Caitlin managed to bang her head in her sleep last night, and has complained that it's been pretty sore and has a small dent where she banged it. Not wanting to take a risk we took her up to Ipswich hospital where she still is as I write this. They're happy with her, but are going to keep her in overnight for observation anyway.
It makes it a bit more fun come the morning though as we have to be at Addenbrooke's for 9.45 for an Echo cardiogram. It uses ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to give a graphic record of the heart's position, movement, and to check the internal valves of the heart. With all the drugs going through Caitlin's body they need to make sure everything is still working as it usually would so it's reassuring that she's having it tomorrow.
We then have her Tuesday review as normal straight after so it should be a very busy morning. We're coming up to week five which marks the start of Minimal Residual Disease. This is important and is basically where they look at the bone marrow and the other data that has been accumulated and can determine whether the treatment is on course or if they have to increase it.
We can start to decrease Caitlin's steroids next week, which is great. She will also start on a new drug which is Mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine nucleotide synthesis and metabolism. Yup, I have no idea what that means either but I'm guessing from the sounds of it, it will stop the bad cells from reproducing which can only be a good thing. At week 6 we'll be down to one visit to Addenbrooke's a week which is good.
It's late and I've got to be up early so I'll leave it there. Caitlin is pretty up and down so any nice messages for her is always appreciated.
xxx
I tried to write this a few times now and thought I'd still attempt again
ReplyDeleteI love reading how Caitlin has been getting on and to see how u and Leesh are. Ca aitlin has been getting on and to see how u and Leesh are. Caitlin looks just as gorgeous as she did before her trip to the hairdressers. I know ur probably alreaedy doing it but try and think of the little positives - her hair will grow back its not a permanent look for her, I still can't imagine how u guys r and how upsetting everything is and I'm not going to pretend I do but from the bottom of my heart guys I wish u all the hope and love in the world, u are handling it so much better than I ever could
Luke u have been truly amazing for Leesh an absolute rock and together u r unbeatable, u both have oodles of courage and positivity which is amazing and just what Caitlin needs, one day when she fully understands she will be thanking the pair of you for everything
Hope Jessica is doing ok too. Sending kisses and cuddles for Caitlin and Jessica xx
Stay stong,
Love Key xxxxxx