Getting Started

Holly is still doing really well. I can't believe that we have managed to have the whole month of May at home, I am so grateful that it has been a nearly normal month! You really wouldn't know that anything was wrong with Holly (apart from her hair loss). She was delighted to see Grandad over from Ireland last week and was almost tearful when he had to go home! It was lovely to see him, especially as he came armed with lots of chocolate and wine!

Today was the day that, all being well, Holly would start her GCSF injections to boost up her white blood cells ready for stem cell harvest on Monday, so it was off to Cambridge for a review with the Team.
All was well, Hollys blood counts were good and she was feeling great. Her weight has increased to 42kg (most of which is bacon sandwiches), this is even heavier than when first diagnosed and fantastic news as she is likely to lose some weight during the stem cell transplant process. Boo was very pleased with her and gave the go ahead to start with the injections. We saw lots of old faces at the Day Unit and it was nice to catch up on all the news. There is a certain solidarity that comes from being parents of Ward C2, it can be heartbreaking but it can also be very inspiring.

Holly was a little apprehensive about me doing her injection as it is a double dose for 5 days and can sting, but I did it and all was fine. Now we have got the first one out of the way I am sure the rest will be ok.

Next step is stem cell harvest on Monday and we have to be at Addenbrookes for 8am so a very early start (not looking forward to this, Holly is not at her best in the morning!). Depending on how many cells they get we may need to stay in for a few days.

Thank you for all your kind wishes as we enter this next step. Please keep thinking of Holly, I have no doubt that she will carry on amazing me with her bravery and strength.