Berwick family splitting back-to school, transplant care for boys

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Five-year-old Nicholas Oickle of Berwick is “doing well” and recuperating in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children after receiving a bone marrow transplant three weeks ago.

Nicholas’s diagnosis of aplastic anemia, a rare condition where bone marrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replenish blood, came as a shock to his parents, Tanya and Richard, in late July. The best course of treatment for this condition, which can result in fatigue, high risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding; is a bone marrow transplant. After it was determined his eight-year-old brother, Blye, was a donor match, “things began to happen very quickly,” says Tanya.

The family travelled to Toronto in early August and the marrow harvesting and transplant was performed August 15. Tanya says Blye, who suffers from Type 1 Diabetes, came through well and has since been able to return home in time to start school.

“We are still working to get his sugar levels back to normal and I think it is good he has school to focus on,” says Tanya. “He is very sensitive to what his little brother is going through and worries about him a lot.”

Nicholas remains in isolation as his body copes with the new marrow. They should know at the three-week mark, “give or take a few days,” whether the procedure was a success. As of August 29, he was being treated with antibiotics after developing infections in his leg and lungs.

“The doctors say that is normal and that most children develop an infection of some kind, so we are trying to take this development in stride,” says Tanya.

The emergency nature of Nicholas’ healthcare crisis gave the family very little time to prepare financially for the considerable expense of travelling back and forth between Nova Scotia and Ontario. The family had to stay in a downtown Toronto hotel for close to three weeks until space became available at the Ronald McDonald House. Tanya, who returned to Berwick with Blye August 28, learned of the placement just before she came home. Richard, staying with Nicholas, has now moved into the house and there will be a spot there as long as they need it.

“What a huge relief it was. Even though you are focused on your children, you still worry about how you will pay for everything,” says Tanya.

The province only covers the cost of the bone marrow transplant, which could not be performed in Nova Scotia. Nicholas is expected to be in hospital for six to eight weeks, depending on his recovery.

Tanya, who says it was “heartbreaking” to leave her youngest son to come back to Nova Scotia, hopes to return to Toronto after settling Blye into school.

“Nicholas is a real daddy’s boy, and I know Richard will take good care of him, but it’s so hard being away from him.”

Come for supper

The Oickles’ family and friends have hosted one fundraiser to help cover the family’s expenses, and a second event is being planned for September 7. Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., the public is invited to a roast pork supper at the Berwick Lions’ hall. A freewill offering will be accepted.