Journeys’ end?

I see from the site stats that there continues to be a steady stream of visitors despite no new entries for quite a while.  Today though marks a particular milestone in Fabian’s journey – the removal of his hickman line (intravenous catheter).  This vital line has served him well for 387 days providing pain-free, easy access for all his medication, blood samples and even nutrition but somewhat inhibited life for a boisterous 10 year old!  The removal procedure was quite straightforward and hopefully, for the last time, he underwent the normal general anaesthetic, joking with the medical team even as his eyelids drooped and then closed.  What this also signals is the doctors’ confidence in his post-transplant recovery and indeed his recent lumbar puncture confirmed that there were no blast (leukaemic) cells present so we can conservatively say that the transplant has been a total success in eradicating the disease (cue loud Amen!).  His hair has certainly grown back with a vengeance (actually, it’s a wig..).

Medication and monitoring will of course continue and we trust the residual side effects of his treatment will be minimal.  Our biggest concern going forward is Fabian’s educational development as he has effectively missed around 40% of  schooling since reaching compulsory school age.  For him, it is really a question of regaining confidence amongst his peers so perhaps a staged return to school from next term will build this.  His school have been very supportive throughout the whole process.  Other than that, he has remained predominately healthy and well and giving our rabbits and chickens regular exercise chasing them round the garden.  Having avidly watched the olympics, Fabian has now decided to become a boxer.  Now that would be testament to someone who could barely climb out of bed a few months ago!

In closing this blog, it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to share our journey with you and hopefully an inspiration to those who may face their own dark times ahead.  Thanks too for the great support along the way which has been so pivotal in helping us keep our faith4fabian.

God bless y’all

Darrell (Fabian’s sentimental dad)