What Next?

Only one day to go until radiotherapy finishes for Leo and this evokes very mixed feelings in all of us, for all sorts of reasons. Relief, but fear also for what the future holds. Not just in terms of the cancer itself, but what long term damage has this highest dose of radiation to the brain and right eye done? PJ and I have sanctioned this treatment but with little other options on the table expect for one, and we won't go there. What about all the problems with possible memory issues, sight issues, stroke issues, further cancer issues as a direct result? On the other hand, we're mightily relieved that Leo has been such a brave and strong-willed boy during this time as it's seen him through (and seen us through) some very dark days indeed. Leo's energy is still full-on, almost as though not only are they giving him Red Bull, but also I reckon they fit him with Super-Ultra-Mega Duracell batteries each and every day!

He does have another staph infection; about his sixth, but hey, who's counting? And what's a staph infection amongst friends? And what other cliches can I think of? So since Monday, Leo's required more IV antibiotics and has even been pushing his own drugs since Sunday. When he had his lines 'flushed' with saline and heparin on discharge from the chemo, the nurse asked if Leo wanted to do it. Amazingly, he nodded and did it himself with her standing by. He's 3! Is he just completely institutionalised now? Regardless, we're proud of him and think he's coping way better than we are.

The infection may hold up our return back to Bristol and a planned recuperation weekend at my parent's cottage, but we're yet to find out if the anti-biotics are doing what we need them to do.

Who knows what's next but then doesn't the same apply to all of us? Who knows what tomorrow can bring as this year is testament to? I only came back for my bowel operation and hysterectomy with the boys coming back to see me and all very last minute too. We've ended up having to up roots back to a city we pro-actively left not long before for a wide variety of reasons. So if we can get through this type of madness, we can pretty much get through anything, can't we?