November Ups and Downs

There are times when it is difficult to think of anything to write in this blog. I certainly don’t want it to become dull and repetitive. November has been neither dull nor repetitive.

Tabby and Donella - star quality

Things kicked off on the first weekend of November  when Tabby and Donella took part in the “It’s good 2 give” fashion show. This took place in the performing arts centre at Stewarts Melville College – a great venue. Along with another 40 or so models, Tabby and Donella were assigned three fashion boutiques around Edinburgh and in the run up to the event attended each for fittings etc .

Receiving the plaudits

On the day of the Show, all the models had their hair done by   Charlie Millerand his team . For those of us expecting something out of the “Women’s Institute” – dream on. The show was glitz and glamour at its finest.    Organised by the wonderful  Lynne Mcnicoll, the show was hosted by Grant Stott – ably assisted by three girls who have all been on the Ward 2 Roller-coaster. All the models were affiliated to Ward 2 at the “Sick Kids” – either patients, family, staff or friends.  I was asked up on stage and interviewed by Grant Stott about Tabby, the last 12 months and “It’s good 2 give”.

"Hurry up Lynne!" (Only joking)

The show was terrific. It was so good to see so many patients and “ex – patients” taking part and at times was quite moving. Tabby looked wonderful in each of her  outfits – she and Donella seemed very at home on the cat-walk. In the last set, Tabby appeared in a lovely bridesmaid dress with a fur stole while Donella wore a show-stopping red glittery ball gown (apologies for inadequate fashion speak). She looked stunning.  It was hard not to break into a cheesy Chris de Burgh song (Lady in Red). It was even harder not to buy “that dress” for Donella. Anyway it was a great day – we had a ball.

Tabby and Kelly Brown, Scotland Captain

A week later, as the “orthopaedic” member of the medical team at the Scotland New Zealand rugby international, James Robson (team doctor) invited Tabby and me to a training session to meet some of the players. I picked Tabby up from school and we went along to Murrayfield to watch the last hour of a training session.  James had set this all up. Throughout the time players would come over and chat to Tabby and pause for a photo. At the end of the session 8 or 9 of the guys jogged across the pitch and presented Tabby with a signed Scottish Rugby jersey and an SRU fleece.  The biggest guys in the team, Al, Jim and Richie then picked Tabby up and put her on their shoulders – about 10 feet up in the air!  Tabby called them her “Gentle Giants”.  It was good fun and I am pleased to report that Tabby was nearly as excited as I was!

Nick, Mike, Jim, Richie and Al

I would like to thank James and all the guys who took the time to come and have a chat with Tabby and have a photo. You could never meet a nicer bunch of people who train so hard and are so keen to help out. The recent Autumn Series results and loss of their coach seems scant reward for all their hard work. Keep it going lads!

Proof that I am as tall as Richie Gray

Tabby continues to work hard at school and really enjoys her after school clubs. Her favourites are “Funky Fitness” and “Street Dance”.  She is also in the choir. In fact P3 will be singing “Silent Night” in German in the carol service. Last week, Tabby found the music on her I pod and we discovered her practicing in her bedroom. She sounded truly angelic. At times one almost forgets that Tabby is still in the middle of her chemotherapy – until the week of steroids that is. Last week we certainly witnessed a short fuse of frustration against a background level of general grumpiness!  When the steroids stop she is back to our usual Tabby. Over the last month her appetite has been poor. Big on carbohydrate and low on protein. She told me recently, that meat and sausages now taste like pooh. I believe this is a common complaint with those on chemotherapy and not a reflection of Donella’s cooking.  At the moment her diet comprises chicken and “Nutella”.

As a consequence of her chemotherapy, Tabby’s neutrophil count has continued to decline. In fact her mercaptopurine and methotrexate was stopped a fortnight ago to allow some recovery. Despite that, Tabby awoke on Tuesday morning with a high temperature. Bags packed, Donella and Tabby were off to the “Sick Kids” again. She is now back in her usual room in Ward 2.   After 3 days we still have not found the bug and suspect it’s a virus. Her temperature is coming down although with the occasional spike of pyrexia to keep everyone on their toes.  At the moment, Tabby has no neutrophils – none  whatsoever- it seems. So at the moment she is on high doses of intravenous antibiotics until her temperature comes down and she grows a few more neutrophils.  

Just when you think everything is running smoothly!

Finally, this evening Tabby popped out of  Wd 2 briefly to deliver a quiz sheet to “Radio Lollipop”. Fifteen minutes later, she still had not returned. Donella went to investigate and found her in the “Radio Lollipop” studio being interviewed – live on air! She was on air for ten minutes talking about herself, her family, the cats and favourite holidays. The only thing she didn’t do was plug her new book. Next week she will be appearing on Parkinson and Jonathon Ross.

Donella has spent the last 3 nights in hospital with her and I will take over on Friday. I hope Tabby gets out soon because we are off to see the Pantomime “Mother Goose” at the Kings next week!

Here’s hoping for a Christmas Tabby  and all of us can enjoy. Christmas blog to follow

 

Merry Christmas,

 

The Lawsons