20th March to 30th March

Mum Says: I have had a very busy time taking Alice all over the place visiting everyone we could. All the support we have had from the people in Gibraltar has been overwhelming and I'm sure there are people we should have visited and haven't been able to see!

I was over the moon to be told that we would be able to get home for a while but wasn't sure if it will work to make me more or less home sick (Jury's still out on that one). Getting ready to come to Gibraltar filled me with trepidation when I packed my hand luggage full of Alice's medicines and the thought of taking her so far away from the hospital made me very nervous. Also just seeing people and being around family and friends. having kept myself pretty sane (I think) I wasn't sure if I'd loose it completely and break down (I didn't).

The flight was a nightmare, it is difficult travelling with a child on your own but add steroids to the mix and it could have been a pretty interesting journey without taking into consideration that we may be diverted to Malaga, which we were. I must say Alice voiced her protests at being at the wrong airport loudly and with as much gusto as she could muster!

I can only say that coming home has been a real break and has given me the chance to see people and just have a bit of 'normal'. I have enjoyed seeing people immensely and being with Joe, Gareth and Toni has been a real tonic.

I was able to meet up with a lady that has been in the situation we are currently in with her son and she has gone trough it and come out with a healthy son, 10 years on it gave me a real boost to see her and hope that Gibraltar will be able to look after us during our maintenance period, so I won't have to say in England for 2 years! I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get home.

I have managed to go out with Gareth for a meal which was very much needed, we had some time to ourselves and could sit down and chat about rubbish and eat good food, just for a couple of hours, we had tried whilst in the UK but Alice ended up in hospital.

I did go out for a quiet drink with a friend which turned into a bit of a session and I can only say 
1. I'm glad that we had Friday free and 
2. I am not as young as I used to be.

I haven't managed to do half of what I wanted but I  was happy to find out that the housework was fairly up to date when I arrived thanks mostly to my daughter Toni. 

I think that the best part of my visit has been seeing Alice and Gareth with permanent grins on their faces. I have loved seeing Joe and Toni and can't wait to get back to them for a longer period of time. I would like to say I'm more rested than before, but I don't think I am having packed so much into our week at home. I am however absolutely determined to bring Alice back healthy and happy.

23rd to 30th March - INTERIM MAINTENANCE - Week 10

23rd March to 30th March

Oh my goodness me what an exciting week I have had. On Saturday I woke up in my bed in my house with all my toys! I went to shops and helped clear up the house a bit and played and played and played.

Sunday we went to my Nana's house and I saw all my family there. I played with my cousins and brother and ate my lunch. It was so exciting to see everyone and they were all happy to see me too. I got lots of kisses and cuddles.

Monday we went to my Mummy's work to see all her friends and say hello. Joe had a day off school and came with us. I wanted to go to the park because it was a nice sunny day but I was tired and I also wanted to go to my dancing class in the afternoon. 

I'm glad I went dancing I had lots of fun at my lesson and started to learn a special dance for a show. I was a bit sad because I wont be able to do the show but I thought it was funny because I made Mummy do the dance with me. My dance teacher was very happy to see me and I can't wait until September when I will be able to go again.

Tuesday was the day I went to see all the people who work with my Daddy. Joe went to school so when we went for a drink it was just Mummy Daddy and me. Mummy tried to do some paperwork as well but I don't think she was able to. I went to see all my friends at nursery and I took them a card that I had made and I had so much fun that I asked to go back. I also wanted to have a snack at nursery like I used to. They invited me back on Thursday for an Easter Egg Hunt!

On Wednesday I went to the airport to collect my Big Sister because she had been in England for a little while something to do with university. I also got to visit Nana and Alfred in the afternoon, Mummy had a meeting with a lady who's little boy had been ill like me and he is all better now! When I as at Nana's house I went to the park and played with my friend. I wanted to go and make a sandcastle at the beach and eat my tea there but I got very tired in the car and had to go home or I wouldn't go to sleep at bedtime.

I went back to nursery on Thursday for the Easter Egg Hunt. I made Mummy get up and make me a special lunch to take with me. It was so much fun, I didn't want to stay on my own so Mummy had to stay with me but I had a snack and story and they called my name on the register.I made cupcakes for my Brother, Sister and Daddy I wanted to stay for lunch but I was too tired. Mummy had to go to the supermarket and I had a long sleep. We all went to my Auntie and Uncles house and I got to play with my cousin again. They gave me some toys to take to England that my cousin doesn't play with anymore.

Friday we had a quite day at home and some of Mummy and Daddy's friends came to visit us.

We were suppose to go to the campsite in Spain on Saturday but it rained all night and Nana and Alfred's camp site was flooded  so we went for lunch in Casemates and I got to play in the sunshine. I made Nana run around after me all over town! My cousin came to play at our house when we got home from lunch. I wanted her to come and make a big mess in my house, which we did. We also had an Easter egg hunt.

My week has been super exciting and I have smiled and smiled and smiled. I think Mummy and Daddy have too. I think I will be sad to go back to England but I will also be happy to get better so that I can be at home all the time!

20th to 22nd March - INTERIM MAINTENANCE - Week 9

20th March to 22nd March

When I went to the Doctors on Wednesday for my medicine it was very busy and took a long time, but it was a very good day because my blood was very well and we were told that I could go home for a holiday! They had to give me a nasty medicine to take and I don't like it but I decided to be very brave and take it in my mouth.

Nana came with us to the hospital and we got the train home. It was very exciting because I'd never been on a train before.

On Thursday the nurse had to come and put in an NG tube because as soon as I took my medicine it made me sick, it made me very sad and I bit the nurse when she put it in. Mummy wasn't very happy with me for that. My little cousin and Aunty came for lunch and we went to Sure Start to play. That was fun and I forgot all about my tube.

Mummy was very busy making telephone calls and sorting out our flights.

Friday was the the best day because when I woke up there was lots of snow everywhere. I've seen snow but this was the first time there was enough to make a snowman. Mummy and I got out of bed at 7 o'clock in the morning and went out in our pyjamas and snow clothes to make our little snowman.

The problem was that my uncle was snowed in and we had to call a taxi to take us to the train station and he took a long time to get to Nana's house. I got to go on a train and an aeroplane all in one day!

When we got on the aeroplane I found out that one of my sister's friends was on the plane too. That was fun I got to see him and play a lot. 

The journey made me very tired and I fell asleep on the plane. When I woke up I wasn't in Gibraltar I was in Malaga. That made me mad. I wanted to see my Daddy! We had to wait a long time for our bags and then we had to get on a bus. It was better because my sisters friend came with us.

When I got to Gibraltar, at last, Daddy and Joe where there to collect me and Mummy. Daddy bought me noodles from the Chinese and seeing all my toys again was like having Christmas all over again!

 

9th to 19th March - CONSOLIDATION - Week 8

9th to 19th March

As My blood is doing so well and I am feeling much better and not so tired at the moment Mummy and I have been able to settle into a routine. 

On Mondays we go shopping or do jobs like going to the bank. I went hat shopping ready for spring although it hasn't come to England yet!

On Tuesdays we go to Ducklings and I get to play with children and toys, I find it hard to share and I have to take my own drink, but it is fun and my little cousin goes too. I like doing arts and crafts best!

On Wednesday I go to the hospital. I have been having magic milk every week but I soon wont have it so often. I have my height and weight taken every time I go to make sure I'm growing and staying healthy and they take my blood too to check that it is still healthy. It is very good at the moment and makes Mummy very happy. Sometimes I have to have IVIG to help keep my blood healthy and I always have medicine either when I'm asleep or in my Wigglies. This week I wore my Red Nose Day t-shirt and everyone really liked it.

On Thursday I go to a playgroup called Sure Start and we get to play and sing and we can even borrow toys, some children from ducklings also go there.

By Friday I am normally very tired and we have a quiet day, I like it when it rains because I can jump in puddles, I don't like snow very much it is too cold and there hasn't been enough to make a snowman. 

At the weekend my Auntie comes to visit or we go to her house to see her and my BIG cousins and my Uncle also comes to see us with my little cousin. On mothers day we went to my Aunties house after church and I took her flowers, I got some for my Mummy and Nana too from the nice lady at Nana and Grandad's church, she asked all about Mummy's and what they are like and do ... I said they get angry with you when you throw your toys.

Sometimes I feel grumpy and tired and miss home but I see Daddy every night on the computer and I have my photo taken everyday so that Mummy can send the pictures to Daddy when he is at work - Daddy complains that they are often a bit blurred or late being sent. 

Mum Says: As Alice is so well I have had to find ways to fill our days and to be out and about with her as much as possible. I am really starting to feel more home sick now I have time to think about things more and I could do with getting back to Gibraltar to do some of the jobs I know are piling up there done. I can think of 150 things that need doing and I feel quite useless here at the moment. It is a joy to see Alice so well and I am enjoying her company as she chats away with me now and has started to misbehave enough to warrant a trip to the naughty step which in itself is a good thing, well it at least shows she is well!?!

2nd to 8th March - CONSOLIDATION - Week 7

2nd March to 8th March

I've had another really good week. I told my Mummy that I think my sparkle is starting to come out again now my blood is feeling better! I was feeling well enough to makes some ginger biscuits for my big brother and Daddy (Toni took them with her). It was fun and I got to use my hat and apron. I especially liked rolling the dough and eating the ones that were a little bit brown or not quite the right shape. I think they tasted really good so did Nana, Grandad and Mummy!

     

On Sunday when I woke Mummy up I gave her a big surprise because my tube wasn't in my nose any more it was in my bed! I had been playing with the plaster and when it came off decided to see how long my tube was! I went to Nana and Grandad's church on Sunday and I was really pleased to see all the people, although I am feeling a bit more shy now that I did before. In the afternoon when my Auntie came she bought me my favourite chocolate custard and an Alice in Wonderland dressing up! I was so happy! I showed my Auntie how to use youtube and we looked at songs and my programs in the end we watched how to decorate cakes. It was funny.

When I woke up on Monday my big sister had gone home and it made me a bit sad but we had an unexpected visitor on Monday, my little cousin came to play with me as her Mummy had to go somewhere. It was lots of fun playing and we went to feed the ducks. we had our lunch together and ate chips, I like Mummy's chips. I saw my little cousin again on Tuesday as I got to go to Ducklings for the first time. It was fun seeing all the children there but it was a bit scary being with so many people all at once. I liked painting the best and Mummy took me out for lunch as Nana and Grandad had to stay out. I went and bought my Nana a star for Mothers Day and a card. I made Mummy take me all around the village to find the star I wanted.

As always we went to the hospital on Wednesday and the Doctors were really pleased with me as my blood is even better than last week. They said it is exactly how they expect it to be and that I am doing very well at getting better. I told them all about my tube being gone and that I was now a big girl and I'm not having it back until I have to have my nasty medicine again. I still had to have a little sleep for my medicine but I was much happier and so was my Mummy. when I woke up Mummy gave me some cottage pie and that made me really happy, when my uncle came to collect me he said he'd forgotten how noisy I was before I got ill. The best bit was sending a video to my cousins in Gibraltar letting them know that the Doctor had told me that I was well enough to go to the park, problem is it is too cold to go!

I was my Big Brother Joe's 11th Birthday was on Thursday I missed him very much but Daddy sent us photos of him opening his presents in the morning and of him blowing out his candles. I sent him a video of me and Mummy singing Happy Birthday to him. My little cousin came for tea and we made Easter bonnets, but we had to wait for them to dry before we can wear them. It was lots of fun and very sticky! I also got to stay up late so that I can talk to my Big Brother on Skype.

My busy week made me a bit tired and I had to stay at home and rest on Friday which isn't as much fun but my Grandad also has antibiotics and he needed to rest too. Joe and Daddy liked my biscuits very much!

Mum Says: It has been a week of mixed feelings. I am so happy to see Alice so well and happy and we seem to be settling into routines. It was great to see her out and about and mixing with children of her own age. It was a little disappointing to see her so nervous around a big group of people but I'm sure things will improve over time. I was very upset to miss Joe's Birthday and his party but it was great to see him on Skpe so excited by his present and party and all the photos sent by Gareth made me feel more a part of it. Alice's sparkle is definitely coming back!

25th February to 2nd March - CONSOLIDATION - Week 6

25th February to 2nd March

This week has been really good. My big sister Toni came to visit. I stayed up late and went to collect her from the train station. I was very happy and excited to see her!

Since coming out of hospital I have been feeling much better and happier. I have been doing lots of walking, playing and climbing stairs so that I've got lots of stickers on my chart this week!

On Tuesday Mummy and Nana took Toni shopping in town and I stayed with Grandad. I made a butterfly picture and spilt glitter all over the table and floor. Grandad tried to clean it up quickly but Nana and Mummy got home before he could finish and caught us with glitter everywhere!

I had to go to hospital on Wednesday which I didn't like because I was going to have magic milk (anaesthetic) and my immunoglobulins . I was very hungry and grumpy. My big sister came with me and Mummy. There was a nice lady at the hospital who did face painting for all the children waiting to see the doctors. It got very late before I got to go for my sleep because a lady called a dietician came to see my Mummy and I had to see the Doctor and have lots of blood tests taken

 

When I did go to sleep they gave me some medicine with a lumbar puncture as well as taking some bone marrow and something called a trephine. The Doctors want to find out what has been making  blood so poorly, the Parvovirus or the leukaemia. Except this week my blood was very well! I wasn't neutropenic or anaemic!!!! I did have to start a new type of chemotherapy which I take every night in my mouth, like normal medicine.

Everyone got a bit worried as I had a high temperature after my immunoglobulin (IVIG) and we thought that I might have to stay in hospital again.  When the Doctor came to see me I was fine and it was just a reaction to the IVIG and quite normal, although they took more blood to test just in case!

On Thursday we decided to celebrate that I could go out and mix by going into the village and eat our lunch at a cafe which was  very exciting for me! In the afternoon my little cousin came to play. We had lots of fun and lots of giggles and made a BIG mess in Nana's house!

I was very tired after such a busy day but I have been busy growing since coming to England and Mummy had to take me to town on Friday morning to buy new shoes. My old brown ones were too small and I need shoes at help me to walk properly. Toni came to help me choose new shoes. I wanted red ones like Peppa Pig. The lady in the shop was very nice and helpful but they didn't have red shoes so I chose nice purple boots with flowers. I think they are better than red shoes. Because I was tired I spent the rest of my day at home cuddly watching films with my Mummy

Mum Says: This week it has been much easier to be positive about Alice's treatment as she has been so well in herself and so much more like our little Alice. I have enjoyed having Toni here and getting to sit and chat about her life over coffee in town like normal has been wonderful. I still feel a bit giddy when I think about her blood test results, the best she has had in the last 3 months! I am now hoping to be allowed back to Gibraltar for a short time at least. I am mostly just enjoying seeing her so well this week and I am getting as much squeezed into our week as possible whilst we can go out and about!