Heading Back

Reid and I and Mum will be heading back to Brisbane late this afternoon. We have had the best time whilst we have been at home. Almost two weeks!! Reid went to school, caught up with all his little friends, I saw so many of my wonderful friends, we had lots of quality time with Alex and David; and almost started to feel normal again.
Reid unfortunatley came into contact with Chicken Pox, so had to have the imunoglobulin injection in his bottom. But we got word of it early so everthing should be ok. I feel so sad for the family and the little boy who is now fighting the infection.
I went to a fund raiser whilst I was home. It was a rather grand gala event held at the Empire Theatre Church Hall. A beautiful night, black tie, masks, ball gowns, fabulous music, great food and a wonderful cause. All funds raised went to the Childhood Cancer Support Foundation. A group who supports kids and their families from the bush and rural communities after they have been diagnosed. I did find the night very confronting, and in times past would have loved being part of this event, this time I sort of felt so so sad. However I do believe that the night was a huge sucess and lots of much needed funds were raised for a fantastic cause.
Tomorrow Reid will begin his third lot of chemo. We will be in hospital for about a week. At the end of that week he will then begin a course of GCSF injections. These injections encourage cell growth so at the end of this course (7 days) Reid will then undergo a Stem Cell Harvest. I'm not too sure how this is done but Reid will be attached to a machine which will seperate his blood to collect stem cells. This harvest will then be stored for Reid in case he needs a boost after his surgery. At this stage Surgery should be late October.
Reid has been really well the entire time home. He has gained weight (thanks to his staple diet of Steak and Chips), fought with his sister, messed up his room, and loved seeing and playing with his little friends. How lucky we are to have these days this time. Lets hope and pray that all our times at home will be fun ones.
Thank you to everyone who has travelled this journey so far with us. Your constant phone calls, letters, love and smiles are always appreciated.
The year ones at Mater Dei with help from the Mums and teachers made this most beautiful quilt (see pic) for Reid to take back to hospital with him. Each student and teacher drew Reid a picture, and the Mum's then sewd them all together. This will certainly be a much welcomed change to the Blue Queensland Health Quilts on his bed this time. thank you xxx