Update 10/08/09

Hi everyone,

Tim was able to recommence treatment last Thursday. This consisted of IV chemo on Thursday and a lumbar puncture (LP - chemo injected into his spine) on Friday. He said the familiar 'chemo feeling' came back straight away and he could feel the effects of it running through his body. The LP, as it has done so in the past, has knocked him out. The only relief from his throbbing head is to lie down, but when horizontal, he has pains in his back and legs. No win. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go with the LP's. They are integral to the maintenance phase of the treatment protocol, which is the next phase after this one. Tim will be having an LP every 8 weeks for 2 years when the maintenance phase begins....we hope this will be in November. The LP's are so vital as they are to prevent a spread or relapse to the CNS (central nervous system). Apparently, the CNS can be a 'hot spot' for relapse. Tim was fortunate that there was no involvement with the CNS when he was first diagnosed. Seeing Tim struggle with his symptoms has been hard. Tim and I discussed this morning, how on earth could a child cope with all this? Knowing that his disease is more commonly found in children, gives us some perspective and some extra courage.

I have been finding it all very hard to cope with lately. I am tired, sick and tired, tired and sad, over it. The best thing I did was have a good day of crying last Sunday...yep in front of the kids too. It seems to have lightened a load. Also, highlighted the power of positive thinking. I believe that is the key.

Strangely, it has been a good thing for us all, to have Tim back on track with treatment. It gives us all a focus. Makes the light at the end of the very long tunnel, a little brighter.

That's it for now........oh, except Tim did shave off that feral beard!!! Yay!

Love Andi