Round Four

Fintan had his 4th course of chemotherapy yesterday despite suffering another line infection. He had been due to have his chemo last Friday, but as he was still neutropenic it was delayed until his blood count had improved, however, I still did not get a day off from the hospital!

On Friday morning we noticed a now familiar red patch where his Hickman Line tracks, so I did the school run and then took Fintan to High Wycombe Hospital who confirmed that he had an infection. Fortunately, the infection was not as bad this time and he only needs oral antibiotics, which of course adds it own little problem in that Fintan requires a nose tube as he will not take medicine orally. Fintan was allowed home just in time to pick up Archie from school! However, he had pulled his nose tube out within 24 hours, so James took him back to the Hospital on Saturday afternoon for a new tube and a little more sticky tape - and it is still in place now!

As Fintan's blood had recovered, we went to the John Radcliffe in Oxford yesterday. The day went really well and Fintan seemed to tolerate the chemo better than previously. He was playful and chirpy all day and never complained. The hospital staff commented on how Fintan was filling out (is that a polite way of saying he's a fatty?!) and how well his general development was coming on. This is the first chemo where Fintan has been on solid food, but his appetite wasn't affected and he managed to eat really well all day. He is off his food today, but still smiling and making lots of noise!

Barnaby came with us on this visit and seemed to enjoy himself, especially his packed lunch which was finished by 11.00 am and dinner in the Hospital canteen - Barnaby likes his food! Archie joined us after school and helped Barnaby to test run every toy in the playroom!

Fintan's next chemo is in 3 weeks time, then he will have an eye examination at the Royal London just under 3 weeks after that, followed by his 6th and last course of chemo.