In a vain attempt to "get with the programme and down wit da kids innit" I am posting a blog for the first time. I plan to use this instead of email to keep everyone appraised of Emma's progress with her latest batch of treatment. I hope this works for everyone. I would appreciate any feedback that anyone has and if a blog is a rubbish idea and you would prefer to get traditional email.
For those who have not heard I regret to report that Emma has some more small pockets of active cancer cells in her oesophagus and lung. They have been caught very early via a PET scan and the same fantastic team of surgeon Shaun Preston and oncologist Gary Middleton are on the case. We saw Gary yesterday (Tuesday) and he plans to put Emma back on a similar chemotherapy regime as before, excluding the evil red epyrubison which should hopefully mean Emma's barnett remains in place. Gary's comment was that if you look hard enough you will find hotspots in most people's bodies. So these really are tiny bits but they need to be dealt with quickly and severely. We have the greatest confidence in these two doctors - they are fine fellows and at the top of their game - we are very lucky to be in their jurisdiction.
The treatment will start next Wednesday and is likely to continue for multiple three week cycles with a PET scan after two cycles to see if it has beaten up the cancer cells as a guide to the next steps. At least we know what to expect from the chemo and can prepare for the onslaught by buying 40 quid jars of honey, dodgy nettle and moth teas and a few other bits that we know that help with the chemo sickness.
As ever there has been the odd lighter note such as when we sat the children down to tell them that Mummy wasn't well again and would need to have some more treatment. We were being very serious and grown up and explained that Mummy would be going to the hospital more often and that this would make her ill for time. This might mean they would need to go to friends houses a bit more often (yessss!) and that they would need to help more around the house (nooooo!). I then asked them very solomnly if any of them had any questions. Rebecca piped up with "will I ever be able to eat peanuts again Daddy?". A very important question of course but not quite what I had in mind.
Anyway you have the latest news. I hope the blog works and please keep the prayers and good wishes flowing. We need everything we can get.
Love to all and God Bless.
Andrew
