Transplant Day +10 - The Road to Recovery

Welcome Everyone,

Christmas Week!!! Hope you are all well and looking forward to the break!!

Thanks for joining us today and can you believe it, we have been in three weeks tomorrow!!

It was a very late start for us all today and we managed to have a little lie in, even though Ade didn’t realise it until he woke up in a bit of a panic. It was Sunday morning after all and it’s nice to relax just one day of the week!! In hospital it can feel sometimes that each day rolls into the next, but we have a fairly good routine. Some days actually feel like a working day and today actually felt like a Sunday…if you catch my drift!!

Sarah Weatherby, our BMT co-ordinator, was in the room when I awoke. For some reason we just started with the giggles….it reminded me of the times when we are away with the girls; great way to start the day and I think Phoebe felt the vibe as she woke in a little giggly too!! Sarah was taking some blood from Phoebe and these consequently showed her Hb to still be a little low so she would definitely need a transfusion later. Thank goodness for all the people who donate!!! Although Phoebe has a low Hb we are pleased to say that other parts of the count have increased again. The counts may from time to time reduce a little but overall we can expect to see a steady rise.

Phoebe happily played most of the morning; we had a late breakfast and she managed to eat 21 Cheerios precisely, as Ade had counted them!! Oh and a few sips of her Yorkshire Tea decaff of course. We were so pleased that she was interested in breakfast; the day was just getting better and better.

It was nearing the time when the troops were arriving and when Mum walked through the door, she said Sarah had called to her "Aah the troops are here"!!! I think everyone is glad to see them as much as Phoebe and us!! Unfortunately, although she felt fine, Gwen had a bit of a croaky throat so she felt it best to stay out of Phoebe’s room today just as a precaution. Hope you are 100% tomorrow Gwen!!

Phoebe didn’t fancy much lunch although she did lots of cooking and making tea with her tea set. She really does love it, thanks again Fay and the gang!! We have noticed how much Phoebe is copying what is said now and has started to say the nurse’s names. This morning she gave Sarah and Irene stickers for their ID badges!! She even called Rob Wynn, “Bob”, the other day..it really made him smile!!

Just after lunch we had a lovely visit from Jonathan and as a surprise he brought Bert and Klate with him…it was great to see you all and nice for Ade to go out with you to have a breather…in the pub!! Klate told us today that he will be organising a Race night in the New Year, should be March-April time, and has promised a great night with a band and entertainment to raise funds for the Donna Louise Hospice…we’ll keep you all posted. It will be a fabulous opportunity to get all you bloggers together and of course this invite includes our global bloggers!!!

Thanks guys for all your lovely gifts and cards; we started dancing to the ABBA CD along with Anne our nurse!! Phoebs loved the book too, bless you. xxx. Thanks also to you guys for the special torch, it was so exciting to see the shadow of Iggle Piggle on her ceiling. Wow, Eve and Madeline..Yum Yum...your home-made biscuits have gone down a treat. They were really tasty and the nurses loved them too with a well deserved cup of tea!! I have given Phoebe a kiss from you all. We miss you xxx

Dad and I went out for a nice walk and actually left the hospital grounds; we just kept walking and it was lovely to discover that we have a beautiful park 10 mins away. Luckily my navigation skills from the Duke of Edinburgh Award days (hello to all of you!!!) stood us in good stead for making it back (round the block) and it was great to spend some time, just Dad and me.

By the time we arrived back we had another surprise as Gary and Lisa had come to visit us. It was great to see them and Gary looked remarkably well considering he was out with the guys in Birmingham last night!!! Can you remember the 1970’s fibre optic dome lamp? Some of you may have had one. Well, Gary brought a battery powered one for Phoebe today and I have to say it's fantastic, she loves it. Being as Phoebe is quite tactile it was funny to watch her touch it as it’s visually mesmerising!! Go on then, what are you waiting for? Get yourselves down to Asda!! Lovely to see you both today.

Ade and I have spent some time today looking at the Anthony Nolan Trust area on YouTube. I have to say, it’s so uplifting watching the different stories about donors and recipients, first time meetings and other really interesting stories. Take a look..it’s well worth the time!!

We have noticed that Phoebe has seemed a little tired today but she’s having the blood transfusion as I type and will be raring to go tomorrow. Although her Hickman line is still a little tender she has been much better overall and we have reduced her morphine again so we will see how she gets on. Her little bum looks so much better although she is telling me it’s a little sore; we’ll keep plastering the Vaseline on and see how we go. Phoebe has had some sickness today due to the mucositis but she deals with it so well and immediately continues playing when its over and done as she’s so resilient bless her.

Well..another day done and another step closer to home. Linking me on nicely to Sam’s question:

When can we expect to be home?
At the moment it’s likely we will be home by the end of January, maybe a little earlier depending on Phoebe’s blood counts. When we arrive home, we will still be in semi-isolation and unfortunately Phoebe will not be able to have any contact with children for a good few months until her counts have stabilised. This is only a short time out of her life and she won’t remember any of this. We are so glad to be doing this blog for her with you are all taking part, how fantastic is that?!! Thanks for your lovely txt and question Sam xxx

Parsnip, we may do a Christmas Special, just wait and see!!! Lovely to be in contact with you xx

Again, thanks for all your love and encouraging messages of support, we will be sure to give Phoebs a big kiss for you all xxx

For my God-Daughters, Eve, Madeline, Molly and Darcy xx

‘Winter begins with an icy chill as clear as a crystal angel sitting by the window watching for snow’

Wishing you all a restful sleep, with love,
Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxx