Well hello people!!! Did the Big Fella bring you all you wanted? He did here in the main I’m happy to say, just to have spent it with the kids was enough this year, and to top it all off I got a chocolate orange ;) I did find it very emotional though, might not come as a surprise to some! Doesn’t take much these days I suppose.

Right, to pick up from where I left off last time.......check up at Alder Hey went well. Cerys has lost some weight though, so we’re trying to build her up even more by pushing the food ever so gently, and giving her more than the usual bagful overnight, feels like I’ve got a newborn to get up and feed when I’m stumbling to put up a new bag of milk at 1am!! Apart from that, she’s still doing well, and they’ve reduced her anti-rejection even more. At this rate, we’ll be off it completely in another 5 weeks, and they talked about having her lines removed then, however, I’m not convinced she’ll be ready for the gastro peg to come out, as at the moment, we’re supplementing her with nearly a thousand calories daily. I cannot wait for that time she comes out of theatre though, and I can give her a big huge squeezy hug, without fear of hurting her or catching a line in over 8 months =) =) =) They’re also going to do another bone marrow biopsy that day too, whilst she’s under, so they’ll have a better idea of what’s going on, would be good to get some positive signs of nice healthy bone marrow for 2010 please!! She has done well over the holidays though, little bit of dry skin and dodgy tummy, but it’s certainly not stopped her. We’re back again on the 4th January.

I am so so so pleased with the pictures from the photographer, he’s done a really good job. Here’s my favourite. Apologies for the poor quality, but I don’t have a scanner, will have to ask Mam if she could give it a try for me.


And some pics from Santa at the Buckley.....



Right, the main event!!!! Kids got themselves in a crackin tizz, and I don’t think Iwan’s eyes have ever shut so tightly as they did when I put him in bed on Christmas Eve! They slept until gone eight in the morning however, but that meant they had super energy for the day!!!! Both were spoilt rotten, thanks to all for the gifts, cards and best wishes for them both xx
New PJ's for Christmas Eve....


The kids go some new coats from Matthew and Liza, and Cerys looked so pretty and healthy in hers, couldn't help but shed a tear, but a happy one.

We went to Grandma's for Boxing day, think the kids were a bit tired and overwhelmed though, and wanted to keep themselves to themselves, so we tried figuring out Iwan's new DS game....well the kids did!!!

The three sisters made light work of Grandma's trifle......wonder how much they'll shout at me for this!!

And a very grown up looking Cerys in her new Hannah Montana clothes =)

Loads more pics but won't bore with you them all!! We're having a lazy day today, kids playing shop at the moment with the new Cherry Blossom Store Nain and Taid bought them, although I'm tempted to kick them out into the garden in a mo and watch the Dr Who special I still havent seen *cackles* Anyone want the last Quality Street????

Just a Sunday night quickie.....

to tell you the pics turned out fabulous! I am so pleased with them, the photographer got some really good shots, and I pick up some of the ones i've chosen on Wednesday *woohoo!* Mam and Dad have also said they'd buy me a canvas print of the kids as a Christmas pressie too, but that won't be ready until after the new year. I adore my pics, and it feels like some sort of closure to the year (sorry to get all psychobabbly on people!) to have proper pictures of both children healthy (touch wood) and mainly, smiling, and happy =) probably doesn't make sense at all, but I know what I mean!! Don't know how I can manage it, but I'll try and post some on here when I get them on Wednesday.

Saturday also went well....one of the presenters from the local radio station here on Anglesey had arraged for Cerys to visit a Grotto and see Santa, and both her and Iwan loved it!! Any one local should definately try and go to the Buckley Hotel in Beaumaris, the staff were so good,the Elf in particular, and I think Santa shed a little tear...soppy old sausage he is!!!!! Anyhow, the pictures are on Mam's camera, so will try and get hold of them this week too. In the meantime, I have to do an interview on the radio tomorrow morning YIKES!!!! It'll be a challenge on a Monday morning anyhow!

Back to clinic in the morning, lots of cards to deliver, and best wishes for 2010 for many friends still there. Hopefully the snow will be kind and it won't take the three of us all day!!! Happy Sunday to everyone, much kisses x

Where does the time go?!!!

Hello world, just popping my head out of the bubble to update again =)

Hope the children and I find everyone happy and healthy, so many colds and bugs going around at the moment, I'm wondering if this isolation thing is the way forward ;) although I sure could do without the swine flu jab yearly!!
Freezing here too, think winter has well and truly set in, although we've had a few nice crisp days where we've been able to get out for a walk and some fresh air.

Health wise we're still doing well, Iwan seems to be growing and growing, and learning and learning. Need to seriously think about putting him back in school after Christmas I think. Cerys is still doing well, weight was down ever so slightly, not enough to be concerned about. They reduced her anti-rejection further, and this has meant some Graft - versus - Host, which they warned us about, but so far it's not overly bothering her, just some dry skin and few aches. The aches aren't stopping her really, she's still zooming around the place, and she was used to eczema before chemo, so a slight version now is a drop in the ocean to her, although chemo seems a bit drastic to cure it!! We're hoping the GVH is a good thing, and will hopefully see off any persistant cancer cells, not that they found any, but it'd be a double-double safety if you like, so we're more than happy to put with it for a few weeks.

Right, what have we been up to........OUR TREE IS UP!!!!!!!!!!! Although in true Bryn Ifor style, that was a drama in itself!!! Jon couldn't find our old one (no, of course he hasn't misplaced it!) so I had to make a last minute dash to buy one, whilst everyone else was disinfecting the baubles!! We finally made it anyhow, and it looks very nice even if i do say so myself =) however, a couple of weeks in, and all the chocolate decorations have vanished somewhere.....probably with the old tree somewhere ;)





Now as we're in isolation still, we've not been able to go and see any decorations anywhere, or even make a visit to any of the Santa's grottos around here. I was feeling a bit down in clinic the other week, and telling my good friend Liz this, but looking at the positive as always, it's only for a year, and well worth the sacrifice. You can then imagine the delight when she rang me to say she had arranged a day at a local (to them!) childrens centre, where they could make christmas crafts,play in the sports hall (it's been months since they were alowed in soft play!!) and she'd even arranged for Father Christmas himself to be there!!!So on Tuesday morning, I put two curious children in the car (hadn't told them where wewere going) and we headed off to www.chilrensadventurefarmtrust.org where the lovely Jenny was waiting for us. We visited some animals, made some christmas decorations(now some of my most treasured possessions) played in the ball pools, bouncy castle, danced in the party room, put on a show, and saw Santa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was pure magic, and I got extremely emotional seeing them both just being normal children, and having fun, running around and getting excited. I was expecting Iwan to be nervous of seeing Father Christmas, but he waltzed inand talked him to sleep I think!!! He didn't quite get the idea that the gift he received wasn't the only one he'dget, so was upset there wasn't a safripark in there, but think he gets it now! We really had the most magical day, the staff were amazing,and I can never thank them enough. The smiles on their faces say it all =)







This is our wonderful friend Liz who organised it all...

the man himself.....

and it left them both shattered,so they tried a snooze in the relaxing light therapy room...

Anyhow, that's basically it for now....we're having haircuts later as Nain has booked us a portrait session for tommorow, which I'm looking forwards to, although choosing the pictures will probably take me most of the afternoon!

A few friends are having a tough time at the moment, and I wish I could make it better for them. Sometimes life isn't fair, and I still haven't figured out why, but hugs to those who need them, and phone is always on.

Will be back before Christmas, as I hope to have nice pictures to share, and possibly some nice news about Saturday too ;)

IIIIIIIIT'S CHRIIIIIIIIISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

Well nearly anyhow! It's finally December and time to think about Christmas already. As "unusual" as this year has been, I can't believe we're here already, and can't believe the year we've had. Still undecided as to whether it was a horrific year, or a wonderful one!The optimist in me will call it wonderful I guess?! And besides, onwards and upwards to Christmas........

I've started Christmas shopping, kids have given us a surprisingly short list each, and I'm not convinced Iwan realises he can more than one gift, so he'll be quite happy with the safari park he wants then ;) Tree isn't up yet, but we've neglected the Sunday Roast of late as my Mam has started a new job that involves her working on a Sunday. However, she's off this weekend, so we will put the decorations up whilst Nain and Taid are here to help ;) I have also tried to think of a good alternative to going out to a grotto to see the big fella himself, and my friend recommended a website where you can get personalised video messages, so will show them that on sunday too =)

Health wise, Cerys is doing grand, still looking better (you wouldn't believe the hair now! it's beautiful!) and gaining weight. She still has the overnight feed, but there is a drastic changein her appetite, and she's grazing more or less all day long. Costing me a fortune, and I'm forver making a sarnie or warming up some soup, but it's so worth it to see her looking so well, and enjoying to eat once again =) The consultants have decided she's doing so well in fact, that they've reduced her dose of anti-rejection. This has meant that we've had a little bit of skin problem because of the graft-versus-host peeping through, but this is a gradual reaction we were hoping for, to hopefully prevent the Big-L coming back, to zap it once and for all!!! She's not at all bothered by it though, and is going from strength to strength. Iwan is also doing good, completely out of nappies, so no more babies in this house!! He's even trying to pinch her DS which causes arguements, but it's all good =)

That's about it for now, I'm aware I don't want to bore people with too many pics or stories of craft activity, our schedule is pretty repetative at the moment,but once the anti-rejection has finished, that should be more relaxed apparently. huge congratulations to our good friend Abbi, who's chimerism results came back as 100% donor - just the news we wanted!

Huge hugs and cuddles to everyone, speak soon x

Where did October go?

Good Morning World=) Hope we at Bryn Ifor find you mainly well,lots of bugs and colds going around at the moment, lots to be said for closing yourself in ;)

We are doing ok =) The results of Cerys's chimerism came back at 100% Jon's marrow already, which is really early, but wonderful news. She hasn't needed any kind of blood product since, which is quite a different concept for us!! She's off one of the anti-rejection drugs too, which has lead to a rapid growth of the hair, no more peachy head!!! She's also started eating much better over the past couple of weeks, after a very wobbly start, and weighed in at her heaviest ever yesterday at 17.5 kilos =) They are both getting bored and frustrated at home, and taking a bit to keep occupied, but needs must, still far to early to take her anywhere really. Lots of painting, DVD's and making dens!!

We're stil enjoying everyday normal life, and just when I relax a little, something brings me backdown to earth with a bump, and reminds me just what we've been dealing with. We got the sad news yesterday that our transplant buddy had passed away. Seems completely non-sensical that Cerys was a frail little five year old, and just waltzed out of her suite after three weeks, and the strapping 17 year old lad in the room next door could have just about the worst time possible. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones, I can only imagine the huge gap he's left behind. Rest in Peace mate xx

Anyhow, normal life here thankfully, and what have we been up to? Well, may be boring for some, but will add some pictures about our recent adventures. Firstly in October was Grandma's birthday, of course, cake and singing...... It's nice to be able to spend some time together as a family, the kids love having people over for a roast on a Sunday, and Iwan has found someone his own size to play with ;) That's actually Cerys, but you know what I mean!! We also are able to go to Grandma's for lunch every now and again (the bungalow looks fab btw!!) We also have the odd walk, and watch the odd film, make the odd mess..... Jon and I went to a Charity do for Alder Hey a couple of weeks ago too, bit posh for me, but we coped ;) He dusted out his dickie bow, and even gave a speech to everyone about the difference their money made, which I'm sure made people dig deeper, and they estimated that £12,000 pounds was raised. Good times! Here's a pic of Jon in his finery (there isn't a decent one of me, must have looked like a tramp ;) ) Fireworks were a bit wet here, and we couldn't go to a display this year, we did try to have a few at home, but got rained off after ten minutes unfortunately, but the hotdogs we had were nice ;) Cerys loved them...... See if you can spot Iwan!!!! So all in all, we're ok!!! Still back to clinic every fortnight, and starting to think about Christmas, eck!!!! Going to try and leave you with a video which hopefully will make you smile....Hope everyone is ok, would love some feedback. Kisses and cuddles to all those who need them =)

Surprise!!

Can I sneak in un-noticed I wonder? Has everyone forgotten about us?!!!!

Hopefully not, but I do apologise for not keeping up with this in recent months. To be honest, it's been a very difficult thing to maintain, even though initially I thought it'd be quite a theraputic thing to do. We all know how much I like to talk ;) However, I found myself wanting to keep away from being too public about things, so have left it be for a while, and also haven't wanted to just moan moan moan at every opportunity, you know that's not me ;)But I do apologise for retreating slightly. Was strange how protective I felt of both my children and myself, suppose hiding away was a coping stategy. I have taken plenty of pictures through out her treatment, so she has a record for when she's older and if she gets curious. I wont post them on here, again, I feel very protective of them, and not ashamed of them, but they show an experience very personal to the battle Cerys and I faced, so will keep them more private for the time being.

However, we are now back home...one New Bone Marrow better off, and even though it's very early days, already it has made such a difference. I am sat in my own house, whilst they both chill =)

She had a really tough time with the chemo, far worse that I know I was ever expecting, and it kept her in hospital for far longer than we thought too. The bravery and courage and strength of spirit she showed humbled me to the core, and I will always think twice before feeling sorry for myself when my head is hurting ever again. How I have raised such a strong little girl is way beyond my comprehension, and I now have a sneaking feeling there must be some sort of magical force behind it!! In fact, I'm ashamed to say it seems to be the case that she kept me sane throughout it all, rather than me providing her with care!!

Anyhow, after three months of chemotherapy and ten sessions of radiotherapy ( an experience in itself!! The staff at clatterbridge took quite a liking to her, even bought her a bagful of gifts when she'd finished)she had a Bone Marrow Transplant on the 17th of August. It all went really really well, with only a few of the side effects they'd warned us about, and no-way through did it look like she'd need the intensive care we'd been warned about. Alder Hey are now advising new patients that the Cerys way is the way to do it ;) The staff were wonderfully supportive, and helped to keep spirits up, and thanks to all those who came to see us, and to those who bought us cards, gifts, and just generally asked after her.

I found it very difficult to be seperated from Iwan so long, and when Jon bought him up so the pair of us could stay the night together in mac house, sod's law decided I'd end up with suspected swine flu!! Could not believe it!!! But it all passed fairly well, and on the 7th of September, I drove my baby girl home with a much lighter heart than I had when I drove her in.

It's now nearly a month since we came home, and apart from a little bit of nausea, she's remained fairly healthy. My kitchen is very much like Boots, and I'm dab hand at all the medicines and dressings! The hospital have just switched us to bi-weekly checks rather than the weekly ones, and first looks at her marrow now look good. We should have a better idea of what's going on in about ten days time when we get the full results back, and I'm presuming we take it from there. Her counts have remained consistant though, and she's even made her own blood for the first time since last June. Both her and Iwan are going a little stir crazy indoors, but we're trying to make things out of play dough and do a bit of painting and cooking, and we've had a couple of friends over to play so far.

So basically that was it!! Well, so far anyhow. I was expecting to relax a little when I'd got her home, but there's still that feeling of uneasy inside for a little while I think. It was far harder than I ever thought, and not for one minute did I expect to feel such highs and such lows. It was a very lonely and isolating yet frustrating experience, as well as humbling, as the children who are facing this really are the most amazing people I've ever met. I've made some lifelong friends who we love dearly, and met some people who haven't had the chance to follow the same path as we have, doesn't even bear thinking about. It will probably take a good while to come to terms with it all, that is if nothing else is thrown at us!!! But at the moment, we're just enjoying a taste of normal everyday life =) It's kinda bliss!!!!

There's so much moreI could write, it's been such a rollercoaster six months, but the main thing is, we're hopefully on the homeward stretch.

Cerys, I am unbelievably proud of you. You have shown such strength and pure joy throughout, made me feel ashamed for every tear I cried. You really are wonderful, and if anyone deserves to live happily ever after, it's you sweetheart. Here's hoping we did it baby =)

We've shifted......

Good evening from Wales :) although Cerys is still in Liverpool with Jon :(

She's had a really good couple of days, where's she's basically been the old Cerys :D Her appetite seems to be returning albeit very slowly, and she's still very thin, but it's great to see her laughing and joking and teasing again. Iwan came up to see her yesterday too, and they both had tea together (melted my heart I tell ya!) and the Doctors now think her temperatures could just be down to the fact that she's got no white cells at the mo, so basically, if that settles, we've got a chance of getting her home for a few days, and the Consultant this morning has told us we'll have at least a couple of days, which will just be heaven. Our next hurdle is Wednesday, when she's having a bone marrow aspiration, and Lumber Puncture, which will hopefully show she's in remission, so please everyone keep everything crossed, touch wood, pray or do whatever your thing is, for us!!!!! The transplant has been provisionally booked for the first week in July too.........so ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!!!!!

Night 18 in the Alder Hey house........

and we're officially bored and narked off!!

Although still a little poorly, Cerys has decided the novelty has worn off being in hospital now. We're still here as she's had slight temperatures, they're concerned that the infection won't clear as they don't know 100% what it is (they've sent a test down to London if you please!) so they are still keen to be keeping an eye on her. She's generally well, although was down yesterday, which was down to the sedative she had to reinsert a nasal feeding tube I think. Her hair has also started to fall out, so we had to a serious discussion about that. We've skirted around the issue before, but now reality has hit home I suppose. Even on a down day, Cerys being Cerys, has decided that when it grows back, she'd like it black and curly, so we're going to see what we can do! She's decided she'd prefer to wear hats as opposed to bandanas, although I'm trying to badger home the message that she will be beautiful regardless, I'm sure she'll take it on board!!

So anyhow, yes, she's now receiving supplementary feeds too, as she's not eating very well. Barney and Anti Beryl noticed a difference in her today, so fingers crossed she'll get some meat onto her bones again in the next couple of days. She has also been scanned til the cows come home, we have pictures to show Miss Jones in school :) so we know that she's generally well!!! She's been to school today too, and some of her artwork has been placed on the wall by the enterance to the ward. I'll take a pic and post it when I get home.

Iwan is also doing well, although he has a cold, so can't come in for a few days. he now apparently doesn't like breakfast either, only Yorkshire puddings, which is worrying, but being three, he's entitled to these decisions I suppose!!!!!

Everyone at home is pulling together and helping each other out. My friends have been wonderful, and so supportive. I don't know what I'd do without any of them.
I'm going to pester the Docs for a more certain date for going home tomorrow too, so will try and keep you all informed. So that's the past few days in a nutshell. Chemo sucks, the boredom and solitude sucks, but getting a few steps closer to the end rocks.

What a few weeks..........

Right, have finally remembered my password, and got a second to update everyone!

Everyone probably knows we're at Alder Hey :( It all started when Cerys came home form Nain's screaming with pains in her legs, and after a night with no sleep, we took her into the hospital, who sent us here exactly two weeks ago today. They Diagnosed Acute myeloid leukemia, and she was given a Central line to start immediate chemotherapy. Since then we've had ten days worth of chemo, and when they hinted at us being allowed home, they found an infection in one of the three lines going into her central line, so we're still here!!! We're all going a little stir crazy too, she's bored, and wants to play with some other kids, and Jon is like a bear....no, not with a sore head, a bear with no bike I think!!!! So I'm sending him home for the sake of all our sanity again today.

So we're one load of chemo done, hopefully the temperature will remian stable over the next few days, and they have now inserted a feeding tube that will let us build her up calorie wise. Wish I had the same problem, my waistline has definately suffered by at least an inch!!!! We're all trying to stay upbeat, but we're missing home now, and longing for some normality before the second lot of chemo starts.

Cerys is amazing, she's been so brave, and has has smiled through mostly everything. She's been entertaining other children, and telling younger ones that there's nothing to be scared of. She's even been making me laugh when she's been hurting, and to say I'm proud of her is the biggest understatement of the naughties. She managed to have a good birthday too, and managed to play outside before the rain started! Iwan has also been a trooper, and has been good for Nain.

That's it in a nutshell!!! We want to go home, and can't wait to be normal again. Thanks to everyone for the messages of support, my friends and family are keeping me going, and I owe them all hugely. I do have some pics that I'm not really sure if I want to post on Facebook - Is it appropraite you think? so will post them here when I get home.

Speak soon
XXX

In the middle of all the sunshine.......

I need to update everyone!! Not that there's much to update!!!! No news off the hospital yet, will be having to give them a ring by the end of the week if we haven't heard anything, but will keep you up to date. The weather has mainly been lovely, so we've spent plenty of time outside, nice to feel the sun against your skin!!





Iwan had a good third birthday (thanks for cards etc) We had a lovely Thomas cake, he had four pieces hehe and was spoiled rotten. He is fascinated by the cards this year, and has sat for hours "reading" them, very very cute!!! Here's some pics of the day. (the cake has already been cut in the pic because we cut it in the school)



Then last Sunday, we decided to have a day out, both to celebrate his birthday, and to try and spend some time together as a family before our hard slog, so we all piled in the car and had the lovliest day at Knowsley. Iwan loved seeing the animals, Cerys loved telling us what she'd learnt about some of the animals at school, we had a lovely picnic, and all had a go on the funfair!!!! We were all knackered, but had such a good day :o)
Smarty Pants!!

This is Iwan showing how a Giraffe has a long tall neck...

My favourite animals from the day, and it's my blog :P

Grandma got a bit cold during lunchtime...

And I had to take a picture of this because Cerys wanted to show her teacher that this elephant only had one tusk

We had to of course do the face painting.......

And whilst Iwan opted for the gentle option .........

Cerys was gutted to be too small to fit on some of the bigger rides!!!


And he studied this book all the way home :)

So we're in the school holidays now, and enjoying the lazy mornings, bliss!! I'm not sure how much school Cerys will get in before treatment starts, but I know I have plenty to do before then!! Everyone is keeping ok here, Carolyn has just had a new kitchen fitted. I haven't seen it yet, but apparently it's lovely. Bathroom next step I think. Christine and Allan are staying with her this Saturday night I think too.

Hope everyone ok in the Cheshire set? Was good to see Dan and Nigel recently, sorry Melissa couldn't make it. Will have to have a proper family together once things are more settled here, because I promise there will be one hell of a party when we get to the other side!!!!

Well hello Blog :o)

Lots to tell you, as it's been a busy few weeks! Cerys had her bone marrow aspiration done a couple of weeks ago, which unfortunatley showed there was a deterioration, although not a massive difference. We went back to the hospital yesterday, and basically, they've decided to do the Transplant sooner rather than later. There's a few reasons for this. Firstly, she's still quite healthy now, even though her marrow is showing signs of stress, and the fact she's healthy means she'll be stronger and more receptive to treatment. Also, she's young, it won't disrupt her schooling too much, and at the moment she's taking it all in her stride, and has accepted it all. So, before we DO find something nasty in the marrow, we're going to fix it, so it works by itself!!!

It's probably going ot move quickly, and the next step now will be for her to have a central line inserted so they can administer medicine, and take blood without have to put a pin in her every time its needed. They are also going to do a biopsy on her ovaries, as it's quite likely she'll be left sterile after the treatment is finished, so we're going to look at options relating to that with a surgeon from the Women's Hospital. When the central line is healed, she'll start a single dose of Chemotherapy, and a short course of Radiotherapy, which will kill off the existing marrow she has. During this time, Jon will be sent to the Royal in Liverpool to have some of his bone marrow removed, and that'll be processed ready for the transplant to take place.

So then we transplant!!! The side effects aren't going to be plesant, and we are going to be in isolation for approximately four weeks if she responds well to the transplant and doesn't pick up any infections of course, then we may be allowed home, with strict limitations of course. And the idea then is we'll expose her gradually to the outside world I suppose!! She'll be off school for six months hopefully, and I've told work I'll be off for six months too, so fingers crossed by Christmas, we'll be on the home stretch, and just looking forward.

Apart from that we've not much to report!!! I need to get things ready for Iwan's birthday tomorrow now. Can hardly believe he's three already!!! We're having a small party at school for him, and the lot of us are off to the safari park on Sunday, so will have loads of pics hopefully!! I have loads of work to do before finishing for Cerys's treatment too, so can't promise to do this more regularly, but the isolation unit at the hospital allow internet access, so I'm sure when we're looking for things to pass the day, I'll be doing daily updates! Maybe using it as therpy too, as well as keeping people updated.

I have rambled enough for now, and you know me, I can ramble all night if I'm left to it! I will keep you posted, but right now, my Jimjams are calling!!!
Speak soon,
Mel
XXX

We are here!!!!

Gosh its been a while since I updated this! Apologies to those waiting for news, it's actually blissful that we don't have too much to report, YEY!!!!!

Right, Cerys first? We had a decent appointment with Alder Hey recently. Her levels are continuing to do as they have done, and they are happy to keep monitoring her and topping her up as and when she needs it. She had another transfusion at the beginning of Febuary, but they are going to do another aspiration on the Marrow on the 18th March, and I think we'll have a better idea of any deterioration then. As long as she hasn't deteriorated quite drastically, I think they are happy to delay the transplant for a while. We have also found that Jon is a match for her tissue type, and apparently this is very very rare, so we have ourselves a little miracle!! It means that when the time does come and she needs the stem cells, then Jon can be the one to donate. She's keeping well really, she only had one unit the last time they transfused, so is going to need another soon, but touch wood, she is keeping free from bugs and infections by some small miracle. Here she is after a pamper session she had as a treat after the latest pin-cushion-ing at the hospital.

Right, some pics for you.... We had snow, but not too much (enough really in my opinion ;) )The kids loved it, but Iwan conceeded and wore his gloves for once!!


This is a pic of the day of the Wales V England match, which we won just in case you didn't know hehehehe

Iwan is in his big-boy bed now, an eneventful occassion, didn't batter an eyelid!!! But it does mean he can get at his toys in the morning without waking me up, so it's this kind of thing that greets me in the morning now!!!

SO that's it really, won't bore you with the small details!!! Carolyn is having the bungalow re-wired, and walls demolished, so she is living in a bit of a mess, MUST take some pics for you. Everyone else is keeping well, we must arrange a get together soon?

Hope all is well, take care
xxx
Mel