5th Day of Conditioning Treatment

Hi and Welcome Dear Friends,

We hope all is well at home and would like to thank you all for the lovely, positive and encouraging feedback on the blog; it’s nice to know you are enjoying the updates. I know we have family and close friends who read this blog but there are also friends of friends etc. whom we have never met that are following Phoebe's journey on here and we would like to say 'Hi' to all of you and thanks for your well wishes too xxx

Phoebe has done really well today. She has had a large amount of medicines along with a blood transfusion so although it's been pretty heavy she has nonetheless been amazing by still wanting to walk, talk, play and read her books. Only when you are in this situation do you realise, and are so thankful, that people take the time to go and give blood as without it to support Phoebe it would make her journey impossible. We are always asked by folks if there is anything they can do to help so therefore if you are able…. Give Blood!! :o)

We have a wonderful team of people looking after us at the hospital and one of our consultants, Maged, called by today to reassure us that things are looking good so far. Phoebe wasn’t particularly hungry today and he explained that we can now expect her to lose her appetite a little. He also said that, due to the nature of one of the chemotherapy drugs, she is also having a large amount of intravenous hydration so she may not want to drink much either. This naturally took some of the worry away for us.

Phoebe’s Uncle Gary and Lisa visited us today and they were pleasantly surprised to see Phoebe up and about; we really enjoyed their visit. Gary has been an incredible source of support for us throughout our journey, originally with Eleanor and now with Phoebe. He has been with us at our most trying times and has been a real rock.

Geoff, Gwen and Nana Marj came by too and it's lovely to see the bond that Phoebe has with her Grandparents. Mum and Dad were at home today. Mum has joined the Blog (well done Mum!), aah, you left some lovely comments too bless you. We really enjoy reading them, they keep us going!!

The continuous communication with family and friends is so important and we have received lots of lovely calls, txt's and e-mails. I had a lovely call today from my God-daughter Molly; she rang to say she was missing us all and wanted to send Phoebs kisses and lots of love. Molly also told me her fabulous good news…..she got a great part in her school play! It's based on the X-Factor theme for this year and she got the part of Cheryl Cole and was chuffed to bits…well done Molly! Unfortunately, as I’m here in Mancs, I won’t be able to see it but I’m very proud of you and know that you will be brilliant!! Congratulations Molly!!!

My other God-daughters, Eve and Madeline, are enjoying the blog so a special hello to you too and thanks for your lovely messages. We look forward to seeing you all soon. It’s lovely that Phoebe has made some really nice friends already, going to the playgroups etc., and she already has a busier social life than her mum!!!!! She sends all her love and kisses.

Phoebs happily played in the sink today with a dripping tap and stacking cups for quite a while and as daft as it sounds…It's amazing how you begin to use your imagination again to play simple games. During the day we try and structure it to keep things as normal as possible, breakfast first thing, then get ready for the day, we have story time and play time on her mat amongst other things, it all helps to get her through the day.

At 10.15pm Phoebe finished her blood transfusion and she did really well with her oral medicines too. She was a little unsettled and over tired earlier and I think that she may have been feeling a little sick but since having her anti-sickness drug she seems to be more settled now. She is having regular observations done - yesterday it seemed as though these were every five minutes when it was actually every half hour. Even though Phoebe is isolated the time goes so quickly and it felt like I was time warping a little.

And then it’s another day done…..another day closer to transplant and recovery. Yey!!!

Before I leave you, I would just like to say 'Hi' and great big 'Thanks' to Simon, Julie, Penny, Carol and all of the team at the Cheethams Ward and Childrens Clinic at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for the amazing care and support you have given to us over the past few years. To our friends, Pam, Jane, Vicki and all the team at Treetops, The Donna Louise Hospice, Trentham. We are blessed you have you all on this journey with us.

Heading off now as I may have a busy night with Phoebs, hope you all have a restful sleep, but for now…..it’s lovely to have you around folks…..

‘And the flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’
William Shakespeare

All our love xxx