Archie has not previously had any tests or examinations regarding Retinoblastoma as he was considered past an age to be concerned, however, we have had worries since early July as he developed a very bloodshot eye with no obvious reason why (ie conjunctivitis/foreign body) and we then discovered a couple of photographs of Archie from Esther's wedding where he appeared to be showing the 'white eye reflex' - a sign of Retinoblastoma or other eye problems.
After a 41/2 hour wait, Archie was examined and given the all clear - the white reflex was due to the eye being caught at an unfortunate angle in the photos - of course, we are very relieved at this news and the long delay was soon forgotten.
We then moved on to Great Ormond Street Hospital, considerably later than planned, to go through Fintan's procedure for next week, sign the consent forms and attempt to take some blood from Fintan - not an easy task as Fintan is very strong and very determined that no-one is going to stick a needle in his hand, arm or any other part of his body (even with the magic numbing cream!)
Fintan will have the Intra-arterial Chemotherapy next Wednesday afternoon; he has a catheter inserted in a vein via his groin which is then fed up to the back of the eye. This is not always an easy procedure and they may not be successful first time, if it fails, they will try again. Once the catheter is inserted they administer the chemotherapy and remove the catheter. He will have to stay overnight for observation, but should not suffer any of the normal chemotherapy side effects.
He will have an EUA (eye exam under anaesthetic) 3 weeks later and if the relapse area is responding well to treatment he will undergo a second dose the following week - if there is no improvement other options will have to be considered.
Until next week ......
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