Thankful this Christmas

I must admit to overdoing the sentimentality at Christmas time.  It’s an occasion that endures through the generations and childhood memories flood back when seeing one’s own children enjoying the festivities.  Obviously, this year holds special importance.  We are so thankful to have Fabian unexpectedly at home and in such good health and it’s difficult to imagine what he will face in a few short weeks.  For now, it’s just a pleasure to see him with Ben, Cassia and Oleander knee deep in discarded wrapping paper jostling for supremacy in the ‘best present’ stakes.  This year, a cash gift has emerged as the clear winner!  We’ve had a busy week leading up to Christmas with visits to daycare for the maintenance chemo block which includes the mood-swinging steroid dexamethasone.  Hence there have been a fair few cases of temper tantrums induced by the slightest infringement of his familial rights (though not exactly a new phenomenon!).  We did manage a trip to the Hampton Court ice rink but Fabian was confined to watching from the side since the risk of falling over whilst having an implanted hickman line was too great. Chicken catching in the garden however, was fine!

Our next key hospital date is January 5th when we take Cassia for screening and further checks on Fabian.  Due to her age and size, she will need a more intrusive procedure to harvest the stem cells direct from the bone marrow in her hip.  Fabian was a bit concerned about the change in donor as when told he queried , ‘but Oli has more blood’.  In reality, the chances of success with either sister are equal although we do know that research suggests less long term chronic GvHD when using bone marrow rather than peripheral blood so the ‘setback’ may well benefit Fabian in the long run.  As always, much to know and understand and I am ever conscious of being an informed amateur in these matters.  So to end this entry, Lydia and I would like to thank all our followers across the world for their interest in faith4fabian and the many who send their prayers and encouragement without which this would often be a lonely place indeed.  We wish you and yours and truly wonderful Christmas. ‘Have faith in Him who he has sent’ John 6:29