Return to Lewisham Hospital

Just a quick update to let you all know that Francesca was admitted to Lewisham Hospital on Monday night with a high temperature and low immune system. Initially it looked as though the awful ear infection had returned but, they have infact grown a bug from Fran's blood that shows another type of infection. The good news about that is that they now know what antibiotics will work. She is currently struggling to sleep at night and is consequently very tired and sensitive - I hope that turns around quickly so that she can get back into a 'normal' routine whilst in the hospital. I suspect we will be in patients for about a week - so hopefully she will be well enough to be flower girl at Phyllis' wedding in two weeks time!

We are absolutely exhausted but take comfort from the fact that we are going on holiday for a week in May and that we are now half way through treatment so can begin to count down to the end.... The picture above is of Fran and her best friend Tegan on the evening she was admitted to hosptial. To the left is of Fran in hospital after her shower.

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Half Term and Chemo

Last week we were at GOS for a lumbar and bone marrow. This was followed by chemo at our local hospital on Wednesday and the start of the dreaded steroids. Fran had also managed to get another ear infection the weekend prior so was feeling a bit fragile from that too! All in all half term wasn't that great! Great Ormond Street took a blood test to look at her immunoglobulin (antibodies I think) to see if that is why she is getting recurrent ear infections. They called us this morning and it looks as though the test has come back showing that it is slightly low but we aren't sure if they will need Francesca to have any treatment - I'll keep you posted but either way I don't think it is too serious.

The steroids had a major effect on young miss Francesca's sleep last week - I am hoping that now she's back at school and that she's off the grumpy medicine she'll start to sleep more solidly. She has started to mention her sore ear again so we hope that it isn't another ear infection!

One Year Anniversary

I can't believe that a year has passed and that life has changed so radically. The vocabulary we use and the expectations we have of life are so different to those we had over a year ago. So much has been crammed in and I almost can't remember what life was like pre-diagnosis.

Francesca has been the most amazing and inspiring child, taking each day in her stride and teaching Stuart and I about courage and bravery. Her ability to continue to laugh even in the tough times has kept us strong and kept us going as a family unit.

We are also completely indebted to our family and friends who, over the past year, have encouraged us to keep strong. Have cooked for us, listened to us feel sorry for ourselves and supported us in such a variety of ways (including the provision of wine for me!). A big thank you to the lovely Maggie who has provided us with a cleaner over the past year - the most wonderful gift! To Phyllis for raising money so that we can have a holiday later this year. For our friends who have kept calling and have been so patient with us when we haven't returned calls or haven't been able to see them. To the lovely Pippa and Alex who made and bought christmas lunch into us at the hospital and for taking me to the Sanctuary for the day. To our parents who, at the drop of a hat, have come to help out when needed.

The past year has been amazing and tough, has had fun times and has been incredibly distressing and stressful. We are so privileged to have the most skilled Doctors and nurses caring for Francesca and know that they have made this year so much more bearable for all of us. Rochelle at GOS is a complete star along with Nick, Fran's consultant.

As you can see from the picture above, Fran's lovely hair is coming back and she is looking as lovely as ever! Thanks for reading and your support over the past year.

Ear Infection

Francesca went down with an ear infection with continued bad coughing on Friday night - we spent the day at Lewisham but were glad when we were told that we didn't need to stay overnight and that she could go home with oral antibiotics. Poor Fran, if it's not one thing it's another. Because of the ear and possible chest infection her lumbar at Great Ormond Street and subsequent chemo at Lewisham have been postponed until next week when she'll have finished her course of anti-biotics.


At the time of writing Francesca is complaining again of a sore ear so we will today pop into the hospital for her to be reviewed and hope that they'll just give her another course of antibiotics. More to follow soon!

School Days

Fran has been feeling a lot better over the last couple of weeks and has managed some complete days at school - the only exception for her not attending the whole day is usually due to hospital and nurse appointments. She is loving PE, lunch time and brings home stories each day that we read together (although yesterday was a Barbie one - not too sure about that!). The picture above is of Francesca and her three pigs and their respective houses which she acted out - this was some of her homework (!) for the month!! As you can see, she really enjoys it though.

Next Tuesday we are off to GOS where Fran will have a lumbar, we are then at Lewisham hospital the following day for chemotherapy and will start the steriods. Knowing Francesca she'll probably be tired after it all but I am hoping that the lure of school will distract her. We will keep you posted!

Charlie continues to be his gorgeous self too. He is beginning to embrace 'messy' play more and more (as you can see from the painting picture!).