We're fast approaching my parents going back home and after the first week being extremely stressful with Charlie being in hospital, we have since managed to fit it lots of fun and even more latte breaks!
After our lovely trip to Palmswood, we were pleased to find out that Charlies white blood counts had recovered meaning that he didnt need to go back in for more blood tests until today so we had a small break from the doom and gloom of the hospital. He wasnt very happy when we turned up at the hospital for his blood taking this morning and screamed that he didnt want to go. However, he was very brave and sat patiently whilst they took his blood as he knew it had to be done. Whilst writing this blog, I have just received a call from the Oncolgy dept to say that his counts are too low to go ahead with the planned Lumbar Puncture and chemo tomorrow so yet another delay in his treatment.
Anyway,back to the positive times we've recently had between Charlie's stages of treatment.
Thomas came home from school last Monday beaming. He had been awarded the class merit for being caring and thoughtful towards others and for trying hard. We were so proud of him and having this acknowledgement from his teacher was very touching.
Last Friday we spent a lovely day at the beach whilst Thomas was at school and Paul at work and mum and me have been busy shopping for birthday gifts for the boys-I cant believe Thomas is going to be 6 and Charlie 3!Where does the time go? More importantly its my birthday first though!
Last weekend we took mum and dad into Brisbane centre where they were surprised to see a man-made beach by the river banks. Thomas soon got his swim shorts on and was in the "sea" whilst Charlie sat and had a dig in the sand. We then had a trip on the City Cat which took us on a trip from one side of the river to the other and we had a bite to eat and a stroll round the city before going home as Charlie was now fast asleep from all the excitment.
Paul and myself snook away for a couple of hours and went for a walk up Mount Cootha on Saturday which was very relaxing considering the last time we tried it, we had 2 moaning boys in tow and didnt get very far! This time we made it to the top in half an hour and felt great for doing so. Having my folks around really has been great as its given us the odd hour here or there to do something-even if its just the shopping which I cant normally do as Charlies counts are usually too low to take him with me.
Unfortunatley the weather has been a little wet this past week (we really needed it but not whilst mum and dad were out here). Its limited what we can do,which I'm sure you can all appreciate living in those kinds of conditions most of the time, but we hope it picks up in time for Saturday as we had planned an early birthday celebration for Thomas whilst his grandma and grandad are here.We didn't wanted Charlie's health to impact on Thomas's birthday but after the recent hospital admission, we know only too well how unpredictable it can be. I put it to Thomas that he could have a party with friends or have it with his grandparents on the beach and I'd get him an extra gift.He chose the latter of course!!
I overheard Thomas and Charlie talking yesterday and Thomas asked Charlie what his port in his chest was for. Charlie replied "to put needles in at the hospital". Thomas then showed him his ankle bone and said "I've got a port here Charlie!" knowing only too well that it isnt but trying to make his little brother feel better about having one. (My mum reckons Charlie will be a medical genius when he starts school if he can answer questions like that at 2)!
So it's only 4 days until my parents leave and I'm feeling a little apprehensive about it. Not knowing when I'll see them next and the enjoyment both they and the boys have had spending quality time together makes me feel the same guilt I had when we first left for Oz. The invaluable help we have had from them during Charlie's time in hosptial has made me question what we'll do when he gets admitted again. I will now have to get my butt back into gear and do the school run as dad has been taking on that roll for the past 3 weeks! You forget all the simple things that make a big difference to your life (especially when you have kids) when its there everyday but appreciate them so much more when they're gone.
Hopefully it wont be too long til they visit again and at least we'll all have great memories of the time they spent here these past few weeks.
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