Bicycles and Bravery

"I'm being brave because I know I've got to do this to get better". Tabby said this to Donella yesterday leaving the "Sick Kids" after yet more chemotherapy. Tabby has been so incredibly brave and has such insight into her situation. Over the last week or so we've certainly seen mood swings, tantrums and tears. Although these are recognised side effects of high dose steroids who wouldn't have mood swings, tantrums and tears given this situation they find themselves in? This is compounded by her new shape which upsets her even more. Undoubtedly the steroids have given Tabby the appetite of an army. We have never earned so many Tesco Club Points. Thankfully we continue to reduce her dose of steroids and hopefully look forward to the return of normal size Tabby.

This has been a busy week. On Monday Tabby and Donella went to A&A Studios to be matched for a wig. Although she still has a reasonable head of hair it is becoming sparce and thinner. I suspect she will need a wig soon. (This is Tabby we are talking about!). This is funded by yet another of those amazing charities, "Little Princess Trust" who provide wigs for children losing their hair due to chemotherapy. She goes back tomorrow for fitting and styling.

On Tuesday Tabby was back to the "Sick Kids" for more intravenous chemotherapy - the last of her Vincristine for the moment.

Yesterday we were back to the "Sick Kids" for the day. This time, under a general anaesthetic, she had a further lumbar puncture and injection of methotrexate into the spinal canal followed by another bone marrow biopsy. This bone marrow test will assess how effective her therapy has been so far. I am not sure when we get the results but we sit with fingers and everything else crossed. Next week we start a new chapter in her treatment.

Tabby and her new homework

Last night "Mrs Hagan Mail Services" delivered another armful of homework for Tabby. She has already started work on this - between paninis, elevenses, onesies, threesies and afternoon tea.

Throughout this time we have all been overwhelmed by the love, generosity and support from so many people - simply too many to mention. We cannot thank you enough. I should, however, mention one of my friends and cycling buddies Mark Lydon who in a recent cycling event won an electrically powered bike (this was a raffle and not a hint!) Mark kindly donated the value of his prize to the Sick Kids Foundation. Thankyou so much.

Best wishes to you all,
The Lawsons