Round three is about to begin!

Phoebe has had a few extra days at home while waiting for biopsy results and decisions about the next round of chemo, which is now scheduled to start on Thursday (13^th).  

So she’s been able to spend more time with the family, and instead of waving out of the hospital window when Great Auntie Barbara was passing through Sheffield, they could chat and cuddle at home – so much better!

Phoebe was keen to stay overnight with us on Friday night but after a couple of hours asleep she woke up with very itchy legs, so we helped her stand in cold water for ten minutes. But then she did not settle, was upset and wanted to go home again.  So Rachel and Matt's undisturbed night did not happen as hoped.

Enjoying an ice cream!

On Saturday we looked after both children for a couple of hours to allow Rachel and Matt a much needed nap, and it was lovely to see Phoebe and Reuben together in Sheffield city centre, enjoying some fairground rides, ice creams and paddling in the fountains.

The best way to set out how you can pray for the family over the next few weeks is simply to repeat here Rachel’s post on Facebook on Monday 10^th:

It's hard to summarise everything we discussed with Phoebe's oncologist this morning! But here are the headlines...
- cycle 3 of high-dose chemo is delayed again until Thursday
- her rash is almost gone but not yet completely cleared from her feet
- skin biopsy didn't reveal anything conclusive about the cause of the rash
- kidney test revealed loss of kidney function and hearing test revealed loss of high-range hearing, but neither to a significantly damaging level to discontinue the use of cisplatin in the next cycle
- she is slightly anaemic
- her platelets are stable
In some ways we're disappointed not to be getting on with chemo today but in others we're thankful for a slightly longer reprieve at home, especially since Phoebe's interest in food has returned and she's managing to snack her way through the day. We need her to be in the strongest possible state physically before the next onslaught of chemo drugs. We're also hoping we can all catch up on some decent sleep the next few nights as last night was the first time in ages that she hasn't needed dunking in a cold bath to relieve itchiness!

Please pray for:
- Phoebe when the next cycle of chemo begins on Thursday. We expect that side effects will be worse and recovery time longer given that she starts from a weaker position each cycle.
- Reuben as he has to get used to being away from Phoebe again, and also away from us for longer periods of time.
- Matt having hip surgery in London on August 28th (and Rachel left holding the fort!)
- ongoing energy and strength for all of us, and for Rachel's parents who primarily care for Reuben.

About noon today we had a call from Matt saying that they were in a park near us and Phoebe wanted to have lunch with us. So a little later Rachel, Matt, Phoebe and Reuben all arrived for lunch around our dining table. Lovely! These family times are very precious as soon we will not be with Phoebe during the three weeks or so of isolation.

Tomorrow Jen and I will driving up to near Penrith to collect Rosanne, Phoebe and Reuben's cousin, who will be coming to stay for three nights. They are looking forward to spending time together. 

Thank you for your prayers and many kindnesses!