The Star

Catherine has had her treatments and was well enough to take part in her nativity play - thankyou for your prayers!

On Thursday she had three chemotherapy drugs and her bone marrow test under general anaesthetic which she calls 'wobbly medicine' (because it makes her feel 'wobbly' afterwards). She did very well and was very calm about the whole thing. On Friday she had another chemotherapy drug and we have had to start treatment with steroids again for seven days. This means that Catherine is likely to be a bit sensitive, grumpy and fed up, and that her appetite will increase again for a short while. However, she was still feeling cheerful yesterday when she took part in her nativity play...as the singing star!

Today we went out for a meal together at Nandos before her neutrophil count takes another big dip - this is likely to happen in the next few days. Catherine really enjoyed it, enjoyed her chicken and garlic bread, and spent the rest of the afternoon napping on the sofa. Her moods have already been a bit up and down today, but we are not sure how much of this is the steroid and how much is tiredness from all the chemotherapy drugs.

Catherine is now also taking an anti-sickness drug, as Doxorubicin can make her feel or be sick. Doxorubicin is an effective drug although stronger than any she has had before. It is still weird watching your child as a drug labelled 'cytotoxic' (cell killer!) is pumped into her little body as she is eating her snack! I'm just pleased she doesn't really know what it is!

Specific prayer requests again are for protection against side effects and infections. Also that Catherine receives the right treatment plan during randomization - good enough to ensure that she doesn't have a relapse. We have had so many victories during Catherine's treatment that I know God is working on her behalf. Thankyou for your prayers.