Update

It's only a week now until Fintan has his last cycle of chemotherapy. Also next week Fintan will be having his eyes examined by Mr Hungerford at the Royal London Hospital; as long as Fintan is continuing to respond well to the chemotherapy, there will be a well earned rest from all the poking, prodding and medicines for the brave little chap.

The affects of the chemo are clearly more apparent now. Fintan has had another infection and spent the most of this week in hospital. It was thankfully nothing to worry about. On Sunday Fintan developed a temperature and because he was neutropenic, the hospital needed to administer antibiotics and take blood cultures to see what infection he had. In turns out he has an ear infection and was therefore allowed home on Wednesday afternoon with a new nasal gastric tube and a couple of days of oral antibiotics to take....banana flavour this time! Also, Fintan's blood count dropped to a level whereby the doctors were considering giving Fintan a blood transfusion, however they have decided to leave it until Friday when they will do another blood count in the hope he will recover naturally.

The stays in hospital have a big affect on Archie and Barnaby. Archie is a very sensitive boy and adores Fintan. He has had a lot of tears going to school this week and has not wanted to go, I have had to literally drag him in. It's because he misses his little brother and his mummy, and also he worries desperately about Fintan. I must say, both Fiona and I find this part of the whole process particularly stressful. We know that Fintan is too young to remember any of what is happening to him, but the boys, especially Archie will remember this for a long time. I only hope it's not having too much of a toll on them.

There is some good news. We are really seeing an improvement in what Fintan seems to be seeing. He is reaching for very small items, and he even sees objects on the same colour background. For example the white tubes from his central line on a white, cotton bed sheet. He has also started shuffling about on his bum...backwards. It's not the most efficient mode of transport, but effective nevertheless. Fintan has also discovered his brothers toys, and as you can see in this short video clip, he knows what he wants and he gets it!

....also, check out the dancing in this one!