Another week gone by so fast....

The weeks just seems to be flying in just now, there is so much happening!

Ok, let's catch up on the last week then, hope you got half an hour to spare!!!

Last Friday was Adam's second day at school and today they had to line up in the playground. He was keen to go in and did so without any problems. He was in from 9.30 - 12 noon today. His teacher said he was a little tired after break but he seemed ok when he came out.

Here he is lining up with Calum.

Saturday we had a visit from our friends' daughter Ashley and her friend Adele. It was great to see them and Adam really enjoyed them being here. Our other friend, Dode, had also given Adam some money that he had collected in tips from his taxi customers (thank you all very much) with this money we bought Adam a battery operated vehicle. His balance is a little off at the moment and he has lost confidence in riding his bike so we thought this was a good option for him, it also helps conserve his energy not having to pedal! Ashley and Adele went over to the local school playground with the boys. Adam in his robot car and the boys on their bikes. They all had a great time as you can see. The boys also found a huge puddle and were happily riding through this........

Here is Marc and Scott after riding through that puddle!!!

And then back home, the boys had to be stripped and put in the bath!!! Ha ha! I am sure a few months ago we would have gone nuts at them getting in such a state. It is amazing how your priorites change! New resolution - a dirty child is a happy child - do you think I could advertise Persil!!!

I also want to use this opportunity to talk about Ashley's dad, Glen. Spike has known Glen for a long, long time and we have only recently been made aware of the fact that he is infact a master baker. Glen has the hidden talent of being able to product mouthwatering scones! I know it seems trivial but to someone like me whose scones turn into rock buns in the oven I am very impressed. He is very modest though - to the point he would probably not even admit to this skill. As he is so modest I have decided to share a picture of his produce with you all.

Glen - you are a legend!!

Sunday was my niece, Ava's dedication service at the Salvation Army, followed by a breakfast and full day party with all the family. It went really well, she is such a wee sweetheart. It was a fantastic service at the Salvation Army, there was singing, and even a puppet show - it really was brilliant. Here are some pictures.

Phew - that was a busy weekend. On to Monday, Adam very reluctant going into school this morning, I had to go in with him, after 15 minutes of crying and disruption to the class I decided to take him home. This afternoon he had his bloods done and again they are all really good, so we can continue with his next cycle of chemo next week. Paul was also off school today as he had an upset tummy. He was ok though, he's having a bit of a tough time just now and is having sessions with the play specialist at the sick kids to help him adjust and understand his feelings.

Tuesday and Adam, Spike and I went into school this morning, he became unsettled again and we thought we were going to have to take him away again but I decided to persevere with it. Spike went away and I stayed with him, once he was settled and involved with a task, I slipped away - he was absolutely fine! So plan is for now that I go with him and stay for a little while and then leave, he knows this and is ok with it. To be honest I think he has become so used to being with us everyday that he is having mild seperation anxiety, and as much as we want to spend as much time as possible with him we also realise this would be unhealthy for all of us and he needs to still soicialise with others. I had a girls night tonight - was great to see you all, sorry I left early but was just really tired.

Wednesday was much better at school, no crying at all and I managed to get away after only 20 minutes, he seems to be getting used to a routine again. Was tired after breaktime but I think we need to expect that.

Thursday and Paul not had a good night at all, found it very hard to settle and was up and down during the night. Adam also had a restless night so we decided that Spike would have a boys day with the two of them. We feel it is important that all the boys spend individual time with Adam as well as family time. The boys had a lovely day and so did I - a day to myself. Went shopping in the morning with Nicola and her mum - thank you both was nice to "escape" for a bit. I also got some beautiful flowers delivered today, which was a huge suprise - thanks Trish and Yvonne!

Friday, school went fine, no problems at all. He had a really good day his teacher said, I am so pleased. When Adam was first diagnosed and we were told he was incurable and would die, my initial thought was "why bother with school, he would be better off just having fun than learning stuff he will never need", now, however, seeing him at school makes me so proud of him and what he has already been through. School is very important from a social point of view not only educational. We would like to thank St Ninian's school staff, teachers, helpers, parents, children and anyone else connected with the school for their support and understanding - you are very special people and we appreciate everything. Thank you all!

Ok, my fingers are sore after all this typing so I am off, we are away next week to Legoland and Folkestone with the boys so will no doubt have loads more to share with you soon.

Lots of love from all of us!
XXxxxx

Adam started school today!

I am so pleased I couldn't wait to post to let you all know. He was a little reluctant to start with but was ok and seems to have enjoyed it although they were only in for an hour!!!

Here are a couple of photo's from this morning of the boys.

Lynn x

Marc, Adam, Scott and Paul

Adam

Adam

Paul, Adam, Marc and Scott

Calum and Adam

What a week!

Well we had a lovely week in Muthill, near Perth, at the Cclasp respite cottage. It is a really nice little cottage in a quite village so it really was a break away from everything. The weather unfortunately was not too fantastic but we still made the most of it.

On arrival on Monday we unpacked abit and the boys started to play. Spike and I set about building a climbing frame to go in the garden, we got the main part done but then the rain started and kept on all night. Had a nice quite night in front of the telly with only 4 channels!!! It was like returning to the dark ages, we are so spoiled with our digital tv at home.

The weather on Tuesday wasn't much better, we had a little drive into Perth and got in some supplies then back home again. The boys were able to play pool in the summer house while we were in the house.

Wednesday and we decided to go to a local wildlife park before we set off I noticed that one of the car windows was smashed. We are not sure how this happened, the boys all deny all knowledge of it so we have no explanation. We then had to go to Perth to a VW garage to see about getting it replaced, they do not deal with commercial vehicles and as we have a transporter this is classed as a van/minibus so the nearest place was Edinburgh. We phoned and ordered the window to be ready for our return of Friday, then headed off to Homebase to buy MDF, plastic sheeting and tape to secure the window for a few days. We did eventually make it to the wildlife park, it was great, loads of animals to see, an old fire engine for the kids to play on, a cafe and shop, the wether also cleared up and became very warm. So all in all we still mamanged to have a good day.

Thursday we went to a Christmas shop near by and the boys all picked a special tree decoartion for this christmas. I tried to explain that this was going to be a special Christmas as it may be our last with Adam but I think it went over their heads. Was a beautiful place and glad we went. After that we just to Crieff for a wander, had lunch then home to the cottage, the boys played for a bit then we all headed up the the golf course where Spike, Marc and Scott went round the course. Adam, Paul and I waited in the club house as they were only playing 9 holes, it was lovely and sunny and was a pleasent wasy to end the day. Home for tea, showers and a DVD.

Can't believe Friday came so quickly, we could easily hae stayed longer. It is so quite, the neighbours are all very friendly anfd was a nice change of scenery away from hospitals etc. But , all good things must come to an end so we packed up and came home. Window wasn't in yet for the car so Spike having to go back on Saturday to get it fitted.

Saturday, weather wasn't too bad, didn't do too much though, catching up with washing etc and just chilling.

Sunday again was relatively quite we went out late afternoon for our dinner with David, Roxzhan, Val, Auntie Celia and David's mum, Caroline as a birthday celebration for David. He is 21 on Monday. Can't believe where the years have gone, I met David when he was almost 9, seems like another lifetime. I also checked our bank account online tonight to discover 2 items not made by us. Somone has booked themselves a flight and travel insurance at our expense!

Monday and we decided to have a stay at home day again mainly due to the weather and getting kids clothes all ready for starting back to school on Wednesday. I phoned the bank about the 2 items and they have now launched a fraud investigation and I amy need to be inteviewed by the police!! Bloody cheeky gits - £672 they took!! We should hopefully get that back soon though. Adam had his bloods done this morning and they are all fine. He is having a little trouble going to the toilet but I think that could be the chemo also his appetite has taken a bit of a nose dive so need to keep an eye on that.

Tuesday we went to the bowling with the boys, had our lunch and they played about on the machines for a while, went to the shops to get packed lunch supplies to later find out our school was closed due to strike action! Boo Hoo!! I was so looking forward to them going back, needless to say they were all delighted!!

On to today, Spike and Scott went back to VW garage to sort out the broken wing mirror from months ago and to get new car seat covers fitted. They then had a nice boys tiem and went for lunch. I stayed at home with the other boys who just played around in the house because - yes, you guessed it - it was once again pouring with rain!!!

I meant to mention before too that Spike has played a couple of charity golf games recently, one was a PRO-AM in aid of the Sick Kids Hospital and the other was for Marie Curie Cancer Care. He was delighted to be able to play in these competitions and to be able to give back something, especially as we are getting so much support from all around us.

We have also still been receiving collections from people for Adam and I wanted to say once again how grateful we are for this. We are delighted to be able to take the boys to Legoland and Disneyland Paris next month. Things that would not have been possible without your generosity. Thank you all so much for everything, we are building up some wonderful family memories and collecting some great photos along the way.

I promise to post some new photos very soon.

Lynn x

PS Adam starts school tomorrow!!!

We are off....

... on a little break tomorrow for a few days. We are lucky enough to be staying at Cclasps new respite cottage in Perth from Monday til Friday. So we are hoping that the weather will be kind to us. Not really got much planned will take each day as it comes.

Monday was pretty uneventful, Adam and Scott went to the holiday club at the community centre and the rest of us had a chill out day. Adam restarted his chemotherapy for 3 weeks. Paul, Marc and Scott went to a Siblings Evening at the Sick Kids tonight. This is an annual event for siblings to meet others in a similar situation, to see around the hospital, to chat about their worries and ask questions about treatments etc. They also had a craft time and pizza! Paul is making up a special Memory Book with Pictures of him and Adam with the help of Helen , the play specialist from ward 2.

Tuesday we went to West Calder, it was 20 years since my granny had died and we went to the cemetry with flowers then we went to visit my Auntie Jean for lunch but as we were arriving unannounced we took lunch with us. The boys enjoyed running around playing in her garden. They then had a birthday Party at Clownaround so it was all go!

Wednesday we had our biannual family outing to the dentist! They must love it when we go, we take over the place. LOL As the weather was pretty bad we decided to go to the cinema with the boys to see Wall-e. They had been asking for a few weeks to go and it was really good. A nice story and some really funny bits. I love kids movies!

Also while I am talking about the cinema I forgot last week that my lovely friend Nic took me to the cinema to see Mamma Mia, it was great - just what the doctor ordered a real feel good film, although Pierce Brosnan can't sing! Cheers Nic!

Thursday, another quite day. David came and took Paul and Marc to the cinema to see The Dark Knight, which they seemed to really enjoy.

Friday another quite day, weather was pants! Saturday weather was still pants! LOL Paul went to the cinema with Madge, Frank, Alan and Liam to see The Mummy 3 - had a lovely time - thanks for taking him!

Saturday night I managed a night out with some of my playground chums, a chance for us to chat up before we hit the playground a week on Wenesday. Not the I am counting or anything but it is only 10 sleeps til they go back! woo hoo!

Today was spent getting ready for going away and to give Adam a chacne to relax today, he been a little under the weather with an upset tummy but seems better today.

Anyway am off for now, will catch up again soon!

Lynn x

Another busy week!

Well, here we are at the end of another very busy week, it's all go at the moment and we are hardly getting time to draw breath!

On Monday we decided to take the boys to the zoo. The weather looked a bit dull and wet but we went anyway. We took Adam's wheelchair but he walked most of the way up the hill and down! I think we were more exhausted than he was. The sky turned blue and it got pretty hot, we saw every animal in the place and had a great time, took about 500 pictures again so I wont bore you with them - you all know what animals look like! Here are a couple of the boys though....

On Tuesday Adam had his MRI scan, this was to give everyone an indication of how he was, how his tumour was behaving and what effect the radiotherapy had had on the tumour. We were in the hospital all day as Adam had to be put to sleep for it to make sure he lay still for the scan. We got home about half past 6, he had been very good in hospital, it was a long day for us, sitting around waiting .

On wednesday Spike and I went back up to the hospital ourselves for the scan results, I had been feeling sick all night and all morning. In one respect I was desperate to know what it had to reveal and in another I was dreading knowing. Well the news is pretty good as far are we are concerned. In the thirteen weeks since diagnosis the tumour has not grown, this means that the radiotherapy has done some good. It is not any smaller though although the edges of the tumour now have little fluid filled pockets (cysts) which is what appens when cells die - they disolve into fluid - so that is great news for us. Adam is also still very well clinically and this is great as it means we are definately looking at a picture a little brighter in terms of length of time. To be honest it is much better than I expected to hear so we are very, very happy with this result. He restarts chemo tomorrow (monday 4th) for 3 monthly cycles of 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Afteer these 3 cycles we may get another scan done to see if chemo having any effect. We need to remember that this type of tumour doesn't respond well to chemo and his chemo is a trial so may have no effect, in which case it may be withdrawn and let nature take it's course but that is for future thought. At the moment we are delighted!

On Thursday it was the official opening of the Cclasp Respite Cottage in Muthill, Perth with Adam being VIP and cutting the ribbon. We were stopped at the entrance to the village by the police and Adam and I got to ride in the police car, with an escort, flasshing bllue lights and siren to the cottage. Adam was given a police hat to keep, he loved it! The cottage was opened by Adam and Gavin Hastings. It was a beautiful day, loads of sunshine and we had a nice time, chatting to other parents and meeting other kids with similar conditions to Adam. The boys enjoyed themselves too and we are going up to stay there in a week or two for a break before the schools go back. The village is lovely, very quite a real retreat. It really is a lovely spot to "ge t away from it all". The cottage has been gifted to Cclasp for 50 years by a very generous Edinburgh business man.

Ok, on to Friday, what did we do...... loads of running around! Then a well earned rest as we went to our friends Dode and Sharon's new house for our dinner. It was lovely, the boys were out playing with their grandson Lewis while we grown ups were chatting, it was a lovely relaxed evening - thank you!

Saturday Adam was mascot at Easter Road for Hibernian v Middlesborough game. We were given complimentary tickets for all of us and again we had a fab day (even Spike enjoyed himself - being a jambo as he is!) We were really looked after and got to meet players, managers, tour of changing rooms, photographs and autographs, comfy seats to watch the game........ it was just great! Adam became a little upset leading up to it so Scott was drafted in too, so they both got to do it! Just a shame that hibs lost their 2-0 lead and ended up getting beat 2-3 but it was only a friendly!!!!

Today we were at Cclasp's annual picnic - well Adam, Scott and I were. Granny Val and Auntie Celia came with us. Spike had a golf outing with the 32 club and David took Paul and Marc to Sunderland v Ajax game at the Stadium of Light. So we were scattered all over today.

The weather wasn't very kind to us at all, although we did have bright sunny spells throughout the afternoon. We all had fun anyway - hopefully next year we can all go!