Finger 'prick'

Today's finger prick was not tolerated well by Catherine, as expected. She had a very difficult time early in her treatment when she had to have lots of blood tests in her hands. So anything involving hands and feet was bound to bring back memories of pain and fear. She got very panicky before they did it and quickly realized that the 'clicker' had something sharp and pointy in it. I don't like seeing her in floods of tears, and afterwards she was a bit cross with herself because she thought she had not been very brave. I had to remind her that bravery is not about not being scared, but it is about being scared and doing the scary thing anyway.

We met Catherine's new consultant today and she really likes him. She had to lay down and be examined on the bed, and she was so chilled because last week someone had told her that the Consultant likes to give tickles. So obviously she thought he would be good fun. The Consultant suggested that the slight rash on her cheeks is actually caused by one of her chemo drugs. Catherine is also growing and has the highest Haemoglobin results since she began treatment - 13.6! Normally her HB had fluctuated between 11 and 7. So no wonder she is lively, then! We also met another family and Catherine made friends with the little girl. The little girl is also receiving treatment for ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia), but is only a couple of months into her treatment.

We are going back to hospital to have her Vincristine chemotherapy in two weeks, and they will be using her portacath so Catherine will feel more relaxed about this. Suddenly, her portacath and 'wiggly' seem so much more appealing to her.

Thankyou for your ongoing prayers.