Back to the Future

After the events of last week we returned to Addenbrookes today for Caitlin's review.

It almost felt good to be back there, a little bit of normality in the chaos, but then you realize what time in the morning it is & you return to the swearing, bleary eyed, caffeine fuelled mess that is me!

Today was due to be a routine check over of Caitlin, have bloods taken, ITMX in the back & then home. That happened, with a slight addition. After her initial review I was asked to speak to the consultant doctor who is overlooking Caitlin's recovery. He wanted to speak about how Caitlin was doing & to talk about the next stage.

He was happy with Caitlin, she was bubbly, energetic & seemingly getting over the effects of the steroids. The main point of the talk was the results of the Bone Marrow & the MRD which was taken at the end of week 4. The bone marrow had come back with good results, showing no Leukaemia in the marrow. The MRD results however, hadn't been so good. There was still a small level of Leukaemia in her cells after 4 weeks of chemo.

Bugger.

The Hickman Line scheduled for the 27th had all of a sudden been issued as a high priority, to be done within this week or the next. The reasoning for this? Caitlin would be upped to Regimen C.

Bollocks.

The MRD should indicate no Leukaemia, but with a small amount still showing, Caitlin's chemo has to be increased. The specifics of Regimen C is unknown to us at the mo, as to much information will just overload our already bursting brains! What we do know? Even a small amount is classed as a "high risk". A definite increase of chemo, which is to be given intravenously, rather than orally. The weekly reviews will be at Addenbrookes, not Ipswich hospital, & that Caitlin will get better & get through this.

I refuse to believe otherwise. We're now on 24 hour standby for the Hickman, once Caitlin has that fitted, we move on to the next phase.

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