Our "Normal" life at our home

Hi people

Well I have taken some pictures showing how fabulous our very still girl is a radiation please see link below. Imogen is now half way through her radiation, and so far it’s been a breeze, cross your fingers this stays the same.

We had a busy week getting ready for Kody’s PEAC interview, Kody and Granma spent a lot of time choosing, drawing, painting, discussing which pictures to show and talk about. On Thursday after not hearing wether he was going for an interview on Friday I decided to ring the school. The school then told me that due to the amount of nomination numbers received that it was going to be all too hard, with not enough time and space to begin the course for coming Year 5’s (sent from the Education Dept). WHAT THE???. Next year’s Year 4’s will be able to start a three year course. (grrr) There will also be a course run for the Year six’s. Needless to say mum and I were really unimpressed. We plan to write back a response to the education dept, and mum is going to forward the letter on to some art groups and people she knows. The amount of numbers that applied shows that there is an incredible interest in the visual art program. It was such a great idea to give something to the kids who are not English, maths scholars or sporting champions. There’s got to be something else available, just have to keep my eyes opened. This was a great disappointment to Kody as it was something he was looking forward to regardless of whether he got in or not, just going along and talking about his art.

On the weekend we had another great time, on Saturday Imogen and me drove to Mandurah to pick up Imogen’s surprise. We decided to go ahead and get Immie at beautiful lil kitten who we had already agreed to have prior to any discussion with the doctors. We will be keeping the kitten inside, regularly vaccinated and will be using ALOT of Aqium (antibacterial hand wash), to help minimise any chance of infection. Our decision to get Imogen a kitten does not come with great discussion and up to four times a week changing our minds. In the end we decided that we could not make our lil girl wait any longer, for something she has wanted for nine months. In the last 22 months Imogen has been to hell and back, and we can’t continue to wrap her in cotton wool and not live life. Life is way too unpredictable for our liking.

This results into us introducing the newest cutest member to our home – Meet Milly, a boy black and white cat besides the boy bit exactly what Imogen asked for, who when we received, came wrap in a box with a bow (thanks heaps Karly).

Anyone who personal knows Immie will know this has been her list of kitten particulars since day dot. As you would imagine Imogen is very, very happy, and I am pretty sure Milly will have forgotten how to walk by the end of the week from the amount Imogen carry’s him around lol. She has been very good with him and apart from a few drops from above (he can fly apparently, well he is a super cat for a super kid) he has settled in well to our home. Please enjoy the cutest pictures ever below.

Love The Holmes Gang

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

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

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

or our whole album

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

Top Marks for Ward 3b

Santa and Immie (more photos at the end)

Hi all

Today I am singing praises for the ward 3b (lalalalala -lol),

we arrived at 9am. Down to the ward, quick and horrible dressing change. Immie has gotten worse with the dressing change there was a time when she was ok, tho now it's an absolute nightmare. Immie screams, wiggles and starts kicking as soon as dressing change is mention. Prior to that Imogen was weighed 15.65kg (tho could be a bit off, as she was screaming about the dressing and jumping on the chair) and height 102.5 cm ( same deal as she was not standing properly).

After the dressing, finger prick, then rush rush as we had to get to Charlies at 11 am. We were able to have a big chat to Rebeca and the gorgeous Alex and then Karla our favourite "Toy Lady".We even got to see a doc - Dr Hodder. Immie was very painful, she wouldn't cooperate with anything, Dr Hodder wanted her to do : (. Finally after the check up was over and the incredible blood counts were read.

Haemoglobin - 112

Platelets - 173

Neurophilis - 2.13

We talked about the Broviac removal, this has been penciled in for the 3rd/ 4th December, cross all your fingers it happens smoothly with no delays.

Then we rushed to Charlies for radiation, with Granma visiting, this is so she will know what happens as she is doing next Wednesday when I go to get my new tooth crown (yuk).

Immie was a star, listened to her playschool cd and then put her sticker on the chart and ran off lol. Too busy to hang around!!!.

From there after the shops we went to Kody's class to listen to his speech on Egyptian Gods. He did a great job, much better then me standing in front of a heap of people. Poor sod, was a bit embarrassed though when my sms tone, went off in the middle of someone's speech. The tone was Immie yelling at top note " I DO BELIEVE IN FAIRIES" ahhhh only three times lol, parents who'd have them.

I have to share a special moment my gorgeous gift of a daughter shared with me the other day, we arrived at the shops after not going for a while. Imogen eyes opened widely and she exclaimed " Mummy look at all the miracles" for some reason she has decided that's the name for the shops Christmas decorations. This Christmas, take Immie's idea, and look for the "miracles" that you and your family can make, with others and yourselves xx

Love The Holmes Gang

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

Radiation, watch out Imogen is in the HOUSE!!!

Radiation began yesterday for the super brave Immie, our appt was for 3.40pm, and in we went to the room with the big radiation bed. Immie started scrunching up her face and looking a little not convinced about what was going to happen. The ladies were being lovely, though Immie was having no bar of that, she began to get upset. I took her in my arms and whispered that she would not get her special biscuits if she did not lie on the table (oh bribery and corruption – gotta love it at time like this!!). She was up then quicker than a flash, lying perfectly still. After they lined her up, we all left the room and I began to yak on the speaker to her, trying hard not to say anything that would make her laugh and giggle or move. Imogen laid still and the whole radiation would have taken about 6 – 7 mins. I was so proud she stayed so very still. All the staff were surprised she was so very good as well. Afterwards she received a sticker for her chart to count off the days till radiation is finished; they made that for her at Charlies. (Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital). Imogen will have 12 treatments of radiation to abdomen area, she is being treatment to a very low gamma rate, this means the side effects are minimal.

Today Immie appt was at 11am, after a play with toys, it was her turn. She was a little nervous to begin with though after the first few minutes she once again laid perfectly still, with a big smile on her face. I sang nursery rhymes to her while she stayed in there, Yeap it was great entertainment for all, must remember that Wiggles cd for tomorrow. Afterwards we went to Midland shopping centre to meet Vanya and Cherrie for lunch, it was great to catch up. Immie requested her food whim for the moment - bun with chicken, carrot, cheese, and tomato (did she eat it...nah not really), then a strawberry milkshake (did she drink it....no she didn’t...not much changed there). Though Immies appetite has improved a lot in the past couple of days, so we hope it’s the beginning of the little eating machine to return. I will post the pictures of the Camp Quality etc. Christmas party soon, just need to select some from the 250+, surprisingly I was a little snap happy...something different.

Xx Fiona and the gang

Life's a journey

I was sitting here the morning, watching Immie giggle and be carefree roaming wherever those peg legs would take her. Could our life be any better?...our beautiful girl is soaring, kicking cancers butt, we have each other – an incredible love, a house over our heads, money to cover our bills, Jason’s business is tracking well and we live in a great country.

I know I was a whinge bag last week, and I acknowledge that too is an important part of being a time strapped and emotional cancer parent or even “just” a parent. Though when you boil it all down, it’s not those things that I will remember when I look back on my life, it’s the moments that are etched in my heart, the love I have for my husband and for my children. The moments when Immie grabs me by the face and pushes her face into mine and says “I love you mum”, or the moments when Kody tells me I am the best mum ever and the moments when I catch Jason with the look of awe on his face for what our family and life have become and how lucky we really are.

My sister sent me this email today...how true are these words –

listen up and take them in...for you never know when your journey may be up...

..."...Life is like a train ride...we get on...we ride...we get off..We get back on and ride some more...
There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises.
Some of these will translate into moments of great joy, some will result in profound sorrow.
When we are born and we first board we meet people who we think will be with us for the entire journey. Those people are our parents!
Sadly, this is far from the truth...our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and their ever presence.
There are others who board the train and eventually become very important to us, in turn.
These people are our brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances whom we will learn to love and cherish.
Some people consider their journey like a jaunty tour. They will just go merrily along.
Others will encounter many upsets, tears, losses on their journey. Others still will linger on to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.
Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly they will scarcely leave a sign that they ever travelled with you or ever crossed your path.
We will sometimes be upset that some passengers whom we love will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Then again, there's nothing that says we can't seek them out anyway.
Nevertheless, once sought out and found, we may not even be able to sit next to them because that seat may already be taken. That's ok....everyone's journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks and goodbyes. We must strive to make the best of it...no matter what.
We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone. Remember that at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help. We too may hesitate or even trip. Hopefully we can count on someone being there to be supportive and understanding.
The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don't know when our last stop will come.
Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting in the seat next to us.
Personally, I know I'll be sad to make my final stop...I'm sure of it! My separation from all those friends and acquaintances I made during the train ride will be painful. Leaving all those I'm close to will be a sad thing. But then again, I'm certain that one day I'll get to the main station only to meet up with everyone else. They'll all be carrying their baggage....most of which they didn't have when they first got on this train.
I'll be glad to see them again. I'll also be glad to have contributed to their baggage and to have enriched their lives, just as much as they will have contributed to my baggage and enriched my life.
We're all on this train ride together. Above all, we should all try to strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as we can, right up until we each make the final stop and leave the train for the last time...."...

The answer...

I sit here listening to the Immie...chanting I do believe in Fairies...maybe a little tooo much Peter Pan....hey whats the harm???...I am so grateful too listen to her chanting....

We went to clinic on Thursday, we arrived at about 11am and were informed that there was no one to see us because it was BIG Meeting Day...or goldfish bowl meeting (as I have meintioned previously). OHHHHHHHH...I said then started to cry....I had not felt emotional prior to coming, but suddenly the whole almost two years of Wednesday clinic became just TOO much. Fabulous Sister Lee, was not sure what to do with me. Suddenly Dr Bendict was made avaliable, in we went and then I just started bawling (not sure where that came from). I began going on about how Wednesday clinics are just soooo CRAP!!!!...we could not even get a chair to sit. I'lI will be writng a letter to Cathy Cole (the boss), about how unfortunately we all don't want to acknowedge it but the one clinic on Wednesday morning is getting too small for all the tumor kids. I hate it, it is crappy to see all those kids, waiting, bored to bits, they should be out enjoying life when they are not in hospital.

Anyway after me ranting and raving...I settled down then I had everyone asking how I was....now that was a little toooo much. After unblocking the ng tube and getting the form into for requesting the broviac removal, we left, to walk to the car and wait for Granma. My mum watched Immie while we went to Charlies for consent for Radiation beginning on Monday.

Cathy the liaison officer, arrived to be a third person in the room in case we had questions. I am think she may have thought she pulled the short straw when I started going on about the miscommunication and mismanagement of Wednesday clinic, and other polices on the ward. Now don't get me wrong I am eternally grateful for all they have done for our Immie, I can just see so many ways that would make their job and our journey's so much easier.

We went into see Mandy Taylor, radiation sounds on paper and word like a walk in the park. Immie is only having radiation to her middle, the long term effect could mean she is a little shorter, a lot less side effects then chemo or mega therapy. We have heard stories of masks and being bolted to the table when radiation is involved, we are grateful for Immie's little exposure. Radiation will help be the mop up mob for Immie's cancer, whipping those cells even thinking of being cancer, sounds great to us.

Immie went to kindy today for half the day, I ensured that there were no snotty kids or chicken pox kids, and ensured the relief know what we had to be made aware of. Jas and I decided we can't keep her wrapped up in cotton wool, and she is craving other kids (mums not quite cutting it). Kindy twice a week, will be enough to kerp that craving. We also had a K-I-T-T-E-N lined up prior to finding out it was not a good thing, through my cousin Karly. We have decided to stay with that plan, but wait till Christmas to have it living full time at our house. Immie will then be almost three months out of stem cell, we can't keep the beautiful girl, locked away from everything she has wanted for so long. Everyone she sees she tells "I am getting a kitten for Christmas"

Here's to making many happy memories leading up to the Christmas season

Love you all

Fiona and the Gang

Sometimes....there's days like this....

So stem cell rescue is over what is next??.....

OK here's where I chime in usually with something positive and witty (come on humour me!!), though not today. I am sure you all know there are some days when you just feel like SCREAMING or maybe just hiding under your doona or maybe just wish that your day was BORING...and normal like pre cancer diagnose. Well all, today for me was that day. The morning was not too bad, everyone slept in, so I got some quiet reflective time doing the dishes, watering the vegetables, disposing of the dog poo...(oooo nice visual), packing the entertainment bag for out patient clinic...you know just normal, and very relaxing stuff (lol).

Then the crew awoke, Kods first, telling me off for letting him sleep in (such a mean mummy) as now he was going to have to rush around. That same mean mummy made his lunch - guess all is forgiven. Then came Jas and Immie, Immie a little grouchy. A mad dash around to attempt to get there early enough for parking at the lucrative Hospital car park. Dropped Kody off, came back picked Immie up and we set off travelling to the PMH resort. Arrived....no parking...paid for parking...down to the ward, finger prick for Full Blood count, Blood centre - flat out, away for coffee ( you would think in a hospital they would have worked out how to administer coffee through an IV drip lol ,we would all be putting our hands up...tho mainly my little sister).

Blood test done back to the ward at about 10am, visited the inpatients and staff, had a gasbag with lots of people including Laura (aka Vivienne) and the gorgeous Damon. Back out to clinic to discover Immie counts are SUPER...smart cookie...Then I asked whether I could just see Maryanne (our oncologist) to organise the removal of the broviac, so that Immie does not have to go through any more dressing changes and can get to swim. Yeah sure.....Off to do the dressing change, with Immie screaming her lungs out (noice : ( ). Come back and there is great discussion about why not all the blood tests that were listed were not done....oh dear...oh we need more blood...and actually can you now stay....sure I say, because there is actually a few things regarding meds that need to be discussed and the broviac removal.

We sit down and gas bag some more this time with some other parents and the fabulous clown doctors, suddenly it's 11.45 and my paid parking runs out in 10 mins. Back to the car to pay for more parking, back to the ward, and we wait...it gets to 1pm, and I get up and tell them we are leaving, as we have other appts (me with the docs about my motor vehicle accident). We are asked can you come back the afternoon...ahhh no...tomorrow, possibly, but we have two appts one is to consent to the radiation and has to been done without Immie there - no distractions( after all the chemo and meds that have been pumped into Immie their is fat chance of us not consenting to the mop up team aka radiation for Immie's cancer). Oh just bring her here (to the hospital) and we will put her in a isolation room by HERSELF and then come back and pick her up after you do the consent....ahhh NO, there is FAT chance of that happening. Sometimes I wonder...Immie would be "what the?"..you have never left me by myself at the hospital before but now you leave me there.....god knows what that little brain would think.

We also got told today that.....Immie should not really be rushing to go back to Kindy (naughty mummy), or any huge public place...or go anywhere with no shoes on, or have a kitten, (and some other stuff...stopped listening after the no kitten) we have to be extra vigilant for the NEXT SIX MONTHS!!!......argh!!!. My heart was breaking for her, after all she has been through we are meant to keep her in a bubble...I will never be able to protect her from the worse sickness or disease...being cancer (or so I thought).

Anyway back home....ranting and raving....I just have had enough...off to the Docs who has referred me to another physio...because I have time between the dishes washing and disposing of dog poo.

Then home to help Granma, prep Kodys for his PEAC presentation next week, art art art...and then Kody to music...oh..where is your book..ohhh I have not had that for weeks....what are you actually learning at music....oh this and that...(now that restored my faith in the four terms we have been sending him there). Oh he could remember one song.....when the saints go marching in ....is that the only song music teachers teach!!!!. Don't worry, Granma went and sorted the teacher, who has only come on this term, and changed the starting times three times now.

Now I am back home having a big glass of bundy and coke...now that's NOICE!!!! thanks husband...

Sorry for the whinge.....but sometimes its necessary

love ya all

Fiona

P.S.

Enrolled in Uni yesterday, while Immie went back for afternoon kindy (yeap came home for the feed then went back - super girl I tell you). First semester - three units, second semester - five units (the norm is four), hey whats a little stress, unfortunately because I have had so much time off...it maybe what I have to do...oooo don't come near me then...you have been warned lol....

Our Wonderful Busy Weekend

Hi all

What a weekend...busy busy...We went to the Ward 3b Fun and Fashion Parade on Saturday to watch the fabulous Nicole. It was great, it was so fantastic to see everyone in a relaxed setting. Imogen was lovely to all, which is a vast change to how she has been while in hospital and for clinic visits. It's great that they got to see the lovely, smiley and cheeky Immie that we are lucky to have at home.

Nicole did a great job at modeling her clothes, and looking super cute. While we were watching her Immie decided that she to would like to have a go. We explained to her that only some kids who had done rehearsal and practised could do the parade and maybe she could next year. We never in a million years dared to dream just 26 days after stem cell rescue, that she would want to, or even be well enough to participate.

In the intermission we went to see all our beautiful fabulous nurses, and Immie told Nurse Lizzie that she would like to have a go at walking on the catwalk. Before we knew it Immie was on the list to go in the catwalk, walking with Nurse Joe and Daisy. After a long break and much fun running up and down the catwalk with the kids, Imogen went back stage.

Nicole came first in her beautiful dress, then Immie with one of her all time favourite nurses (that she told me she loves : ), Zac. It was perfect the smile on her face was remarkable. Everyone was surprised she had come out, they all keep saying but didn't she just have a stem cell rescue, not long ago. We were very proud.

Then Immie disappeared for a while, Nicole came back, but no Immie. Then the second last lot of pairs of models came out for their grand finale, there was Immie with Karla (her much loved play therapist) and Karla's son Lachlan.

The last models to come out were the beautiful Nurse Meghan and Nurse Julie dressed as brides, stunning, as they are both getting married this year. Then last but not least Carol (Play therapist) came out in a dress, purely made from hospital supplies (noice!!!).

Immie did not want to go home, or even stop modelling though at 8.30 it was time to depart, to the nearest take away for some yummy food.

We are so glad Immie was well enough to attend, it was incredible, we hope it made a lot of money for the ward.

On Sunday morning Immie and I went to the convention centre for a magician show, we arrived and got a seat. Then after being there for about 3 minutes, Immie managed to get her finger stuck in the chair (the same as Nicole did when we went to Dora the Explorer). Imogen got so upset that she chucked up, all over me and herself. Yummy, chucked up pediasure. She still wanted to stay, so we went back to the car to get changed. Back in to watch the magician show, which was pretty good. Then back to the car park to get fleeced for parking argh!!! $9.50 for 2 hours!!!.

Yesterday we picked a very tired Kods up from Subiaco - Camp Quality, he had a blast on camp to Dongara and got to do a lot of wicked stuff. The best thing he said was the circus. When asked whether he missed me, he replied nah I didn't miss anyone...how rude....: P...I was having too good a time. Very happy that he enjoyed himself so much.

Took Immie to kindy the morning to just do a puzzle and introduce her slowly to Kindy again. Well, now here I sit at home at 11am by myself!!!!. Imogen decided she wanted to stay till lunch time. I was very shocked, especially seeing both the teacher and aid are still not back from sick leave. I will go pick her up at lunch, as she needs a ng tube feed. She is so amazing, she loves throwing you off your feet sometimes, just when you think you know what she is going to do Princess Imogen surprises you.

Must go enjoy my cuppa and magazine

see you round like a rissole xx

Fiona and the gang

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

lots of pictures just could not choose....please be patient with the photos downloading to proper standard

Camp and Radiation

Ohh to all all you people who said Radiation will be a walk in the park and that the ladies there are fantastic and great......YOU GOT IT SO RIGHT!!!!

Today was Imogen first initial Radiation appt, to met the machine and then hopefully get the planning CT scan done. Well, I tell you the morning I was not feeling to optimistic Immie woke, in the most grumpiest mood she has since being home. We rushed around, getting all the last minute things ready for Kod's Camp Quality Camp and then taking some pics of him in costume. You have to click on to the link below to see the effort Kods put into the mask for his costume (a surprise till you look - lol). Kody has been very excited about going on camp, he started asking to pack his bag on Wednesday. They are going to the Blessing of the Fleet in Dongara for four days, 20 kids and a heap of wonderful and incredible volunteers. They will have a blast they always do on Camp Quality Camps. Tho just quietly I already miss him, its awfully quiet around here. We made the mad dash to Subiaco in peak traffic arriving at 9am.

After registering Kods for Camp we waved him good bye, and yeap went quickly to Officeworks (hey I was just down the road from it, and have not been there in oh..a week and half). Then back up the road we actually managed to walk pass the bus as it was just leaving so we really did get to wave good bye.

Back to the crazy carpark, and when we had packed everything in the car and of course had twenty cars backed up behind us, Immie pipes up " I need to go to the toilet", argh!!!....Of course there was not turning back...that car park is savage, we did a mad dash to Charlies (Gardiner Hospital). We found the " F " Block with ease, mad dash in for a pink parking permit, then a mad dash to the toilet. Then we strolled out as we were about 45 mins early. Sorted all the bags of entertainment in the car, then back in, to check in.

We had not been waiting long and we were approached by a lovely lady. Down to the CT scanner machine, met two more great ladies. Then Immie performed like a star of her own matinee. She jumped up on the bed, turned this way then, that, let them mark her with texta (no we don't need to be tattooed or have a face mask made). Then Imogen laid as still as a statue, while we all went out of the room and I chatted to her on the speaker. It was amazing, I was so proud of our super girl. They got all the pics they needed, so we then went and grabbed a wheel chair and got wheeled over to the new cancer centre. That is were we will be having the radiation. Immie was a little worried about the wheelchair to start with and we soon discovered why, when she asked "if I sit in the chair will you have to cut my leg off" (the things kids pick up is incredible, there are quite a few kids in wheelchairs on the ward with no leg/s).

Anyway we met some more great ladies over at the cancer centre and had a ride on the table. Then on the way back Immie spotted a Tinkerbell balloon, Imogen is besotted with Tinkerbell and the movie Peter Pan, she can constantly be heard chanting "I do believe in Fairies", the lady at the radiation went back and bought it for her. How nice is that!!!!. After that the wheelchair returned, we went off to find another of Immies whim, Red rooster (did she eat any - nope) and then on to Granmas.

We then went to Spotlight, and then the Licensing centre to finally sort out my license that was stolen a while ago.

Home again, Immie need a fix of Peter Pan,

Fairy Dreams to all, remember lots of clapping and chanting "I do believe fairies" it keeps the fairies alive,

Love Us

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

We are so lucky xx

Hi all

Just wonderful counts today from the beautiful (yet grumpy at being at hospital again) girl at her clinic check up -

Platelets were up to 50 from 39 on Monday

Haemoglobin was 85 now 84

Neurophilis were up to 1.35 from 0.87 on Monday

Weight 15.6 kg up from 15.4 kg

No more potassium tablets, as the potassium levels are all fab.

No more stem cell clinic back to normal Wednesday clinic.

The doc, oncologists and nurses are amazed how great she is doing, we aren't we already knew how incredible our girl was and is.

First initial radiation appt tomorrow, maybe a cat scan to help line things up, we will have to wait to see what side of the bed Imogen wakes up on to gauge her mood and her cooperation levels for the day (lol).

Prior to that we're taking the fantastic boy Kody to Camp Quality (Subiaco) so he can go on camp to Dongara for four days - Blessing of the fleet - Hawaiian is the theme. Kody's costume is Stitch out of Lilo and Stitch the movie have to take a picture tomorrow, he has done a great job on the mask.

Going to the Ward Three B Catwalk show on Saturday to help raise money for the ward, our friend little Nicole is modelling in it can't wait to see her should be super cute.

Off to a magic show on Sunday, that Kody got tickets for from school, but unfortunately he will be away so Immie, Jason and me will be going.

Hope this reaches you all as wonderful as it leaves us,

Life's good!!!

Love Fiona and the gang

Friends and Assembly

Hi all

Kody's assembly was a hit, very funny, they sang Walk like an Egyptian then performed a play, great entertainment. They did a fabulous job. The costume's were made by Mrs Hodgson (Kody's teacher) and the students. Imogen really enjoyed watching and giggling at the assembly with me, Granma and Jason.

Though most the most exciting news for the day was when my fab, artistic and creative son, Kody arrived home with paperwork for PEAC extended learning for Art students. He has been selected by the schools Art teacher as a talented art student. In a few weeks he will have an interview with PEAC to discuss three works of his art, and then we find out if he has been accepted to the program for next year. Cross all your fingers for him, will let you know the dates when they get closer. We are so proud of him for getting selected.

Yesterday after the assembly and after popping into Immies kindy (where we found out that both Immies teacher, the lovely Mrs Barker and the teachers aid, the wonderful Mrs McDonald, both weren't there and won't be there for a little while as they have both been to hospital for ops..whats the chances!!!), we went to see Penny (immie's best buddy), her brother and sisters and the ledgers new chooks!!. Imogen thought it was wonderful, and was very cute, giving the chooks a cuddle and then held Rupert's Lizard. It was great to see them all.

Everyday away from the hospital, Immie is getting back her spunk and cheekiness. I know she is getting better from the moments and conversations we are having together. Today we had a electricity outage, it made us realise how much power we actually rely on, and it gave me and Immie time to catch up on learning every nursery rhyme. Then special playtime with Granma (as there was no distractions from phones, Internet or TV) , when I had to go to the dentist for two fillings. The clear sign Immie was feeling better the afternoon, was when she started talking about how she is getting a cat soon. Imogen has wanted a cat for a long long time, just prior to relapse we were about to get her a cat. Then the relapse kicked that idea, because of the germs and bugs cats carry. My cousin Karly has a beautiful kitten waiting for Immie, just what she has requested a black and white boy cat which she has already named Milly, that needs to arrive in a big box with a bow (a girl who knows what she wants - what a surprise!!!). We have to wait a few weeks for it to be the right age. I can't wait to see the look on her face....

Love to all

Fiona and the gang

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

Clinic Day for Blood counts

Hi Lovies

Today we had checkup clinic, I was a little anxious to see what Immie weight and counts had been doing over the last four days. We rocked up at 9.20am, got sent to blood bank, then back to the ward because she need more blood then they could access via her finger prick.

After the lovely Nurse Shirley (aka International Dora) took our blood, we waited and waited and waited, while everyone was getting a little anxious as it was taking so very long. Finally at 11.45 the results came back great!!!...Red cells - 95 Neurophilis - 0.87 (normal as they will keep fluctuating for a while) and platelets - 57, no need for any transfusions woo hoo. Immies weight had dropped a little 15.65kg on discharge - 15.55kg today. Immies potassium levels are getting better 4.5, though we still need to take the lovely orange tablets for a bit longer. After a lovely stool sample collection....yay...we got to go home about 12pm for a return visit scheduled for Thursday.

Went via Granmas and had a ng feed, then went to the shops to secure the Playdoh ice cream maker that Immie has wanted as a reward for taking the orange tablets (potassium) and not scowling at everyone (well mostly not everyone, Sorry Louise) at the hospital. Immie was really unimpressed about having to go there again (the hospital that is).

We could not find the playdoh item, and started looking at the costumes...and Im decided she wanted one of them instead and guess which one she picked out of all the cartoon characters.... a nurse costume....hey they can't have had that bad of an impression on her.

Hurray for nurses!!!

Had a relaxing weekend at home, our last with Livi before she returned to Kalgoorlie. Kody'school play tommorow wish him luck, hope this reaches you all beautiful and well xx

The Holmes Gang xx

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

Day Two at Home - Woo hoo

Hi all

Well was missing the blog updates so thought I would post how the girl and the rest of us are doing at home.

In Imogen's first night home there were a few night calls, just because she was not use to her surroundings. Yesterday Jason had the day off, to allow him to spend it with his beautiful girl.They walked Kody to school, and then took Molly to the park. When they got back home, we played some board games. Then out she went to ride around like a crazy nut on her little bike. It was like watching a puppy who has been locked away all day, and then when let out they what to look, try and discover everything all at once. Surprisingly after laying in the sun on the tramp, Immie fell asleep, and slept for three hours. Immie woke around school time, so after a quick sandpit play, it was a walk to pick Kods up and then on immie assistance a swing at the park. Home to rest just after 4pm, asleep by 5pm for the night. I went to watch "The Women" with Livi, Mum and my cousin Sharon, and Jason watched Immie and Kods.

Today we spent the morning getting ready to go to Kai's party (Immies friend from the hospital), a Halloween parity as he is born on Halloween. We had to try fit a ng feed of 200mls in before we went and Im's tummy is still not too happy. We arrived late, and Immie (and even me...) was very overwhelmed to discover it was not just Kai there, but heaps of people. We had explained to Imogen that it was a party with lots of people, though I am not sure she understood. She spent a lot of time cuddled on my knee, and sometimes ventured off to the cubby house. Then the food came out, she took a chip, tasted it and she then proceeded to chuck. After that she settled down, and had a little more play, then she came to me and told me she was ready to go as she was tired. After acquiring another few slabs of pediasure and bags for the ng tube, from Cherrie, we were then off.

I managed to put on a 200ml feed on the way home with no problems (I was very chuffed, as its been so hard trying to get Imogen's feeds to stay down). On the way home Immie did not stop yakking on, it was so refreshing as she has been very quiet this week.

After picking Kods up she quizzed him about every action on the DVD they were watching, I loved to listen to it. Then Jas arrived home and she ran outside to catch a ride down the drive way with her daddy. After Imogen cut a few flowers, it was time for baths and then falling asleep on the lounge.

Watching her at Kai's Party, today, was fun though tinged with sadness, as I watched the other beautiful girls and boys running around, with lovely long hair and not a care in the world. Just sometimes I question how could and why she has gone through all this pain in such a short life. Often when I go to sleep I dream of my beautiful 2 year old girl who had not a care in he life, besides which toy was her favourite for that day, and that cancer never existed in ours or any ones life's.

Love Fiona

P.S. We love being home and together....xxxx

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

And the day continues....We are home!!!

As I was saying before (see below)...we are home again woo hoo!!!!, we just got home again as after her dinner feed Immie chucked her tube up out her mouth - blah!!!!. Luckily when we arrived at the hospital we got the tube inserter master aka Dave, so it was down in 2 mins with no messing around. We got home at about 8.30pm, to a beautiful meal of Salmon and cous cous salad made by lovely Livi.

Anyway the radiation lady, Mandy, is going to organise for us to go to initial met up with the radiation team, and get Immie use to the whole idea, as they want to do it will no sedation or general anesthetic. The whole process takes about 5 mins and does not cause any pain. Imogen will have to do 14 sessions of radiation. Every day for approx 3 weeks, weekends off.

After that Maryanne our oncologist came to see us, Immie gave her a smile and she sorted the potassium levels out, now a tablet and non aversive version. Then said we could go home!!!. It was only when I began removing , the pictures did Immie barriers start to break down, and started talking to Carla about the people in the pictures and were we where when taken. The more pictures and decoration down the better Immie improve, soon she was off the bed getting dressed and putting her shoes on.

My incredible mum, did three trips to the car with all our stuff, and Immie and me went to get her balloon from Penny re pumped and wait for meds ( a nightmare that anyone has spent time in PMH knows). After putting in the script at 10am, the meds were ready after we picked them up at pharmacy at 2pm. Oh then my mum drove us home bliss home.

Now this is where we sit, my beautiful hubbie and me, eating chocolate, drinking wine, and chatting, giggling about today's happenings and no whirling machines....oh I love being home,

Love to all

Fiona and the Gang xx

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

We ARE HOME!!!

WOW, WE ARE HOME!!!!!!, yeap you heard it here first, after a rough night at the resort, Immie had major stomach cramps from the potassium mixed into her milk and then chuck up (and then I managed to pour the spew on her and then down the back of the recliner - talented I tell you). Immie then would not let me go. The morning Immie awoke still grumpy, but now actually wanted to go home (yippee). She was very moody all morning, though cheered up in peaks like when she saw Carla the toy lady. Im then had to have her broviac dressing change (yuck) lots of screaming and tears. Then I had a quick meeting with the radiation lady, who is going to organise someone to call us tommorrow to organise....oh crap immie just chucked her ng tube out of her mouth...of to the hospital we go again xx will finish this later if I get a chance xx Fee

Day Twenty Two

Hi fellow people,

Last night’s sleep was a little messed up, mainly because the NG tubes feeds were a bit over the top. At 2.30am after two boluses – one for lunch (80) and one for dinner (120) then night feeds of 55 mls per hour, Immie poor lil tummy exploded and she projectile vomited across the bed – nice!!. The fab night staff were very quick to clean up her bed and Immie got back to sleep ASAP. Immie woke at 5.30am complaining about how loud the pumps were (what the?), we only had one pump going which would a first in 10 days. She then went back to sleep but soon awoke to pee, and remain awake after 6.

We did a little cutting and a bit of watching tele, though Immie soon tired of all of that. She rested until Carla (the toy lady lol) arrived to play; they did a lovely box for Aunty Livi and some more colouring in. I made a skeleton with arms and legs that could be moved (how clever I am) for Halloween. We then got Immie up to look (and scowl) at the musical mat, then Carla and me took Immie for a walk to see Nurse Shell and Nurse International Dora (aka Shirley) wearing their hats that were in the shape of a lion and a tiger. After a few giggles we returned to the room, with us pretty much dragging Immie part of the way (naughty mummy and Carla).

Just after that Aunty Livi arrived to a grumpy response, and there was no way any of the docs or oncologist were getting a happy greeting (lol). I felt bad for Nurse Sarah, as we have had her for quite a few days since being here, and she has been so lovely with Immie trying to chat to her, but Immie won’t have a bar of it. She even told her the other day she did not like her (Sarah’s) head band, and Sarah removed it!!.

Immie was in a really funny mood today, when told she would be going home possible tomorrow (yeap you read it right), Imogen told us she did not want to go. I can’t imagine, how she feels and what she thinks in that little head, after coming in here feeling 100%, she is going back into the world with her self esteem and spirit a little broken (oh it makes me sad to what we have to do and what they have to go through to beat this bloody beast).

After lunch mum came in and Immie rested for a while, then proceeded to have another huge chuck....BLAH!!!, usually she feels a little better though this time after she was more grumpy. Livi was meant to stay here with her tonight as I was going to my English class, no way was Immie going to let me leave, so no English class tonight. I sit here watching my beauty sleep, and hope it brings her peace and more restfulness.

Love Fiona

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

P.S. Got to see our two pals today, Beautiful Nicole and Cath, who came in for a check up after ending up with pneumonia in Bali, argh, they went to the private hospital over there, and were treated fabulous. They had a wonderful time there, with the best service. It was such a well deserved break for them all. The one thing we have been blessed with while going through this journey is the friends of other families with kids with cancer we have met and formed incredible bonds, that is one thing we will be eternally grateful for.

P.P.S OMG I CAN”T WAIT TO GO HOME!!!!!!!, this will be our last stay ever in the PMH Resort, its killing me to stay another night, hate to whinge though as others in here have been here much, much longer, Hugs and Kisses to Mikie and Ollie

Counts –
Red cells – 82
Platelets – 46
Neurophilis – 4.37

Day Twenty One - WOW!!!

Hi

Last night’s sleep was great, Imogen awoke at 1.30am and then again at 5 am for a pee, then I slept next to her, while she patted my hair, gave me kisses and told me she loved me. No temps, no chuck ups and the feeds were put up to 42 mls an hour (a huge record).
Immie woke again the morning at 7am, a little rough then went back to sleep till about 8.30am. Then she woke up, chucked up and watched ABC kids and her favourite playschool. Carla the play therapist arrived and they began to painted bats for Halloween and a few pumpkins, Immie really enjoyed this. Just after 10am, the docs and Dr Maryanne arrived to check her out, to Imogen’s disgust (she pretty much ignored them), and she continued to colour.

After that Josh and his mum Hannah (who were here at PMH resort for treatment) arrived with a gift (always well received by our beautiful girl), of a Finding Nemo bubble blower, the two had alot of fun catching the bubbles, and Josh was very loving with a few cuddles for Immie. In amongst all this we had nurses etc. In and out with line changes and meds to change. Immie began an n.g. feed bolus (90mls over an hour), a huge defeat for someone who was only handling 10mls just a few days prior.

Just before lunch Aunty Livi arrived, with more petrol for Mummy (real coffee yummy) and then sat with Immie while I went in search of a green lollipop, two bags of starburst lollipops later and no green lollipop (even though there is one shown on the front and back of the pack – argh!!). The first food (kind of) thing Im has shown any interest in for the last fortnight. After lunch Immie went to sleep and also received another platelet transfusion, FUN!!!, which when awaking up was check for temp and had a temperature of 38.2 OMG!!!!. I think I may have jinxed it by chatting to Cherrie and saying we could come to Kai’s party on Friday. Then the temp was taken a little while later and to have found to go down YIPPEEE!!!, so it was suggested that it could have been a reaction to the platelets.

Immie has been very quite the afternoon; I think she is still exhausted from the morning’s big play. She also chucked the afternoon as I had to do mouth care (6 times daily) with her which involves getting a large cotton swab dipping it in foul mouthwash and then swabbing the back and sides of her tongue, and then covering it all with dental gel on a smaller swab which she managed to get the end off and started gagging on....BLAH!!!. Hopefully over the next few days the morphine will be gone, the antibiotics have now been turned off as she never grew anything nasty from her blood cultures and the TPN feeds (iv feeds) are finished with the ng tube feeds replacing them. We just need to wait and see how the girl goes over the next 24 hours with no antibiotic protection...and cross everything no temps arise!!!.

Love Fiona

P.S the incredible neurophilis have jumped again to a crazy 3.97...not sure what yesterday was about!!!!

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

Counts –
Red cells – 84
Platelets – 11 (transfusion)
Neurophilis – 3.97