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Original poster

Who's up? I need someone to hold my hand

95 replies

aloneinthenight · 09/07/2019 01:42

We have just found out my son has leukaemia.

I'm in hospital with him, DH has gone home, I don't know what to do.

I can't sleep, I can't do anything. I can't cry because then I won't stop.

OP posts:
GotToGoMyOwnWay · 09/07/2019 07:37

Positive thoughts Flowers

Pandamodium · 09/07/2019 09:26

Good luck today OP Thanks please do try and look after yourself.

My youngest has a condition (not even comparable) but he does require extra care/hospital/medical stuff and believe me you can't run on an empty tank.

puppymouse · 09/07/2019 10:12

Devastating news for you. Everything crossed he'll make a full recovery. Hand hold here Thanks

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Original poster
aloneinthenight · 09/07/2019 23:36

Night two.

We have a proper diagnosis now and have begun treatment.

There's a danger of complications overnight which is making me nervous but fingers crossed.

The type of leukaemia he has has a high success rate so I'm clinging to that.

OP posts:
dreichhighlands · 10/07/2019 00:13

Hoping everything goes well.
I didn't say last night but my son's best friend is now completely well and apart from not being able to drink alcohol in the future is a well and healthy lad and as full of mischief as my ds.
Make sure you keep yourself fed and watered OP.

floraloctopus · 10/07/2019 00:21

I've known two children with leukaemia, both now adults .

Zofloraqueen27 · 10/07/2019 00:22

My granddaughter was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was seven - she’s now a lovely young lady of 23. At times the treatment was hard going but the doctors and nursing staff were so very kind and supportive at all times. I used to take turns and sit with her during the nights in the ward after treatments so that her parents could have some time off. The doctors sound positive and optimistic which is good and with a lovely caring mum (and dad) like you your lovely boy will get through this.

EAIOU · 10/07/2019 00:24

How are you and your lovely boy? 💐

InglouriousBasterd · 10/07/2019 00:24

I’m so, so sorry - it’s a parent’s worst nightmare Flowers but I know via work that childhood leukaemia has an incredibly high success rate in terms of treatment. That’s probably small comfort right now but please stay positive - all the odds are well in his favour.

cannycat20 · 10/07/2019 00:41

Fingers crossed for you all. The medics will be doing everything they can, and they will be honest; if they say there's a good rate of success, they mean it.

As everyone says, look after yourself too. Even if you can't eat much, at least have some milk or something to get some nutrition in there!

Hoping to hear good news from you tomorrow.

SorryDidISayThatOutLoud · 10/07/2019 01:04

OP, we are all thinking of you and sending good thoughts to you and your lovely boy xx

Supergirlthesecond · 10/07/2019 01:05

Hi @aloneinthenight

I am thinking of when my cousin was diagnosed about 25 years ago. Huge, strong, healthy man now. It must have come as a terrible shock to you but it may make a difference to think that it doesn't carry the same outcomes now as it would have done when you were young and first heard of it. xx

plantsplantsplants · 10/07/2019 01:06

OP I am so incredibly sorry - I hope you are all coping as well as you can given the circumstances. Here is a hand to hold; wish I could give you something more useful. Hospitals are so scary even at the best of times- I hope you and your son are comfortable.

Original poster
aloneinthenight · 10/07/2019 01:50

He's doing amazingly well. There's been a lot to take in today but so far so good.

It's been so helpful to have all your kind messages. It sure as hell is lonely here at night!

OP posts:
managedmis · 10/07/2019 02:16

Hi op, glad you have a plan in place.

How's your DS doing? And how are you? Have you slept at all?

Myfoolishboatisleaning · 10/07/2019 02:26

My best friend was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1983, very suddenly just like your boy. All these years later he has 3 boys of his own and the very best life.

dreichhighlands · 10/07/2019 02:35

Hospital wards at night aren't fun at all. I hope you have something comfortablish to doze on.

Original poster
aloneinthenight · 10/07/2019 02:49

It's actually remarkably comfy

OP posts:
dreichhighlands · 10/07/2019 03:42

Excellent, are you managing to get any sleep at any point? Adrenaline will keep you upright for a while but to look after your ds you have try and look after yourself as well. I know you know this but I want you to care as much for yourself as everyone else.

Exhsuatedmuch · 10/07/2019 07:15

Hoping you got some rest xx

Original poster
aloneinthenight · 10/07/2019 08:50

I actually slept quite well, considering.

I'm hoping I'll feel a bit more like eating today too.

OP posts:
ohfourfoxache · 10/07/2019 11:05

Try and eat you can, even tiny bites will help. And small sips of ANYTHING will do some good

OddestSock · 10/07/2019 11:18

Thinking of you and your son xx

SeaToSki · 10/07/2019 11:44

Having watched my best friend shepherd her DD through treatment for osteosarcoma, a couple of suggestions.

Your DS job is to accept the treatment and to manage through that
Your job is to support your DS and manage the logistics and advice

Your DS cant do his job unless he eats and drinks and sleeps
You cant do your job unless you eat and drink and sleep (and occasionally let others step in and support DS so that you can have a quick break)

This isnt a sprint, its a marathon. Please just take it day by day and look after yourself as well as your DS

Sending you some 💐

Original poster
aloneinthenight · 11/07/2019 02:02

I've come home tonight to spend some time with DS2. DH is at the hospital.

It has been hard. Being home has made me realise just how much our life has suddenly changed. And how much it is going to. Being in the house without DS1 is strange.

And seeing all the things left over from when life was normal.

I ate today, which has been good. And hopefully I can get some sleep in a minute.

OP posts:
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