room! : )

Keaton sailed right through his extractions today. I'm so very proud of him, he handled it wonderfully. He's asking for KFC tonight for dinner, only one day after.

Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 08:22 PM (CST)

Great counts today, Keaton is at full dose meds. He is having some skin rash troubles. We've been battling this for the last 2 months. Being on full dose methotrexate ( 8 pills/2.5 mg) really makes his skin sensitive. The Dr. believes it to be a soap irritation. He's been treated for ring worm and fungal infection, but neither medication made a change to the condition. So, he can't use any soap for 4 days and we must cover him in cortisone cream.

We had a wonderful Christmas, celebrated with both sides of the family. We're looking forward to the new year and ending treatment in April.

Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 10:34 PM (CDT)

Went to check Keaton's blood counts yesterday. The numbers aren't too bad, except for the ANC. WBC 2200, Hem 10.8, Plat 323,000 and ANC 100. That's down from 400 last week. The Drs. think he's fighting off a bug/cold or something, as his monos are in the 50's. He's off chemo one more week. He's feeling pretty good and wants to go to school, YIKES!!!! I'd prefer that he was home until the numbers come up. I hate for him to miss school when he's feeling good. He's due for his regual appt. and quarterly spinal tap w/methotrexate. I can't see that happening unless the counts come up fast. Just don't think that his body can take full dose meds this last 6 months of treatment.

Thursday, October 18, 2001 at 07:16 AM (CDT)

Well, Keaton's counts took another nosedive, as predicted. No chemo this week, as his ANC is only 400. Needs to be 750 or higher to continue chemo. He's trying to fight off a cold, don't think he'll be successful. I kept him home yesterday from school, just to give his body a break from the germs, I hope that his ANC is on the rise. Flag football tonight, he is anxious to play, as he missed Tuesday's game due to being at the hospital for blood counts.

Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 06:51 PM (CDT)

Keaton went in for his monthly Dr. appt. today. His counts are a bit low: WBC 4800, Hem. 12.1, Plats. 295,000 and ANC 800. He just made the cut off (ANC 750) for staying on full dose meds ( methotrexate and 6 mp). He'll start his prednisone tonight and take it for the next 5 days, here comes the "roid rage"! I expect that he will have another nosedive in his counts in about 2 weeks, when he's off the prednisone. We'll just have to wait and see. Allergy season has been mild on him. Haven't had to use his inhaler yet! Other than that, he's feeling pretty good these days.

Flag football started tonight, he had his first game. The 49ers were victorious 26 -13 over the Lions. Keaton's very happy with his team and is really enjoying his playing.
It's good to see him being able to be "normal" with his activities.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 09:49 PM (CDT)

Just returned from another Dr. appt. today. The numbers are in and Keaton's blood counts have improved. We're going to start back in on full dose meds. I'm hoping that he will remain in the "good" range for a while. I really don't like to play with the dosage of his meds.

It was a very strange day at the hospital to say the least. What a tragedy this day has witnessed. I'm concerned with the blood supply, so please, if you can, go and give blood in the next couple of days. The emergency in New York and DC will have a great demand on the current supply and as always, the sick of the country are still in need.
Prayers for the victims and their families today.

Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 10:38 PM (CDT)

Well things are looking up. Keaton's counts have all risen nicely this past week, as he was off all oral chemo. So he has started back on 1/2 dose meds. I hope to talk with the Dr. next week and keep him at 1/2 dose for more than just one week. I'd like to see if he can maintain these good counts.
School started this week and Keaton is pretty happy with his teacher, Mrs. Zemba. I hope that 3 rd grade will be a successful year of school.
We're off to northern Michigan for the weekend. We will be spending Labor Day weekend with some of our very best friends at their cottage near Kalkaska, MI. The kids are looking forward to it. I hope that the good weather and warm temperatures
stay with us throught the weekend.

Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 10:53 PM (CDT)

Just a quick update.
The last 4 weeks have been a bit trying. Keaton's blood counts have continued to drop. At his Aug. monthly appt. his counts were WBC 1300, Hem. 11.8, Plats. 275,000 and his ANC was 500, so the Drs. cut his chemo in 1/2. We've been back weekly since then for blood count checks. His counts did go up slightly, so the Drs. raised his meds to 75% and then last week he dropped even further than in July. WBC 1900, Hem. 11.1, Plats. 370,000 and ANC 300. Keaton is off all chemo for this week, we'll go back on Tuesday for more blood counts to see where he's at now.
On a better note, Keaton is signed up to play flag football this Fall. He played last year for the first time and loved it. We've requested the same football coach, as he's a great guy/Dad and understands Keaton's condition and sometime limitations with fatigue, chemo and spinals. We hope that this year will be as much fun as last year.
Tomorrow is the the first day of school and Keaton is anxious to start the 3rd grade. We have an IEP program in place to help with his reading disorder. This worked very well last year and I hope that he is able to make even more progress this year. I can't say enough about getting the kids tested (neuro-psych) and getting early intervention. We're hoping that when Keaton is all done with his treatments, some of the lost functions/capabilities will return. The Drs. aren't sure if the damage is permanent or temporary (caused by the cranial radiation and spinal methotrexate).

Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 11:04 PM (CDT)

Keaton went in for his monthly treatment today. He also had a scheduled spinal tap. His counts have been steadily dropping the last 3 months. The Drs. have decided that this is due to the increased doses of his oral medicines: prednisone, methotrexate and 6mp. So, after much deliberation (2 1/2 hours) they have decreased his medicines to half dose for the next month. We'll go weekly for blood counts so he can be monitored. The spinal tap went as well as could be expected after waiting 4 hours, his appt. was scheduled at 1:00 pm and he finally made it into the OR at 5:05 pm. You can imagine how hungry he was, since the last time he had eaten was 6:45 AM. Just another LONG day at the hospital!

On a lighter note, we just returned from a wonderful week long vacation with the FORD family in Gatlinburg, TN. 24 of our family members were able to attend.
The weather was nice (very hot/humid) but we soaked up the pool daily. We all had a ball at Dollywood, enjoyed a couple of rounds of putt putt golf and the kids loved nascar go cart racing. Keaton really enjoyed himself despite the fact he had low counts the entire time. Unfortunately upon our return, Kayla (our daughter) was ill and had to go to the ER for a temp of 104 and a very sore throat.
If it's not one, then it's the other!!! : )

Tuesday, July 17, 2001 at 08:25 PM (CDT)

Keaton was 5 years old when he was dx with ALL(Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) on 12/23/98. He had mild flu-like symtoms, bone and head aches and lots of bruising for about two weeks prior to us taking him into the ER. He has T-cell leukemia and is considered high risk due to his WBC (white blood cell count) at dx. His WBC was 120,000+, he had no CNS(central nervous system) involement but his blood system was contaminated with 50% cancer blasts. He was placed on protocol CCG 1961, arm D. That's the longest/strongest arm of the protocol. His treatment will last 3 1/2 years. Keaton also presented with a very prominent liver and spleen. He received 10 days of CR(Cranial Radiation) as a prophylactic measure. Keaton had a broviac surgically placed so that he could receive his chemo infusions. He has been able to tolerate most all of his medicines at full dose, most of the time. Only a few occassions did he have to have a reduction in his meds. He did develop a reaction to the L-asp. leg shots and also to the PEG leg shots. He was eventually placed on Erwinia at a 3-1 shot ratio. Keaton received 56 leg shots the summer of 1999. Boy, was he glad when that was over : )! His broviac (which he named Bric 'n Brac) lasted for 1 year, at which time it started to come out. It was replaced with a port (under the skin). Keaton loves his port as it allows him to be active. He loves to swim, play soccer and flag football.

Keaton was granted a Make A Wish trip in Sept. of 1999. He wished to go on the Disney Cruise to the Bahamas. We all had a wonderful time and made many great memories. Keaton and his sister Kayla really enjoyed snorkeling for the first time.

Keaton is being treated at University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Clinic in Ann Arbor Michigan. We've had many Drs., but his favorites are Dr. Angela Busch and Dr. Greg Williams. His Nurse Practicioners, Nur Askusu and Judy Moyer are the VERY BEST! Onc. nurse Suzie Weber takes great care of Keaton too.

Keaton is now 8 1/2 years old and is doing very well. His treatment should be done on April 6, 2002. We look forward to that day, as we'll celebrate with a BIG party. Our family lives in Tecumseh, MI.

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