"The three Kings" (who's your man?)

[Dave da Dude]

Tedster, bluestrat;

 

Thanks for the concern. Yes, my son Keith was there because he, like all other Make A Wish kids, was and still is terminally ill.

 

I had mentioned this in the "benefit" thread a long time ago. Keith was born to his biological mother HIV positive. We adopted him at four months old. At eight years old (a little before the Universal trip), his "T Cell" count (white cell, immunization cells) fell to zero, normal is about 800. He then was classified as having AIDS, and still is, because that medical classifaction is never reveresed.

 

Soon after that he was classified as "Failure To Thrive", underweight, under height, etc. A Feeding Tube was surgically inserted into his stomach and he was fed through it for two or three years to increase his weight and given growth hormones to spur growth. It was during this time that the doctors at Duke Universtiy Medical Center (GREAT pediatric hospital) suggested that he go for his "Wish", i.e. he might die soon.

 

Two years ago he started a new drug "cocktail" of three drugs, one a new one developed by his Camp Kaliedascope Counselor (a research doctor at DUMC). Since then his T Cell count has risen to over 1,000 and the viral (AIDS virus) "load" (percentage) is undetectable.

 

At fourteen years old, he is considered to be in remission with every opportunity to live a live well into his adulthood.

 

My wife and I thank and praise God daily. This is better than any music or guitar.

 

Thank you for your concern.

 

Dave

[Tedster]

Dave...I know what it's like to lose a child. Thank God your son is still with you, and hopefully, with current medical advances, will be for years to come!

 

Keep praying!!! It's working!!!

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by Tedster the Salsa Shepherd:

Keep praying!!! It's working!!!

Same here! Thank God for modern science.

[Dave da Dude]

Tedster, bluestrat;

 

Thanks for your well wishes.

 

bluestrat,

Same here! Thank God for modern science.

Amen. The doctors have helped many other kids through the grace of God.

 

Tedster, I am very sorry for your loss. Words are such a poor medium for expressing this tragedy. They are in a better place now. I hear it ROCKS!

 

Dave