But here is the best news!

They say a week in politics is a long time.  But nothing compared to a week in oncology.  Only 7 days ago Fabian had blood counts near zero, was eating nothing and still suffering an infection with high temperatures.  By yesterday, his counts had risen more than ten fold, he was clear of all infection and stabilised and tucking into fried rice.  So… they’ve allowed him home temporarily!  There was little notice of this decision and even after letting Lyd know, the doctors ordered one more platelet transfusion to see him on his way.  But pure joy to see him come through the door last night and an epiphany moment for me to grasp that by the grace of God and the wonders of medicine, our little boy has come through a major high risk procedure relatively unscathed.  At some point in the week he technically achieved engraftment which means his new stem cells (Cassia’s old ones!) are now firing on all cylinders generating lymphocytes and neutrophils which will gradually replace his immune system over the next 6 months.  This was no foregone conclusion.  We know of 2 other children on the ward who sadly passed away following complications post transplant and Fabian himself was seriously at risk during the peak of his chest infection, although this was understated at the time.  This homecoming is more of a parole since Fabian will be closely monitored for a while to come and indeed will be back in hospital tomorrow for bloods and meds.  In fact, Lydia was handed a sackful of medicine which we’ll need to administer at home and I thought for interest I’d give you a run down; cyclosporine, prednisolone, lansoprazole, itraconazole, aciclovir and phenooxymethylpenicillin for starters – who said Latin was dead?  For now, we’ll enjoy the moment and take each day as it comes as we have had to do for the past 214 days since Fabian relapsed.  This uplifting Ron Kenoly track sums it up:

He’s Been Good