Round one done

Ellen has nearly completed her first course of Retinoic Acid. She has had very few side effects with only a bit of dry skin. She is very well, talking more and more and getting much stronger. We have had no problems with her new Hickman line however, she did manage to pull her nose tube out in a rather full lift much to the suprise of our fellow passengers!

New Hickman Line

Ellen's new Hickman line was put in yesterday morning. It was all very straight forward. Lets hope it stays in this time! We have started the Retinoic acid this morning for two weeks. Ellen is still enjoying life and is already looking forward to Christmas....

Retinoic acid

Ellen is doing really well. She has been enjoying her new found freedom without her Hickman line. Sadly she is having another one put in on Tuesday. She will then start her Retinoic acid. This will be twice a day for two weeks followed by a two week break for six cycles. We will give this at home so hopefully no need to stay in hospital! The main side effect will be dry and pealing skin mainly on the face. We have been assured that this will not hurt her but will look somewhat unsightly. It is lucky Ellen is so little and will hopefully not care.

Just waiting..

Ellen has recovered well from the radiotherapy. She has been a bit tired and had some rather impressive tantrums but is eating well and continuing to put weight on. We are now just waiting to find out when her retinoic acid will start. We have been given a few weeks off so we are making the most of it. We went away for the weekend with a group of friends and are off to Dorset for a mini holiday tonight. Unfortunately Ellen managed to pull her Hickman line out this weekend. This was a bit of a shock and resulted in a rather rapid drive to the hospital but thankfully no harm was done. However, Ellen now has to have another one put in; yet another general anaesthetic!