Hickman Line
We had a good week at home, with Skye being on pretty good form. Apart from the constant monitoring and attention that he requires, it has seemed like a normal existence. The reality of him not being able to walk unaided is obviously something which are having to manage and address on a daily basis, and Sally has done a remarkable job with some more classic foot 'art'. Just when you think the day is coming to an end and quietening down, it is all change following a late night vomit, with sheets, duvets, pyjamas, going into the washing machine and Skye into the bath. But, he is doing so well and is great company! Skye has become increasingly sceptical about visiting the hospital, having had to go in and have bloods taken and / or GCSF injections on pretty much a daily basis since being at home. Yesterday morning, Skye underwent his 4th GA in 3 weeks. It doesn't get any easier, sending him under. He remembers so much about coming round after his 1st surgery. "They told me I was on a train, but I wasn't, I was on my bed!" This time to insert his Hickman Line, Bone Marrow Aspiration, Lumbar Puncture, and Vascular Catheter.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f80273e4b0c80880f13246/1394013951035-UC0LGZ9H1J2ZUKRTJ8QH/IMG_2178.JPG" alt="Hickman Line - vascular catheter inserted directly into the heart to maximise flow of drugs around the body." />
Hickman Line - vascular catheter inserted directly into the heart to maximise flow of drugs around the body.
Surgery again went according to plan and he recovered well in the following hour. They then harvested stem cells, a four hour process of taking blood, separating it, and putting it back in. They performed a second harvest today, and now have an excess bank of stem cells should they be needed at any time over the next 10 years. Again, he has coped admirably with blood being pumped in and sucked out of him! Any nurse or doctor that tries to 'touch his pipes', gets firmly told to 'STOP IT'!
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52f80273e4b0c80880f13246/1394014016602-N173ZLOBP29GNZ3KHLQV/IMG_2176.JPG" alt="Skye has always had an interest in pipes - so thought he was in heaven with so many to play with!" />
Skye has always had an interest in pipes - so thought he was in heaven with so many to play with!
He is comfortably ensconced in his new cubicle on Kamran's Ward where he will remain for the duration of his 1st phase chemotherapy, which starts tomorrow (all being well). Overnight tonight they are testing his Renal Function, by inserting dye into his system and assessing absorption and flow rate. If all is well, we kick off with Methotrexate and Vincristine in the morning. Tonight we received the good news that his bone marrow is clear of any malignant cells! There is still an enormous unreality about the whole situation. The medical staff have been incredibly patient listening to and answering our plethora of questions. The expertise of the medical team is self evident and we know we are in the best possible place to receive Skye's treatment. It was lovely to sit and watch him interacting with his teacher this afternoon. (full time teacher working for the NHS and Oxfordshire County Council - looking after the educational needs of the young children on the ward, by staying in contact with his class teacher at school and keeping him up to speed). He is bright and sparky, demonstrating a really 'cheeky' sense of humour, which comes out in their discussions. He is very relaxed in her company, which is great to see. We are so proud of him!