Update!!

Lauryns neutraphils finally reached the dizzy heights of 1.2 on Thursday so we had a nice rest from hospital on Friday!! Her bloods were done today and everything is fine to start next block of chemo tomorrow-FINALLY!!! HOWEVER, Lauryns neutraphils have dipped again to 0.9 and she has a bad cough, which is still ok for chemo but indicates that she may have an infection brewing, alongside this, we have been told that theres a fair chance that we may get to Addenbrookes in morning and be turned away because of the cough and the anaesthetist who puts her to sleep may refuse to do so. Bit annoying really, seen as how tomorrow kicks off with a 'special sleep' (General Anaesthetic) so chemo can be adminstered into Lauryn spine, which means we have to be in Cambridge by 8am (setting off at about 6.30am) so is an early start, plus, as her chemo has been delayed so many weeks already, I am anxious that it must start tomorrow.

Lauryn has 'special sleeps' quite often, as its the only way to assess the bone marrow and give certain types of chemo straight into her back. This block of chemo involves alot of chemo including Methotrexate being given every 10 days straight into her back.  She will also have cyclophosphomide infusions, but that is done without special sleeps. They escalate the chemo in toxicity each time until it makes her unwell and/or her blood count drops too much. Is not a nice block because it can make her very poorly and lethargic.

She has Bone Marrow Aspirations regularly, and everytime is as nerve wracking as the first, you always want the 'remission marrow'. Special Sleeps dont get much easier either. General Anaesthetics are risky as it is for anyone, so I always secretly dread her having them, especially when sometimes they are done weekly. Anyone who has ever been with their child while they are put to sleep will know its not a pleasant experience at all, which is sometimes made harder when Lauryn fears them. Some weeks she thinks its great that she gets to have a 'nap' especially after a long, early drive to Cambridge !, but other weeks shes less enthusiastic and gets scared because she doesn't like being made to go to sleep when shes not tired. This ends up in a bit of a struggle as the anaesthetic kicks in and is not a nice thing to watch.

Anyway, Dezzie had a day off today so after the community nurse came to do Lauryns bloods, we went out and had a lovely day at the park, we took a picnic and allowed Lauryn to take her scooter (after making her promise that she would actually use it rather than get fed up and have us carry it!) and sat in the sun for the afternoon. Both girls enjoyed themselves on the swings and slide etc, as did Mummy and Daddy! Was so good to have a beautiful day today as we know we will be stuck in hospital for the next 3 days...