Happy Easter Everybody!!

Wishing yáll a very happy Easter! Brett arrives next Thursday and all things going well it's likely we'll be moving to an apartment as Rocky gets his new óutpatient' status! YAY!!! We will just have clinic appts a couple of times a week and the rest of the time we can be out and about, still have to stay away from people as he won't have full immunity until about 5 months or so post op. But it's beautiful here so we are going to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Enjoy your Easter Break!

One Week ON....

Even from 10,000 miles away, Brett's influence has struck. Check out these colours! Rocky - a St George Illawarra fan through and through. For all those Victorians reading, that's a Rugby League team.

It''s been a great week, Rocky is really thriving, all his lab work looks great and his little bod is doing what is should do post transplant. We couldn't be happier.

Spring Has ARRIVED!

Well kids, it looks like we are being taken back to the heat and humidity of Queensland weather, check out the forecast and it is literally just days into spring here.....Summer his reportedly HOT and HUMID ...temps in the mid to high 30's I think

The 5 day forecast is...

Tuesday 28° C

Wednesday 27° C
Thursday 11° C
Friday 17° C
Saturday 20° C

The days and nights are just lovely at the moment. Rocky continues to be in good shape! 8 days til Daddy arrives!! xox

Recovery Day 3 - The Cheek Is Back!

The man is back in full force. So cheeky today pulling faces and laughing like normal. Still a bit tender obviously, but he's been great!

Recovery Day 2 - The Return of the Real Rocky

Hi Yáll, Rocky is doing really well. Dr Markert stopped by yesterday and is very very happy with his progress. We always love to hear this of course. This morning he sat up and was all smiles for his mum (yay!!) . He is pretty much back to himself.

It's always amazing to me how quickly kids recover. The doctors said it's because they don't really understand sympathy (and milking it for all it's worth! LOL!)

Recovery Day 1

Rocky had a good night. He became more settled as the night went on. He is sleeping alot I guess his body is trying to recover. When he wakes he eats and plays a little, then more sleep (nothing wrong with that!!). He had his favourite blanket with him all night, it made him feel wonderful.

He is doing really well. Hope yáll have a great weekend!

Operation Thymus - The Troops are IN!!!

We were called into surgery early today at 12.30.

I am very very excited to tell you that the surgery was a great success, no problems at all, was textbook. It took the estimated 2 and a bit hours. I feel like it went quickly. They kept us informed at all times, I have to say the communication here is excellent.

Dr Rice did the surgery, with a fantastic team of anathesiologists and with Dr Markert watching over (as always!) the whole process. We were in the recovery room for about an hour where they closely monitored his vital signs just to be sure he was going to be okay. Rocky looks well but is obviously in quite a bit of pain. He is being given morphine for the pain and it will be managed over the next few days. He should be back to himself mostly by then. As usual, he has been a little champ, opened his eyes already but he is asleep again and we have rested him on some heavenly pillow creation Priscilla and I concocted for him, so he is as comfortable as he can be. It seems to be working! He looks very settled . I nursed him for quite a while which I think comforted him.

The next couple of months will be the true moment of truth but I can say that Brett and I feel unreal to have reached and passed this major hurdle. Every day Rocky teaches me a thing or two about being courageous. I have never been so inspired by someone. YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! What a FANTASTIC day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Operation Thymus: Prepare For Combat 3.30pm Thursday!

Actually, there won't be much combat as the anathesia pretty much makes sure it's a one sided battle. lol

We have an op time of 3.30pm on Thursday. This could change at a moments notice because of emergency or cancelled surgeries, which cannot be helped, but we are very excited to have a time.

My sister Priscilla arrived at noon today which is great. She will be here until Saturday. Rocky continues to be in sensational form which is incredibly reassuring.

Report back at at approximately 18:00 hrs tomorrow..We know it will be good news!!

Over and Out

FSU are....THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!

When I arrived back in the ward this afternoon, there was this BEAUTIFUL bunch of flowers with the most SENATIONAL bright blue bear attached. When I read the card it made me smile from ear to ear to see who it was from (ok and a tear to the eye!). To all our friends and our big family at FSU we want you to know we can feel you sending so much love and strength to us and we are forever grateful. Thank you, so very much. We feel so lucky. Much Love Amanda & Rocky xoxo

Return to 5100....

Day 3 @ PICU went really well, ATG went at full speed and no real problems with the man at all. He was heard to be batting eyelashes and laughing and carrying on with the girls in the PICU this morning. I have told him not to forget where his bread is buttered and that he had best be remembering all the nurses and nurses assistants who take care of us in 5100. I think he got the drift because he was a bit smiley for them too! He was not nearly excited enough to see his Mama and I've had a word to him about that as well LOL . Obviously, we are back in the room in the 5100 Ward.
Dr Markert was in this morning and all is looking really well. Rocky is in great shape and things are all set for Thursday. The operation itself is expected to last approximately 2 hours. At this stage they think they will cut into both thighs to get all the tissue in.
The date for the biopsy (to see if the cells are doing what they should) will be set following the operation, and we hope it will be in a few months at the latest. It takes a good 2 to 3 months for the cells to be educated.
We are feeling great and very very excited as the day draws nearer, Rocky is as cheeky as ever so I know he is in great spirits too. Things have fallen into place nicely.
To everyone who has sent messages of support and love along the way, thank you so very much, you have made such a difference and helped keep us strong. Please, keep praying for the Man that bit longer. We love you. xoxox

Happy Birthday Poppa!

From the Man to the MAN, Happy Birthday Poppa!!

It's my Poppa's birthday, please join me in wishing him a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!)

All Our Love, Amanda & Rocky xoxoxo

ps. Can you tell I ate just before this photo and that I've had a few big days in PICU?!?! LOL!!

PICU - Day 2

Hi everyone, Today was a much better day, still had to slow the infusion down but the rash/welts were not nearly as bad and the man is heaps better, drinking a lot more and playing as well. He was even laughing a bit tonight - so far so good, it's 11pm here and the infusion has been going for about 8 hours now so it looks like it will go well. I left him sleeping peacefully with a nice full tummy! 1 day to go!

Operation Thymus - PICU Day 1

Hi Y''all, The little man went into PICU at 3.30pm yesterday. He had a rough night. He had a reaction to the thymoglobulin (which we knew could happen) so had high temp (nearly 40 degrees), sweating, heaving breathing, very irritated with a rash and little red welts all over his body, and his eyes were swollen shut when I went in last night. To manage the reaction they slow the infusion down by half, which improved things, by the time I left the room last night he could open his eyes and see me which was great. The welts/rash persisted during the night but the infusion finsihed this morning and so he is looking (and clearly feeling!) much better. He was trying to pull all the cords attached to him and he had some food and was playing a little so he must be feeling that bit better. I saw the doctors this morning and the thymoglobulin is working just as it should, his lymphocyte count is down which is what the TG is used for, so that's good news leading into Operation Thymus!

He will remain in PICU for the full 3 days now instead of just 12 hours at a time and coming back to the room. I haven't seen him look that unwell since he first got sick, which was a little distressing, but we know it's short term for the greater good - so we will get through it! Take care

We're Off To See the PICU....!

Hi yáll , Today is a big day for Rocky. We go to the intensive care unit for him to receive some treatment on his cells to help with the operation. For the next 3 days he will be in there for 12 hours at a time getting his thymoglobulin infusions. We are so close to this operation, it's very exciting and nerveracking at the same time! In the past couple of weeks Rocky has been having a couple of problems with his calcicum and feeding, but in the last couple of days, it's all corrected itself and I guess this is a sign of good things to come!! Please, keep your fingers, toes and what ever else you can, crossed!! xoxo

Operation Thymus: Full Steam Ahead 22nd March

We have a new op date of 22nd March. All is looking good with the testing to date, but they do final testing on the morning of the op (like a check) to be 150% sure it's all okay.

Let's hope 3rd time lucky!

ps. Rocky wears the pants in this relationship - on his head!!!!!!

Rocky Goes Bananas.....and Sweet Potatoes

Halloween arrives early as Rocky attempts to disguise himself as a pumpkin head LOL

Fit For A King...

The throne arrived this afternoon LOL

What fun! The nurses here bring us all the cool stuff.....they are the best!

I Sit Therefore I Am...

I know the Title is lame but I had to do SOMETHING to get this cute picture on the webpage!

These Are The Days....

We are enjoying significant improvement in the weather outlook. I think there might be a few cyclones or hurricanes around, but they are towards the coast (2 hours drive away).

Monday 15° C 0° C
Tuesday 11° C -1° C
Wednesday 19° C 2° C
Thursday 12C 1° C
Friday 14° C 6° C

Not much other news, just waiting for some further news re: Operation Thymus. It must be a covert operation as we haven't heard much (LOL) We may also be moving to the Rankin Ward soon, now that renovations are close to being finished. Will keep you posted. xox

New Faces...& Some Holidays Snaps..

2nd Pic down, Rocky likes to pull this face, especially when we are trying to feed him. LOL

Goodbye Aunty PC & Uncle Petey - memories......