And the cupboard was bare...

Hi Everyone,

And you may be able to tell from today’s title that Phoebe has eaten us out of house and home!!! Quite literally from the moment she awoke this morning until 8pm this evening she had done nothing but eat, drink and watch Peppa Pig, a really lazy Sunday. After several rounds of oatcakes, turkey and cranberry sandwiches, grapes, rice pudding and we finish with crackers and cheese, it’s so funny. After a little while or a nap, it’s as if she has forgotten what she has eaten and just repeats the menu again...tonight, she is feeling the effects of over eating with slight tummy ache and the size of it looks as though it could pop at any given moment!!! Positive progress from today has been the fact that Phoebe has walked back from the toilet after each visit. Apart from making the patient very irritable (otherwise known as ‘Kevin and Perry Syndrome’), another side effect of Phoebe’s steroid can be muscle waste and we can clearly see some slight weight loss in her legs.

Our aim for this week will be to build Phoebe’s legs up again along with her confidence, we have seen that the more fuss we make of it, there is no chance she will walk without a serious protest. Some three times Phoebe has managed to walk today although we clearly still see a slight wobble when she walks and if Phoebe is sitting in the bed she can look a little shaky from her head. Saying all that, the improvements have been remarkable from when we were first admitted. Looking back if we had waited much longer we have doubts that Phoebe would have survived. However, looking forward to tomorrow, we have a trip out to the physiotherapy department where we can work on more movement in a play environment.

This morning began rather differently from yesterday as a little girl in our bay was taken very seriously ill, the atmosphere in the room was so intense, Rob and his team of doctors happened to be in the room speaking to another family when in a split second everything changed, they were superb in dealing with a very worrying situation but all of them remained incredibly calm, she is now safe in another ward where they can keep a closer eye on things. Phew, there have been so many events here that have brought memories flooding back, it reminds me of how these moments in our lives can shape us as people and this time I felt a strange calmness come over me whilst staff were darting in and out. We hope to find out how she is doing tomorrow.

Mum and Dad have visited us today, it was lovely to see them, seems strange that it’s only been a couple of days since they last came but has actually felt a long time, when the folks arrive they come loaded up with cooler bags full of washing, supplies and goodies, bless them. When we were on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Pendlebury, there was a laundry where you could do your own washing, just a simple task of taking care of this yourself helped to bring a routine to your day and a bit of normality. This ward didn’t have one originally but after several requests plans have been put into place and it will open soon, woohoo...I do know how ridiculous that sounds to get so excited...but believe me, it’s great to go and take a breather from the ward and lose yourself for a little while whilst folding your clothes!!

It’s great to read all your comments on the blog, along with the texts and e-mails we are receiving, I reply where I can, so don’t forget to check back on your comment on Blogger.

Special hello tonight to everyone at St.Gregory’s Church and School in Longton and St.Theresa’s Church and School in Trent Vale where prayers are being said for Phoebe, thank you so very much, it is very much appreciated. Xxxx

We know from your messages that Phoebe remains in everyone’s thoughts and prayers to get her better, you give us strength, so thank you everyone. xxx

Its 22.07 and I’m heading off for an early night, so do hope all of you have a restful sleep and once again thanks for keeping us in your thoughts, love and prayers.

Rest easy dear friends

Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxxx