Poignant celebration

Today we are celebrating Fabian’s 10th birthday!  He is elated to have finally reached double figures and considering what he has had to face in his short life we certainly share that feeling.  It was made especially happy as he has been allowed home today to be with close family and friends who came to share the day with him, although not before he met yet another celebrity visitor to the Children’s Unit, namely England Rugby captain Chris Robshaw together with girlfriend, Camila Kerslake http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150648984304178&set=a.10150648983994178.418374.21073254177&type=1&ref=nf  . Unfortunately, Fabian was a little too frank by stating that he ‘didn’t like rugby’ which made the 6’2″ 17st man cry (er no, not really).  The week to date has been rather stop start because of fluctuations in his vital signs which have needed close monitoring in hospital.  The immune suppressants and steroids both reduce GvHd but cause high blood pressure and his renal function is creaking under the weight of so much toxin.  In fact, Fabian’s own immunity could still reject the donor cells so it is important to keep it suppressed and this frustratingly means he’s not allowed food supplements or vitamins that would help build up his health.  We have been briefed about the the conditions for his hospital discharge (hopefully tomorrow) and these require a strict regime at home to keep him protected from infection.  So no more chicken catching for a while!

On a more poignant note we were very saddened to learn of the deaths of a further 2 children whom we knew.  Both were on the ward where we met William and Kate and it is truly sobering to think that despite the best possible medical intervention, this cancer has claimed two more promising lives.  The Royals themselves have expressed their sorrow at the news although this was a press story probably no-one wanted.  So, a birthday and a forthcoming discharge; two more milestones along the path to total healing and the road seems a little less travelled.