Back in.....

Well, she is back in again. She is neutropenic again. Poor love. Her temperature peaked at 38.0.
She has lots of sores in her mouth. Mark, who is the Charge Nurse has said that its expected that she is experiencing this at this point in the intensive block of treatment. Its still quite soul destroying though. She isn't eating much or drinking. I know she is so uncomfortable and it must be painful for her. She still can manage a cheeky little giggle though, when she is drawing in her cot. Raina and Beth came to see her today and Madelaine's face just beamed when she saw them. It was just lovely.
All the staff at the ward are again being really great. Madelaine is in Bed 15 this time. In the bay we have Olivia and Miles. LilyMai was in until today but she has had her last chemo now and has gone home for good and she looks really well. How wonderful. I am itching for that.
That day will come...
Dave and I are taking turns again at the hospital. It really helps to have a decent sleep when you are home as you don't really sleep in the hospital at all. There are some parents who don't have each other to lean on, so I think Dave and I are very lucky in that respect.
She is due more Chemotherapy on Thursday but it will depend on her neutrophil count. They may delay it yet.
Watch this space.....

Home Again

She spent five days in Ward 10. She is home now. She is eating all the time as a result of the steroids she is taking. Up most nights requesting bacon, dindins and 'pottage' (porridge to you and I). I love to see her eating. I get comfort knowing she is eating. She isn't herself just now. She is uncomfortable with herself and I think her body is aching. Her hair has almost gone again now; just a few little sprigs of hair here and there. She has no more chemotherapy for another week, thankfully.
She is doing well, though. She still has a giggle from time to time and is hooked on drawing and reading (about cats, mostly).
She'll come back to us soon.

Any excuse to get back in the playroom!!!

Madelaine was taken into Ward 10 yesterday afternoon with a temperature of 38.8. It increased from 36.7 to 38.8 within 1 to 2 hours. She was very lethargic and has been of her food for a few days, only nibbling at her food. As a result she has lost weight. After having her blood analysed, it was clear that Madelaine was Neutropenic. Her neutrophils were 0.08.
Dave and I are doing shifts at the hospital. We have learnt that despite wanting to stay with our little girl 24/7, its better for everyone all round if we take it in turns to stay with her. We can both get rest then and ultimately we can give more to Maddie when we are with her. She is still tired, however, she has created 2 painting masterpieces in the playroom of abstract art today which are now hanging above her bed with Pooh.......
We both feel a little down hearted that she is unwell, but still positive that she will bounce back after this block.
We will have our beautiful baby back.

Her confidence

Her confidence,in her soul and mind,she's the most exotic colour..my baby's one of a kind.
...and so with every step she takes,i'm behind her.
Every book she reads,i read along side her.
Every pain that she feels,i go through it too.
Every day that she smiles,my world turns too.

daddy xx