10/1/12
Hello all...
We were hoping to never have to write this blog again but sadly that isn't the case. Anouk's Tumour has grown back for the second time & there are no treatment options.
All of our family, friends & work mates have given us such a huge amount of support that we felt it right to share this news with you.
The 1st time it grew back was in May 2011 but we are able to have a Cyber Knife treatment which initially got rid of it, but then in early December 2011 it came back again. We have been given about 3 months & the only treatment option is a phase 1 drug trial which we decided to enter as the side effects were going to be minimal & not effect her quality of life. It's a promising drug & it had never been tried on a child of Anouk's age & Tumour type. The best outcome of this trial would have been holding off the growth of the Tumour for a while.
On Tuesday 10th Jan Anouk went in for the 2nd lot of treatment but her face had started to drop slightly, which is a clear sign that things are happening. It was decided there was no point in continuing the trial.
The following day Anouk had an MRI scan which revealed that the Tumour had grown by 25% since the last scan on Dec 5.
Eventhough this is a huge shock, it's not a surprise. Anouk had a 10% chance of survival 2 years ago & we have been blessed to have had this time with her. Medically everything is in place to deal with the situation & we have been given very good guidance by the local Chase Hospice & The Marsden. At the moment Anouk is fine & we had a great Christmas & New Year. How long until the Tumour starts to impact more in unknown. She will continue to go to school for as long as possible. We are being honest & up front with Neave as required but it is difficult to answer some questions when they come up...to say the least!
So it's now time to take our heads out of the sand & deal with it. We are very worried about Neave...there's no instruction manual for this..but she will be getting special attention from a Play Therapist trained in dealing with siblings in this situation.
Once again thankyou so much for all your support....It will help us get through this.
Catherine & Richard.
Hi Richard & Catherine,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me... But I 'know' you, through Sacha & Dunc. I rode through your journey the last time. I wanted to let you know that again, I will be sending my love, thoughts, prayers in your direction, across the ocean, for this difficult, rough, sad, unfair journey.
Jaki.
Your families and friends think you are outstanding parents who have dealt with every blow, triumph and heartache in a way only two such unique and amazing people could have. This is not a journey you have to make alone. We will all support/nurture and carry you through the undeniably tough times ahead. We love you all very much and offer our hands to hold, our ears to listen and our hearts .......
ReplyDeleteClaire x
Hi Richard, Catherine, Neave & Anouk,
ReplyDeleteWe think of you all from time to time and to date have taken comfort in the saying 'no news is good news.' We are so sorry to hear of Anouk's Tumour progression but thank you for letting us know and being brave enough to share your journey with everyone.
It is wonderful to see from your previous few blog posts that you enjoyed a lovely Summer, Christmas and New Year and we trust there will be lots more happy times for you mixed in with the bad during the coming months.
Please add us to the long list of people thinking of you and sending support accross the miles.
Lots of love from Paul, Andrea, Archie & Max Dolence
We have been honoured to be allowed to share your journey and your bravery - to take joy in the highs, and to weep at the lows. You will never have to walk this journey on your own, and when you feel unable to take another step we will be honoured to carry you, to hold you and support you in whatever way you need. With all our love, Liz, Mark, Luke and Indy x
ReplyDelete