Transplant Day +16 - The Road to Recovery

Hey there Bloggers!

Welcome and thanks for joining us here at the blog.

We hope you are all well and having a good weekend. For me Christmas week always feels a bit bizarre, the days don’t feel right, I mean..today just hasn’t felt like a Saturday…are you with me?

Being at the hospital most days run into the next, especially when the nurses finish on a late and are in the next morning, it can be really confusing!! The nurses here have just been fantastic, they have been working non-stop and are now ready for a deservedly good break!!

This morning we awoke particularly early and Phoebe awoke kneeling with bum in the air, bless her. She was ready to start playing with her toys at 5.30am!! Luckily, I managed to convince her that it was still dark outside meaning sleepy time. Just fancied a cuppa and of course Phoebe joined me. We popped the TV on and had such a lovely time together watching a zoo programme at 7am…as you do. We sat together watching all these weird and wonderful creatures, Phoebe’s face when she saw the rhinoceros! Those animals astound me with their power and beauty even, explaining all about them to her was really enjoyable and fascinating too!!

Our time here at the Royal Manchester has gone so quickly in terms of Phoebe’s treatment and her progress so far, but today feels like we have now been here a fair while. Even though we may have a few weeks left, it’s nice to start thinking about the beginning of Phase III. Phoebe's daily blood counts arrived and initially we were shocked to see the results as they had drastically reduced from the steady improvement. Emma, the doctor on call, came in to see Phoebe and reassured us that this is totally as expected as they have reduced the drug (GCSF) that boosts the immune system. It just gives us a chance to take a look at the results and see how her system is coping without this enhancer.

Phoebe has had a fantastic day with her meals and this began with muchos Cheerio’s!!! She is making great progress and we just need to train her stomach to take food, liquid and meds. again so hopefully we can avoid having the NG tube! Phoebe has been in a great mood, giggling and playing her favourite game of hiding her toys. She has been able to sit in her high chair for the past few days as her bum has healed unbelievably well. Phoebs quite likes this time as it gives her some normality and a little independence. She enjoys playing with her toys on her tray, especially her new 'Ninky Nonk'; she is thrilled with all of her ‘In the Night Garden’ gifts and by now probably has every piece of merchandise going!!!!

Mum and Dad came to visit today on their way home from Blackpool; Phoebe was excited to see them and really enjoyed their visit. Ade and I took the opportunity to head out for a while, in need of a pair of shoes...so had this crazy idea of going to the Trafford Centre…what were we thinking?!! We had a nice drive but half way there came to our senses and stopped off in Eccles. Erm...the whole town appeared closed, or closed down.....arrrgghh, it was a shame. It seemed fairly run down so the best thing going was a cuppa in the local branch of Morrison’s with an Eccles cake to boot...Ade and I live on the edge!!!

We started back in time for Mum and Dad to leave for 3.15pm as they needed to head off because the traffic was starting to build up on the motorways. So glad to see them everyday, it really helps to have them here and is great too for Phoebe’s recovery. Gwen, Marge and Geoff will be heading over tomorrow, Gwen feels much better now and can’t wait to head over and give Phoebs a cuddle, it seems like ages since we have seen them.

Also today we had a lovely visit from Andrea and Bert; it was great to catch up and find out how their Christmas Day unfolded, especially as it was the first Christmas in their new home. Molly had a great time and bless her, she sent a lovely rabbit which she made from her new craft gift set (right)…fabulous Molly, Phoebs loved it. She had a great time with Andrea and Bert and just giggled the whole time; they really enjoyed their time with her and were so pleased to see how well Phoebe is doing.

Catching up on all the festivities, Andrea went to midnight mass on Christmas Eve and became teary eyed when she told me how Father Paul had asked for special prayers for Phoebe and another little boy during the service. She was really moved to hear these prayers said for Phoebe. Thanks to Father Paul and all the congregation at St.Mary and St Chads in Longton; we are deeply moved with heartfelt thanks for keeping Phoebe in your prayers. Bless you xxx

Phoebe has settled well tonight as she hasn’t really had any naps today, so much excitement, it’s worn her out!!

We had a lovely call from Susan in the States tonight, it was great to catch up and we look forward to making future plans to see you all. Sorry the call had to end abruptly though, Phoebe became upset, she's OK and has since settled again. All our love. xxx

Eve Bloggeroonie and Madeline Bloggeroonie, thanks for your lovely messages and your letters. Phoebe is doing well and your prayers will be helping her to get better. Look forward to seeing you Bloggeroonies soon for a nice walk or even a good girly shopping trip!!

For now dear friends, take good care and we look forward to catching up tomorrow, thanks for all your love and support.

Tonight I dedicate this quote to my Angels to thank them for their constant love and guidance.

‘We look for what is important. We try to define what matters. We wander from one thing to the next hoping to do something meaningful. With our angel’s help we will find it and we will do it.'

Wishing you all a restful sleep, here’s to a new day.

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