Transplant Day +17 - The Road to Recovery

Evening Bloggers!! (said in the voice of Wallace from Wallace and Gromit!! :o) )

Glad you could all join us once again with another day done. They seem to go so fast and I’m sure, for a few of you heading back to work, it has come around far too speedily! A warm welcome to all our new bloggers joining us today too.

Another good day for Phoebe and us with a step closer to heading home. Phoebe has amazed us again with her unending bright, energetic mood.

It was a great start to the day as Phoebe had nearly half a bowl of Cheerio’s and some porridge, accompanied by her favourite drink…bit of Yorkshire tea!! She has done really well with her breakfasts recently and this tends to fill her up past lunch. We try and keep to regular meal times and the routine of putting her in the high chair helps. During the days here we regularly change the chairs around, move the table and pop the play mat out; it always changes the energy of the room and helps to break the monotony of being in one place 24/7.

Emma was our doctor on call again today and after listening to Phoebe’s chest and feeling her tummy she was happy with Phoebs and her incredible progress.
The daily blood results came through and there was a substantial boost to her neutrophils after giving GCSF, which was in huge contrast to yesterday's results. After each screen of Phoebe’s bloods, the doctors will decide whether she needs it and what amount of GCSF is required to keep things balanced. We had a great chat with Emma; it’s nice to spend time with the staff and find out a little more about them. Emma is specialising in Haematology and currently on a 6 month placement with paediatrics.

I'm so pleased to tell you that Phoebe’s bum is so much better each day even though she is still saying it’s sore. She's just been so brave and we have to remember that even though she can appear strong, Phoebe also needs to be handled very delicately as her skin and body in general can feel very tender.

Wow, it felt like Christmas again today. Geoff, Gwen and Marj came to see us today and so very kindly brought a fabulous steak dinner for us tonight!! As Phoebe hasn’t seen them for over a week she could hardly contain her excitement, especially when she saw the bunch of red and white balloons they had brought for her (above left). Bless them, they all came in carrying a huge array of Christmas bags and gifts and we were totally overwhelmed. Phoebe enthusiastically got stuck in, readily prepared, and enjoyed ripping all the paper off.

We have received so many lovely gifts from friends, family and also our smashing team at the Tollgate who have all kindly dropped them in for Gwen and Geoff to bring along for us. As Gwen has been unwell with her laryngitis, we celebrated opening all the presents today instead. (See Phoebe with Marj below). I will be sending out thank you cards in due course but for now I would like to say how generous and kind hearted you all are, the words of love and support inside the cards are so warming, thank you so much to all of you.We are so astounded by the support we have received throughout this journey so far. It will be amazing to see you all again be it in Stoke, Carmarthen, Broughty Ferry, Waterford, the States or elsewhere! We look forward in being able to plan for future trips once we have the go-ahead (esp. for insurance purposes!) so watch out, the ‘Oldfield Massive’ will soon be on our way!!!

Later this afternoon Gary and Lisa came for a visit and it was great to see them. Phoebe melts Gary’s heart when she sees him at the window, so full of smiles for them! Without fail Gary has called every morning and evening to see how Phoebe is doing, it's so reassuring. Tonight, on the way home from their first game of squash at the Tollgate, Gary helped me out on the phone by encouraging Phoebs to go ‘Bye Byes’. It has also largely helped by the fact the 'CBeebies' has got it spot on by scheduling ‘In the Night Garden' to come on for 25 mins and finish around 7pm. It encourages Phoebe to accept going to bed, especially when she sees Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy close their eyes and fall asleep…the things we do hey!!!

I managed to step outside today, have the daily power walk, put a spurt on and actually feel the ‘owd ticker' pounding in my chest. I really need to work off some of the excess pounds I’ve added whilst being in here (as you can tell from the recent pics!!!) as it's so easy to sit here at night, type away and munch on all the lovely biscuits and chocolates you have all been sending... see now..its all your faults!!

Two of our nurses today - Charlotte & Rachel

It has been a wonderful day and as we settle into the evening I have spoken with my one of my dearest friends Theresa. Theresa and I have known each other since primary school; she has such an amazing, heart-warming energy whenever we speak. You can always be guaranteed a good chuckle, she is great company and a brilliant mother to four fabulous children. I feel very blessed to have you walking on this life’s journey with me.

And likewise to all our friends on this journey..you all help to make our life as amazing as it is. Thank you.

This is for you guys…..

'Angels follow your steps as clearly as if you were forever walking in newly fallen snow.'

Until tomorrow, rest easy…

With love,
Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxx