We had an unexpected weekend all back again. AJ had to go in for a couple of ops to get her line right again. This was all pretty grim and the docs decided to delay starting off her chemo until things have settled down a bit.
Fo brought her back on Friday covered in scars, bandages and bruising. They were back for an hour when Fo had to take her to Aylesbury as she was oozing from where her line went in. The nurses there had to do some observations and turned up with the kit that AJ knows so well now. She promptly wrapped the blood pressure sleeve round her leg, popped the thermometer under her arm, and showed the nurse, who had put the oxygen clip on her ear “because some little children don’t like it on their fingers” where it should properly go and put it on her finger herself.
It has been quite traumatic having her here and fretting about picking her up without squeezing a wound or dislodging a tube. But while there have been moments where she has been in obvious pain, she has been putting us right about being overprotective and demands to be allowed to crawl about everywhere, even on our thistle-infested lawn.
We had an amazing day today and the kind that shows you why it is worthwhile. My very old friend Toby and family came over for lunch for a bit of cancer club gathering. Toby has been going through his own, hardcore cancer experience, which he can elucidate on in the comments here, if he so wishes. But he emanates positivity and, going totally full tilt forwards convinced of his eventual recovery. AJ and he had a little comparison of Hickman Lines, his goes under the skin, so less likely to get infected.
Perfect summer’s day, barbecues, children playing all sorts of superhero variants. Really couldn’t have been better. Can’t have a mention of Toby without dragging out the old canard that, though it might be vaguely cool knowing him as he was a founding member of Jamiroquai and wrote most of their hits, we met at Pony Club… so not very hip really!
All our positivity goes out to you Toby (he says he reads this).
Back to hospital, to start next round of chemo tomorrow. We should also find out how effective the previous lot has been.
Misliterature 
Been away in Portugal so this is the first time I’ve had a chance to catch up on the blog for a bit, but it’s so good to see this pic of Toby and AJ! Fantastic news about AJ’s chemo results and to see Tobes looking so incredibly well. Both are in the Steel family thoughts and prayers often. Here’s to the power of positive thinking!