A special thank you...

1. We just want to say a big thank you to Gill, Timmy's tutor. Gill comes in to see Timmy on days when Timmy is to worn out to go in to his school. Gill and Timmy have a very special relationship and he really looks forward to Gill coming over. As soon as he knows Gill is on her way, he waits by the door watching for her car. So thank you Gill for all your support and kindness. Your gentle approach has helped him/us get back into the swing of things and eased him into school beautifully.

School at last. And Race For Life

Since the last post life has changed dramatically.......

Timmy has a fuzzy head - that's right his hair coming back as are his eye brows and lashes. Kate has been applying baby oil to head every night to get things going and its worked. We were warned his hair may change colour or texture but it looks like hes coming back dark with a curl - chip of the old block, lucky boy. His 'wiggly line' (or Hickman line) was removed by Dylis at Gloucester Royal so no more worries about line infections, or getting it wet - another big milestone in Timmy's recovery. Also he started School. Since Timmy was diagnosed we have dreamt about him starting school, now hes finally going and he loves it. A huge thank you to his school for making it all so easy and smooth, we're very lucky to have such lovely teachers and head. Its made all the difference to Timmy.

Kate and I would really like to thank and 'big up' Helen Rees, Timmy's consultant Oncologist. Throughout the entire treatment, even way back to the diagnosis, Helen has been a huge source of reassurance. Helen is very special - unflappable to the core and has an innate ability to see it from the parents point of view and gave us a feeling of some control - even when it was out of our hands. I remember Kate had a good feeling about Helen even before we first spoke and she was right. A very special lady doing a very important job very well. Thank you Helen the surfboards are on me.....;)

Dylis, Tomas, Jane, and all the nurses at Gloucester Hospital need as much support as possible. Without them we would have been in a sticky wicket on many occasions - and mostly in the middle of the night. An open door all the time, they are a valuable asset to Gloucestershire and surrounding communities. Without the oncology team at the children's hospital we would have been in Bristol for every Chemotherapy, blood transfusion, platelets, line flush, anti sickness, infections, fevers, GFR (Kidney Tests), immune booster, dressings...the list goes on. Valuable and in need of support.

Kate has decided to take part and raise money in the 'Race For Life' fundraiser all the proceeds from sponsorship go towards Cancer Research. Its a Women only event and takes place over 5 Kilometers. I would be really grateful if you would have a look at the link and think about a small donation to a cause which we have seen the benefits of personally:

Race For Life - support Timmy's Mum

Tim is not out of the woods but we're very optimistic. Today he's looking great. MRI scan in April will be another big day.....

Thank you all

x

Timmys first day - always pulling a face.....

Great News!!!!!!!

We've just spoken with the consultant oncologist Helen Rees, and it appears from Timmy's last MRI scan that the Rhabdomyosarcoma tumor has gone! It's very positive news and although Timmy is not out of the woods, it is a huge landmark in his treatment. Now we have to focus on possible further treatment and recovery...

It seems likely that randomisation maintenance Chemo will be the next step. This will mean lighter doses of Chemo daily at home for 6 months to control and destroy cells that may still be lurking. Its an option Kate and I pushed for early in his treatment as we've heard good things. Randomisation means literally a random chance of getting maintenance chemo - this way they can assess and research drugs to beat these child cancers without prejudice - its a good thing...

on to the next chapter...... :)

Finished

Radiotherapy finished last week. It was really the biggest hurdle so far with Tims treatment. So a huge relief for Timmy to get it out the way. Finally he can have a lie in! So far the issues we had during the tail end of treatment have cleared up and his face is looking way less fried, more of a tan and some peeling today - so sporting the apres radio look.

He's had a tutor in today to get the ball rolling for school. Tim missed out on reception class in September so we'll take it day by day but hope he can start going to school on the odd day when not in a dip. Luckily the school he's going to has only 56 children and reception is mixed with years 1 and 2, so he'll be in the same class as Mahala for moral support.

More photos on the way.

Radiotherapy.

So close - but so far!! Timmy has just two more sessions of Radiotherapy left but has just been admitted with a fever. So we're taking it day by day. Hopefully when he's a little better we can get these last two out of the way for him. He's suffering at the moment with ulcers and burns from the treatment so he's under the weather - plus now stuck in hospital..... :( If all goes well he'll have a chance to get radio tomorrow but only if he makes the night without a spike in his temperature. Otherwise we'll just take it at his pace and hope his soreness eases off a little so he can feel a little more like normal.

We'd like to just say a huge thank you to all the staff at Bristol Royal Children's Hospital Oncology and Radiotherapy depts. As well as the anesthetists who have come in early with theater staff every morning to GA Timmy for treatment. All have been instrumental in making what could have been a very traumatic time much more easy and even on some days fun.....I hope you get the appreciation you all deserve, we genuinely count ourselves lucky to have such skills and kindness so close.

Timmy on screen at Radiotherapy - GA and preping him for some treatment.

Timmy Feeding the Chicken's we bought a few weeks ago.

Since Timmy started Chemotherapy his taste buds have changed and sickness is something we have to combat daily. Egg's are one of the few foods that he could manage after his early Chemo sessions - he loves a good fryed egg - and really helped him gain and maintain weight.
We managed to get him back on form after a dip in weight at 14KG with lots of Eggs and cups of Tea made with baby formula. So armed with this winning daily diet, we bought some Black Rock chickens of our very own. First Egg today!!!!! 25 Oct 2008

Photo: Timmy waiting for Radiotherapy

"Four Arms" Timmy's lucky mascot he like to take to Radiotherapy. Thank you to everyone at Nana's work for buying him - he's become very special. As has his Ben 10 Fleece blanket which keeps Tim warm on these early starts to Bristol.