Clippers at the ready!!

Good Evening Bloggers,

Hope you've all had a great day. Life is grand here and Phoebe has had a really good day today. Its been brilliant to see a little of Phoebe's old spark returning. She has been on much better form today and has kept the troops entertained with her constant quirky comments and requests for food, its like she has a goldfish memory as if she never remembers she has just eaten...bless her. Its amazing how much kids actually listen and remember, Phoebe reminded Nana Gwen to just 'take her time now' as Gwen ate her lunch! and we are constantly reminding Phoebe not to rush her food, repeating what we have said....thoroughly entertaining.

Whilst being at home with Phoebs it gives Ade and I an chance to catch up with normal everyday runnings of life, popping out to sort chores that have waited since our recent visit into hospital. As time passes so quickly, the short time spent at home allows us to feel 'normal' and we find ourselves quickly returning to 'normal' life. Ade and I know it is easier for us to just concentrate on one day at a time as circumstances can change so quickly. When we are in hospital, our life at home is on hold somehow whilst we move into another life being around the ward and only having to deal with what happens with your child and watching the various comings and goings along with a good 24 hour dose of Peppa Pig..Bless!!

Ade has busied himself today sorting new tyres for the car and I enjoyed a visit to see Annali for some nail therapy..on my way to the appointment, my good friend Estelle called me and said that she would like to treat me for my manicure...thank you so very much Estelle, you are too kind...bless you..I look forward to seeing you on Saturday for our last breakfast club for a while!! Just after lunch I popped into Hanley for a little retail therapy and treated myself to some new pyjamas for the forthcoming stay in Manchester before heading back and meeting everyone ready to take Phoebe to Trentham Gardens. As Phoebe is now neutropenic (low immunity) we took the opportunity at the end of the day when it is quieter to head out for a walk. We have brought some cards for Phoebe to decorate to say thank you for all her lovely birthday gifts and will enjoy spending the next few days cutting, sticking and painting I guess!!

Since starting the chemotherapy treatment, Phoebe has coped well with this and we now find the side effects such as hair loss are beginning. For the last few days, Phoebe's hair has begun to fall out and I may need to shave her head to make this more comfortable as it can begin to itch and irritate her as well as finding hairs everywhere! There are entries on the blog back in December 2008 from when I last shaved Phoebe's hair, it was a nostaglic trip looking back at those times and how much she has grown....and how we have all changed!!! There are some good pictures on there too.

Tuesday next week is the date when we will be admitted for the conditioning work-up for the transplant, so we are focusing on things which need to be organised and sorted before then. The next round of chemotherapy is due on Friday and we are hoping to be home to spend the weekend here with family and friends before heading back on Tuesday.

So, being as Phoebe has just woke for a midnight feast, we'll head off and I look forward to catching you all again tomorrow.

Rest easy dear friends
Much love
Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxxx