Into the New Year

We know that many of you continue to pray for Phoebe and the family, for which we are extremely thankful.  Although we have celebrated the end of her treatment, life does not just go back to the carefree pre-cancer days of last year and we will all need your ongoing support as we enter this new year.

Phoebe has continued to eat better and her energy levels are slowly improving.  She is still quite unsteady on her feet, something which we hope will get better when she is able to start physiotherapy and hydrotherapy – it would be great if that is sooner rather than later!  She recently had a chest infection and was unfortunately allergic to the anti-biotics, not something that was an issue before.  Her skin became very red and itchy and one evening Matt & Rachel resorted to giving her cold bath of oatmeal, just like they had to do for her in hospital.  We had thought those days were behind her.

Some of Phoebe’s hair is growing back, but it is patchy; it seems that the large bald patch on the back of her head (where the radiotherapy was directed at the site of the tumour) is going to be permanent.

A visit to Millhouses Park

We have spent a very happy couple of days together over Christmas; we can’t say how thankful we are that she was not only with us to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world as a baby, but that she could enter into it all with enthusiasm – being an angel in the school nativity, enjoying a pantomime at school, having family and friends visiting at home.

She will continue with part-time attendance at school as the new term begins, and of course there will be clinics and check-ups for a long time ahead.  On 30^th December she will be 6 years old (and hopes to celebrate by going swimming!) and on 4^th January Reuben will be 4.  What a lot they have both had to contend with in this past year!


Marcus and Jen
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Yet, we also know that our journey with Phoebe is being repeated again and again in other families around the world, and that other people and situations may be your current focus and concern. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, simply click on the 'unsubscribe now' link at the foot of this email. Thank you.

Rejoice with us! - and our own dancing show

The Bible teaches us to 'weep with those who weep' and to 'rejoice with those who rejoice'! We are so thankful for those who have wept with us this year, and now hope you will also rejoice with us!

Phoebe has now been home for eight weeks! In this time she has continued to make slow but steady progress in her return to normal life.  Her previous almost non-existent appetite has grown so that she is now having small meals plus snacks, and even saying “I’m hungry”!  After having to coax her to try even part of a biscuit before, this is a really encouraging step forward.  A couple of weeks ago her nasal tube came out (when she vomited) and Rachel and Matt decided to see how she managed without the overnight feeds.  It was lovely to see her face free of a tube and plasters keeping it in place!

Her latest MRI scan showed no new cancer growth in either her brain or spine, much to our obvious relief.  Of course she will continue to be monitored for a long while to come, with her next check up due in early January.

Her attendance at school every other day continues; she is managing two hours each time at the moment.  Today (Monday 30th) is another red-letter day as she was back in hospital under anaesthetic, to have her broviac line (in her chest for administration of drugs) removed.  She came home delighted to be without it, as once the wound heals she will be able to go swimming and to have deep baths!

Saturday was a wonderful joyous day - Phoebe's 'End of Treatment' party!  Rachel and Matt invited the many, many people who have supported them during this most difficult period of their lives, to come and celebrate the end of Phoebe’s treatment.  Phoebe asked to stay up late, dance and eat marshmallows, and between 200 and 300 people came along to do just that!  (We did eat a few other things too!)  The dance studio where the party was held laid on a surprise for Phoebe – two professional dancers demonstrating various dances for about 10 minutes.  Phoebe was thrilled.  Friends travelled over from Spain, friends and family came from far and wide in the UK, and of course lots of local friends were there.  Matt made a very moving speech thanking people for their support and speaking of how Phoebe’s, Rachel’s and his faith had grown during their severe trial.

We too feel that our faith has become more precious to us during these months as we have had to lean on the Lord more than ever, for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength.  It has been humbling to know that so many have been praying for us, as well as sending gifts, making meals and encouraging us in so many ways.  
THANK YOU ALL!


Marcus and Jen
_____________________________________________________________

Yet, we also know that our journey with Phoebe is being repeated again and again in other families around the world, and that other people and situations may be your current focus and concern. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, simply click on the 'unsubscribe now' link at the foot of this email. Thank you.