Results day!

Friday, November 4, 2011 9:37 PM, GMT
We’ve had to face a number of medical results over the last 5 years, most of them bad – the initial diagnosis, the positive MRD meaning higher risk category, the relapse and the failure to reach remission. But this week we can celebrate two results that have been a huge relief. Firstly, the final tests on Fabian’s recent aspirate confirmed he is in a sufficient state of remission to avoid an additional, heavy block of chemo and he remains on track for transplant in December. This will also give him more time at home beforehand which as you know by now is always preferable. Secondly and thankfully, the result of Lydia’s thyroid lumpectomy has proved it was benign and she has been given the all clear. This of course is wonderful news, but the sheer relief that there was at least no further cancer in the family brought us both to tears and no doubt perplexed the surgeon who was probably expecting a ‘hi-five’. I think the emotional strain of the past few months, with it’s highs and lows is catching up with us, but a decent capuccino and prayer of thanks afterwards and our batteries feel recharged. So back to Fabian, still in the Marsden after having completed the intensification block of treatment but not clinically well enough to go home. He has endured a terrible irritation around his eyes due to en eye drop that was needed to counteract a known side effect. That has now subsided but his neutrophils are south of 0.1 and he’s needed two blood transfusions in the past 72 hours. Nowadays, the ward is busier with a seeming conveyor belt of children at various stages of transplant. One dear lady has just emerged with her son after 42 days in isolation. Her recommendation to us was, ‘buy your own fridge!’. Tomorrow the children have a bonfire night party but without fireworks or a bonfire. A crudely-made ‘guy’ sits in the corridor, resplendent in doctors’ coat and surgical gloves. Ben turns 15 on Saturday. It’ll be one of the first birthdays when we have not all been together as a family as I don’t think he’s convinced about spending his day at the hospital! Despite present demands, we also have to think and plan for Fabian’s future, in particular his education during periods at home. I’m appalled to date at how problematic and bureaucratic the process has been to secure one to one tuition for him which he is entitled to by virtue of his medical condition. A great deal of tenacity and patience is needed – don’t they know that Fabian has royal backing?? And ladies, get your copy of ‘Woman’s Own’ this week to see our superhero in print.