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...... :)