10 weeks of treatment to go!!!

Madelaine was in hospital yesterday for her Vincristine and a course of steriods.
Her blood count is good and the doctors are pleased with her.
Sometimes the vinc. does have adverse effects apon her. Last night she said she didn't feel very well. We took her temperature and she seemed fine. So she slept in bed with us last night for extra cuddles and comfort. After sleeping all through the night she awoke as bright as a button!
We have noticed that the steroids also have their own effects; Madelaine's mood swings change and are very interchangeable and she also has an appetite of a adult! She eats non-stop on this treatment. Its good to see too.

Here's hoping for a troublefree remaining 10 weeks of treatment for Madelaine.


xx

Madelaine's First Day at Lambs Hill

Madelaine had her 1st day at Lambs Hill Nursery at Fulneck on Friday. She looked smart as a button and she woke up so excited and wanted to get her uniform on straight away.....we thought it best to leave it till she had at least had her breakfast!
We were met by Mrs Hodgson and Madelaine didn't wait a minute to hold her hand to be taken to the class. She had a little explore around the play area and gave me a kiss and told me she loved me and waved......She obviously wanted me out of there! My eyes filled up and I think they were filling up throughout the day! It was a beautiful Summer's day that she really enjoyed with her new friends. The staff are lovely there.
I was on tenterhooks all day and couldn't wait to see her.
She is looking forward to her next visit.

Very Proud Mummy.

Good News

Madelaine's bloodcount was good yesterday and the lumbar puncture went ahead as planned. Her chemotherapy has been increased as a result. She coped really well yesterday. She was abit 'miffed' that she had to be fasted for the anaesthetic and was a little grumpy that she could not have breakfast. She has exactly 12 weeks left of treatment now. Geoff, Madelaine's consultant, is really pleased with Madelaine's progress. Geoff originally diagnosed Madelaine's illness 2 years ago and we, as a family, have maintained a wonderful relationship with him. I trust him implicitly and sometimes find myself hanging on to every word he says. Madelaine loves him to pieces and is really relaxed and cheeky with him. Geoff and his Team have been amazing and they do not just do their jobs, but they actually genuinely really care about the children that come into their care.
They have saved Madelaine's life and I am eternally in their debt.

Madelaine's Progress

Madelaine's treatment has approximately three months left to go. She is doing very well. Her chemotherapy was reduced last month as it was really knocking her bloodcounts and we were concerned about it. She is due in the hospital tomorrow for another Lumbar Puncture and we will get her new bloodcounts. Hopefully we will see a healthier bloodcount! She is enjoying the sunshine and has been having lots of fun in the paddling pool and in her tent in the garden. She is very energetic and is a non-stop natterjack! (no idea where she gets that from....)
Another piece of good news is that she is starting at Lambs Hill Nursery at Fulneck a week on Friday. She will be attending the nursery for a few days before they break up for the Summer. She will start full-time in September.
We are all really excited about it, particularly Madelaine who cannot wait to get to school!
It's another milestone for us all. It is now exactly 2 years since she was first diagnosed with Leukaemia and I remember in the beginning the fear of the unknown; the fear that Madelaine would not be here in two years time.....and yet here she is.
My very wonderful and brave little girl, who I will see in her first school uniform a week on Friday......
I think I will need tissues.......

Thank you to Fulneck Junior School!

I am very happy to tell you that the children of Fulneck Junior School have also been very busy raising money for Candlelighters! They have designed a collection of Greetings Cards which have been printed and they have raised a whopping £150!
Its a very worthwhile cause and a cause that we feel very passionate about. This money is going towards irradicating Childhood Cancer and every contribution counts. Many families have been touched by Childhood Cancer and we know through Madelaine's illness how heartbreaking and scary it is.
Well Done to the Fulneck Junior School!

Tobias. Alfie and Theodore

We all know that children are amazing, don't we? Well, three really special and very generous children have just proven that this is true. Tobias and Alfie had a joint Birthday Party and they raised £328 for The Candlelighters Trust by forfeiting their Birthday gifts and asking their friends to make a donation to Candlelighters instead. In addion to this, Tobias' younger brother, Theodore raised £230 at his 2nd Birthday!
Tobias, Alfie and Theodore, it's amazing what you have achieved. The money you have raised will be gratefully recieved and will be spent on going towards finding a cure for Cancer in Children. Well Done!!
I have posted a gorgeous photo of Tobias and Alfie having fun on their Birthday! Gorgeous!!