Back on the Protocol then back to Lewisham - dismay!

Last week we managed to make it up to Great Ormond Street and Fran was able to have her lumbar followed on Friday by vincristine at Lewisham - whilst she isn't looking too hot at the moment as a result the good news is that we are back on course with her protocol.

She also surprised us last week by not having an immune system which in turn made us far more cautious about where she plays etc. With chicken pox and measles rife here we don't want to take any risks. As a result Fran didn't make it back to school post chicken pox as she has been quite post viral and low. We did attempt to get to her sports day but her legs were hurting so she only managed to run in one relay before coming home.

Yesterday (Tuesday), Francesca spiked another temperature and so we find ourselves yet again, in the hottest week so far, stuck in a hospital room. They seem to think that she may have a chest infection and are treating that with IV antibiotics. We are also waiting for the results of blood cultures which may tell us if she has another line infection - it almost seems inevitable. When we were at GOS last week we were warned that should she get another line infection it would mean that she will have to have it replaced (not a nice procedure). I will keep you updated.

As usual, she takes it in her stride and, although upset at the thought of being back at Lewisham she still puts on a brave face. Even with a temperature of over 39 she manages to play and show us grown ups how amazing children are. A couple of days ago I managed to get her rapidly growing hair into two small bunches which she is so excited about and so this morning it was the main task of the day! I'll get pictures and post them.

Art Auction and Home - Pictures Added

We made it home on Monday after a very worrying week in hospital. Fran did indeed have Chicken Pox along with a line infection and for a few days was very ill. She was spiking massive temperatures of up to 40.9 and it was a struggle to get them down. Once the virus passed she perked up and the temperatures disappeared however at the time it was a real concern.

Back home we are seeing the community nurses daily for iv antibiotics, these will carry on for at least another week as the infection is still sitting on her central line. I am really hoping that she might be able to get back to school at least for the last week of term but chicken pox and measles are rife here at the moment and we aren't willing to take the risk of exposure at the moment.

Changing the subject somewhat a big THANK YOU to everyone who came along to our Charity Art Auction at the Dolphin in Sydenham. I was unable to be there but I understand that much much fun was had by all that attended and that Hamish Clark the auctioneer was hilarious! The final count hasn't been made but, it looks as though we raised about £2,500 for CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA which is absolutely amazing! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! The money will make a difference. If anyone has any pictures please email them to me.

Here are the photo's - as you can see poor Fran was knocked sideways. The picture above is of Michelle the play specialist with Fran; below are Fran in hospital and Charlie - as you can see where there is food, he is happy!!!