Radiotherapy Days 20 & 21 (12 days left to go).

That's it, Niamh had her last radiation to the spine today, no more. Phew. Tomorrow will be day 1 of 12 days of boost radiation to the original site of her tumour.

Niamh has had a lovely couple of days despite a couple of visits to the Children's Hospital. Her blood results yesterday were:

Hb: 9.2 (transfusion needed).
WCC: 3.2 (much better).
Platelets: 44 (transfusion needed, but we were relieved that they hadn't dropped too much from Friday).
Neutrophils: 2.5 (much much better).

Niamh had a platelet transfusion yesterday and a blood transfusion this afternoon.

Yesterday the community Physio and the community Occupational Therapist came to assess Niamh's needs. We were referred to both last December but we had to cancel every appointment so far as we were always back in hospital. We were pleased to make it yesterday. Niamh was so happy to show off her standing and walking with one hand only. The Occupational Therapist played with Niamh to assess her development. She felt that Niamh was doing great and didn't really need their input at this stage. They will check on her again in 4 to 6 months time. It was reassuring to hear that her development hasn't been too affected so far. The physio said that Niamh will be on the waiting list and they will give her some weekly sessions as soon as a physio is available.

This morning after treatment we went to the Radiotherapist Consultant clinic (weekly clinic). Niamh is usually asleep when we go. Today she was in full form. She showed off her standing, walked to the Consultant and held his hands, gave him lots of smiles and even blew him kisses. He was impressed. As far as the Radiotherapist Consultant is concerned, Niamh is doing great so far.

I feel that Niamh has really changed over the last few days. She is gaining confidence every day not only in her physical abilities but also with her communication. She is acting more and more like a 2, almost 3 year old. She is being cheeky, she is trying to be more independent (getting dressed, putting shoes on, etc), she gets herself more involved.

We now hope that she will keep on doing well at least till the weekend. It is Emilie's birthday on Friday and Emilie really wants her sister to make it to her party.

Picture with Caitlin was taken a couple of weeks ago when the sun was shining. The other one was on Sunday in the rain.