Blood Counts: Joey & leukemia Part 7

We ended up with a long delay after the horrible ordeal in the hospital.  We had to go to the clinic every few days, but Joey’s blood counts were low, and he wasn’t able to start the next phase for 15 days.  The next stage had four spinal infusions within two weeks with all the other steroids and chemos.

Chemo/Side Effects: Joey & leukemia, Part 5

So there we were – heart problems seemed to have subsided, but then we had new issues to face.  Joey’s arms and legs were starting to quiver, and he was experiencing diarrhea again.  The body shakes were a side effect from a chemo.  

Wonder: The Movie, Auggie and My Son

Last November, my Down Syndrome mom group and I, took our kids to see the movie Wonder. The moms were in one row and our kids were in the row in front of us. The sounds of sniffles were consistent and I knew where they were coming from. I didn’t want to look because everyone needs their privacy, but I knew because I was part of that sniffle party.

Addiction and Alcoholism In My Family

Three of my kids have had to deal with learning disabilities and/or psychiatric disorders; Joey has Down Syndrome, my son Artie, has ADD with a reading disability and my Isabella was diagnosed with ADHD. I refused to put either one on any medication because I never believed that was the answer. Addiction is hereditary and runs in the family, so I always stayed away from anything that could be addicting.