Transplant Day +38....Turning a corner....

Good Evening Bloggers,

Hope this update finds all you lovely bloggers well out there!

Thrilled to tell you that Phoebe is doing phenomenal...these last few days have seen a real change, she has turned the corner and we are noticing so many improvements in her appetite and enthusiasm for....everything...oh well apart from the medicines!! But actually she is doing pretty brilliant with these too!!

Yesterday was our routine clinic day in Manchester and Rob advised us that Phoebe would require some human antibodies which would boost her cells, we therefore would need to stay for a few hours. As most of you know who have children ...getting out of the house is sometimes like a military operation and before we realised the time it was gone 10am...it was sure going to be a long day!!

We arrived at the RMCH and received a warm welcome back on the Unit and in some ways it was like coming home, there was a real comforting feeling walking back into our room and getting settled for the day.

I had planned to spend the day with Phoebe catching up on some thankyou cards and homework etc but shortly after Charlotte took the routine bloods and started the infusion of immunoglobulins, Phoebe rapidly changed and began to shiver, complaining of pains in her head. Phoebe seemed to stop everything immediately and just wanted to sit on my knee to have a cuddle, finally she fell sleep with a blanket around her to try and stop the uncontrollable shivers.

Unfortunately, Phoebe's temperature had started to increase and within 10 minutes of the infusion commencing, it appeared she was having a reaction as her temperature reached 38.1. This would generally indicate that Phoebe's immune system is fighting a virus or infection due temperatures and shivering. After discussing this with Charlotte, it appeared that the infusion maybe little too fast for Phoebe's system and Charlotte reduced this. Shortly after relaxing for a while Phoebe awoke and really perked up, returning to her old self...marvellous!!!

As the immunoglobulins would take some time, we settled ourselves in and enjoyed a little people watching, Phoebe was also pleased to be staying in her old room especially as she is still able to see her window paints. We managed to catch up with a few parents and staff on the ward, it was great to see everyone and of course all our fellow patients, families and staff at the hospital remain in our thoughts and prayers.

By the time all the treatment had completed, dusk was setting and we were all feeling a little peckish...we finally headed off and whilst waiting at the traffic lights, Ade and I decided to make an impromptu right turn and head for .....Blackpool!! We thought Phoebe might like to see the illuminations, just like our parents took us to see them. Mum and Dad always give us a giggle when they reminisce of the time spent waiting in the queue for hours to see the lights only to find as we reached the seafront to start the illuminations, both Gary and I were fast asleep!!

It has to be some 15-20 years since I last visited Blackpool! We called over to Pizza hut on the North Shore and collected a take out. As we remain in semi-isolation this seemed to work out well to eat in the car on the go. Phoebe was really excited and seemed quite impressed with the lights...so impressed she managed to stay awake until she reached the Blackpool Tower (which isn't quite halfway) bless her!! As Phoebe settled off, I jumped into the front seat..it was just like we were dating again...Bless!!

Phoebe has spent a fabulous time with Ade and all the folks today whilst I popped over to see one of my clients in Hanley. Tammy has the franchise of Printing.com called Nuko Ideas. As you can see, Tammy is really creative and quite an artist too!! So we nominate this great sketch as our artwork for today! Please feel free to get in touch with me if you need any design or printing requirements, Tammy and Laura come highly recommended!!

Whilst in Hanley today, Theresa and I arranged to meet for lunch, well of course I couldn't resist a coffee and chat...you know me!!! It was great to catch up with Theresa to find out all her news.. Thanks Theresa for my lovely lunch, very kind of you. xxxx

Busy day tomorrow as I will be at home working in the office. Phoebe has her own little jobs in our office too and takes great pride in her filing and shredding, (obviously with Parental Guidance!) Phoebe has some little jobs to do tomorrow before she's off galavanting to...who knows where?

Today, we are raising our glasses to our dear friend Helen Whitehurst, who is celebrating her birthday today, Happy Birthday hun....hmm, we have a nice day planned at Moddershall Oaks Spa on Sunday..very much looking forward to it. All this thought of relaxation...it's making me tired!!!

Busy month October, tomorrow is also my brother's birthday, so Happy Birthday Gary, have a great day!! Estelle will also be celebrating her birthday on Thursday too...Happy Birthday Est!! Shouldn't you have two birthday's being royalty and all!!!

Congratulations to Becky, Mark and Molly, we are thrilled to tell you that Freddie Roderick finally arrived safe and well at 5.21am this morning, he was far too comfortable in there!! Weighing in at a healthy 9lb 7oz....Fantastic news, well done Becks!! Phoebe sends Freddie big kisses xxxx

Thanks Mum and Dad for all your help over at the house today, you are a true blessing. Thanks also to Gwen and Marge for helping out with Phoebe today ...she's had a great day spending time with you all xxxx

As its late and I'm feeling maybe the last few nights are catching up with me, its time to say Goodnight and thanks once again to everyone for all your love, prayers and positive thoughts for us, you keep us strong.

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