Transplant Day +36 - The Road to Recovery

Hey there Bloggers,

Hope you are all well and thanks for joining us here on Phoebe’s journey.

We write tonight from our home in Newcastle under Lyme, after receiving the good news from Rob early this afternoon. He was happy for us to leave for home this weekend and return to the clinic on Tuesday morning.

This morning started with Phoebe sounding a little upset and calling for me, maybe it was for a little reassurance. I changed her nappy and picked her up for a cuddle. She settled again and we lay taking about the plans for the day.

Soon after, Ade came across and enjoyed breakfast with Phoebe whilst I popped into the shower. She thoroughly enjoyed her bowl of porridge, possibly a little too much and shortly after breakfast she went really offside and quite tired; we think she ate a little too much as well as having a supplement feed.

Whilst Phoebe had a sleep we had a visit from Sister Monica who is part of the chaplaincy team within the hospital. She helped support us during our time at Royal Manchester with Eleanor and has seen us through some dark days. Its nice now for her to see us in brighter times and spend some time having a cuppa with her.

Just as Sister Monica was leaving to continue her visits the folks arrived. Phoebe and I were having a little cuddle whilst she was attached to the machines having her steroids for the GVHD condition. It was lovely to see them as always and Phoebe had such a wonderful smile when she saw them.

We had lunch although Phoebe didn’t have a great appetite today but some meal times are better than others; she is putting on some weight and it is reassuring we have the special dietary feeds as a backup. Nicola, our Dietician, came to see us today and after discussing the supplementary feeds and Phoebe’s increase in weight she was happy for us to head home so long as Rob was also in agreement.

Following our chat with Nicola, Ade and I had a ‘phone conversation with our family counsellor Angela who you may remember is off work at the moment with a broken leg. We’ve missed having Angela pop in as she unfortunately had her accident on the ice in the same week we were admitted. Since our initial meeting we have continued to be in touch and I know Angela reads the blog each day, so thank you Angela for your continued support even from afar. Also, your help sorting Ade’s accommodation is especially appreciated. As I was finishing my conversation with Angela, Pam our counsellor from Treetops popped into my mind. Whilst we’re in Manchester we were hoping to introduce them to each other; at some point we will but it may not be for some time. Can you believe, literally as I was finishing my call with Angela, Pam was waiting for me on the other line…should I really be surprised? It was great to speak to Pam and we look forward to catching up next week.

As the afternoon continued Phoebe seemed to have a little stomach ache. Mum spent time rubbing her tummy which eased this a little, she really enjoyed some full fat cottage cheese and crackers and before we knew it, Rob came in and happily told us that we could head home!! Everyone helped to pack our things and we had the cars loaded in no time. How we manage to accumulate so much stuff is outrageous!!

We departed after a couple of hours delay as we had to wait for Phoebe’s medicines from Pharmacy and after a steady drive with no traffic jams surprisingly, we arrived home. Aaah, it was lovely to be back and you could tell Phoebe was pleased. Phoebs was so tired that we popped her sleepsuit on and she asked to go to bed…amazing!!

So, that’s us today, we are fairly tired too so I’ll sign off and update you all tomorrow with Phoebe’s progress. For now folks, have a restful sleep….

‘Spread love everywhere you go….first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbour, a friend…..let no one ever come to you without leaving feeling better and happier’

Mother Teresa

With love,

Lynn, Ade, Phoebe & Spirit Eleanor xxxx