We have been in and out a few times over the last week for blood tests and appointments with the doctor. Unfortunately...or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, platelets are taking a little longer to get to the required level than normal (what ever that is). They have to be at 75 before he can have his 'end of consolidation' lumber puncture and bone marrow aspirate. So, whilst it delays the start of Interim Consolidation, Mitch is really enjoying the break. He is loving not having chemo or taking meds and has put on almost 2kgs over the past fortnight.
The long weekend was a highlight as he was able have mates over for a swim and muck around. It was great to see the banter and interaction with his friends, who really just saw Mitch as Mitch...if not a little balder and skinnier.He has managed to get to school for 3 (part) days this week. Thursday was school photos and hospital visit day. Our appointment was for 11.00a, which meant we had to in at the hospital at 10.00a for a blood test. The school had very kindly scheduled Mitch's class first up for photos and Mitch first in line for the individual, so we were able to head off and make our appointment. A big "thanks!" Warranwood PS.
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| Emily - WGS |
This week has also been the culmination of the Leukaemia Foundations "World's Greatest Shave" campaign. Emily (and BF Joycey) have been going door to door collecting sponsorship, as well as on her campaign website, for her to dye her hair for the WGS. We have also had friends supporting the Leukaemia Foundation and Mitch too; thanks Max and Maddy Stainkamph. Emily also had some amazing support from new friends in the US...particularly Beth from Montoursville, Pennsylvania who raise around $500 in a very short time. Thanks Beth. Funds raised will be over $1800 with her door to door collections added to website donations.
Mitch and I had another 'wow' moment on Thursday while we were shopping. We'd been into the supermarket and the bakery and as we were leaving the bakery a senior cit (about 80+ at a guess) came up and asked, "Has the young fella had treatment has he?". As I am replying "Yes, going through some chemo at the moment...", he is putting a $50 note in Mitch's hand and telling him to "buy something nice for yourself". Taken aback, thanking him profusely and wondering, do we accept this?... or risk offending a lovely old man by not doing so, he casually walks away as if it's nothing out of the ordinary. Mitch (for which a 50 is quite a windfall) and I are left there still in a little shock. He and his wife get into a circa 1980 Ford stationwagon a little worse for wear. Wow.
Mitch decides, pretty much straight away, to give it to Em to support her fund raising.
At Thursday's appointment we were told to come back on Monday because platelets were close but not quite there. So, another weekend free and more time for another catch up with mates.
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| Siblings |
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