Nose tube

Ellen's nose tube is now OUT! It has been in continuously since Ellen was first admitted to hospital some fifteen months ago. It has been used to give Ellen's medicines and for over night feeds. Since it came out (only six days ago) Ellen's quality of life has improved no end. She seems to have grown in confidence and as the above photo shows she is now eating a bit more and has put on half a kilo in weight over the past month. For me, it is such a relief as it means that when we are out people no longer stare at us and for once I can have a normal conversation with other parents and do not have to explain that Ellen has had cancer etc. etc. etc.

We have also granted Ellen her long standing wish of a cat. As if life was not hectic enough!

Steady as she goes......

It is three weeks since Ellen finished her treatment. All things considered (a new baby brother, a consequently rather tired mother, a father in marathon recovery) she is doing very well. We have been pretty busy going to toddler groups, going to Dorset for a mini break, visiting the swings and slides, the Safari park, the farm and the Library. We have even been to a few parties. Despite all this fun, Ellen still has her NG tube in for overnight feeds and remains quite anaemic narrowly avoiding a blood transfusion last week. We are taking things slowly but we are certainly in a better place than we were a few weeks ago.

A poem

This is a poem written by Holly that her Mum found today. A timely reminder of what an amazing person she was.

I may be ill and have little hair
But everything you have to bear
Coz if you don't you wont get through a single day
Watching hours tide away
This past year has gone so quick
Watching the clock, tick tock tick
To all the friends I've met on the way
Just be happy day by day
Look to the future, don't look back on the past
Always be positive and time will go fast