Abigail is now 129 days post-transplant, and continues to do very well. She has been off the immunosuppressants for a while now, with no obvious side-effects. Indeed she has continued to put on some weight, has an ever increasingly red and thick head of hair as well as her usual boundless enthusiasm for most things in life. Some small side-effects of the drugs, such as increased body hair, have also abated. I'm sure that most people passing her in the street (well, if we were allowed to go into the street) would simply see her as a kid with a short hair cut.
The one giveaway to interesting times has been the ever present central venous line, however this too went on the weekend in an unscheduled visit to the hospital. It has previously been repaired, and this time managed to fail in the shower, leading to fun and games trying to clamp the lumen, clean the site and convince both girls that shower time was over and they needed to get out! The docs decided to remove the line rather than risk infection by leaving it in, so after a night in hospital she had the CVL taken out on Sunday morning. After some post-op anti-biotics she was allowed to go home. Not an ideal long weekend, and a bit of a shock to all to be back in the clink again, but it all worked out in the end.It is taking everyone a bit of time to get used to the CVL not being there, and we certainly won't miss the dressing changes and line flushes (though true to form Abi never complained about these, with the challenge getting her to sit still from fidgeting rather than complaining!). It is also a big psychological change, in that the last crutch, for us at least, has now been removed. But, in many ways, this is a nice bookend on her treatment and a good start to the new year.
Finally Christmas was a wonderful time this year, thankfully without
the drama that came a week later. As you can see dress-ups were big last year and continue to be a hit in 2010. The girls were duly spoiled by both grand parents and their aunt/uncle, so there were plenty of things to keep them occupied.Another bone marrow test awaits in a fortnight, then we may just be allowed to start venturing out into society again. Worryingly, top of both girls list is a trip to the shops. Hopefully 2010 will continue with less action than the first week, but lots of boring, mundane day to day stuff!
Happy new year to all, and we hope that you had a great Christmas.
