New Pictures

Hi all

Link to the pictures taken on Day Two and Three,

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/DayTwoThree#

or the whole album

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang

With Love

Fiona

aka The Holmes Gang

Day Three

Hi all

I wish I could yell it from the rooftops... Day three was very uneventful, and that in cancer words is FANTASTIC. Immie and Daddy went for their ward bike ride, all the team came and looked at immie as it was total ward round, Imogen laughed and played her new reggae lion at them (that she got from Cath, David and Nicole) it sings "Don't worry be happy".

When Kody and I got here we all had lunch, Immie had a little lunch, her appetite, is certainly swaying. After lunch Immie and I played a computer Dora game and Kody challenged Beth (the OT) to a Wii game...Kody won, a little while after that Kody went with Louise upstairs to do music, had heaps of fun and did not come back till late.

Meanwhile Immie went for another tear around the ward on her trike, don't think everyone knows what to make of it!!!. Then Immie started getting very tired, and was going to sleep when we had two more fabulous guests Uncle Nigel and Aunty Jody, they did not stay long as Immie was very tired. Immie went to sleep, and then half an hour later woke up very itchy, after some meds she snuggled down to sleep again.

Keep sending all those positive thoughts and prayers, they are being well recieved!!!

Love the Holmes Gang xx

Pictures attached tommorow xx

Day Two

Day Two

Well today was the day that the big guns arrived. The morning was spent entertaining Immie who was still hoping to weasel a way to get outside the ward from me. We then had many visits from many people ranging from our OT (the lovely Beth) to the Dr Nick (the sensational new oncologist from what we have heard).

At 12.42pm the first bag was hooked up, then shortly after at 1pm the following two, it was quite a scary sight to see the three bags plus hydration, plus ordansetron (anti nausea meds) running all at the same time. Emotionally we were all very nervous, as we were not sure what to expect when such a lot was running so quickly into her little body, would she go super quiet or just start chucking right away. Of course the fact they keep checking the oxygen and had a heap of extra meds close on hand in case she had a reaction was always reassuring (NOT!!!).

So what did Immie do, she wiggled and squirmed as she did not want her blood pressure taken every 15 mins for the first two hours and did not want continue stats done, and then she played with her fishes, her cars, her friend Nicole, watched tele, played DS Lite, ate lunch, moan about everyone poking her( who would blame her) and chatted to all with the same ease that Immie continues to amazes us with. Then at about 3.30pm Kods and I, left to go home, walking out with our friends Cath and Nicole.

We got home and went for a walk with Molly, and then battled each other on the WII, it was great. Mean while at the hospital Immie was having a Broviac dressing change, which was negotiated with a bike ride to the treatment room on her trike, then had conditions on, its return voyage to the room in regards to her performance for the dressing. Thankful all was well so she triked around the ward while all the kids were eating dinner. Then she went and had a BIG bath, watched some tele and fell asleep with her daddy.

Another day done and its time for some rest for me sweet dreams xx

Love The Holmes Gang aka Fiona

P.S will post the pictures of today tomorrow

Day One

Hi all

Arrived to the hospital today and the parking gods had saved us a car park. Wandered down to the PMH resort, were they weren't ready for us all they had spent the morning shuffling patients. This was to allow us to move into Room 16 as this room is the only room on the ward with a connecting parent room - WOO HOO!!!. Two positives already, then just as we were putting our stuff down a ladybird was crawling on my hand, this to us was a very positive omen, as me and Immie wear ladybirds on our necklaces as they are believed to bring good luck (and hey whats the chance of finding one in your hospital room!!). We then went and release it out side near immie's window for more good luck. As they were not ready for us we were then able to go spend more time in the gorgeous sun in the hospital park (another bonus).

A welcomed uneventful afternoon spent time colouring, watching TV, Immie asking when are we going to go home (talk about pulling on the heart strings), getting Kods face painted, playing DS Lite, and talking to the other parents and staff.

Immie was full of beans and just before she went to sleep tonight, she whispered...Tomorrow we go outside for a walk..mmm we will see I said. Over the last week Immie and Kody have practically lived on the trampoline - jumping and making up great stories and actions. It's going to really hurt not just Imogen and Kody to not be running around like crazy together.

For us today was emotional, I had kept waiting all weekend for someone to ring and say " Nah we got it wrong we are not going to do it next week or wait we have found a new way that is less harmful", but no, the call never came. For both of us the struggle of separating us all up again was very hard. So here we are, Day One, hydrating up, and given anti nausea drugs in the morning, then chemo mid morning. Tomorrow I will go home and Jason will stay with our sleeping princess, we will swap all this week while Jas is having time off, after that we will just try to mix it up as much as possible.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers

Love the Holmes Gang aka Fiona

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/DayOne#

or all of our album

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/home

Kody & Immie Time out

Hi all

Hope this reaches you all well, healthy and happy. We finally finished the week off, of tests and it came down to the appt with the oncologist to discuss the side effects of the mega therapy and stem cell rescue, this was certain a sobering moment. Defined - definitely a meeting you never what to have when you decided to become a parent, heart breaking, that the only thing you can do for your child is make them sick to make them better.

We also discovered Immie average kidney function tests - 89%, normal kid of her age - 80% - 110% and these results are prior to the major chemo next week, and her high range hearing is average...mmmm..thats why she doesn't listen...lol...could be just the fact she is a stubborn four year old I think!!!. On the positives, Immie is fabulous, healthy and FULL to the brim of energy and life, this is normally how children approaching stem cell rescue are as they have been beaten with that much chemo. SUPA GIRL IMMIE!!!!...well done to her. This leads to the dates for mega therapy to begin, hydration on Tuesday and then the big guns begin Wednesday. I have made up a word document stating whats happening see attached or possibly posted soon.

Over Friday and Saturday we had a blast, first beginning with the Mascot Grand Race in the city supporting telethon, that was hilarious...and Immie was squealing with delight every time she saw a new mascot. Back home to get Kods organised for his Dark light party with the school boys and then Immie and I went to see Granpa with his sore legs after his asparagus veins were removed.

Saturday morning at 9.30am we braved the cold and rain to go to the zoo with Granma, and had heaps of fun, saw the beautiful baby sun bear play fighting with his mum and Immie went on the Merry go round. Later in the afternoon we went to Immie's Kindy friend Joshua's party at HJ's, lots of fun and good for a chat.

Sunday has seen us busy busy trying to catch up and get ready for hospital, went today and got mobile broadband set up for hospital so I can continue to email and update blogs. We also recieved a gorgeous pack from my friend Karen and David and their family, to keep us stocked up with special treats during the hospital stay and some meals for our freezer too...Thanks people xx

Sending lots of love to you all

The Holmes Gang xx

Link to some gorgeous pics of our kids and other special people

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/ImmieAndKodyTime#

All photos

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang

My oldest baby celebrates 10 years old

Today my beautiful boy turned 10 years old..a decade..ten years of being blessed with a fantastic kid. We were so lucky the day he chose me and his 'beach' dad firstly, and then Jason later to be his Dad, and then Immie picked him to be her big brother. I think she got a great deal there.

Today we woke at 5.45 am for our tradition early present giving, and when he opened our present, the roles were reverse...Kody recieved a Wii, and his simple response was "you really should not have done that, felt like a very naughty kid ; P. Kody recieved a box of suprises from Immie (well besides the Wall -e that was just to hard to keep a secret, esspecially when your jumping on the trampoline..suprises just fall out of you mouth).

Then the day went from Fantastic to super as the birthday wishes and presents kept streaming in, and Kody's spent the day with Granma, who then shouted the movies " Chimps in Space". Home they came to see, Cherrie and Kai delievering a present.

Then a big clean up and incredible prep for the 10th birthday party by Granma, (what would I do without her...Thank you thank you mum). Immie and me then returned home froma long day at the hospital, to quickly ice the chocolate block shaped cake and finish the slideshow of the years of Kody (well the first three years..the rest did not happen..: )). Everyone arrived at 6.30pm with lots of fun and laughter, and of course..more presents. Fun was had by all and all Kody's favourite food groups were met, Lasagne, Pizza, Chips, Lollies..oh and a little salad.

A well dressed Kody (thanks Aunt D & Uncle D) amused all with his wii and bamboo playmat (for the computer, thanks Uncle Nigel). Then it was cake time and good night for all, Kody said "He had the best day even worth missing Home and Away for tonight"..hahahha.

Love you all

The Holmes Gang

Attached to this blog update is pictures of Kody's party, I hope to add a slide show of his life pictures very soon xx

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/KodyS10thBirthday#

Immie's Surgery Journey - 22nd of September

Hi all

Well super amazing Immie and me are back home, yeap operation was only on Monday. The surgeon was amazing, removed all the visible leisions (had a good look around to ensure there were no more visible )and then stitched her left ovary over next to the right, so when she does radiation her left ovary won't be blasted (WOW).

The op took about 3 and half hours as long as last year's, but the surgeon wanted to have a good look and some of the leisions were located in tricky places. Immie recovered with an epidural (with catherter), panadol, and lots of rice bubbles.

On Tuesday night she really pick up, and would not stop chatting (lol). They turned the epidural off at lunchtime yesterday (Wednesday) and Immie handled the pain. Then yesterday afternoon in one shoot, they removed the catheter, cannula (drip), epidural and did the broviac (main line) dressing.

Came home, not being able to walk very well, today she is walking, bending (gingerly) and giggling on pain stop. Back to the hospital the afternoon for dental checkup. Then next week will involve getting the base lines for her hearing, cardio (heart), liver function and bloods, with the view of beginning mega therapy (big chemo) on the 6th of October.

AMAZING!!!, we finally have a date, this will allow us to plan our life a little better over the next month and on. This is also means we will all be together at home for Kody's 10th Birthday and possibly also Jason's 30th on the 12th of October (even if it means we are in hospital we will now know where we are).

All your thoughts and support make a huge difference

xx Fiona

Pictures on the link below -

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/ImmiesSurgeryJourney?authkey=PgJ3Nc6tfA0#

Surgery Date Surprise...

Hi all

Yesterday we had our surgery date with Imogen's surgeon, Mr Gallow. After an hour of waiting we were very happy to be told that Immie will be having her surgery on Monday...yeap that's 22nd of September. While we were there the surgeon rang his assistant and cancelled all his Monday morning patients. We were shocked that he did this for our girl, though thankful that Immies treatment was getting full priority. We are also thankfully that our oncologist Dr Phillips, rang Mr Gallow once again, to explain the importance of the fact that Immie needed surgery ASAP.

Immie has to go in Saturday morning to get her blood cross matched for any transfusions she needs to have done during the operation. Then I am unsure when we will be back in there, either Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Please send us lots of positive thoughts that Mr Gallow and team can get as much of the leisions as possible, and not do any possible damage to the kidney or urethra.

Cheers

Lots of Love

The Holmes Gang

P.S. Guess what there are only 14 sleeps to our big boy turns double digits - 10, wow, I know I know...but I just have to say it I can't believe he is going to be 10....incredible

Cousins and Friends - Sept 08

Hi all

On Thursday we were surrounded by lovely people, Immie and me went to the uni restaurant to have lunch with my two uni friends Gracie and Erica. We all had a nice time, though by the end immie was begging to go home!!!. It was great to catch up Gracie and Erica and it made me realise how much I miss uni, I honestly really can't wait to get back into it next year (I know..I know I will be regretting saying that when exams and essays are due).

Then that evening after dropping in to see my Dad for Fathers Day (little delayed), we received a text to say that Jacinta, Colin, Rhylee and Tayah wanted to come say Hello and bring us some pizza for tea (yummy). The kids had a ball together, and we finally got to give them their bone pjs we bought in Melbourne, so they all ran around looking incredibly cute. Luckily they came then as they got to see Kods as he was going to his Dad's on the weekend.

On Saturday, Immie and me went to the incredibly exciting Dora the Explorer concert (thanks for organising the tickets Cherrie) with our good friends Cath and Nicole. Immie was very excited and performed to all the Dora songs. The concert was great and fun. Even though poor Nicole had a sore finger after my Immie accidentally squashed her finger in the chair (sorry Nicole). Back on the train, Immie was very tired, and I thought we were heading for a sleep at home. Hahaha not Immie, when she saw Nana and Pop, and had some lunch, she was full of beans...Incredible kid.

Sunday, we spent with Nana, Pop, Colin, Jacinta, Rhylee and Tayah, and had a mini party for Pop (Brian) who's birthday was on Saturday. We had lots of yummy food to eat. Then I suggested that the post box need to be put together and up out the front, this then lead to another part of my plan, everyone got in and did my gardening and pruning (thanks Jac)...hahahah all part of my evil plan ; P . Thanks everyone

We had a lovely weekend, it was so good seeing Immie play with her cousins,

Love The Holmes Gang

Photos attached to the link below

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/FriendsAndCousinsSeptember08#

AMAZING!!!

Hi all

I have titled this blog update - Amazing, for that is what explains what our surgeon believes he can do...Let me explain to you firstly the size of the leisions (yeap not even big enough to be declared tumours)

Number One
Beginning size -
12mm by 16mm by 25mm
Last weeks size -
10mm by 13mm by 16mm
Number Two
Beginning size -
24mm by 18mm
Last weeks size -
20mm by 16mm by 18mm
Number Three -
Beginning size -
12mm by 8mm by 25mm
Last weeks size -
9mm by 6mm by 11mm
Number Four -
Beginning size -
11mm by 7.5mm by 25mm
Last weeks size -
9mm by 5mm by 23mm

Yes I have not made spelling mistake we are talking mm's, grab a ruler and just check out how small they now are. The four leisions are spread across her abdomen . Today we had a meeting with our oncologist who explained the reductions in the leisions, and that we had an appt to see our surgeon next week (Tuesday) to discuss surgery. The only downside (though not really as it means we can all celebrate Kody's 10th birthday together on the 30th of September), is that Immies surgery may not be able to be fitted in till first week of October. If this is the delay then our oncologist will decide whether maybe another cycle of chemo should be done, prior to surgery.

Of course as soon as we have the surgery dates the mega therapy and stem cell rescue can be dated and a rough time can be give of when it will begin. Next Tuesday when we meet with the surgeon it will all be much clearer (at least we hope).

Immies MIBG scan was a breeze, Jas reckons its because he was there and he is our lucky charm...I think he may be right...

Thanks for all the positive thoughts, prayers and vibes
Love the Holmes Gang

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/MIBGScanSept08#

Busselton Holiday

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/BusseltonHoliday#

Click on the click above and chose slideshow

Hi All

This weekend we went away to stay at Geographe Bay Resort, this was all thanks to the very generous donation of three nights stay given to us by Woody and his family (a supplier that Jason uses for his business). We received this wonderful gift back in April when we did our radio interview, but have been extremely busy with Immies treatment and life, that we had not used it. What better time than now, prior to results news on Wednesday.

We all had the best time in Busselton, it was peaceful and quiet when we arrived on Saturday and stayed that way into Fathers Day and on the Monday we returned home. The resort we stayed at was huge and gorgeous, 3 huge bedrooms, all with ensuites, fridges, tvs, built in air conditiors, in the one villa there were actually four tvs with foxtel. The grounds of the resort contained a bouncy castle, tennis courts, two pools (one heated, unfortunately we never got to trial them) and was a short distance to the beach...WOW...what more could you ask for!!!. We had plenty of time to time for relaxing or sleeping (except for the 5 am start).

That is how father’s day began, yep 5am, boy was Immies daddy happy (oh and Kody was not impressed either ; 0).Then brekkie at the resort cafe, then on to Country Life Farm. There the kids spent two hours feeding animals, being spat at by the Llamas (now that was hilarious – hey Kods!!), bouncing on the castles, rowing the dingy and enjoying the beautiful day. Then we could not find the reptile farm, we decided to take a detour to Simmos Ice cream – yumbo!!!. Then back into town for lunch, then back to the resort to put the daddy to bed, and the kids and me wandered the beach. Yeap no stopping Immie, she kept up her amusing act till 8.30, much to Kody delight.

Monday day, we awoke, and ate some more (what a surprised), then back to pack up, as we wanted to see Aunty Donelle and Karly on the way home to Perth in Mandurah. Had lunch with Aunty, love it, THANKS heaps xx. We got home about 4 pm, relaxed, exhausted and happy. Thanks Woody, his fabulous wife and family.

Love
The Holmes Gang

Sports carnival & Cat scan - 4th of September

Hi all

Yesterday was Immies cat scan to help the surgeons determine whether they will operation prior to stem cell and mega therapy. Immie and her daddy left very early (a struggle for Jas – not exactly the early bird) at 6.20am to arrive at the hospital to the nurses surprise very very early. The cat scan ran on time, 10am, Immie was an incredibly good girl for all the doctors and nurses. During the cat scan they also did a bone marrow aspiration to record where they stand before being stem cell, the lovely nurses also changed her dressing while she was asleep, this is something we are incredibly grateful as Immie hates dressing changes. After a bungle up at pharmacy they arrived home at 2.30pm. Jas was also told that next Wednesday (10th) we will receive the decision from the surgeons and find out when stem cell will begin. A relief as we were thinking we would have to wait another agonising week for results. Even though we realise Immie could and probably will be very sick from stem cell, we really are waiting with anticipation for stem cell, as it means that after this Immie will be able to spend more time being a very normal gorgeous four year old. It sounds like Immie will be out of action from school for up to 6 weeks after the stem cell rescue, and then she will begin radiation. Right now we are asking for thoughts, vibes and prayers that the results next Wednesday, allow for the surgeons to make a decision that will benefit Imogen’s results in a successful stem cell rescue.

On the Kody front yesterday I went to the sports carnival, were Kody was incredibly brave even with a sore ankle managed to participate in every event, Incredible Kody he has learnt so much and grown so much from watching his sister kick cancers butt. A beautiful sibling relationship, were Kody as well teaches her so much. We are very very lucky to have amazing kids and a beautiful family. On a sad note Kody’s faction” Bounty” slipped from second to last in the last half of the afternoon..boo hoo, I think maybe the whole thing is rigged!!! lol

Love Hugs and Kisses

Jason, Fiona, Kods and Immie Holmes

Click below to see Kod's olympic sports carnival

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/TheSportsCarnival#

Nigel and Jody's wedding

Hi

My brother Nigel got married on Saturday to Jody, it was a beautiful service with Immie being the star as flower girl (one of three). We were all very very suprised when Immie stood very still, and smiled the whole service, it was incredible. I honestly was not expecting her to be the ideal flowergirl (as at times she is a jumping jellybean). The wedding service was quick, and then moved onto the reception with plenty of champagne and singing along to incredibly soppy love longs. The evening was lots of fun to all.

Congrats Nige and Jody

see pics below, press on the slideshow button on the page to have a look through all of them,

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/TheWeddingOfNigelAndJody

Love

The Holmes Gang

Hailey comes to visit - 28th of August

Hi

Immies beautiful friend Hailey, her mum Karen and her lil boy Dylan came to visit us today. Immie had a lovely time running around with Hailey and looking and smiling at baby Dylan. While Karen and me got to have a good chat, it is so lovely to have time with Immie being normal, seeing her friends & running around, away from the hospital and all its nasties.

Click on the slideshow link on the page -

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/HaileyComesToVisit29thOfAugust

Love, Hugs and Kisses

The Holmes Gang

Jody's Hens Afternoon Tea

Hi everyone

This week my brother, Nigel and Jody got married. As everyone who has gotten married can imagine this week has been stressful though surrounded by joy and happiness. We began the celebrations with the boys buck night a few weekends ago, which involved a very social and giving (spew) Nigel, the boys had a good night. This week we had a much quieter Hen's afternoon tea at Leaf - Mt Lawley with Jody, we all enjoyed the lovely tea and special nibbles.

Find attached a link for the hen's party pics, once agin I am trying another different program to help me manage the massive time it takes to upload pics to the blog,

http://s470.photobucket.com/albums/rr65/theholmesgang/?albumview=slideshow

Let me know which you think is easier to navigate

Photobucket

or

Picassa share albums

Love the Holmes Gang

Last Chemo

Hi all

Yeap I have been a little delayed in blogging. I have now only just found out the blog I did mid week went to drafts not publishing during last week - Frustrating!!!
I am trying a new idea, as up loading the pics take incredible amounts of time -

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/LastChemo

Click on the link above or cut and paste it in your browser

xx Fiona

17th of August 2008 - Ballajura Fair

Immie on the pony
on the ferris wheel
Kody's ear, Immie shouting at the red nose man " We have you on our car!!"

Immie as a lion (just about every time Immie gets her face painted she chooses a lion??)

Granma and a cheesy Immie

Pile ons - some people just can't be taken anywhere - Dad, Kody and Imogen

Imogen's flower girl try on...she looks too cute

Hi all

Today I felt like crying, it was not the day, as the weather here was beautiful, the fair we went to was fun and Imogen looked very cute in her flower girl dress. Just sometimes the anticipation of what is to come for Imogen (treatment wise) and what she has been through just feels overwhelming. You can be standing there watching her ride the pony at the fair, laughing and giggling, and instead of feeling an overjoy of how she is feeling today, you are hit with a sad thought as you think about tomorrow (Broviac operation) or what she has had to do and believes now is her life, as she no longer remembers before cancer. It is heart breaking to be a parent and have to make decisions on treatment, that you know will make your beautiful, smiling, full of life girl feel horrible & really sick to make her get better and be cancer and hospital free. It is days like these you are also hit with the fact that your life regardless of the success of treatment will never ever be the same, your normal has changed, while everyone around you remains the same. Just sometimes this battle is unbearable. Then when we are struggling, you are touched by incredible moments of happiness and human kindness. You manage to get back on the roller coaster of life, and count another beautiful day you were able to spend surrounded by the people you love.

Yesterday my beautiful friend Sam, came to see us with her big little boy Dhani (Imogen's friend since she was born). Sam had told last week that she had approached the store manger of the department store she worked for, to inquire about whether they could do some fundraising for us. The amazing store manager said yes definitely, then the other day he saw Sam again and asked what Imogen would like. Sam explained how we spend a lot of time entertaining Immie in isolation while doing chemo or waiting for scans or in patient temperatures. The store manger then rushed off, later Sam was called down to the sound and vision area. There waiting for Imogen a DS Lite (game console) and three games. What an incredible act of human kindness!
Today we were also blessed with human kindness one of Jason's clients grand daughter, over heard her Granpa talking about Immie and went out and bought Immie an assortment of things to help bring a smile to our beautiful girl.
It is from these moments we gain the strength to rally on, to find the steady ground and continue to climb this shaky mountain.

Tomorrow Immie will check in to hospital at 7am and have her broviac installed at 10.15am. A broviac (chemo line) will mean the end of all showers and pools for Immie for at least the next four months. It will also mean to our girl countless (weekly) dressing changes which Immie hates the most of anything. We will have to stay over night and then super girl will begin her last cycle of chemo (number 6). In two weeks she will have more scans, to reveal whether the surgeon thinks its safe to operate or not. The timing of the mega therapy and stem cell rescue will depend upon this. It will most likely be middle of September. 6 weeks after stem cell Imogen will have radiation and then have to take a drug to prevent the tumor cells (if any - there won't be) from clumping again.

Please wish us strength and smoothly sailing tomorrow and onwards xx

Love and Hugs

The Holmes Gang

P.S. We know we don't mention it enough but did we let you know that we also have the most incredibly amazing son, Kody, I am not sure you could find a better big brother for Imogen. He is a constancy in her life when everything seems rocky. Super sibling Love.
P.P.S Just to be defiant Imogen has decided to start growing her hair back, no one is telling her that chemo will stop hair growth and also now she is swallowing the tablets whole and she does it without a drink...WHAT!!!

August 10th & 11th - Day three & four of the Imogen Olympics

Just hanging around
Immies happy snaps...ooo...I almost got both of us!!

Kody dressed up as Humpty Dumpty...oh anything to entertain his sister
My fabulous Dad
Mum, Kods and Immie
Immie and Dad, keeping busy
The new hat from the free table

Squashing Kods

Kods and Immie

Paper mache...yes what next!!!

Love this pic as Immie is getting Lilly the play therapy puppet to hug her!!

Hi all

Yeap we are home....!!!!....HURRAY!!!. Yesterday was incredibly long , the op to remove Immies port, which was scheduled for 9. 30am, end up being moved to 5pm. Lots of emergencies, Lots of delays and one hungry girl. Who had only eaten a bowl of rice bubbles and 2 glasses of apple juice in 29 hours, thank god for IV drips.

The last couple of hours consisted of Immie saying "I really really would like that meat pie now" and "when is that man with the white medicine going to turn up". Though all that waiting Immie was incredible, easy to entertain, she breezed through it all. Finally Imogen's turn arrived at 5pm, and we were out of the door, stopping briefly to get the nurse, just in case something pushed us back again.

In Immie went and had the port removed in a hour and bit, and came back the way she had left happy, smile and eager to EAT!!!. Unfortunately she had come back from surgery without the new drip requested and the one she went with was then stuffed. Then Immie got a new cannula (drip) put in with again no emalea (numbing cream), we have decided this is less traumatic for Immie as she doesn't spend the hour looking at the cream getting herself worked up for what is to come. This drip was fantastic till 1.30am when it to packed it in and started leaking all over the bed, so another removal, which Imogen never remembered the morning..poor pin cushion.

Awoke the morning with the chance they were going to have to put another IV drip in if she need more blood, platelets (she had a bag of both over the weekend - thanks Blood Bank) or the IV antibiotics. Thankfully the lovely Dr Tina Carter decided no she had been through enough trauma, and sent us home on tablet antibiotics which Immie swallowed down like a trooper.
SOOOOOO Glad to be home...yay!!!

We were very lucky to have Kody, Mum and Dad to help us entertain the lovely Imogen, thanks people!!, and of course the staff at PMH (3b), who were constantly fighting our battle about being delayed.

Love and Hugs
The Holmes Gang

Immie Incredible Girl - 10th of August

Immie was soo very excited to see Daddy on Friday night

Immie giving woody big hugs

Immie dancing to the Wiggles

Mum, Immie and Dad

Immie and Dad reading books

Hi all
Surprise, surprise, we checked into the PMH Hotel on Friday, as the port (the catheter where all the chemo gets give through) site did not look any improved from Wednesday. By the sounds of it, the new antibiotics she was put on were fighting a losing battle against this yukky bug she got.

We checked in and go put in isolation as usually, then we moved to the transplant room as they needed more isolation rooms and the only thing wrong with Immie was this port site looking dodgy. The transplant room has a small room before the door that enters the main room very very isolated, but large too, so the very UN sick Immie had heaps of room to run around in (with Iv pole coming a slow second behind) !!. Immie has spent the last coupla days painting, painting, playdoughing, watching tele, painting, and drawing oh yes and giggling!!.

Yesterday from 12pm Immie (and pretty much all of us too) started fasting as she was scheduled to have her port removed via an operation (yes none of the antibiotics worked, so they have decided to removed it) at 6pm. We had a lovely afternoon with Granma, Granpa and Kods came and saw us, so fasting was a breeze. Half way through the afternoon she went to sleep , and then woke with a headache and proceeded to have a good chuck (nice), and this then pushed her slightly rising temp down. So now she had removed all the food she had all morning as well.

The time rolled around to 6pm, we were told "no your now at 7pm", "no we have had emergencies, now 7.30pm", the around came 8 pm, then at 8.25pm, the nurse came in and told us we had been bumped till tomorrow morning first thing. We tried to get Immie to eat, but of course by then she was too tired and fell asleep. This leads to the morning of no eating because we are second on the list at 9.30am, by the time this is over she will be starving (I friggen would!!).
Anyway I had been get back in there, and see my incredible girl and super husband,

Wishing you beautiful days,

Lots of Love
Fiona
The Holmes Gang

Clinic Check up - 6th of August 2008

Immie was sooo excited when she found this beloved Humpty Dumpty on the special present table today, Immies favourite nursery rhyme for the moment is Humpty Dumpty.

Louise and Immie

Immie

Lets see who is watching and listening to me

Louise, Beth, Humpty and Immie

Hi all

Today we was Wednesday which to us means clinic day. We were a little slow getting to the hospital due to the parking and because I was a little tired as last night my beautiful friend Brooke took me to see the gorgeous "Pete Murray" in concert. Before we arrived at the hospital we also took a detour and went to give the lovely ladies at Camp Quality a card we had made to thank them for their mammoth effort in organising all that was needed for our trip to Melbourne.

Then we finally got to the clinic at about 10am, then off to bloods we went to get checked out, all was good in that court. We then asked to see a doctor as Immie, when she finished chemo last Friday was found to have a nasty infection in her port (yeah another one). My poor mum did chemo with Immie last Friday, and really got the rough end of the deal, the longest chemo of the week, port infection and missing needle to bring her immune system up again needed by Home nurses the next day.

Anyway the antibiotics Immie has been on don't seem to be making a lot of difference, we got into see the doctor at about 12.30. This lead for the need to contact the microbiologist who then prescribed another antibiotic (yeah we have all the penicillin that Australia is low on Margaret!!) and cream as yeah, the swab the took on Friday grew some thing funky!!!. So we are hoping like anything that all of the above works as if it does not Immie will have to check into the lovely PMH Hotel on Friday...ARGH!!.

Anyway we got to leave the hospital at 2.15pm.....though on a plus we were entertained by the fantastic Louise (music therapist) and Beth (OT) and boy did we entertain anyone leave or coming to 3b with the drum, as we played it in the hall way outside 3b...hahaha Immie was busy showing every one she is alive, fighting hard and more nosier then ever..We love it!!!.

Lots of Love and Hugs
The Holmes Gang

P.S. I will be blogging my Birthday pics and the Fantastic Melbourne soon...promise xx
P.P.S Was very chuffed tonight as Immie swallowed her antibotic tablet, we had never tried her with tablets, so were very suprised when she just took the bitter tasting tablet..yay!!