10 Mo. Old Grandson Dx'ed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Crafts are always good. They take your mind off of what is going on, as you think about what you are doing. And your time is productive. Needlepoint is easy, pieces can be small. Knitting or crochet is quick. Pieces can be made and then donated to other children on the ward.

For good future health, tell your daughter about cleansing toxins out of the body and keeping the body alkaline, staying away from sugar, wheat and eating more vegetables. Juicing fresh vegetables that are alkaline (celery, cucumbers, potatoes) and drinking the juice every day is also of benefit.

L. Cheek, MD
www.sevenpillarstotalhealth.com

Wow A., my heart goes out to you. My 20 y.o. cousin is currently in the hospital with ALL. It's a mean illness, but I also know someone who survived it.
How about books on tape? Journals. Puzzles? An ipod?--they have things called podcasts where you can listen to experts speak on various topics at different times of day. Knit? Needlepoint? Quilt?
Hope this helps.

I can not even imagine. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Does he like to color? I know that is a young age, but maybe she can get some coloring books of his favorite characters (blues clues, Dora, Sesame Steet, etc) and they can color. He can probably play with play-doh, play with balls, music is always fun, etc. I'm not sure what his age will allow him to do and what the chemo will allow im to do...but the best thing she can do for him is what she is doing, being there for him.

I read the question wrong the first time. I agree with the other ladies, a blog would be a great idea. Does she have a myspace or a facebook? Those can entertain for a little while. She can scrapbook, write, knit, etc. It will not be fun on so many levels, but I hope it all turns out well.

Good luck!

I am so sorry for what your family is going through. When I need to stay calm and feel stronger, I like to listen to music. Maybe an ipod would help. If she doesn't have time to load it or set it up, maybe you could do it or ask one of your kids to help. They might know what music would be right for her. If she already has an ipod, maybe an itunes card or a cd would help her. The baby might like board books that his mom could read to him.

I'll keep your family in my prayers.

K.

A.,

I'm so sorry for your devastating news. I will pray for his full recovery & for comfort & patience for you & your daughter.

I was in the hospital not long ago and having a laptop computer helped me a lot. Daytime TV is terrible and sometimes it is difficult to concentrate on reading. Most hospitals have wi-fi, so I was able to get on the internet & entertain myself. Maybe she could start a blog both as an outlet and to keep family members informed so she isn't having to repeat herself over and over. Journaling (the old fashioned way) might help, too. Hang in there.

First, please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Your daughter if she has a laptop can find several resources online MySpace has serveral pages of families going thru similar situations (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.view... have links and info on other sites. Caringbridge.com has this also. The most important thing is that she stay positive and takes care of herself as well(as noted by several of the other ladies). As for crafts maybe she could do blankies for her baby and some of the other children on the floor with her. She could also talk to someof the other Mom's that are there. Most of the hospitals that care for pediatric cancer patients have resources as well that she could check into also try the Ronald McDonald House website for support and resources.

Good luck and God Bless

J.

PS Could you tell us which Hospital your daughter and grandson are at some of us could research resources for her.

A stitchery/knitting/crochet project might be a great thing to do. It would be something to learn if she hasn't learned, and would be something that gets bigger and bigger as time goes on. Then, when this whole ordeal is over, she can give the finished item to her son and it will remind him of the love she put into every minute while she was there by his side.

Thank you notes might be a big part of her time too... I am sure your daughter's support system will be in overdrive, so it is always nice to say thank you for everything that people will do for her and the family. It keeps things positive too... being thankful edges out any feelings of being sorry for yourself! God bless you and your family.

What about electronic scrapbooking if she has a laptop. May give her time to think of happy times as well as document the hard time right now. She'd need her digital photos on the laptop and a free or purchased scrapbooking program. Also, what about some form of exercise? Walking, stretching, small free weights. The stress must be amazing and perhaps that would help. I'll be thinking of all of you. Love, D.

I'm so sorry! I'll pray for your family.
For your daughter, I would recommend a craft - knitting, embroidery, crochet. Many hospitals with NICU units have programs for crochet hats for premature babies. It'll keep her hands busy and she'll be helping others.

I have found knitting or crochet to be very helpful, it keeps my hands busy, which allows me to sit still, yet I don't have to "ignore my surroundings" like reading a book or watching a movie might do. Also, the materials can be rather compact for a few hours of work to be on hand. Have a small spiritual book or poetry handy, in case she needs to give her thoughts some mantra or ideas to maintain serenity while waiting. My thoughts of health go to her 10 month old.

My son passed away almost three years ago from cancer. So I understand what she is going through. One of the things I did was crochet. If she likes crafting that can take up time and she would still be able to interact with her baby and the nurses. My husband used our laptop. He was on his forums for his off roading hobby and also connected with a lot of other families out there that were in similar situations.

Your daughter could also look into a site called Care Pages (carepages.com). This was a great resource that helped to keep family and friends updated on our family. You are able to post a blog, pictures, and receive online messages from those who log in.

Also she could volunteer in the hospital. Our son was at Fairfax Inova and they have wonderful programs especially for children. She could help in the playroom or other areas who are needing help.

I hope this helps and I will keep your family in my thought.

That must be so hard for her and for you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this hard time.

As for suggestions, maybe she could take up crocheting or knitting. I crochet, but my mom knits and she taught my (much) younger brother to knit as a way to pass the time while he was laid up in the hospital during a round of surgeries to correct hip perthes disease. He really got into it. It requires a little bit of concentration (but not too much) and two hands (good for keeping these busy). Most craft stores will carry "teach yourself" books on these and many other portable type crafts.

Best of wishes to all of you.

When my son was in the hospital for 5 months knitting kept me sane. We also listened to books on tapes or CD's together (he was 10 years old at the time)- listening can be more relaxing than reading.

Although I do not have any suggestions for her, I did however want to say that I am so sorry to hear of this! I will keep your family and your grandson in my thoughts and prayers!!!

My heart goes out to all of you.

In addition to needing a way to keep occupied your daughter is going to need to keep her energy up and have ways to recharge herself so she can remain optimistic and positive. If I can offer one suggestion its for your daughter (and you) to take care of yourselves so you can be there for your grandson.

That means getting enough sleep, being around positive people (kick the negative people to the curb during this time!), doing the self-care things that make you feel good and positive (dressing well, putting on makeup, taking time to get a haircut or even a makeover), eating regularly and making sure they are healthy meals, exercising and getting out with friends whenever you can.

The hospital will have support groups, chaplains/priests you can talk to, and others who say "if you need to talk, call me". Use these resources -- they will help to keep you and your daughter energized, positive and focused.

Also when friends ask "what can I do to help", give them a task (providing dinner one night, helping care for your grandson so your daughter can get out by herself or with some friends to recharge, helping pick up groceries, etc).

This will be a very tough time but it can be gotten through as long as you and your daughter remain positive and conserve your energy to take care of the things that matter - namely your grandson.

Good luck -- L.

Writer, Wife and Stay-home mom to two daughters, 9 and 3.