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The 16^th December 2011 was a bad day. Six and a half year old Tabby was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Two and a half years later at the “Sick Kids” Hospital, the seventh of May 2014 was a whole lot better. Tabby had her final dose of  spinal chemotherapy and her  bone marrow biopsy came back clear. What a relief, what a day.  No fanfares or trumpets, no balloons or bunting, just a profound sense of relief.

The morning started with a trip to the operating theatre for Tabby to get her last spinal chemotherapy and then a bone marrow. With her “wiggley” in place (indwelling iv line) I accompanied Tabby to the anaesthetic room. Reading her “Where’s Wally?” book she drifted off to sleep and I was lead back to the ward to await her return. I’m allowed to have a lump in my throat occasionally.

An hour or so later she was back on the ward with a breakfast of toast and jam. Shona then re-appeared – not wanting to interrupt Tabby’s gossiping with the nurses. “She’s going to tell us the result of Tabby’s bone marrow.” I thought to myself. “Why is she hesitating?” I wondered. Shona explained that she had reviewed the biopsy and it was all clear – after over 2 years of chemo, not normal but all clear. All the staff of ward 2 were fantastic -  hugs a few tears. How can we ever, ever thank them enough?

We took the rest of the day off and went for a pizza.

Charity Couture

Since January, Donella and Michelle had been preparing for a grand “Charity Couture” at Lulu’s             night club in town in aid of the charity “It’s good 2 give”. Many, many hours were spent by Donella and her team  preparing, labelling and pricing a houseful of clothes – second hand designer labels. On the day, Tabby  and friend Danielle raised hundreds of pounds selling raffle tickets to everyone.  The day was a great success. Thanks to everyone who helped out and to everyone who came along to make it such a good day.

Over the last two and a half years we have certainly become part of the “It’s good 2 give” family.  Donella is a trustee and the rest of us try to help out in any way we can. Tabby is now a “Young Ambassador” for the charity. She will soon need a P.A. to organise her various engagements.  Buccleuch Property has adopted “It’s good 2 give” as its charity this year. In preparation for its annual  “Buccleuch Property Challenge” in Drumlanrig Castle, they asked Tabby along for an advertising photo shoot. A week or so later, we spied Tabby on a Lothian Region Bus. Not as a fare paying passenger but  with a group of other “It’s good 2 give-ers” on the side of the bus. More recently, St Andrews University Fashion Show has adopted “Its good 2 give” as their charity this year which is excellent news!

Tabby's Bus

Personal Trainer

At school, everyone has been so  generous and happy with Tabby’s news. Mrs Couper, her teacher organised a special party for Tabby and her class to celebrate.  Donella and Olivia went along as did the Head and deputy Head of the junior school. They  all had a lovely afternoon. Each of Tabby’s classmates made a little speech about her. Some of them were terrific – if not imaginative!  I couldn’t make it as I was working. Probably a good thing too as no-one likes to see a Dad welling up!

Feeling Proud

"Bend it like Beckham!"

At the end of term, Tabby took part in the school sports day.  She won the obstacle race but cheering wildly I forgot to take any photos. There were lots of other races including football dribbling skills! At P4 prize giving Tabby won the class prize for “Kindness and commitment”. We were very proud as you can imagine. I don’t remember them having that prize when I was at school.

At the end of June we had Olivia’s Graduation from St.Andrews University. It was a great day. The weather was fine, Olivia looked great  and the Prosecco flowed freely. Too freely in fact and so Ewan (our named driver) drove a car load of sleeping Lawsons back to Edinburgh.

So where do we go from here?

Tabby has already had 2 follow up appointments at the “Sick Kids” and her blood tests have remained good. She has monthly appointments for the first year, 2 monthly for the second year, quarterly for the third year and so on. Thereafter annually until the age of 19. So still a long spell of surveillance. She still has her “Porta-cath” in place and this will need an operation towards the end of the summer to remove it.

With each week that passes Tabby looks brighter and stronger  and her appetite improves daily.  It really seems as though with her new found energy she wants to make up for lost time. Every evening we are in the garden – trampoline, badminton, Frisbee, football or cycling in Dundas estate.

Over the last two and a half years we have met so many wonderful, kind and inspirational people, be they patients, parents, nurses, doctors or charity colleagues.  It has genuinely opened our eyes.  It is ironic that it takes a child’s cancer or illness to recognise or make one aware of all that can be good in society –friendship, support, dignity and hope.  I am sure we will remain involved in childhood cancer and charity work for a long time to come.

Indeed, there are so many people we need to thank.  All the staff, doctors and nurses of ward 2 (I would love to name you here but  should probably respect your confidentiality), family, friends, work colleagues, everyone at Erskine Stewarts Melville Schools, 801 from Dalmeny cyclists, Kirkliston Church  and all of you who have taken the time to read this blog over the last couple of years.

During all his time, if you’ve read the blog, you will recognise that Tabby has been simply amazing. She has taken everything that has been thrown at her. She has invariably remained so upbeat, cheerful and resilient. Words fail me. Only on one occasion, earlier this year, did she complain about her leukaemia and “Wish I could be better again”. That was difficult. 

Time to pamper

Now we have the chance to make up for lost time. We are now able to go on holiday and this weekend we are going on or first family holiday for 3 years. Off to Barcelona for 2 weeks. As you can see, Tabby has already  started assembling her summer wardrobe.  “A girl’s got to look good on holiday”.  She is now making up for lost time.

Thanks  for reading this blog for the last two and a half years.

The Lawsons

Time to shop