Discussion with specialist

We are now back at our house in Barnoldswick having been at Jimmy's hospital in Leeds today for more blood tests.

The specialist is pretty sure, based on the cells in her bloodstream, that Catherine is suffering from Leukaemia. We will know for certain on Thursday following a procedure that will examine her bone marrow.

Thankfully, the strain of childhood Leukaemia that Catherine is probably living with has a very good prognosis, although the chemotherapy, and the side effects of the chemotherapy, will be very traumatic for her in places. If it is definitely Leukaemia, chemo will begin on Thursday or Friday and we will be in hospital for approx 2 weeks all being well without side effects or infections. Thankfully, apart from the possible Leukaemia, Catherine is very well and strong in herself which means that she should be able to handle the chemo better. Also, they have caught the Leukaemia in its earliest stage before she becomes physically unwell and before her bloods are more affected, which means she is stronger to fight the illness.

Tomorrow we are planning to pack our belongings with the hope of being transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital on Wednesday. Overall, the specialists would anticipate the treatment programme lasting two years; eight months of intensive treatment and the remaining treatment at outpatients.

Obviously, if we get a miracle, this would not all be necessary...

Please pray that Catherine receives full healing, that she has the less aggressive version of the cancer, that she will receive strength to handle the chemotherapy - both physical and mental, that the side effects of the chemo will be minimized and that she will not get any side effects or infections following the chemo. Please also pray that we will be able to hold it together through the tough times ahead, because Catherine needs her mummy and daddy.

At the moment, Catherine is generally happy in herself but knows she is not very well and that's why we are going to 'sleep at the doctor's' a lot. She does find blood tests a bit scary, but the nurses have all been so kind and helpful in distracting her.

Thankyou for all your texts and messages. You would not believe how much they have helped in these early days. In fact, we have never felt so supported.

We all know how much you love Catherine. I have every hope of a positive outcome for her at the end of the two years.

Every blessing,

Love Dawn and Mark