Thursday, July 19, 2007 4:42 AM CDT

Mornig Everyone.

Why is it with KIDS that when they have been looking forward to something for a long time they Fall Sick??

Matt is going on camp on Saturday at Saintes.

He won't be here for his BIRTHDAY!!
He will be 12 on Tuesay!

Matt went swimming at the lake last weekend and on Sunday he developed a sore throat, then during the week, he was very tired and coughing.
Tuesday, I took him to the Drs as he had a temp of 38.5, where we were told He has a Cold, PHEW!

Well early evening his temp went upto 39.6!
Don't Panic, well, as you all know, We Do Panic/Worry.
But that seems to be the norm after what Matts been through.

This morning he is fine, temp was 35.52 hopefully it was ust A Cold?

Matt has packed his rucksack ready for Saturday, he is leaving Chalus at 8am!!

Emma is fine, she has a sleepover in our Big Tent at her
friends at La Jaurie on Saturday.
So, we are Kid Free!!

We have been invited to Michel and Chantels for dinner, it's a standin joke with them that we only want Petit Manger but it is not possible for them to do that!! we always have Great Meals with them.

Matt is continuing to practice his Archery and is getting alot of GOLDS!

Well, the garden is doing ok, lots of Haricot Beurre,courgettes,peas,carrots. Our onions are Huge!
I have runner beans on the plants and the sweetcorn has flowers.
The tomatos all have blight but it's been a bad year all round for the toms.

OK, I will try and update the phots, but the laptop is down at the moment.
So I am using Ems PC with a French keyboard, so I appolise if there are any spelling mistakes!!

See you

Jackie

Wednesday, July 4, 2007 13.39pm french time

Hi Everyone
Just a quick update!

Matts check-up yesterday went well.

He has Grown 3cms in 3months and lost 2kgs in the same time!
Matt had his bloods taken and I will let you know the results.

Dr Piquet is very pleased with him.
Matt can go to Camp at Saintes on 21st July until 27th July. Nanny Nuna has treated him to that.
The only thing is that will be away for his 12th birthday 24th JUly!!
He said he will wait until he comes back to have his presents!! LOL

He is also fine to play Rugby in septembre.

Well, they are both on holiday now until 4th Sept!

It has been an awful time for the veggie plot, so much rain!!
I have picked peas 3 times and the courgettes are having to be picked as they are rotting on the plants.
The tomatoes are doing well, but now we need sunshine to ripen them!

I can't update photos yet as the laptop is broken and we are just waiting for a part.
I am using Ems pc which has a french keyboard and is really hard to get used to!

OK, said it would be a quckie.

Catch up soon

Love Jackie

Friday, June 8, 2007 9am French Time

Hi Everyone.

Well, we certainly know where we were 4 yrs ago!
Today, 2003 we were told for definite that Matthew had AML!

After a long trip to Bristol Childrens Hospital 07/06/03, with Matthew in the Ambulance, Andy and I following behind. That was the Day when Robbie Williams FEEL was playing on the radio.
That song holds so many memories for us all.

Having to leave Emma behind with Mum and Dad was very hard.


Well, all we need to say is Matthew has proven to be a Survivor!
Obviously with the Donation of Bonemarrow from Emma he has beaten all odds.

Hopefully we will be able to put the nightmare behind us next year Sept 26th 2008 as that will be the 5yr Marker.

We would like to say Thank you to all Family, Friends who supported us through the Dark Days.
Also to Bristol Childrens Hospital and Treliske Hospital for the Care that was given throughtout Matthews Treatment.

And to CLIC Charity and Postpals for their support too.

Matt has to continue to see the consultant at the CHU Limoges every 3months. Next month is when he has his bloods done.

Matt is really well, and is looking forward to going to College in September.
Emma is moving up to 5eme, she is working really hard.

All animals are fine, Spirit has changed so much since he was castrated, and now we are working on breaking him in.
He already allows Emma to put a saddle on him.
Emma has been given a Lovely Western Saddle from one of our neighbours. (see photo)

Ok,

Take Care All and Stay Strong.

Love
Jackie, Andrew, Emma and Matt.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thursday 17th May, 2007

Hi
Just another quick update!

Yesterday, Matt was told he WILL be going to College at Chalus this Septembre!
For a while we did think he would have to double another year at Bussiere.
But, he has worked really hard and it has paid off.

Matt and Emma are both fluent in French, can read and write it too.
Quite often Michel pops in for one of them to translate for him.

Andy and I are getting there, we have to speak French everyday when the neighbours pop in.

Ok that's it for now.

Catch up later.

Love Jackie




Saturday, May 12, 2007 21.00pm french time
Hi
Sorry for lack of updates.
But been busy with Veggie Plot etc.

Matt and Emma are fine.

Enjoyed the Easter Break, now studying hard.
Emma is moving upto Year 5/Year 8 (UK) and hopefully Matt won't have to double another year.

It seems that they are forever off school for different Feries (B/Hols) they are off next Thursday for Assension and Friday for Pont De Assension?
But Matt is at School all day on Wednesday normally only half-day?

Emma was a TEENAGER last Wednesday, she has changed overnight!
She recieved DVD's,CD's, Clothes,bags, jewellery and Lots of Euro's!
Looks like there is a shopping trip soon!

Matts next hospital appointment is 4th July, he will be having blood tests then.

He has been cycling to the Acrobois every weekend to meet friends and swim in the lake.
He is using his New bike to the full, he is practicing his Wheelies! He went too far last weekend and fell right back over when the wheelie went wrong! Big Bang on the head as he was on the concrete floor for the bungalow!
Now, he wears his helmet!

We are busy planting the veggie plot, sweetcorn, peas, french beans, runner beans, carrots are up and the 400 onions and garlic are all doing well.
As are the peppers, chillies, melons, courgettes.
We planted 40 tomato plants.
And still have room for something else

We went to Michels lake the other weekend and Emma,Rebecca,Emily and Angelica had a Ball in the boat.
No oars just hands and legs.
It was So funny!

All the girls were soaking through! See pictures.

Well, My Gran was 85 on the 10th March, My Mum was 60 on 30th April, Emma was 13 on 9th May, Andy and I have been married for 20 yrs on 20th June, Dad is 80 on 25th June.
It seems to be a Year for BIG Occasions!

OH, and don't tell anyone but I am 40 on the 5th September!
Can't wait, NOT!!

Spirit was castrated last week, he is ok now, bless.
Nichola watched every bit!
Andy and Arthur were doing the Muscle bit, Spirit weighs 300kg and needed Strong Peeps to keep him down!
They did a good job.

Have got pics but don't think I will put them on to view!!

OK,
That's all for now.

I will update again soon.

Love you all

Jackie

Sunday, April 1, 2007 12.29pm french time

Hi
No this is not an April Fools, I am really updating!! LOL.

Well, it's been fairly quiet here at the moment.

Matt had his 3mth check-up last week and all is well.
He has grown 4cms in 3mths and gained 3kgs!
No bloods were taken this time as they were done in January when he was having lots of nosebleeds.
They will be done in July.
All Matt's vacinations are up to date now, just needs top up of Pnemo in August.

Matt is full of energy and is still cycling, using his air-rifle and pistol that Grandad Frank gave him when we went back to Cornwall last month.
School is going well for him and we should know soon if he will be moving up to college in Sept.
Fingers crossed he will as I know he is ready to move up now.
Emma is moving up a year at college which is Great!

They are both fluent and are always being asked to do translating for both the French and English.

Both Matt and Emma have had to have Men C jabs as there has been some children die from it in the area.
Emma has had hers but Matt's is due next week.

They break up for Easter on the 13th and go back to school on the 3rd May.
Then they break up for Summer on 4th July.

Emma is having an xray next Thursday as her Knee is playing up again (osgood schlatter disease) Dr gave her some gel to massage in 3 times aday.
She is also excused from sport for 3months!

I have been having weekly physio on my back and with the 3 injections seems to be alot better.

All animals are fine, Buttons keeps bringing Mice in and leaving bits indoors.
Brambles is still lazy but happy.
Max is still MAD, and still paddling in the water and chasing Spirit.
Spirit is due to be castrated end of April and then we will start breaking him in.

As a whole we are Great!

The weather has been really weird, one day we are eating outside on the decking and then it starts to Snow!
Can't wait for the spring to arrive, I can then start on my Veggie Plot, it' all ploughed ready for rotovating.

My Nan was due for Maggot treatment on her Ulcer but when she went in this week they said "it's not BAD enough for the Maggots"
Yuck!
Her arm is getting better and she now has a metal plate in it.
Nan is staying with Mum and Dad.
Soon they are having a Stannah Stair Lift put in so Nan can live upstairs permently.

It will be good for Nan to have Mum and Dad around for company.

We see/speak to them daily on the webcam, strange really, none of feel we are in a different country. It's good.
Love you all....


Anyway
Please continue to sign Matt's Guestbook.

Also,
Kelly (Jamies Mum) and Sara (Nicoles Mum) are both doing the Race For Life, please if you can, Sponsor them both.
Their links are both below.

Many Thanks

Jackie

Thursday, March 29, 2007 22.24pm french time

Hi Everyone

I promise to do an update tomorrow sometime!

As long as SomeOne signs Matt's Guestbook!!

Many Thanks

Jackie

Tuesday, March 13, 2007 13.52pm French Time

Hello Everyone.

Firstly we would like to Apologise to all our Friends in Devon and Cornwall who we did get to meet up with while we were back last week. So Sorry.
We we only over for a week, which went very quick!!

We drove to Roscoff on Thursday and it rained all the way to Morlaix.
The ferry was delayed for 2hrs and what a Rough Crossing!!
At one point we thought the ferry was going to capsize! The curtains were vertical!!

We arrived in Plymouth at 8am on Friday.

We stayed with Mum and Dad which was lovely.
While we were there My Nan fell and broke her arm just below her elbow.
Nan is now as we speak in hospital having an operation to put a metal plate in, Bless she was 85 last Saturday.
Nan was staying at Mums to recover from the fall. Hopefully she will go to live with Mum and Dad.

We caught up with Andys Dad and Jean, Lynn,Ross and Ben.
We had lovely meals with both.

Matt stayed overnight with his mate Jack and Emma went shopping with some Girl Friends and stayed overnight with Emma Lamble.
Both had late nights!!
Emma met up with Patrick and had tea with him, who she has only seen and spoken to on the webcam!!

We saw the solicitor about Matts Claim against the NHS and we have been told it will be another year! Been 3years already since I first logded the claim!

All the animals here at home behaved themselves apart for Spirit who cornered Nicky!

Ok,
I will continue later.
Andy got a puncture on the car this morning (new blinking tyre too..) got to go to the garage to see if it can be repaired!

be right back.

Love Jackie

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

mikayla’s page

Sunday, February 11, 2007 12.03pm French time

Hi Everyone.

PLEASE SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK!! THANKS


Well, the snow has all gone!
Just lots of Water everywhere now.

Our well is over-flowing!

Matt is well and enjoyed having the week off school!
Emma couldn't get to college either!

Last week Matt, Andy and Emma had the Gastro Bug that is going around!
Matt and Andys lasted just over 24hrs but Emma was Sick for 3days!
Luckily so far I have missed getting it!

Spirit is doing really well, and growing!
He had his hooves trimmed for the first time last weekend and he was Brilliant!

He went for a walk around the site yesterday, was a bit Reluctant to come out of the field but we tempted him with a Carrot!! LOL!
He was snorting at everything, the Concrete Mixer,Trailer and the yellow water pipe that is around the site!

Max has two new friends at Roger and Sylvias, they are 8week old Black Lab x Breton Spaniel puppies - Frankie and Sammy.
They all play really well together and Max can't wait to show them how to swim in the Lakes!

Matts next meeting at Limoges is 27th March and tomorrow evening he is having his Pneumo 23 jab! Good job he doesn't mind Jabs!

Ok, I will update soon.

Love Jackie

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

mikayla’s page

Sunday, February 11, 2007 12.03pm French time

Hi Everyone.

PLEASE SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK!! THANKS


Well, the snow has all gone!
Just lots of Water everywhere now.

Our well is over-flowing!

Matt is well and enjoyed having the week off school!
Emma couldn't get to college either!

Last week Matt, Andy and Emma had the Gastro Bug that is going around!
Matt and Andys lasted just over 24hrs but Emma was Sick for 3days!
Luckily so far I have missed getting it!

Spirit is doing really well, and growing!
He had his hooves trimmed for the first time last weekend and he was Brilliant!

He went for a walk around the site yesterday, was a bit Reluctant to come out of the field but we tempted him with a Carrot!! LOL!
He was snorting at everything, the Concrete Mixer,Trailer and the yellow water pipe that is around the site!

Max has two new friends at Roger and Sylvias, they are 8week old Black Lab x Breton Spaniel puppies - Frankie and Sammy.
They all play really well together and Max can't wait to show them how to swim in the Lakes!

Matts next meeting at Limoges is 27th March and tomorrow evening he is having his Pneumo 23 jab! Good job he doesn't mind Jabs!

Ok, I will update soon.

Love Jackie

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

mikayla’s page

Tuesday 23rd January 2007, 08.47am french time

Morning Everyone.
Well, the Snow arrived yesterday evening!
We watched the forcast and the temperature drop!

It's looks lovely everywhere!

I woke up at 5am and saw the electric had gone off, then I got up to check on Spirit the Horse and I couldn't see him in the stable or field?
Andy got up to check behind the stable, and all I heard was Andy swearing!!
Spirit had only got out of the field!!
The electric fence was shorting out with all the snow on the lines.

So afte a cup of tea, we all put coats etc on, it was easy finding him, as the big prints in the snow.
We were accompanied by the dog,and two cats all intreaged to see where we were all going.

Spirit was sheltering behind the neighbours laurel bushes! BLESS
Course we had to get his headcollar on as I took it off him at the weekend after schooling.

Matt and Emmma are making a SnowMan! No school for them today, Bussiere Galant hasn't got any elecric and Emma's bus won't go out if there is any snow on the road!

I will put some more photos on later.

Just about to have Sausage Sarnies!! YUM.

Take Care

Jackie (snowy france)

***************************************
Saturday, January 13, 2007 14.12pm French Time
Happy New Year to You All.

Hope you all had a Great Time?

Andy and I fell asleep as did Matt. Emma was the only one that stayed up to see the New Year In.
Mum and Nicky rang just after midnight and couldn't believe Emma was the only one up! LOL

The weather stayed cold and frosty which was lovely.

We had a scare with Matt last week, he has been having reaccurrent nose-bleeds which took 10-15mins to stop with Huge Clots. I looked on the internet and it came up with Nosebleeds in Acute Leukaemia. B***dy H*** we thought, it's come Back!! Andy and I were in a right Panic on Friday. I called the consultant in Limoges and requested a Blood test ASAP.
On Saturday morning we went to CHU and after being sent to different wards, Matt had 7 tubes of blood taken.
We then went home to wait for the results.
Dr Piquet rang in the evening, All Results Are OK!!
Well, what a relief.

It's so easy to let your guard down especially when Matt is So Well and Normal.

Well, Emma and Matt went back to school last Monday and have settled back to the routine.

Emma is loving having Spirit and he is starting to get used to the Lunge Training we have started.
He is due to have his first Hoof Trim on the 24th Jan, should be FUN!!
Also, I am going to find out about getting Spirit castrated, he is starting to get a bit FRESH!! He is 1yr on 23rd Feb.
Matt got kicked in the eye by Spirit and is now very wary about going in the field now. Not a bad thing.
Andy got kicked in the top of his leg yesterday, and now has a Bruise starting to show.

And finally we have Now Got FRENCH PLATES on our Shogun.

The weather has been WET! Can't wait for the Spring! Not sure if we are going to get Snow this year.

Ok, I will update again soon.
Please, Please keep signing Matt's Guestbook and the others listed below.

Many thanks

Jackie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

mikayla’s page

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 12.40pm French Time

Well,
We hope you all had a Great Christmas!
We did.

Firstly, Christmas Eve we had a visit from Pere Noel bringing Gifts, he had a Really long present for Matt, Matt thought it was either a Snowboard or Skis.
It was great!

Matt and Emma woke at 6am, and after they made Andy and I a cup of tea, we let them open their pressies.

Matt opened the Long present first and found it to be an Air-Rifle! He was delighted!!
Matt also recieved a Nano Ipod too.
Emma had 1/2 of Spirit for Christmas and a Pink Nano Ipod!
They both recieved alot of money from their Nanny/Grandads,Nuna (their Great Nanny)
Emma is saving for bits/pieces for Spirit.
Matt is saving up a 50cc Trial Bike.
Emma got a lovely tapistry of a Horse for Nanny Jean.
Matt received lots of games for ps2 and Emma games for her DS.
DVD,clothes,pens,inflatable Gladiator Batons which are going to be good in the pool next summer! this list is long!
Emma brought Matt a spedometre for his bike and Matt brought Emma some Ferrero Rocher Chocs!

Mum sent Galaxy Chocolate,SuperNoodles and Cheddar cheese things that we miss!

We spent the day and evening with Roger/Sylvia and Michel/Chantel (fr), it was a lovely day.
Good practice for our French, explaining the different things between an English Christmas Day and A French one.

Roger brought Sylvia a quad and Emma,Matt rode around the lakes in the White Frost, very good.

The weather has been Very Cold! It's White all around, looks like something out of Narnia! (see photos)
Spirit has Icicles hanging from his eyes/ears, he goes to his shelter for eating but sleeps outside!!

Spirit has settled in really well, but he did try and push through the fencing so we have now electrified it. He got a shock off it and now doesn't go near to it!!

We caught up with Mum/Dad and Nan on the webcam this morning, it was nice to see them all.
We do miss them.

Ok, hope you are all well.

Here's to a Happy New Year!

Love

Jackie

Tuesday, December 12, 2006 15.00pm French Time

Hi
I know it's a BIG picture, but, Emma and Matt disappeared yesterday and then presented us with this picture! and wished us Happy Christmas!

I know, it's been along time since I updated!
Well here it is.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL


Matt saw the consultant on 5th December and went well.
His weight is 52kg, Height 152cm.
Dr Piquet was pleased with the way Matt is.
The results of the Immune Test were good.
He just needs top ups of Hib,Dip/Polio/Tetnus,also they are giving him Phemo23? and HepB.
Which means 5 injections over the next 6 months, Matt loves Injections!!
First two Wednesday Eve.

Emma has been having reacurring UTI's and now being investigated. She has had an Ultrasound, and Scans, the results didnt show anything abnormal. Not sure what happens now.
Emma has another UTI and is back on Antibiotics.

Andy and I are ok, I had to have an injection in my back (ouch)as the exrays showed that my last vertibrae is squashing my nerve, that is why I have been having so much pain in my hip!
Need physio and another Injection on 3rd Jan 2007 (deep joy)

We have been working hard on the building site.

Emma's foal Spirit safely arrived at Julia's 2 weeks ago. No probs with him, the vet microchipped him while he was in the horsebox.
He is spending time there with Sphinx (his cousin) Chy and Laroose.
Sphinx is Beckys foal, he is only 6mths old.
Spirit is 10mths, he is so cute. Andy was scratching his back at the weekend and Spirit went absolutly Crazy, rolling his eyes, stretching his neck and curling his top lip! Think Spirit liked it!!
We wormed all the horses in the field and it went well.
We can get a headcollar on Spirit no probs and lead him.

The other day we were over with the horses and Max (our Dog) was being chased by Laroose, they were both full speed across the field, Laroose had here head stretched out and was knashing at Max's Bottom!
Max then relaxed for a while to scratch and Laroose seized the opportunity to have a NIP!! Poor Max.

Christmas here in France is So Low Key! It's not in your face like the UK!
Matt and Emma are looking forward to finishing school for the holiday.
They break up on the 22nd Dec and return on the 8th Jan.

We had a Quick Return to UK 2weeks ago, long story, but we brought another car from London! Andy and I flew into Stansted at 2.05pm and was picked up by my Aunty Jen and her friend Pete, brought the car, found Sainsburys, loaded the car up with t.bags,stuffing,bacon,sausages,Turkey,s/v crisps and galaxy!!
We took the tunnel across to France at 7.40pm (same day) and arrived in France at 8.10pm UK time!
We arrived home at 5.30am Sunday Morning! 17hrs round trip!!
Matt and Emma stayed with Roger/Sylvia and Max stayed with Michel/Chantel, all had a Great Time.

The weather has been very wet but now it's cold!
Hoping for a dry few weeks, so the site drive can dry up again! Good job we've got a 4x4!!

Ok, I have to deliver the neighbours christmas cards and wrap up the pressies!

You all take care.
Thinking of you all.

I will update again, probably be after christmas now.

Love

Jackie,Andy,Emma and Matt.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

mikayla’s page

Tuesday, December 12, 2006 15.00pm French Time

Hi
I know it's a BIG picture, but, Emma and Matt disappeared yesterday and then presented us with this picture! and wished us Happy Christmas!

I know, it's been along time since I updated!
Well here it is.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL


Matt saw the consultant on 5th December and went well.
His weight is 52kg, Height 152cm.
Dr Piquet was pleased with the way Matt is.
The results of the Immune Test were good.
He just needs top ups of Hib,Dip/Polio/Tetnus,also they are giving him Phemo23? and HepB.
Which means 5 injections over the next 6 months, Matt loves Injections!!
First two Wednesday Eve.

Emma has been having reacurring UTI's and now being investigated. She has had an Ultrasound, and Scans, the results didnt show anything abnormal. Not sure what happens now.
Emma has another UTI and is back on Antibiotics.

Andy and I are ok, I had to have an injection in my back (ouch)as the exrays showed that my last vertibrae is squashing my nerve, that is why I have been having so much pain in my hip!
Need physio and another Injection on 3rd Jan 2007 (deep joy)

We have been working hard on the building site.

Emma's foal Spirit safely arrived at Julia's 2 weeks ago. No probs with him, the vet microchipped him while he was in the horsebox.
He is spending time there with Sphinx (his cousin) Chy and Laroose.
Sphinx is Beckys foal, he is only 6mths old.
Spirit is 10mths, he is so cute. Andy was scratching his back at the weekend and Spirit went absolutly Crazy, rolling his eyes, stretching his neck and curling his top lip! Think Spirit liked it!!
We wormed all the horses in the field and it went well.
We can get a headcollar on Spirit no probs and lead him.

The other day we were over with the horses and Max (our Dog) was being chased by Laroose, they were both full speed across the field, Laroose had here head stretched out and was knashing at Max's Bottom!
Max then relaxed for a while to scratch and Laroose seized the opportunity to have a NIP!! Poor Max.

Christmas here in France is So Low Key! It's not in your face like the UK!
Matt and Emma are looking forward to finishing school for the holiday.
They break up on the 22nd Dec and return on the 8th Jan.

We had a Quick Return to UK 2weeks ago, long story, but we brought another car from London! Andy and I flew into Stansted at 2.05pm and was picked up by my Aunty Jen and her friend Pete, brought the car, found Sainsburys, loaded the car up with t.bags,stuffing,bacon,sausages,Turkey,s/v crisps and galaxy!!
We took the tunnel across to France at 7.40pm (same day) and arrived in France at 8.10pm UK time!
We arrived home at 5.30am Sunday Morning! 17hrs round trip!!
Matt and Emma stayed with Roger/Sylvia and Max stayed with Michel/Chantel, all had a Great Time.

The weather has been very wet but now it's cold!
Hoping for a dry few weeks, so the site drive can dry up again! Good job we've got a 4x4!!

Ok, I have to deliver the neighbours christmas cards and wrap up the pressies!

You all take care.
Thinking of you all.

I will update again, probably be after christmas now.

Love

Jackie,Andy,Emma and Matt.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

mikayla’s page

Sunday, November 12, 2006 21.26pm French Time

Hi
Just a quickie to say we are all "WELL"

Matt and Emma returned to school, both doing really well.

We have had plenty of social life!!
Michel and Chantal have catered for us on several occassions!
Michel always says "Petit Mange" but we know what that means!!
Last night we had....
Asparagus soup, Asparagus Shoots with dressing, Scallops, SNAILS!!, Roast Turkey, Cheese, Fruit Salad.
And of course copius amounts of Nice Wine!!
I Drove!!
But Michel gave me some wine for later!!

Matt's next apt at Limoge CHU is Dec 5th, his results were fine from the Immune Test.
Still off the STEROIDS!!

Emma is getting excited, Spirit the Horse arrives hopefully this Saturday?
No rush, but the field is ready, food in store and planning got for stable!!
Andy says "More Digging!!

Max had a Swim on Friday at Sylvia/Rogs lake, he was funny (Max) he sat on the side of the lake and tested the water!
It must of been cold, as he Jumped IN, we all took a Breath for Him!! LOL.
Max has a habit of chasing Strange Cats, well the other night ours were asleep and the 3legged cat visited! well Max chased it off the decking, down the field, across the new drive, across the veg patch and UP A TREE!! it was well funny to see Eyes in the Trees!!lol

Buttons/Brambles the kittens were both sterilised last month and are both OK,


We are still in contact with Kelly/Dave and Family, also Nicole.
Kelly told us about Jack, we never met Jack at Bristol, but only his Dad one night.
Jack has relapsed with AML and is poorly, please visit PostPals link at bottom and you will find him.
Also, Dr Nick Goulden who was Matt's Consultant, his son has got Leukaemia, Andy says " proves there's NO GOD!!

Emma has a apt with Specialist at Limoges CHU on Thursday 16th Nov, as she has had 3 UTI's in a row!! all E.Coli.

I am seeing the Rhumatologist (sp?) on 6th Dec for my hip, it is giving me sooooo much pain!! I have also calcification on it too, what ever that means?
I think they are due to give me an injection!! deep joy!

We have also heard from the Solicitor this week, they are now doing Matthew's Case on a Conditional Fee Agreement.
Lets hope it will be ended soon?

3yrs,3months and 3weeks since Matt had his First Op for the Damage caused by the Aspegillus Flavus!!
Watch this space!!
Be great to close that BOOK!

The other day I managed to see my Nan on the webcam, it was really Nice, she is looking well, but she is in alot of Pain with an Ulcer,her hips, Nan is waiting for a Hip Replacement Op, but they won't operate until the ulcer has healed!!
She is GREAT, I/We miss her loads.
Mum and Dad, well I speak to them daily on MSN, Dad is alerted to me being on by the dog Bella, who recognises my voice!

Ok, enough of me waffling!

Take Care

Love Jackie

Please send thoughts to Ron who is currently in hospital after collapsing during his Great-Grandaughters Christening.

Also visit the links below.
Thanks

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Saturday, October 7, 2006 21.24pm French Time

Hi

Matt has stopped the STEROIDS again!
Last month he stopped but he had this THING appear on his EAR, it was a large Blister, the DR took a sample and that came back clear.
DR put Matt back on the steroids and a course of Antibiotics.
Nothing has shown up this Month!

Emma has another UTI, and is awaiting an appointment with a specialist. Poor little thing!

Well, what a busy week we've had!!
Last Wednesday, 3 lorries of Ready Mix concrete came at 8.30am!
Edward (Eng) and Michell (Fr)were on the Pump!! Andy was Frantically trying to level the concrete as it was pumped!
I just stood and watched!

All finished by 10.15am! 16sqm laid and level!

Thursday, the blocks and sand was ordered for Friday, guess what, it Came Today!!
1500 blocks and 10ton of sand!!
Which meant work could start 1 day earlier!!

Well, the weather hasn't been great, but each Day we have got on!!

Up to today, the outside walls of the ground floor is finished!
Just the internal walls to do!

Matt has been helping mixing concrete and Emm has laid her first Block!
Along with the Dog riding in the wheel barrow, Brambles,Buttons the Cats try eating Andys building line, he isn't impressed!!

We have had LOTS of visitors, intrigued on how a British Builder Works!!
They keep saying "slow down"

Overall, we did a check on levels and we are on average 3mm different not bad over a site of 10m x 17m.
This can be made up on the ring beam that's next!

Michell, came around this morning with a Pheasant, which as the pic shows, Matt plucked, took it to Alexandre (neighbour) to gut!!

Then, Francis,Evette came around with some FRESH MILK! yep, it was still warm!!!!
And tomorrow morning Emma and Matt are going milking at 7.30am with Francis.

Matt and Emma are heavilly into collecting CEPS! they are absolutely Beautiful!!
It's been a good year for them!

Sunday is the Fete of Mushrooms at Bussiere Galant, our village.
We will go in the afternoon.

We had HIGH Winds on Tuesday, it wasn't a good idea putting the mobile home under chestnut trees!!
You needed a Hard Hat on the decking!
I pulled prickles out of my leg that got hit by one, it went through jeans and socks!!

Max the dog, picks his way through the chestnuts!

Hope all is well with you all.


Could you all look out for Nicole, who is featured on the Cancer Research Christmas Catalogue.
She looks beautiful.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Miss you all loads!
Especially Nan,Mum,Dad and Dad,Jean,Lynn,Ross and Ben.
And those special FRIENDS (you know who you are)

We are all Very Happy Here In France!
Matt and Emma are both Fluent in French, doing better than I could of expected.
We have really Great Neighbours and really Great Friends both French and English.

We are still battling with the NHS, but hopefully that will be sorted early 2007.

Take Care

Don't forget to visit the links below, it's nice to know your out there!!


Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

Love

Jackie

Saturday 23rd September. 17.30pm french time

Hi All
**************************************

3 YEARS TODAY (DATE ACTUALLY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2003) MATT RECIEVED THE LIFE SAVING BONE MARROW FROM HIS SISTER EMMA.
CAN'T THANK EMMA ENOUGH AND FOR MATT TO BE SUCH A FIGHTER.

***************************************

Tuesday, September 19, 2006 1-.03pm French Time
Well,
Matt saw Dr Piquet this morning and all is well.
He couldn't believe how much Matt has grown since he last saw him in June.
Matt is now 152cm and 49.4kg.
Matt had 10 samples of blood taken, for his immune tests, HIV,HepB,HepA,Tetnus,Dip,Polio,Menigitus, and others.

Hopefully we get a copy of the results.
Oh, and we all need the dreaded FLU Jab, but Emma is ok about it this year!!

Also, when we see him in December, Matt will be having a Lung Function Test and also they want to check his Pnemo-cocque levels?

So overall, He was really pleased with Matt.

Big sigh of relief for us, as it is 3 YEARS ON SUNDAY 24th September that Matt had his Bone Marrow Transplant donated from his sister Emma.

We are so lucky he is still with us and that Emma was a 100atch.

The hospital at Limoges is great, you can park and don't pay for it.
Only downside, is that Matt conned me into getting a Quicks for lunch!
On the condition that he goes back to school in the afternoon!! Wrotten arn't I!

Emma is doing really well, she got 4/5 on Mental Maths, not her strong point.
Also, 18.5/20 in a French Spelling Test!!
She is So French!!

You will laugh now, last Wednesday Michel (french friend) took down some Huge Trees when he dropped a large log on his foot, well, he struggled home, then later that evening he arrive at our place with Chantel and said " he's got to go to St Yrieix for an xray.
I said "you can't drive!!
So I drove his Peugeot 405 Le Mans Left hand drive, Manual.
Our Delica is Right-Hand drive and Automatic!

Spent 2hrs with Chantel who doesn't speak English!
But, Hey, I did it, had perfect conversations with her and when I got it wrong, she corrected me.
Good for my French!!

Well, we had another laugh with Michel, he wanted us to go with him to collect his other van which was on the other side of the village.
Andy got in the passenger seat, I got in the Back.
Michel automatically went to the Right!!
He SWORE, when he saw the Steering Wheel! Merde!!!
It's on the wrong side!!
Also, he said "he couldn't drive it as for his foot!!
Pas Probleme, C'est Automatic!!
Oh Merde!
But he did it, be it the slowest journey we have had with him!!

Ok, will catch you all later.
Well, the weather has been Horrible!! We had 3days of continuous Rain!!
But today has been really warm and the forcast is good for tomorrow.

We have started preparing for Spirit the Foal to arrive. Michel helped us put the posts in and next week we will get the wire for the paddock.
Next will be the stable!
Emma is So Exited, really looking forward to him arriving.

We are still picking produce from the Veg Garden.
Runner Beans
Carrots
Sweet Corn
Courgettes
Mushrooms have just returned!
Ceps are around the field too. Georgous with Home grown Garlic!!
Turnips are ready, as are the Pumkins.
On it goes!!

Matt and Emma are just about to go in the Pool, hmm, see how long they last? 19.24pm!!

Please if you can Vote for Post Pals, they have been Short Listed for the Lottery Fund.
I will see if I can add a Link.
Please Vote Now>/a>


See you all.

love jackie

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

Thursday, September 7, 2006 12.06pm French Time

Hi Everyone

Last night Matt and Emma were on the quad, and guess who Rolled the Quad?

You guessed it, Matt!!

Lots of screams, crying, no Blood!!
Took him to the Drs this morning and he has severly sprained his foot!!
Now he is in a splint and has to use crutches for 10days!!
But... he has gone to school!!

Emma started College at Chalus, and is loving it!!
The first day, she was asked out by 8 boys and turned down 7!
Vincent is his name and they are exchanging letters!!
Watch this Space!!

The others at school can't believe she is English as her French is so Good!
Which is a great confidence booster for her.

Matt is doing well at Bussiere school, and was told by Ms Rey that he has improved greatly.

I had a great birthday, Andy took me out for lunch!
5 course meal with wine, no wonder the French have 2hrs for lunch!!

It's been a bit quieter recently, we have met somemore English in the area, Roger and Sylvia, they are lovely.
Roger has a Honda 650 quad which he lets Emma/Matt ride around his lakes etc.
Also, John and Sara, they have a holiday home up the road with Grazing!!! They are really nice too.

Hopefully we can put the Foal up there later on.
Emma is so excited about getting the Foal in November, not sure what his name will be, but I think she likes Spirit Soho.
He is georgeous!! (see pic)

The weather for the last week has been Hot! over 30 everyday.

We are starting to dig out the foundations, ready for the concrete!!
Can't wait to see it come out the ground!!
But at the moment it is too hot!

The kittens are brilliant, Buttons/Brambles are full of it and love playing in the woods.
Matt is still daft!

Ok, nothing else to report.

Catch up soon.

Love Jackie

Sunday, September 3, 2006 19.49pm French Time

Hi Everyone.

Just a quick update for now!

Matt returns to school tomorrow in class CM2 and is looking forward to seeing his mates again.

Emma goes to Chalus College, she is being collected by bus at 7.55am at the bottom of the road. Bit nervious but she will be fine.

Take care

Love Jackie

More to follow!!

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 22.13pm french time

Hi
***************************************

Please see the New Photo of Emmas New Foal!
She hasn't named his yet but it has to begin S?
He will be ready in November.

***************************************
Well, Friday after Matt stopped the steroids, his right ear started to have Blisters!
Took him to the Drs on Monday, and he has an infection?
Yeah that's right, Back on Steroids for 10days and then reduce for a month!
Also on strong antibiotics!!

Typical. Might be to do with stopping the steroids.
Swabs were taken.

Immune test being done on 19th Sept at Limoges Hospital.

All is well otherwise.

Both been to the Dentist and Emma needs a Crown! Which entails injections, she has been prescribed Calming Medication to take before she goes in!!
Matt is fine, just had a clean.
The dentist did say that he was late on his Molars, but that is probably to do with the treatment!
We did get told that it might slow his growth rate down.
I had my first treatment for a crown down last wednesday, Not looking forward to going through that with Emma!!!!



Busy weekend, Ben,Marcus and Jasmine were baptised.

We had all of Nicky/Arthurs family around for a Beef Madras on Friday.
Saturday we were around Nicky/Arthurs for a bbq.
Sunday after the service we have a party at Annette/Edwards/
I got Drunk and went swimming! Doesn't happen that ofen!
Good time had by all!!!

Nicky's Dad,2 sisters, and friends flew from England for the weekend.

Monday was quiet, we took Howard etc to the airport and dismantled the tent.

Today, we helped Alexandre (french neighbour) lift our 5 concrete rings from his well, he needs to dig deeper to find water!!
The Delica worked very hard!!

Tomorrow, we getting wood for the man who lives 3doors down the lane. Then having lunch with them.
Our neighbours are all very friendly and appreciative.

The quad has been hammered this weekend. After the celebrations on Sunday, Muriel (french friend) and her boyfriend Rob came around for a Vindaloo.
Muriel crashed into the courgettes,tomatoes,brocoli and the fence, she also decided to try and take the quad airborne! ended up underneath it!! she is fine!
Rob also decided to try a different route and crashed into a wall of Earth!
Not sure if he broke any ribs? but he has a Badly bruised hand!!

Tonight we caught our first Praying Mantid. Or should I say Max,Brambles and Buttons caught it!
It's now settled in a tub with flies and greenery.

On Thursday my brother Clive is coming for a curry lunch with his partner Sam, Matt and Emma really adore them both.
They are on holiday until next week.

I have been having probs with the pc, thinks it's down to having too many photos on!! Over 700!!

Could really do with Dave (Jamies dad) coming out to sort it out.

Matt and Emma go back to school on 4th Septembre.
Just been shopping for Emma's stuff! over £100 spent on books etc!
She is looking forward to it.

Take Care
Love you all.

Jackie

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 20.07pm French Time

Hi

MATTHEW STOPS THE DREADED STEROIDS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!

Well, so much for a quiet last week!
Monday - Matt played with Alexandre, Emma and Matt overnight with Rob.
Tuesday - Rob,Matt and Emma with us all day.
Wednesday - Rob,Matt and Emma in the morning, Matt stayed with Alexandre.
Thursday - Emma horse riding in Morning. Matt back at 3.30pm. BBQ and Swim at Mick and Shirley's. Emma ended up staying overnight with Rosie and Alice.
Friday - BBQ lunch with Sophie/Christoph, Christoph/Corrinne (Alex/Irene's children) Alex is our new neighbour. Arrived at 12noon left at 7pm!!!
Saturday - Chill out day, Rosie and Alice say their goodbyes.
Sunday - Lake Vassiviere near Limoges with Clarrisa,Kevin,Chantel,Charlotte,Catherine,Lawrence,Emma and Matt with Max,Ulyeese,Mortimer and Michka. 2 labs and 2 st bernards!! Picnic and it was very cold. The children did the Acrobois, Ladders etc in the trees.
Mortimer/Michka are 5months old (see photos), their were car sick twice on the way to the lake.

SO MUCH FOR A QUIET WEEK!!

So far this week,
Monday - Emma and Matt visit the Dentist, Matt had a clean and was told he was late for his molars, but that's because of the treatment. As for Emma, she needs a CROWN!! one rotten back tooth!!!!! Andy skimmed Oto's bathroom wall.
Tuesday/Today - Oto helped Andy concrete the bottom of the well, ready for the blocks. Andy went to Le Car to collect the mixer, and he heard a Miow coming for the car, only to find Brambles was asleep in the car!!!
Put our tent up at Nick's, ready for her relations.
Had Rob,Ben,Marcus,Jasmine,Emma,Matt with Nicky for lunch. Then coffee/gateaux with Alexandre etc. (next door)
Matt and Emma are going to watch Fireworks at Flavignac tonight at 10pm with Alexandre and Family.
Matt has just fallen over the dogs bed! nice bruise coming on his face as he headbutted the electric fan!!!!
Typical of Matt!!!!
Wednesday - Helping Oto move stones to our place for the new drive. I have dentist at 4pm, I need a crown too!!
Thursday - Emma is horse-riding at 9am. Helping Edward/Anette get ready for the christening on sunday, cut grass etc and collect manure for the garden.
Friday - Prepare for BBQ/Madras for Nichola's family (27people so far) Nicks Family are arriving today for Ben,Marcus,Jasmine's christening.
Saturday - Shopping with Clarrisa for Emms school things! BBQ in the evening at Nichola/Oto with their family.
Sunday - Christening, I am godparent to Ben. Then lunch at Annette/Edwards by the lake.

Well, I think that's this week covered!!
The garden is still producing, had our first Corn on the Cob today, D E Licious!!
Lots of pumkins coming!

Next week, pray for a quiet one??

Take Care

Love
Jackie

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 15.34pm French Time

Hi Everyone
Please could you all vote for Post Pals in the National Lottery Awards, they supported us during Matts Illness. A Great Cause.

VOTING CLOSED, FINGERS CROSSED FOR POSTPALS.

Please Vote
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As you can see from the Photo Matt,Emma,Catherine,Charle and Andy (Dad) did the Acrobois at Bussiere Lake!Matts friend Alexandre couldn't come which was a shame.

This is what Matt wanted to do for his Birthday.
Unfortunately for Me (gloat) I couldn't do the climbing as my hip was aching!!
It involves climbing up/along rope ladders and wood steps to reach platforms which are situated in the treetops, then walking in Mid-Air on ropes/wires to the next hurdle, then taking a zipwire across the lake.
Catherine, Emms friend managed to do it even though she announced that she is afraid of Heights!!

The Acrobois is just down the road from where we live and often Matt cycles down for a swim in the Lac.

Well, Matt recieved 350euros from Family and Friends for his birthday, he is saving up for a 125cc Trials Bike! Boyz!

Well, we had a BBQ with our neighbours Alexandre,Irene and Family on Friday night, it went very well, we were dreading it as our French is not too good.
Matt and Emma left us on our own as they were playing with their friends. Thanks for the support! Not!
No, really we did well, we managed to talk about English/French Politics, the climate changes, property prices in UK/France and the usual banter!

One thing made them laugh "Andy was telling Jean Pierre about Max being a father to 10 lab pups, JP said " you know why he had so many? It's because he's French! Andy replied "True, if he was English he would of had 20!!!

We had a great evening, the rain came and went just before we were eating which was good.

Saturday we spent the day at Parc Bellevue at Limoges, it's a play park with a water slide, pool and the usual fun things. It was very hot there.
We went with Rob,Nicky,Roger and Robert. Robert is over for the summer holidays, Matt met him last year and get on really well. So does Emma he's 13!
Saturday night Robert stayed with us, Emma and Matt went back with him on Sunday to stay in the tent for the night!
You guessed it, the Boys only stayed until 11.30pm!
Rob and Nicky have a generator and when that was turned off, they could here everything in the Woods!!!
So they ended up sleeping on a tiled floor with Emma!

Sunday, We caught up with Mum, Dad and Nan (Nuna) on ther webcam which was really nice. We do miss them all. They are all looking really well.
Now we have broadband again it is great, I chat with Mum and Dad everyday.
Emma and Matt both have their friends in Cornwall who are on MSN which is nice.
They have French friends who use MSN and are often chatting away to them.


This week is a bit quieter.
Monday, Emma,Rob and Matt cycled to see our old neighbours Gaston and Agnes, then down the road to see Annette, Edward (Roberts Granparents) then to Les Cars to see Ben,Marcus and Jasmine.
They then cycled back to Annettes and rang us to come and collect them!! It is a long way!! Bless.
Then in the Afternoon, Emma went to Chalus Pool with Claire-Marie.


Yesterday we went shopping and Matt saw Charles, next minute they are both going back with with Charle,Isabel and Chloe to play! They got back about 8.30pm.
Emma and Matt brought themselves a 2 man tent, which they Both stayed in last night,(All Night)

Emma is sleeping over with Catherine on Thursday night.

Andy and I had some sad news on Monday, Kelvin Harvey who we knew, lost his fight with Cancer, he was 47. Kelvin used to live just down the road from us at Playing Place and Andy spent alot of years with him in the Young Farmers.
Real Shame.

Ok, I think this is upto Date for now!!
Anything else happens I will let you Know!

Many Thanks

Love

Jackie, Andy, Emma and Matt.

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

Friday, July 21, 2006 17.09pm French Time.

Hi Everyone

MATT'S 11TH BIRTHDAY ON MONDAY 24TH JULY!!!!



Yes, I know, you’ve all been waiting for an Update!
Well, it’s been so long that if I repeat myself then I apologise now.

Updating whilst sitting on the decking in 32degs!!

Ok, Matt’s visit to Limoges Hosp was good, no bloods taken, he was weighed and measured and all is well.
He has grown 4cm since April!

His next appointment will be in Sept and then he will have an immune status test done.
All his childhood vaccination are now up to date.
The only one he can’t have in T.B as it is a live jab. Here in France it is required when they start college, so it will be an issue next year!

As for the Steroids he is now down to .25mg per day and seems to be coping, which is good seeing he was on at one point 90mg per day.

Emma and Matt broke up from school on the 4th July after the school fete.
That was a laugh, Nichola and I volunteered for the rice and crisp stall. It was a great help for our French!!

Well they have been busy, visiting the lake, the local swimming pool complex.
Matt is using his quad daily and Emma now can ride Alexandre’s horse Achom a Norwegian Fjord when ever she wants.

We have had excellent weather, a few storms, the electric went off of 18hrs.

The garden to doing great, lots and lots of produce!
Carrots, French Beans, Runner Beans, potatoes, beetroot, lettuce, radish already being picked daily.
The potatoes are finished as the Colorado beetle attacked them

We have a lot of winter veg coming on.

The kittens Brambles and Buttons are growing rapidly. And are venturing outside. Max is still Mad! And loves swimming in the water source.

We now have the air-conditioning done in the Delica which is excellent!

Matt and Emma are both fluent in French.

Emma has been accepted for Chalus College in September which is good, she is really looking forward to it. Her third language she wants to learn is Spanish!!
Matt is doubling his 6th year at Bussiere Galant, he is ok about that, there isn’t any stigma attached as it is the norm for English Children.

Can’t think of any other news.

See you all later.
Take Care

Please visit all the links below.
Love Jackie

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Hugo's Story

Thursday, July 6, 2006 10:28 AM CDT

Hi Everyone.
Sorry for not updating sooner but we have moved out of the house we were in, long story but again we have been proven not to trust anyone even friends of the family, when will we learn and now are living on site in our Mobile Home.

I am updating Matts Page whilst sitting on the Decking outside the caravan in the Mid day Sun!!

Right, Matt’s results from the Hormone Test came back and it’s GOOD!
Matt can start reducing the steroids over the 3months and then STOP!! We all have been waiting for this Day.
He will still need the Emergency Cover incase of an accident but that will also stop after 6months so by the New Year Matt will be STEROID FREE!!

He seems to be coping well with the reduction although he does seem to be having a few Mood Swings and we are putting this down to coming off the Steroids.

We are seeing Dr Piquet again on the 13th June and there was mention of doing an Immune System Test, not sure what that involves?
He has also had his 2nd lot of vaccinations.

Andy and I went to London on the 23rd for the meeting with the Barrister, Solicitor and Onc Specialist.
It went OK, a lot of talking and discussions about what happened to Matt whilst he was being treated in Bristol Hospital.
I think they will be issuing a Letter of Claim in September to the NHS Trust, we are not sure why September but we think it’s because this will be Matts 3year anniversary after Transplant.

Justice will be done and Matt should get some compensation, we should also get our expenses back, but because they have changed the Compensation Laws which means there is No Payment awarded for Emotional Trauma caused and hopefully it will be sorted by January 2007 which will be 3years since we first lodged the complaint.

London was So busy, lots of people in black suits and pink ties!!
We met up with Auntie Jenny which was nice.
It was good to get back to peace and quiet!
It took us longer to get to the Union Jack Club (accommodation) than it did for us to fly from Limoges to Stansted!

The Digger went back and Boy was Andy upset!! He had so much fun!
So did Matt and Emma who both had a driving lesson with an 8ton digger!!
Our beautiful site looks like Teletubbie Land now!

I will be sending Dr Nick Goulden a picture of Matt driving the digger “this is what I am into now!”

Matt and Emma are both doing well at school and their evaluation results were excellent, Emma achieved A’s in French and Matt achieved C’s, we are really pleased with them after all, neither of them could speak the Language before.
They both struggle on the Maths side but they are both learning the different Methods that is taught over here.

Matt cycles to school everyday and so does Emma but Em finds it too hot after school so I go down and collect her!

Emma has been accepted to go to Chalus College in September and is looking forward to that and has already nominated Spanish to be her next Language to learn.
Matt is moving up a class this year as he doubled last year.
He has some really good friends as does Emma.

They both can’t wait to break up for the summer holidays 4th July - 2nd Sept!!

Last Monday Emma, Catherine and I went shopping in Limoges where Emma spent some of her birthday money.
Matt had Charles and Alexandre (both French) over for the day which they spent hurtling around the piles of Earth on the quad and spending time in the pool which is installed at the top of the garden.
It is in the sun all day! And it reached 24degs at the weekend.

We have our first visitors on Saturday 10th June, it’s my Auntie Jenny and her friend Peter, they live in London and will be camping for a week!
We are planning to make it as comfortable as possible!
Just hope the weather will stay nice, it’s was 45degs on Tuesday in the sun!

Max the dog has recovered well from being castrated! He is being So good, not running off anymore! Did I tell you what happened?
Max slipped his lead and ran across the road to the other Dog Tina!!
Yeh, you got it, they were locked on for 20mins and it was raining!!
Maybe in July there will be little Max’s? watch this space!!

Our vegetable plot is doing Great, we have had 3 pickings of radishes and have picked our first strawberries (fraise)
Our water source is still there!
Max goes swimming everyday!

Mums knee operation was a success and she is recovering well, Dad is getting over another chest infection.
Nan is still struggling with the pain of her hip and leg ulcer.

We hopefully will have a phone connection soon, and I’m sure there will be 100’s of emails mostly Junk!!
Emma and I really miss being on msn and especially being able to see Mum and Dad on the web cam!

It was really weird the other day, I decided to text Tania (Angel Owen’s Mum) good friends we made whilst we were in Bristol Hospital, Owen had AML the same Matt and she has had baby boy Sid. When I looked at the calendar I realised that it was the anniversary of Owen’s funeral.
What makes us do things? Something told me to try and contact Tania and Justin, I’m so glad I did.

Haven’t heard if Kelly has had her little girl yet, but I will ring her and Dave this weekend if we have the phone online.

Ok, enough of me going on, it’s time to get Matt and Emma out of the swimming pool as it’s 20.20pm.

Thursday 16th June

Another update whilst sitting on our decking! And having a Cold Beer!

Great News!!!!!!!!!
The arrival of Kelly and Dave’s daughter happened last night, Any Grace was born at 10.18pm and weighed 7lb 14oz.
A new sister for Angel Jamie and Charlie.
I will ring them next week when hopefully our phone will be connected?

Matts check-up on Tuesday went well, he’s doing great and will be seen again on 16th September when they will do an Immune Status test. By then the steroids would of stopped as well.
We met jenny and Pete in Limoges for lunch which was nice.

My cousin arrived on Saturday with her partner Pete and are staying in our tent, they are both great!
It’s been a bit hectic, Saturday night we all went to a 18th birthday bbq and had a lot to drink, Sunday we went to the lake for a swim and chilled out, in the evening Emma and Matt took jenny, Pete down to the lake to do the Velo Rail, which is cycling along the old railway track. Monday we visited Oradour Sur Glane, it’s the village where the Germans destroyed the entire village which they thought was populated by the French Resistant, 0n 10th June 1944, they got the wrong village, the French Resistant were at Oradour Sur Vayres! It has been left as a memorial and is well worth a visit, but is very moving.
Arthur and Nicky came around with the kids for a swim. Tuesday we went to Jasmines 5th birthday party and had a drink, Wednesday we held a bbq for all our friends (French and English) Andy did one of his famous curries with spicy potatoes, just what you want when it’s 35degs!! But the beer was COLD!
Tonight (Thursday) we are just chilling and then Friday we are at Annette and Edward’s for a drink lunchtime and we can use their pool for a swim.
Chilling out on Friday and jenny, peter return to London on Saturday.

I think they have enjoyed themselves? And will want to come back?

It’s not always that hectic, Honest!!
Matt cycled to the Lake for a swim with his mate Charle on Wednesday too, he is very tired as is Emma, but they break up for the summer holidays on 4th July.
Jenny and Pete took Emma for her horse riding lesson. So Andy and I could prepare for the bbq.
17 adults and 7 youngsters!

At the moment jenny and Pete have gone for a cycle ride, too hot for me!!





Take Care All

And please keep signing Matt’s Guest book.

Thanks

Love
Jackie

Angel Jamie's Page



Nicole's Page



Angel Jake's Page



post pals


philip's page

Friday, June 23, 2006 20.55pm gmt

Hi everyone.
So sorry for not updating, we now have a telephone on site!!
We are waiting for the broadband to be connected!!!!

Hope all is well.

Matt and Emma are both well and enjoying the sunshine!!


Kelly and Dave's little girl Amy Grace arrived safely.

Be right Back soon!

Love you all.

Jackie


Angel Jamie's Page



Nicole's Page



Angel Jake's Page



post pals


philip's page

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 20.13pm gmt + 1hr

Hi Everyone.

I will do a proper update tomorrow, I promise!!

Returned safe and sound from London this afternoon, both me and Andy are shattered!!

Thanks

Jackie

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Monday, May 1, 2006 22.52pm gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone
Sorry for a late update!!
Matt saw Dr Piquet at Limoges Hospital and all is well.
He was pleased with the blood counts.
They did the Hormone tests and we are waiting for the results of those.
Hopefully the result will be over 500 and this will mean that Matt can stop the Dreaded Hydrocortisone! Yippee!!
But… he will need to continue with the emergency injection cover (only used if Matt goes into shock) for another 6months and then that will stop!
Matt will only be taking Clarifamycin.

We met up with school friends Scott and Brad, Matt and Emma were both pleased to see them, haven’t seen them since November 2005 when we returned to UK for a week.
We spent the day with them and had a great BBQ at Andy and Julies Mill House at Confolens. We walked to the village of Confolens, it’s a place where we only drive through on the way to and from UK.


Matthew and Emma both had a great Easter, Matt did the activities with the Holiday Club, Archery, Acrobois which was climbing with harnesses through the trees on ladders, zip wires etc, then he completed a 26km cycle ride around Chalus.

Matt enjoyed the archery, so he now has his own bow which he brought with his Easter Money.
We brought a boss and target.
It’s been nice as Emma uses my bow and they can have competitions.
And it gets me using the bow again, not done it for 2yrs, I can still get Golds!!

Emma is still riding at Serillac and because the weather has been good, they go out for hacks.

The caravan is getting full of our belongings, and we now have the decking the full length of it.
We have been having bbq’s and several late nights.

We have finished marking out the bungalow, and the 8ton DIGGER is being delivered Tuesday.
Then let the work commence!!!!
Andy is looking forward to getting the first dig in!!
We have the digger for 5days, we need to dig the foundations (10mx17m) the fosse septic, trenches for the services, the new driveway, foundations for the new shed/stable (still waiting for planning to go through)
And of course the place where Matt and Emmas inflatable pool will be going this year!

Where we are there is quite a few rock formations and we hope we don’t hit any!!

We have a water source and we are going to make that into a well (puy) and it will water the garden. This is where Max had fun digging the other day!! We now call him Cappuccino!! Because that was the colour of him when he finished!!
The garden that’s another story, it is doing really well, everything is up!!
Spinach, Carrots, Parsnips, Rhubarb, Runner Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Beetroot, Radishes, Herbs, 130 bulbs of garlic, white and red onions, sweet corn.
We have more runner beans to go in and tomatoes, cucumbers, Okra, Melon, Pumkins are in the mini greenhouse.
We should be ok for veg this year!
We have horseradish plants, which are doing really well, Thanks to my mum who posted them!!
Gaston our neighbour gave us 100 strawberry plants.
Then we were talking to our New neighbour and she gave another 100 strawberry plants but these are meant to be Large Fruit!!
I have planted some Wisteria seeds and they have started to shoot up so that will be good to plant near the new house.

Andy and I are going to London on 22nd May for 2days for a meeting with the Barrister, Solicitor and Specialist!
There is a few things that need sorting out, before we start court proceedings!!
It will be good to finalize things and hopefully see an End to the whole issue and get on with our lives!!
Matt doesn’t need to be there for the meeting and he’d rather not go!!
For those who don’t know, Matt caught Aspegillus Flavus within the first 2months of being treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital, and he had to have 3 lots of surgery to clean up the sinuses and mouth, resulting in him having a hole through his mouth palate.
This meant he had to wear a special mouth plate to prevent food/drink going up and coming out of his nose!!
He had 2 operations on the hole to close it, 1st didn’t work!.
It seems to be healing on it’s own now, and he hasn’t worn his plate for over 6months.
The fungus also did damage to his lungs, but no new lesions have been seen on the CT scans.
Because of the Fungus, we had to support him with WBC to keep his counts up. Matt couldn’t have any further Chemo as the risk lowering his counts could of meant the Fungus re-growing!
Hence the need for a Bone Marrow Transplant!!
It’s been a long road, and we want to close this chapter.

Being told your Child has Cancer is hard to accept but to have the addition of a Hospital Infection (Curse of the Mummy) added, when it was down to negligence! What can we say?

The NHS have accepted Primary Liability and we now have to make them Pay!!

Ok, that’s enough of me Blurting!!

Hey, it’s not long before Kelly and Dave have their New Baby Girl, please visit Angel Jamie’s link and wish them well.

Oh, and My mum is having a Knee Op this tomorrow, and My Nan has just had her appointment through for her Hip Op on 24th May!
Our Nephew Ben will be 7 on 5th May and Emma is 12 on 9th May!!

Take Care
Love to you all.

Jackie


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Monday 10th April 2006.

Hi Everyone.
Just to wish you All a Happy Easter.

Matt and Emma don't break up until Friday!
This week is busy for them.
Monday - (today) they went to Chalus for a Scientific Demonstration.
Tuesday - The St Yrieix Rugby Club are coming to the school.
Wednesday - Half day, Emma is having riding lesson in the afternoon.
Thursday - They are going Orienteering at Dornazac all day! Last year they both came home Knackered!!

Friday - Matt has to go to Limoges Hospital for his 6month check up and for the Endocrinology Test! Hopefully if his results are over 500 then he can stop the HYDROCORTISONE! which will be great as he has been on it for over 2yrs!!
He will need the emergency cover injection for a further 6months, but after that can go!!

Also, he will have to be Nil By Mouth from 12hrs before the 9am appointment!!
Don't know how he will cope with that as he Eats For England at the moment!!


Then Saturday, we are meeting up at Confolens with Sue,Mike,Scott and Brad from Cornwall.
Matt and Brad were best friends in school and Scott was in Emma's class.
Both are looking forward to seeing them.

Then hopefully the following week we will be digging the foundations on our building site!!
And getting the caravan (see photo) sited properly.

It took Andy 2hrs to cut the grass (1.3acres) last Saturday.
Max spent the day chasing Matt and Emma around the site while they were on the quad, very funny to see!!

I will let you all know how we get on this friday at the hospital.

Jackie


Monday 3rd April 2006.

Ok, I'm sorry for not updating earlier!!

Well, it's 920days POST BMT!!! I know it's hard to believe.
Photo Collage added.

What a JOY it was to see Matt skiing at Le Lioran in the Central Masiffs in France 2 weeks ago!!!

As I watched him go up in the cable car and descend 1hr later, Smiling, I had a lump in my throat.

What a FIGHTER came to mind!

See photo's and I'm sure you will agree with us.

Matt was once again doing Normal Things with his New Friends.

Emma and Matt thoroughly enjoyed skiing and want to go again! I didn't take part, just putting the boots/ski's on made my bones ache. Then to watch them do the exercises before moving, well, no way could I of got up off my bottom!!

I just watched and took loads of photos and video of the children enjoying themselves.

They skiied 4mornings and then we walked through the forest on Raquettes, which was blimming hard work!! but the views were spectacular!!

The food was typical school campus!! Yukk.....but the kids liked it.

The weather was beautiful, sunshine everyday.

Matt was definitly in his element!!

They are both doing well at school and are fluent in French. Me and Andy are getting there!
Saying that, we have managed to organise the electricity and phone connections on our Building site on our own!! (well, will let you know next week what we have ordered!!)

The weather here in the Limousin (France) has been very WET!!! but today has been warm and sunny.

We are having a 32ft Caravan put on site on Saturday, should be fun moving that!!
Then, when it's not so wet we will be hiring a digger and dumper to start the construction of our New Home.

Emma has started riding at a local centre and did really well understanding the lady who only speaks french! Emma rides really well and can't wait to hopefully get her own Horse!
We have enough space for it behind the new house.

Our cat Spot has been missing for over 2 weeks now, we miss him awfully. Still waiting to hear the catflap go!!

be right back, kiddie pickup time!!! 4.30pm.

Whoops, where did that time go? Seemed to of missed a day? Sorry

Both Emma and Matt are doing well at school.
Emma is at her friends Claire-Marie's for tea, the French don't eat until 7pm so Em won't be back until later (7.30pm now)

Matt is upstairs on Emma's PC, not sure who he is talking to, but more than likely, it's one of Emma's many Friends!!

Matt and Emma don't break up from school until Good Friday and return 2nd May!
We will be meeting up with our friends Sue,Mike,Scott and Brad who are staying at Confolens.
Matt and Emma can't wait to see the boys, they all went to school together.
Sue is bringing some vital supplies for us - PG Tip T.bags,Walkers S/V crisps and SuperNoodles (for Matt) Galaxy Choc for Emma! Stuffing Mix for Us!

Ok, Max needs a walk, I will update soon.
Promise!

Take Care
Love
Jackie

Please visit the sites below and leave a message. Thank You.

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Sunday, March 12, 2006 15.16pm french time

Hello

Well, Tomorrow I will be travelling by train from Limoges to Lioran in the Central Massifs!!!!
We leave the school at 08.15am and arrive at the Centre at lunch time.

Yep, that's right,
The time has come for me to accompany Matthew and Emma SKIING!!!
Can't Wait!!

There will be 9 boys, 9 girls and 4 adults!

I have packed the bags-
Combination de ski, snow boots,thick socks,goggles, gloves,hats,sun block,lipbalm,sunglasses, waterproof trousers/jackets,apres ski shoes and a warm change of clothes each day!!
Wash bag,midnight snacks!!

Andy said "we took less when we drove around Australia for 6weeks"

There will new photos and an update, with all the News of the Vacance!!

Take Care


Stay well and please keep signing Matt's Guestbook and visiting the other links below.

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Sunday, February 26, 2006 3:08 AM CST

Hello Everyone
Sorry for not updating!

Not much has happened really.
We might have to go back to London for a meeting with a Barrister who will be dealing with Matt's Claim against the NHS, it's over 2yrs since I first lodged the complaint!!
Never mind, we will percivere (sp?)

All is well with Matt.

Emma and Matt have been on half-term and return to school tomorrow!
We have been Ice-skating at Limoges twice, Emma fell on her knees and badly bruised them! She has a condition called OSGOOD SCHLATTERS DISEASE.
Something growing kids get, she should grow out of it.

Matt managed not to do anything!!

All the snow went! shame it was beautiful.

The weather is cold but in the sun it's warm, we spent the afternoon playing cards outside yesterday!

Max is fine, still MAD!
Spot and Max are tolerating each other!

Hopefully this week we should get the Delica through the D.R.I.R.E test, which means we will be able to get French Plates on it.

Not good news about the Bird Flu, Lyon is a bit down from us, we have told Matt and Emm not to touch any dead/poorly birds, there are loads of lakes around us.

Emma is still riding Sebastian when ever she can.

It's my Nan's birthday on the 10th March and My Mum and Dads 30th Wedding Aniversary on 20th March.

We are all getting excited about going Skiing on the 13th-17th March! I can't Wait!!!!
We are going to Lioran in the Central Mastiffs!

Anyway, I will update again soon.

Love you all.

Jackie


Stay well and please keep signing Matt's Guestbook and visiting the other links below.

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Nicole's Page



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Tuesday, January 31, 2006 14.06pm french time

Hello Everyone

Well, Did it Snow!! It didn't Stop for 24hrs and more than a Foot fell!

It was great!

Matt and Emma had a Great Weekend playing in the snow.

Max the dog was Mad, he was using his head as a SnowPlough, it was funny to see.

We went for a walk through the woods with Max and Spot the Cat followed all the way!
At one point, Max took chase and Spot ran up a tree!!

Nothing Mad about our Family!?

It looks like I will be going skiing with the School in March, Matt still isn't sure about me coming too!
They are going to LIORAN in the Central Mastiffs.
Can be found on the web if you search LIORAN.

They are going to busy for the week, 4hrs on the train to get there, then a look around the camp.
Every morning (4) they will be skiing and in the afternoons they will be exploring the Florets with Raquettes? Think its like having tennis rackets on your feet!

We won't be back until 10.30pm on the 17th March.

Don't worry they will be Photos Later.

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Good News.
My Dad Keith came home yesterday, Mum says "he's very tired and will need to have some sort of physio to get him moving again"
Love you Dad.

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Well the snow went very quickly but according to the neighbour Gaston there is more to Come!!
Our truck the Delica was Brilliant in the snow! It was good fun driving in the Snow, not me though Andy!!

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Stay well and please keep signing Matt's Guestbook and visiting the other links below.

Angel Jamie's Page



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Many Thanks

Jackie
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Wednesday 25th Janvier 2006, 21.56pm french time

Hi Everyone

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY (26TH JANUARY) TO MY BROTHER BRYAN SKINNER FROM TRURO,CORNWALL,UK.

Well, Mad Max Woodley has arrived!
2 days earlier but hey!


Matt and Emma were half-day today and I promised them a Burger Lunch and a visit to the S.P.A centre, so Matt could see Max!

A women asked if we were ok, we said "qui, merci"
Emma went off in her French Mode and asked if we could take Max today?

No probleme as Max had his 2nd Vacination Yesterday!
Pre armed with his collar and lead!!

Great, two Very Happy Children!
We had to re-arranged the car as We had been to Carrefours to buy a Bed for Max!

We then proceeded to Nicky's house to give Max a BATH!! he was Minging!!!!

but now smells alot better!

He is such a softie
Must be really strange having so much space to roam.
He doesn't know where to sleep, he just flops on the floor anywhere!!
Even though he has 2 beds!!

Spot came through the catflap, clapped eyes on Max and made for the exit!
but, I had closed it!!!

Spot has retreated upstairs as Max has no idea how to handle stairs yet!!

Check out the new photos!!!

I think he is going to be A BIG DOG?

He has met Gaston's dogs, and all he wanted to do is Play!!
but for now we will keep him on his lead.
We think he understands French, so we are going to try and convert him to Franclaise!!
He seems to know when he needs a pee and looks at the door, which is good.
On his tatoo notes he is a Golden Retriver, 6mths old.

He is so Qute!

Anyway, my Dad Keith is getting better, but Mum doesn't know when he will be home??

Take Care

Love Jackie

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Monday, January 23, 2006 21.28pm french time
All is well here in Chilly France!!
And it's getting Colder!!

My Dad Keith, was admitted to Treliske Hospital at the weekend, he has been poorly for quite sometime and its all got on top of him at the weekend.
Mum called the Dr and he was admitted straight away.

Basically, Dad has been on Steroids/Antibiotics for a while for re-accuring chest infections.
He has been in bed most of the time since Christmas and with existing problems (arthritus(sp?) in both hips/knees has not had the energy or strength to get up.

Mum has been his carer and she too has health problems and is waiting for a Knee Op.

Anyway, the results of the tests on Dad, showed that the Steroids that he was on all this time have been lying in the lining of his stomach and rotting!
And with all this going on, it proved to be a Vicious Circle - Inflamation of the stomach pushing on the Lungs, making it hard for him to breath, then putting extra pressure on his Heart, giving him Panic Attacks!

Mum was told "it's a good job he came in when he did, otherwise, we could of lost him!
Quite a rare accurrence according to the Drs!

Thankfully, Mum had had enough and called the Emergency Doctors.
He is now on Short-stay ward and improving.

Love you Mum and Dad.

Matt says "positive mental attitude grandad"



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Matt and Emma enjoyed Ice-Skating last wednesday and Yes, Matt decided he wanted to Try A Face Glide!!!!

Scratch on Forehead, Nose, Lip and Chin! Thankfully he didn't break his nose, but it did look Sore!!
I did take a picture, but Matt didn't want it to go on the Web!

4 days to go before we get Mad Max Woodley! (see photos)
He is going to be my Keep-Fit Aid!!

Spot the Cat has recovered from his Castration really well!
Op on Thursday PM, first mouse on Friday AM!!
First fight on Friday PM!!



I still haven't been told if I am needed to go Skiing with the School in March, but I have a Hunch that I will have to go!!

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Please keep visiting the above sites and continue to sign Matt's Guestbook.

Thanks

Jackie

Monday, January 16th 2005. 23.35pm french time

Hi Everyone.


Please See the Photos of MAD MAX!
He's only got one more week in the Jail!!




Good News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just been on MSN with Kelly (angel Jamie's mum) and her 20week scan showed its A GIRL!!
She is so Happy.

Please take a little time to visit Jamies site (link Below)
Angel Jamie's Page
Kelly said something tonight that was so nice...
Matt is their Fighter and Emma is their Hero.


Also today is the 1st Anniversay since Angel Dave gained his wings.
He is a SuperStar.
Matt is looking after his drum set!
Our thoughts are with Mel, Steph, Abbie and George.

Dave was Matt's mate in Bristol Hospital along with Jamie, Owen and Nicole.

Without the strength of the families above, I don't know how we would of coped.

Thanks Guys.

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Saturday, January 14, 2006 19.46pm french time

Our first Visit to Limoges Hospital to see Dr Piguet went well.
He was pleased to see Matt, last time was April last year.
Now we will see him every 3-4 months for follow-up appointments.

Matt won't see him now until April for the Hormone Test (all day affair) when bloods will also be taken.
This will determine if he Could STOP the Daily hydrocortisone if his levels are above 500!
Last January 04 the results were 0!
Then May was 172! going up!
Novembers was in the 300rds!
So they are rising.
After the BMT/Treatment (sept 03) Matt's Adrenal Gland stopped producing Natural Steroids (in case of emergency, Matt couldn't calm down the Adrenaline and it could be serious)
If they are above 500, Matt will only need the Emergency Cover for another 6months and it will All Stop!!

Also Here in France, Onc Kids are normally on Clarifmycin(matt was taken off Penecillin Jan 04 and put on Clarifmyin) for 2-3yrs after Transplant, so Matt may be able to stop this one too.
Then he will be DRUG-Free!!!

Matt's last normal counts were Good!

He also said "go and enjoy your Skiing Trip in March" Matt and Emma can't wait to go!!
They go on 13th March and return 17th, they will be skiing for Four Mornings and then exploring the snow forests on Raquettes in the afternoons!
Very busy schedule!
I will know on Monday if Madamoselle Rey wants me to go as Matt's Carer?
This is because, If Matt breaks something he will need his Hydrocortisone Injection ASAP and if there is No Medic around, I think she would rather I be there!!

No, I will not be Skiing, just enjoying the Apres Ski!!!

We have had Marcus and Ben for the last 2 nights while Arthur returned to UK for Nichola's Mum's Funeral.
He flew Thursday, returned tonight.
Nichola is returning next Thursday, Ben,Marcus and Jasmine are missing her greatly.

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2 weeks to go and we get MAX (MAD) the Labrador we are re-homing from the S.P.A centre in Limoges.
He will be Tattoo'd and inoculated.
We will be getting him Chipped so we can take him to UK when we visit.
He is only 6months old, and a Big Softie!!

Spot is going to Love or Hate Him??
Watch this Space.

Please continue to SIGN Matt's Guestbook.
and Please Visit the Links Below.

Thanks

Love

Jackie


Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

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philip's page

Friday 06th January, 18.23pm french time

Happy New Year to you all.

Sad news this morning.
Nichola's Mum Barbara passed away this morning after a long fight against cancer.


Also, friends of our Reg and Beryl's alsation Mitch also passed away this morning.

We also visited the local SPA Refuge Centre at Limoges and have a Puppy due on 28th January.
He is a Blonde Labador, 6months old and Beautiful!!

Name at the moment is MAX.

Spot is going to love him???


Take Care

Jackie






Tuesday, January 3, 2006 19.07pm gmt 1hr
Well, This Christmas was Eventful!

Christmas Day - Matt and Emma were up at 7am and desperate to open their Presents.
They controlled the opening and made it last until after Breakfast!

Whilst opening the shutters, our neighbour invited us to go round for gateaux and drinks at 1.30pm!
Lovely, that was the time we were going to devour our Roast Beef!
Roast Beef was put on hold until 3.30pm.

Well, we didn't leave Gaston and Agnes until 4.15pm! No Dinner!!

We were also invited for snacks at another neigbours at 5.30pm.

We just managed to have the Blue cheese and Brocoli soup that Andy had made christmas eve.

We had a nice evening and were then looking forward to Christmas Dinner on Boxing Day.

Andy was feeling rough all night!
Boxing day, Andy stayed in Bed all day, with Gastric Flu!!
Apparently it was doing it's rounds in 3 Depts and we were one of them (87)!

Emma, Matt and I had roast beef dinner at 3pm! and it was lovely.

Tuesday, Andy was improving but Matt was sick etc!!
Emma and I were just Waiting for the inevetatable!!

Tuesday night, Emma,Matt and Andy all poorly!!

Wednesday Andy was up but very tired and aching!
Emma and Matt stayed in bed all day.

Thursday, I started to feel rough, and that's right, it got me on Thursday Night. YUK!

Andy was better, Emma and Matt were improving.

We had been looking forward to New Years Eve having a party at our friends Arthur and Nicky who were travelling back from the Uk today, but their car broke down and they had to return to Nick's Mums to repair the windscreen wipers.
All fixed and they were back on the road on Friday, their ferry was cancelled and so was the one after! So they opted for the Channel Tunnel at an Expense!

The Party had to be cancelled as they wern't expecting to get home until late New Years Eve.

Friday, I spent all day on the sofa!!

Saturday, Everyone was feeling good!

We visited Nicky and Arthur late afternoon and then we ended up at Dad and Maria's where were saw the New Year in.


Please could everyone send thoughts to Nichola's Mum Barbara who's fighting with 'C'. (Ingleton,Carnforth,Lancs, UK)

Barbara's wish was to spend Christmas with her Family and grandchildren which she did.

Nicky has just booked a one-way ticket home to be with her mum.
Why is Life so Cruel??

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Take Care and Many Thanks for your continuing support.

PLEASE, PLEASE SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK, HE STILL LIKES GETTING MESSAGES.



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Sunday 1st January 2006. 01.11am french time!

A BIG, MERRY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

HERE'S TO A BETTER 2006.

UPDATE TOMORROW!!

LOVE

JACKIE, ANDY, EMMA AND MATTY

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Monday, December 26, 2005 18.49pm French Time

Hi
Hope you all had a Very Happy Christmas?

We did and would like to thanks Family and Friends for the lovely presents we all recieved.

Matt and Emma came downstairs at 7.30pm which is Late for them!!
They both received clothes, chocolates.

Emma got her DS which she asked for and an art easel.

Matt had his PSP and an array of games/videos.

Well, we decided to have Roast Beef for dinner. It was planned for 1.30pm...
But we then got invited to our next door neighbours Gaston and Agnes for gateaux and drinks at 1.30pm!

So we decided to delay dinner till after!

We didn't get back until 4.25pm! after 2 bottles of Bergerac and Champagne!
None of us was that hungry!
We opted for Brocoli and Stilton soup! (homemade)

We then went down the lane to Edward and Annettes for supper!
More wine!

Andy is poorly with the Gastro bug that is going around France.
And now Matt has been sick!!

Looks like Emma and I are next!!

Catch u later

Love Jackie

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December 24, 2005 23.12pm gmt Plus 1hr

Hi All

Merry Christmas to all Family and Friends.
It's going to be a Strange but good one!
Miss you all.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Hope you have a good one!

Papa Noel Called early tonight!
See photo.

Frightened me!
I was expecting Paul and Xav for tea and then Papa Noel arrived!

Take Care

Love

Jackie, Andy, Emma and Matt


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Friday, December 16, 2005 18.00pm gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Ok, that's it PEACE IS SHATTERED!!!

The Circus trip today was ok!!

Emma and Matt have broken up for the Festive Holiday!!!!!
Can't believe it's only 9days.

Still haven't decided what to have for Christmas Dinner?
Last year we had a HUGE Paella!!
May be Crispy Duck this year?
Or traditional Roast Beef.

Our friends Nicky and Arthur have returned to UK with their family to spend Christmas with her Mum and Dad.
Nicks Mum (Barbara)is very poorly and unfortunately, this could be her last Christmas.
Very Sad.
We have never met either Howard or Barbara but have spoken and seen them on MSN, they are lovely people and Nicks Family are all great too.

As is Arthurs family, who live out here, just down the lane from us.

Nicky and Arthur return on 30th Dec, just in time for the New Years Party at their place!
Theme of the party is Cross Dressing!!! Children included in dressing up!
Matt can't wait, think that's to do with the Female Cells!
Can't wait to see Andy in a Dress!
Look out for the photos (jan)
Think there is about 25 going! Should be FUN!

Please take time to visit the links below.

And Lets Hope 2006 is a Good Year For All.Angel Jamie's Page



Nicole's Page



Angel Jake's Page



post pals


philip's page




Love Jackie

Friday, December 16th 2005 17.45.pm 1hr

Hi Everyone.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Ok, that's it PEACE IS SHATTERED!!!

The Circus trip today was ok!!

Emma and Matt have broken up for the Festive Holiday!!!!!
Can't believe it's only 9days.

Still haven't decided what to have for Christmas Dinner?
Last year we had a HUGE Paella!!
May be Crispy Duck this year?
Or traditional Roast Beef.

Our friends Nicky and Arthur have returned to UK with their family to spend Christmas with her Mum and Dad.
Nicks Mum (Barbara)is very poorly and unfortunately, this could be her last Christmas.
Very Sad.
We have never met either Howard or Barbara but have spoken and seen them on MSN, they are lovely people and Nicks Family are all great too.

As is Arthurs family, who live out here, just down the lane from us.

Nicky and Arthur return on 30th Dec, just in time for the New Years Party at their place!
Theme of the party is Cross Dressing!!! Children included in dressing up!
Matt can't wait, think that's to do with the Female Cells!
Can't wait to see Andy in a Dress!
Look out for the photos (jan)
Think there is about 25 going! Should be FUN!

Please take time to visit the links below.

And Lets Hope 2006 is a Good Year For All.


Love Jackie

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Tuesday, December 13, 2005 13.06gmt 1hr

Well, 12 days to GO!!!!

Can't believe where this year has gone?
Guess what, I ran out of wrapping paper today! and the shops are all shut until 2.30pm!
Great, have to do more wrapping on Thursday, as Matt and Emma are half-day tomorrow!

********************************************
Hooray, the Car passed its first Controle Technique!!!
No problems, just need to complete the array of paperwork to finally get the Deli transfered to French.

********************************************

Guess What Matty did after school yesterday?
Slammed his Finger in a friends Car Door!!!
Lots of tears, but nothing Broken!!

I am going to wrap him in Cotton Wool for the next 13 days, that way, hopefully we won't need to do any Hospital Visits over the Christmas Holiday!

*********************************************

Matt and Emma are going to Nexon on Friday to assist with the Circus!
Hmm, I hear you all say "Matt as a Clown" no training needed!
Emma riding around the arena on a White Pony.
Watch this space for the Update.

*********************************************

Emma and Matt are going Skiing with their school in March 2006 at Lioran.
Matt has been told from Dr Katrina in Uk to Go and Have a Good time, BUT REMEMBER - TO KEEP ONE FOOT ON THE GROUND!!!!
Yeh, right, can you see that happening???

Going to explain to Madamoseille Rey about Matt's Hydrocortisone Injection tomorrow.
(Only needed if his body has a Shock! ie. breaks a bone/or serious injury)he still isn't producing enough cortisone to control the adrenaline produced when the body has a Shock!
Necessary for both School and any outings.
He does wear a MedicAlert band!

Hopefully it won't be a problem, I am going with Michelle who is going to translate for me.

**************************************************

Ok, that's enough waffling.

Catch you all after the weekend.

Take Care

Love Jackie

matty's page



Angel Jamie's Page



Nicole's Page



Angel Jake's Page



post pals


philip's page

Wednesday 7th Decembre 18.22pm gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone.
Well, hope you are all nearly ready for Christmas?

Well, you are going to Laugh!!
I got my Mercredi's mixed up with my Vendredi's!!

Matt and Emma's haircuts weren't today, but I had booked it for Friday!!
They are both at school on Friday!!
Must concentrate on the Language!!!!
Did the Lady Laugh???

Never mind, they are now both booked in for Monday evening but the car is booked in for it's Control Technique so I'm going to have to change it AGAIN!!

Emma's chest xray went fine, there is no abnormalities!!!
Just boils down to being Unfit, I think.
Better to get her checked out anyway.
We now have an xray of her Nose and now her Chest, in France you hang on to all xrays.
Good job UK don't do that as we would need our own Medical Records Dept with all that Matt had!!

Matt and Emma have put up the Christmas Tree, we brought a White Artifical one, it does look nice.
First year we haven't had a Real One!

Take Care

Love Jackie
*************************************
Tuesday, December 6, 2005 19.33pm 1hr gmt
Just got some wrapping to do, then Finished! I have never been so organised, think it was something to do with going back to UK with all the Families Pressies!

The thing was that we came back to France with 4 big bags of Pressies from all the Family!
Just got to post the cards this week.

Matt and Emma are getting excited as they break up from school on the 16th!
They return on 03rd Jan!

All the villages and Limoges are getting their lights ready, not sure when they turn them on but unlike England, Christmas is not in YOUR FACE TOO EARLY!!

******************************************

Emma has to go for Radiogram tomorrow at St Yeriex La Perche as when she saw the Dr last week with a Viral Infection, she told him that when she did running at school she gets a pain across her chest.
He immediately told us to go for a Radiogram.
The French Health System is very good and they don't seem to take any chances.
We didn't have to wait for months for an Appointment!!

*******************************************

Tomorrow is D-Day for Matt, I am taking him to get his Hair Cut!!
It's driving me MAD!!
I'll try to get a photo?
Emma is having hers trimmed as she wants to grow it again!

Must amit, that they both stand out like sore thumbs here in France as everyone is Very Dark!
You can see Matt and Emma walking across the fields when they go to see Sebastian (horse)

******************************************

Our cat Spot is Still MAD!!!!! I have the scars to prove it.
We are sure he is a witches cat!!
He stays out all night and sleeps all day.
Spot is having a New Year Present. Trip to the VETS!!!!!!

******************************************

Now going through the process of getting our Mitsubishi Delica transfered to the French System, that's going to be FUN, as it was originally Imported to the UK from Japan! Not seen many around Central France!!!!

******************************************

Well, I will update again soon.

******************************************

I would like to say " A Big Thank You to all our Family and Friends for all the Continuing Support"
Hope you all stay Well and Warm.

Love to you all.

Jackie

*PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK, THANKS"

******************************************
Please visit the links below as they are all friends that we have met and followed over the last 2years!

Angel Jamie's Page

Nicole's Page

Angel Jake's Page

post pals

philip's page

Friday, November 25, 2005 19.00pm + 1hr

Hi Everyone
Hope you all are well and not TOO COLD!!!!
Cornwall has apparently SHUT DOWN!!!!
Lynn (Andy's sister) had to abandon her car and walk home in shoes and pop socks as she didn't have any Boots!

Thoughts sent out to George Best's family too, What a Football Legend.

Thought I would share this with you all.
Emma wrote this....

When I am ill!
When i am ill, i feel like i am in hell!
When i am ill, i feel like i am melting!
When i am ill, i feel like i am being beaten!
When i am better, i feel on top of the World and am Queen agin!
And am ruling the World!

Bless!!
She has been so poorly, viral infection.

We are all well, but very cold, think it's going to be a very Hard Winter?

Keep Warm and Take Care.

Love to you all.

Please sign Matt's GuestBook!!

Thanks

Jackie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Saturday, November 19, 2005 9.53am

Hi Everyone

Well, the Trip to London went really well.
We felt that we had done our Bit for the Enviroment! by using 3 Forms of Public Transport. Bus,Train and Tube!!
My Auntie Jen met us at Stansted Airport, then we stayed with her.
We even had Fish and Chips for Tea, real treat, as they are not readily available here in France!

The meeting with Dr Rahemtulla at Hammersmith Hospital went ok and hopefully now he has Seen Matthew we can start to put this NightMare behind us and get on with our Lives.
For those that don't know, we are Claiming Compensation from the NHS for the Damage they caused Matt when he contracted ASPEGILLUS FLAVUS from Bristol Childrens Hospital.
It will be 2yrs on 14/01/06 since I first lodged the Formal Complaint!
Come Hell or High Water, we are not going to let them get away with it!

*********************************************************

Apart from all that,
Matt and Emma are doing really well with the French.

Matt's shingles are clearing up, with the help of Aciclovir (500mg aday)

Well, the weather has been lovely apart from being really cold!!
*************************************************

Next week I am looking after 3 aditional children as Nicky (friend) is returning to North Yorkshire for a week, to spend time with her Mum and family.
Barbara (Nicky's Mum)is very poorly and looking after Nicky's children is the least I can do to help.

Well, today we are going to visit the Local SPA centre at Limoges to see if they have any Puppies that need re-homing?
We would like to have a Collie Pup, What Spot will think of it, we are not sure?

Take Care

Please keep signing Matt's Guestbook.

Love to you all

Jackie

Wednesday, November 9, 2005 20.15gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone.

See previous journal for the Technical Stuff, then!!!

We had a great time in Cornwall, catching up with all our Family and Friends.
We had a great Sunday Roast with Mum,Dad and Nan.

Matt stayed with Brad and went Trick/treating.
Emma stayed with Beth and went trick/treating.

Matt actually went to School on Tuesday morning and completed his French Homework!! (mad or what?)
It was nice but weird seeing ALL the children again, the Teachers and Helpers were pleased to see Emma and Matt again, both looking so well.

Emma met up with her Girl Friends, Kate (cousin) and went shopping on Tuesday evening.

Met with Doug,Pam,Mark,Nick and Toni.
Had a great evening with Dad,Jean,Lynn,Ross and Ben we had an early Christmas Dinner complete with Crackers!!
We had dinner with Mark,Tina and Jack, (my Ex Boss) and good friends.
None of us have been so organised for Christmas! we all exchanged pressies!

We managed to meet up with Dave,Kelly and Charlie (angel Jamie's Parents) in Teignmouth. Alan,Sara,Nicole and Lauren also came across to see us.
It was lovely seeing them all.

Must amit, it was a Very Hectic 4 Days!!!

We arrived safely from UK, the crossing from Plymouth to Roscoff was ROUGH!!!
Force 10 in the middle!!

It was good driving back on the LEFT, on the Right was well weird!!
Without fail, the Woodley's Return Journey had it's Hiccups!
Yeh, that's right, we had a Blow-out on the Trailer!!!
Luckily we had a Spare!! (I was a Brownie, Be Prepared!!)


Matt and Emma returned to school.

Before we went to UK last week, Matt had what we thought was a Mozzi bite on his back.
Little did we know what it would turn out to be!!!
Yeh, it's Spread and has progressively got worse!

Took Matt to the Doctors on Tuesday night and Now we have to go to Limoges Hospital (Dermotology Dept)!
Self diagnoses, SHINGLES!!!
Watch this Space, AGAIN!!

Hence, Matt has not been at school all week!!

CA LA VIE!!

We went to a firework/bbq last night at Bill/Lynda's which was good fun, So Many English People!!!

Next Tuesday, Matt and I are going to London to see the Specialist at Hammersmith Hospital who is hopefully going to do a Report on Matt for our Defense!
We fly on Tuesday at 6.35pm and return to Limoges, Wednesday 6.30pm.
24hr turn-around!! THE WOODLEY WAY!!!


Ok, time to log-off.

Take Care

Love to you all.

Jackie.

Wednesday, November 2, 2005 16.05gmt

Greetings from Wet and Windy Cornwall!!

This is a quick update, I will add more on Saturday.

It's been great catching up with Family and Friends.


Matt had his CT scan and we will know the results later!

The hormone tests for the Cortisol, showed improvement on the last one, which may mean that the Daily Dose of Hydrocortisone could be reduced!

Matt has a Funny Fungal Thingy on his toes and fingernails.
The Drs are a bit concerned, but it can be treated with Oral Medication.
But would mean that Matt has weekly bloodtests to watch Liver/Kidney levels?

Normal Bloodtests showed his ALT (liver function) level is a high but considering it was 130, now it's 74, normal is 40.
It's going in the right direction.

We are meeting up with Dave,Kelly and Charlie, Angel Jamie's parents, and hopefully Alan,Sara,Nicole and Lauren will be popping over too.

The ferry is still running, and it might be a ROUGH crossing!!!
Watch this SPACE!!!!

Love to you all.

Thursday, October 27, 2005 23.01gmt+1hr

Hi All

We are all enjoying the warm weather!
It's been 28degrees today!!
Matt has been playing with 2 French Boys from the commune,it's been really good for him.
Listening to them both speak French is scary!
Emma is having trouble describing things in English already!

Another sweet thing was last week I saw Matt greet Little Emma, (neighbours grandaughter) with two kisses! it's the Norm out here!
Never thought I would see Matt giving away Kisses!

Emma has been riding Sebastian around the area.
She is so devoted!!!
We think Sebastian is 20yrs old, no wonder he is Knackered when she has finished with him!!!

We are driving the 10hrs to Roscoff on Saturday for the ferry on Sunday Morning!! Hope it's not Rough?
We will kip in the Delica with loads of duvets!!!

Matt's hormone tests are on Monday morning, will update results.
His CT scan is at 2pm, again results will follow.

It will be a time for catching up with all our family and friends.
Matt and Emma are staying over with friends on Halloween!
Look out for the photos.

15th November, Matt and I are flying to The Big Smoke (london) to see the specialist, to get a report for our claim against the NHS!

Take care.

Love to you all.

Jackie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Please sign Matt's Guest Book.

Saturday, October 22, 2005 23.08 gmt + 1hr

Hi All
Hope all is well with you guys?

Just watching Robbie Williams Live in Berlin and his second song was Matt's Song " FEEL".
Matt was sitting next to me on the sofa and he grab my hand and started to cry with ME!!
The song was being played while we were following the Ambulance to Bristol Hospital( june 2003) when we first got the BAD NEWS.
From then on, This was Matt's Song!

The words are so TRUE!!!

Come on hold my hand,
I wanna contact the living.
Not sure I understand,
This role I’ve been given.

I sit and talk to god
And he just laughs at my plans,
My head speaks a language, I don’t understand.

I just wanna feel real love,
Feel the home that I live in.
’cause I got too much life,
Running through my veins, going to waste.

I don’t wanna die,
But I ain’t keen on living either.
Before I fall in love,
I’m preparing to leave her.
I scare myself to death,
That’s why I keep on running.
Before I’ve arrived, I can see myself coming.

(chorus)
I just wanna feel real love,
Feel the home that I live in.
’cause I got too much life,
Running through my veins, going to waste.

And I need to feel, real love
And a life ever after.
I cannot get enough.

I just wanna feel real love,
Feel the home that I live in,
I got too much love,
Running through my veins, going to waste.

I just wanna feel real love,
In a life ever after
There’s a hole in my soul,
You can see it in my face, it’s a real big place.

Come and hold my hand,
I wanna contact the living,
Not sure I understand,
This role I’ve been given

Not sure I understand.
Not sure I understand.
Not sure I understand.
Not sure I understand.

This was to be Matt's Make A Wish, but Robbie Williams was in L.A! and never got to see him!

Take Care

Jackie (tearful)

Saturday, October 15, 2005 16.26pm gmt 1

Hi Everyone
Hope you are all keeping well?

The weather is still warm but it has been very windy.

We packed away the pool last week as the temperature is dropping!
Typical though, it was warm this week!

Matt and Emma are doing well at school and are almost fluent! They both show Andy and I up! but we will get there.
They break up for half-term on the 21st Oct until 3rd Nov, that's when we return to UK for Matt's CT scan and he is also having a Hormone Test to see what level his own Cortisone is?
The last test in February showed NOTHING being produced, hence lifetime on steroids.
Dr Nick Goulden, we were hoping to see from Bristol won't be holding his Clinic (main reason for our return) but hey, we will see the other Onc Drs.

Andy and Arthur have been busy putting the walls up in the loft so Matt and Emma can have separate bedrooms.
Nicky and I have been busy on EBAY!! Christmas shopping!!
Mum and Dad's house in Cornwall is like a PostOffice sorting office at the moment!!
Another reason we are taking a trailer back when return!!

Today we are celebrating Andy's Birthday (17th Oct), we have Arthur and Nicky and Kids coming round for Beef Bourguignonne with Boulangere Potatoes with Asparagus and Braised Red Cabbage.
All found in Delia Smiths Complete Cookery Course! Yum,Yum.

Why do boys always get in the wars? Matt was playing with Ben and Marcus this morning when he tripped, headbutted a bottle of Panache ending up with a bruise on his head!
Then they were going down to see the Donkey's with Little Emma (neighbours grand-daughter) when Matt comes Hooting up the lane holding his shorts up?
What have you done now?

What happened was, the shoes he was wearing were too BIG and when he put his foot on the pedal, it slipped and he fell on the handlebars and fell off his bike!
Well, he now has bruise's on his Tummy,Ankle,knees,thigh,elbows and his little finger!!

I have told him to stay in now as it always comes in 3's!!!!
He is also on antibiotics for a Chesty Cough!!!

Anyway that's enough of me waffling.

Take Care and Love to you ALL.

Jackie

Please,Please Sign Matt's Guest Book.

angel jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals

Wednesday, October 5, 2005 13.48pm gmt 1

Bon Jour

Well, we are all recovered from The Party!

Bit of good news, Matt has STOPPED wearing his Mouth Plate!! after 2years.
He is managing to Eat,Drink and take his tablets without it! NO LEAKAGE!!!
He say's it feels really nice, not having it in!
Lets hope that the HOLE has sealed!
Check the Photos.

He has also PULLED two more teeth out!

Matt is really well and doing all Boyz things!
Edward (oto's dad) took him with Ben and Marcus shooting in his woods, they used a 8mm rifle to shoot a log in the river.
They all really enjoyed it.
Emma has been riding Sebastian alot, poor thing, he is 14 and doesn't get riden that often!
Edward and Annette have said that Emma can have him on loan and look after him!

She is over the MOON! the other thing is that with Sebastian comes Jack, A DONKEY!

Emma LOVES PURPLE, so yes, that's right, Seb has now got a Purple Headcollar and Purple Numnah!!

We are returning to England at the end of the month, Matt has a marker CT Scan on 31st Oct and we are seeing the Onc Drs while we are there.
We are staying with my Mum and Dad, will be catching up with my Nan, Andy's family and a few friends.
4 busy days!

We are now going through the Transition of Becoming French!
Just waiting for the Array of paperwork to come through!

Matt and I are also flying to London to meet a Specialist at Hammersmith Hospital, who will complete a report on Matt, which is for OUR FIGHT AGAINST THE NHS for what they did to Matt!

More on that at a Later Date!

Please keep visiting the following sites.
And please,please
SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK!

Many Thanks

Jackie.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


angel jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals

Monday 26th September 2005. 10.44am gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone.

Well, Did we have a Great Party on Saturday!
It was brilliant!

Firstly Matt and Emma cycled to Le Cars, thinking we were going to a House-Warming Party for Arthur and Nicky!
They even made cards for Nicky/Arthur!

When Matt and Emma arrived there was a BIG BANNER saying BONNE FETE! and balloons around the Garden.
They stood infront of the banner, it still didn't sink in that the party was for them!

Then the Penny Dropped!
Ah,is it really for us?
Is everyone coming for us?

Yes, was the answer!

Matt and Emm were given presents and my Mum and Dad sent cards with Euro's!

We had a great day, the laptop was playing all the photos taken over the past 2years and it was at times very emotional.
The music system was booming all day!
We got Muriel (french) to explain to the neighbours what was going on!
We had great food and copius amounts of Beer, Wine and 4 large bowls of Sangria!
We had of course Champagne!

French friends came - Aorha (sp?),Muriel,Edith,Michell and Chantelle.
Arthur,Nicky,Tovi,Annette,Edward,Ruth,Paul.
There was the children - Emma,Matt,Ben,Marcus,Jasmine,Ester and Liddy.

In the evening Andy had made a Chilli, which was Delicious!
We lit the Chimera which was great as the evenings are a little chilly.

It was about 12.30pm when Muriel and her mum Edith left.
Andy and I slept in Hotel Delica! (our truck)

And a day to remember all who we met and have lost to this Evil Disease.
A day, never to forget!

Yes, there were a few Mal a le Tetes in the morning!
We then started to remember the previous day!
Cafe Noir's all round!

A BIG THANK YOU TO NICKY AND OTO (arthur) FOR ARRANGING THE PARTY.


Friday, September 23, 2005 17.54pm gmt 1
Do you all know where you were 2years ago?

We know exactly what we were doing!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

It was the DAY that Matt sat on the bed and said to Emma "thank you, I love you"
And they went walking hand in hand down the corridor where Emma went to surgery for the harvest.
They were so brave, Matt was going into Isolation for at least 6weeks and Emma could only see him from the play-area down below him and speak to him on the phone.

He was out in 23days!

Emma was just recovering from Donating her BoneMarrow in Non-isolation and
Matt was about to receive the Marrow, all 650ml that they harvested from Emma!

It was the night that I spent with Emma while Andy was down the corridor in the Isolation Unit with Matt.

Andy thought he would have a peaceful night, watching DVD's with Matt while the transfusion was going.
Little did he know that a Nurse had to do 15min Obs, which meant by the time she scrubbed up everytime, it wasn't worth leaving the room!
Well, she pulled up a chair and asked what they were going to Watch! Andy and Matt answered Rabbit Proof Fence, ooh, lovely I haven't seen that yet!

Emma and I had a good sleep!

Thankfully the transfusion went well, delivered over 24hrs as Matt reacts to Blood Products!

We were told "make 6mths, the consultant would be HAPPY, 12months and he would be OPTIMISTIC!

Well, we've made 2 YEARS!

We have met a lot of Good Families and Friends.

Thanks for all support we have received.
(friends and family, you know who you are!)

It's true, in times of need, you find out both true friends and family!

Here's to the FUTURE.

I will update again tomorrow!

Love to you all

Jackie, Andy, Emma and Matty

angel jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 22.09gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone.

Hope life is treating you all well?

Matt and Emma are fine!

Except on Monday night they were play fighting on our bed and guess what?
Screams of pain from Matt!

Emma had accidently kicked him on his Left hand and he bent his first finger right Back! (see photo)

Alot of pain, and tears!

but after alot of thought, we decided he hadn't broke it and wrapped it in Ice.

Course he is Left-handed!

When will they learn?

We escaped the hospital trip in August and I don't want to go again!

They are both doing well at school and the teacher Madamoseille Ray is really pleased with the amount they both understand.

We have Sharle (matt's friend) coming around for tea on Friday, first french friend!
Will update how it went.

Take Care

please visit sites below.

Love
Jackie



Angel jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals

Saturday September 10th 2005

Hi Everyone

It was Jamie's funeral yesterday.Our thoughts and love go to Dave,Kelly,Charlie and their families.
We are honoured to know Jamie, he was a smashing little boy.
We saw it on Westcountry News, unfortunately we couldn't make it.

Helium balloons are like Hen's Teeth to find in Central France so a very good friend of mine Andrew released some in Truro for us. (see photos)

Weather is a bit damp today, bit like the Cornish Mizzle!

Bon Weekend.

Love Jackie





Sunday, September 4, 2005
Well, it's been very hot here!

Matt and Emma have returned to Ecole apres neuf semaines vacance! 02/09/05
Viva L'Ecole!

All is well, Emma is staying back from College as she needs to increase her knowledge of Francais.
She is OK about this.

Hopefully, this will mean that they both will go to Chalus College next September.

Matt took his quad to the site today and had a Blip around!

We spent the rest of the day at Michelle and Chantels (french friends) where we have Boeuf Entrecote with Ail Pomme De Terre.
Copious amounts of Vin and Michelle does his own Prunes in Cognac! Delicious!

They then took us to his Lake near Dournazac, where he say's we can fish anytime!
It is HUGE! the Lake that is!

Matt and Emm are constantly in their pool, this was a Great Investment! on their behalf!

We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Jamie, we cannot make it to the funeral.
But we will be releasing a balloon on Friday for him, also Matt wants us to have some Champagne to celebrate his life which we will be doing.

Tomorrow is My Birthday (trente huit),Andy and I are going to find a Tranquille Bar for Lunch and then we are at Nicky/Oto's for dinner.

Yesterday I saw My Nan on my Mum's webcam, which was great!
I miss them ALL.

Hope you are all well and Please Sign Matt's GuestBook and visit the links below.

Take Care.
Life is For Living.

Love
Jackie.


Angel jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 12.52pm gmt 1hr

We had a call from Kelly this morning.
Jamie (Beebo) received his Angel Wings at 3.30am this morning.
We are all deeply sad, especially Matt and Emma.

Matt wants to know WHY?
I haven't got the answer?

Take Care

Love you all.

Jackie


Angel jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals

Thursday 25th August 22.37pm gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone

Please take the time to visit the links at the bottom of the page and leave messages for them.
Kelly is updating Jamie's Page regularly, so people can follow how Jamie is doing and Jamie is no longer on Oral Chemo, he is a Great Little Man and if you all could leave thoughts and wishes for the Family.

Emma has read Jamie's Page tonight with Matt and they are very upset to read about the precious time he has left with his family.
Matt asked the question "why are all the friends he met in Bristol going?
I didn't know what to say.

We all ended up crying on the sofa.

Emma left a message in Jamie's GuestBook. When I read it, it made cry again.

Take Care

Don't worry about the little things in Life!

Love Jackie




Tuesday, August 23, 2005 12:12 AM CDT

Well, the weather has changed for a day or two.
So today we went shopping in Limoges!
Emma shopped till she dropped as usual!
And she found out there is a Claire's Accessories! Arhhhhh!
And a C&A's.
There is an Etam but thankfully No TammyGirl! Emma was gutted to hear Tammy no longer exists in Cornwall!

The weather is improving end of the week again, and is expecting to be 37degs again on Sunday onwards.
Yippee, it doesn't cost anything for them to be in the pool all day!

Hope you are all having a Great Summer?

Please continue to sign Matt's Guestbook.

Many Thanks for all the continuing support.
I have added one of last years photo.
Some of our friends, we have met during the last 26mths.

love Jackie

Please sign Jamie's Page, Dave and Kelly appreciate the support.
But also read about the Email, Kelly recieved!
Some people are SO Cruel!

jamie's page

nicole's page

angel jake's page

post pals


Thursday 18th August. 20.48pm gmt 1hr
Also, I spoke to my Mum tonight and she told us of the news of Tom Julyan who we met in Treliske Hospital, Tom was dx with AML(nov 2003) same as Matt, with major complications, Tom had a BMT (donated from Rebecca, his sister)same as Matt. But on Sunday he lost his fight. Although we didn't know them well, Marie and I exchanged stories on Sennen Ward when we saw each other.
When we learn of this news, it makes us realise that we are Lucky but we are noway out of the woods yet.
Angel Dave's Mum, Mel, always tells Matt that he is here for a reason. To continue Life with the support of others he knew.

Tuesday 23rd August. 18.50pm gmt 1hr

Hi Everyone

Please take the time to visit the links at the bottom of the page and leave messages for them.
Kelly is updating Jamie's Page regularly, so people can follow how Jamie is doing and Jamie is no longer on Oral Chemo, he is a Great Little Man and if you all could leave thoughts and wishes for the Family.

Well, the weather has changed for a day or two.
So today we went shopping in Limoges!
Emma shopped till she dropped as usual!
And she found out there is a Claire's Accessories! Arhhhhh!
And a C&A's.
There is an Etam but thankfully No TammyGirl! Emma was gutted to hear Tammy no longer exists in Cornwall!

The weather is improving end of the week again, and is expecting to be 37degs again on Sunday onwards.
Yippee, it doesn't cost anything for them to be in the pool all day!

Hope you are all having a Great Summer?

Please continue to sign Matt's Guestbook.

Many Thanks for all the continuing support.

love Jackie




Thursday 18th August. 20.48pm gmt 1hr
Also, I spoke to my Mum tonight and she told us of the news of Tom Julyan who we met in Treliske Hospital, Tom was dx with AML(nov 2003) same as Matt, with major complications, Tom had a BMT (donated from Rebecca, his sister)same as Matt. But on Sunday he lost his fight. Although we didn't know them well, Marie and I exchanged stories on Sennen Ward when we saw each other.
When we learn of this news, it makes us realise that we are Lucky but we are noway out of the woods yet.
Angel Dave's Mum, Mel, always tells Matt that he is here for a reason. To continue Life with the support of others he knew.

Please sign Jamie's Page, Dave and Kelly would appreciated the support.
But also read about the Email, Kelly recieved!
Some people are SO Cruel!





Saturday, August 13, 2005 1:02 PM CDT
Well, after seeing the Consultant with Emma on Friday, If they operated on her nose, it would not prove benefical. Should Emm wish, she could have it straightened later in Life!
Yep, she has a Crooked Nose! but Emma say's " I can live with that!"

I had the experience of a Limoges NightClub last night, and I never got home until 5.15am this morning!
I have got to say "that at nearly 38, I felt extremely OLD" I went with 4 other girls! We were drinking cocktails in Central Limoges at 11.30pm which was weird!


The men! stayed home here where Andy cooked one of his amazing Curries : King Prawn Masala and Whole Tandoori Chicken! and copeous amounts of Vin Rouge/Beer!
The Five children were all very good and were asleep when we got home!



We all had a great time!
Craig and Muriel stayed overnight in there van and we all woke after 10am! to have Egg Butties!
Craig then was forced to go in the pool with Matt and Emm! What a Wake Up Call!

The weather is very hot at the moment, it is 20.22pm and it is 22degs in the shade!

We are off the the Garage Mechanics (very French Family) house for aperetif's (sp?)and a swim tomorrow. Will let you know how it went!

jamie's page

angel jake's page

nicole's page

post pals



8th August 2005

Well, You will never Guess where we went last night?
For those that know our Luck, then you probably guessed Casualty at Limoges Hospital!

Yep, with Emma, we went to a friends BBQ and we all were having a great time and then Emma wanted to go on Oto's shoulders (he is 6ft4) after a few laps around the garden, Emm wanted to get down so Oto knelt down and that's right Emm went flying forward and hit her nose on the ground!

Blood let me tell you!

You guessed it, Broken Nose!!
Dx after an Xray.

She is now on Antibiotics, anti-inflamateries, Paracetmol and having daily nasel flushes!

We need to take her to see a Consultant on Friday, where they will assess whether she needs SURGERY!

Bless, she looks like she has done 2 rounds with Mike Tyson!

Last Weds we went to the beach (174miles each way!) La Rochelle.
It was another adventure!
We took Nicky and her 3 children, Marcus, Ben and Jasmine all were very ex cited and went running into the sea, then after about 5mins, we see Emma struggling up the beach carrying Jazzy, with Ben and Marcus limping closely behind!
Jazzis foot was covered in Blood! it looked like something out of a Horror Film!
We are not sure what happened whether it was Barnacles or Glass that had cut their feet!

If we didn't have BAD Luck then we wouldn't have any LUCK at all!

After cleaning them all up we had a great Day!
BBQ in the back of our Delica.
Got home at 11.pm long day, we left at 7am!

Spot is growing very fast and has started to venture outside. He has been chased by the local dogs and he has Sworn/Hissed at them. Don't know who was the most Scarred!
He is still biting!
He now has a toy mouse as well as the cow, he is Crazy but we all knew he would be living with us!

The weather has been very hott.... but nice, I think we are getting aclimatised to it!
Matt is still fishing, he go's off with Garson the neighbour down to his lake and they all tell about the One that Got Away!

I must learn to keep my mouth shut when talking to the Locals, We/I was given a Carp which didn't make it to the Lake, All I said " vous manger le carp? and he said" moi non, pour vous!
Well after the Rabbit ordeal, Andy was not happy!
Did I tell you about the Rabbit?
I'll keep it short, We gave Agnes/Garson Emma's old bike (new one for her b/day) for their grandaughter (like you do) and they were so grateful, that they asked "if we liked Lapin (rabbit)" we both said "qui, bon manger"
That's right, they delivered a LIVE rabbit, well, you should of seen the look on our faces,
Well, neither of us could do the Deed, so it is happilly living up the road at Paul/Xav's.
Then the next week, that's right, I was asked if the Lapin was good, I said "qui" and we were given another LIVE rabbit!
And again, another lucky rabbit,

1st and 2nd rabbit are having a Ball, (male and female) soon to have an extended family!
They are called Doc and Leaf!

I have now learnt that NON means NO!

Well, enough of me, waffling, hope all is well with all.

Take Care.

Love Jackie, Andy, Emma and Matt

Monday 8th August 20.33pm gmt 1

Hi Everyone

Please take the time to visit the links at the bottom of the page and leave messages for them, Jamie is still fighting!

He is a Strong Little Man.


Well, You will never Guess where we went last night?
For those that know our Luck, then you probably guessed Casualty at Limoges Hospital!

Yep, with Emma, we went to a friends BBQ and we all were having a great time and then Emma wanted to go on Oto's shoulders (he is 6ft4) after a few laps around the garden, Emm wanted to get down so Oto knelt down and that's right Emm went flying forward and hit her nose on the ground!

Blood let me tell you!

You guessed it, Broken Nose!!
Dx after an Xray.

She is now on Antibiotics, anti-inflamateries, Paracetmol and having daily nasel flushes!

We need to take her to see a Consultant on Friday, where they will assess whether she needs SURGERY!

Bless, she looks like she has done 2 rounds with Mike Tyson!

Last Weds we went to the beach (174miles each way!) La Rochelle.
It was another adventure!
We took Nicky and her 3 children, Marcus, Ben and Jasmine all were very ex cited and went running into the sea, then after about 5mins, we see Emma struggling up the beach carrying Jazzy, with Ben and Marcus limping closely behind!
Jazzis foot was covered in Blood! it looked like something out of a Horror Film!
We are not sure what happened whether it was Barnacles or Glass that had cut their feet!

If we didn't have BAD Luck then we wouldn't have any LUCK at all!

After cleaning them all up we had a great Day!
BBQ in the back of our Delica.
Got home at 11.pm long day, we left at 7am!

Spot is growing very fast and has started to venture outside. He has been chased by the local dogs and he has Sworn/Hissed at them. Don't know who was the most Scarred!
He is still biting!
He now has a toy mouse as well as the cow, he is Crazy but we all knew he would be living with us!

The weather has been very hott.... but nice, I think we are getting aclimatised to it!
Matt is still fishing, he go's off with Garson the neighbour down to his lake and they all tell about the One that Got Away!

I must learn to keep my mouth shut when talking to the Locals, We/I was given a Carp which didn't make it to the Lake, All I said " vous manger le carp? and he said" moi non, pour vous!
Well after the Rabbit ordeal, Andy was not happy!
Did I tell you about the Rabbit?
I'll keep it short, We gave Agnes/Garson Emma's old bike (new one for her b/day) for their grandaughter (like you do) and they were so grateful, that they asked "if we liked Lapin (rabbit)" we both said "qui, bon manger"
That's right, they delivered a LIVE rabbit, well, you should of seen the look on our faces,
Well, neither of us could do the Deed, so it is happilly living up the road at Paul/Xav's.
Then the next week, that's right, I was asked if the Lapin was good, I said "qui" and we were given another LIVE rabbit!
And again, another lucky rabbit,

1st and 2nd rabbit are having a Ball, (male and female) soon to have an extended family!
They are called Doc and Leaf!

I have now learnt that NON means NO!

Well, enough of me, waffling, hope all is well with all.

Take Care.

Love Jackie, Andy, Emma and Matt



Saturday, July 23, 2005 8.28 AM gmt 1
Sorry for the lack of updates, but you know how it is!

Matt is extremely well and still enjoying Life!

They are in their 3rd week of summer holiday and are still having fun! Long may it last!
They are enjoying their French Lesson's with Xavier and are both doing well.

Last weekend Emma developed an Ear Ache the drops from the chemist didn't work, so Saturday morning off the Drs again, and yes, Ear Infection due to Head Constantly Under the Water!
Antibiotics and Drops.
Kept her out of the pool for a few days and she is ok now.

Then Wednesday Evening Matt complained of Ear Ache so rather than leave it,Thursday Morning off to the Drs Again, and you guessed it Ear Infection due to Over Use of the Pool!
Same treatment as Emma!
He is better and they both have had a few days out of the Water!

Our spider BEBE (goliath birdeating)see photo, sadly unexpectly died, it has been acting very strange, was very aggressive so we are not sure what caused it!

Well, Reg (friend) was 70 on Thursday and he had a party at his son's Pauls.
Everything was swinging and wine/beer was flowing.
Matt had his Electric Scooter there, everyone had a go, then Reg decided to have a go!
Up the lane, down the lane, then "Screams of Mum,Dad,Paul, Reg is off the Scooter"

Yep, that's right Reg was on the floor, Grey in colour, Chest Pains and Blood on his hands!

Automatically, We Checked his pulse, got him to do deep breaths, Looked at his Hand, Well, it was Grimm!

Off Reg goe's to Hospital and 10stitches later they return!
The moral is..............
Electric Scooter, 70 yr olds and Beer do not MIX!

Reg is ok, but he did have us all worried!

On Sunday 24th July Matt is 10.
He is heavilly into Lake Fishing and he has fishing equipment for his birthday.
He packs up the Maggots, Worms and Rod and heads for the lake up the road from us.
He Loves it.
We are having a BBQ for him, and NO SCOOTERS!

As you all know that Every Birthday is a Milestone!
We are 22months Post BMT, and all is going well!

We are letting Matt do what he wants (within reason)

As for SPOT the kitten, he is absolutly CRAZY!!!!!
Climbing Legs, Attacking the furniture, he has a Beanie Cow and if you say "get the cow" then he runs into the lounge and then carries it to you!

Well, better wake Emm and Matt up! They are playing Lazy Lions!

Take Care and again Thank you for all your continuing support.

Please Sign Matt's GuestBook.
And visit the Links below.

Thanks
Jackie

matty's page

angel jake's page

beebo's page

nicole's page

post pals

Sunday 3rd July 21.02pm French Time.

Hi everyone.

Thanks for all your continuing support.
Well, guess where spent 5hrs this afternoon?
That's right Limoges Hospital, this time with Matt.
He developed the same symptoms as Emma did Friday, complaining of severe headaches.
Then came the Vomiting!

No time wasted we headed to Limoges.
All blood tests are fine and apparently France is going through a Viral Epidemic with Headaches,vomiting and Temps!
Brought Matt home as they were short of beds and we have to keep up the fluids and control the sickness with anti-sick drug!

And on top of that, the TV has blown up again, only got it back last week!

Great Weekend we had!

Hopefully it won't run through the family?
Stocked up on bottled water and paracetamol/neurophen!

Emma is still suffering from the pain in her back from the Lumbar Puncture! Bless!

Take Care

Love Jackie

Saturday 2nd July. 22.42pm French Time
Well, I have just spent 8hrs in Limoges Hospital with Emma.
The school rang yesterday to say Emm was feeling sick, could I pick her up!
From then on she was Sick on the hour every hour! With severe headaches and adversion to light!

Alarms started to ring! same symptoms as Matt just over 2yrs ago!

We took her to the local Dr's where he did numerous tests and had a second apinion.
And advised us that we take her to Limoges Hospital NOW!?
On admission, Long winded process, she was examined again and then the Dreaded Blood Sample Tray came in the room with a Drip Stand!
Emma has a BIG Phobia with Needles after Bad experience in Bristol Hospital (2003)
She was nearly on the ceiling!
But she was so Brave!

After lots of tests, they anounced they told me that they were testing Emma for Menigitus!
My heart sank.

The sickness had stopped and she caught up on her sleep.

Then the Drs came in to do a Lumbar Puncture as the tests showed slight inflamation of the Brain!

My thoughts were " what have we done to deserve all this Stress?

Emma was given Happy Gas! she was well away with the Fairies!
She didn't want to give it back to the Nurses!

At 6.30pm we were told that "there were no signs of Menigitus or Urine Infections but it was probably a Severe Migrane and that we could go HOME!

We were out of there!!

Kids, they don't aft put us through it!

24hrs of Additional Stress! Stress Levels 10

Take Care

Love Jackie



Friday 17th June 08.33am gmt
Today I checked the emails as I always do.
Listening to Robbie Williams - FEEL - Matt's Song!

I found out that Jake in Australia recieved his Angel Wings yesterday.
Although we never met Jake, it felt that we knew him and his family.
Matt and Jake had the same AML with Aspegillus Flavus.
The similarites between the two boys were very strong.
So Far but so Close.

Our thoughts are with Deanne and Jon and their family.

Jake's Link is at the bottom of the page, please visit and sign his guest book.

Many Thanks

Jackie



June 9th.
Matt is doing extremely well and is enjoying life in France!

We had some devestating news at the weekend.
Little Jamie (beebo) has relasped and it is only a matter of time.
Matt and Jamie were in Bristol together and we are great friends with his family.
Please visit his link at the bottom of the page.
Also Jake from Oz who has the same AML and caught Aspegillus same as Matt is really poorly.
So please visit his link too.

Why is it the Children that have to suffer?

Matt took the news of Jamie badly and so did Emma.
Matt has lost 3 of his friends from Bristol.


Take Care

love to you all

jackie

Sorry for the lack of updates!
I know No Excuses!

Well, we are all fine and Matt,Emma are doing really well at School.
We are all enjoying to way of life!
Weather has been very strange one minute it was -10degs and 3weeks later is was 30degs!

The food and Wine is good!

Matt saw the consultant from Bristol and he was really pleased with Matt, and we are now down to 6months appointments!
Another milestone reached!

Matthew was upto his old tricks, he was given a Tape Measure which when pulled more than 8ins you get an Electric Shock!!!
Well he decided to Get Dr Nick Goulden, we didn't think Nick would fall for it but He Did and I can't repeat what he called Matt!!!
It has done the rounds!!

My Dad is better and My Nan is now in a Homeward Bound Centre getting physio and hopefully will be able to return home after her fall.
Andy's Dad has been very poorly and is now recovering.

Emma is 11 on Monday 9th, we can't believe how much she has grown!

I will update the photo's next week. (promise)
You will not believe how long Matt's hair is!

Hope you continue to sign Matt's Guestbook.

Please check out the links below.
jake's page
beebo's page
nicole's page
postpals

Stay Strong.

Love Jackie

Friday, April 1, 2005 20.20pm french time!

Hi
We will be online tomorrow, and there will be an update and new photos!

Please all take care.

Also just a quickie, please send kind thoughts and love for my Nan who fell this week and is in hospital and my Dad who is not feeling well at the moment.

see you all soon.

please keep signing the Guestbook, we do read it!

love to you all

jackie, andrew, emma and Matt.

Friday, March 4, 2005 6:45 AM CST

Well, what an adventure we have had so far!

Firstly, Matt’s mouth surgery hasn’t worked again, so now Matt will have to have his new plate for a year, he has a red one now!
He is ok about it.
He also had his first course of immunisations and this will continue every month. He is so brave; he had two injections, one in each arm.

We moved out of the house on Friday, and Emma and Matt had a great last day at school, lots of well wishes and fond farewells.

We had a good ferry crossing and when we reached Roscoff, it was White with Snow!

We then got lost outside Morlaix, ended up in the mountains with Sheet Black Ice, 4 inches of Snow.
Both vans were running on the Red. We didn’t know where we were or where the next Fuel station was! The Satellite Navigation Thingy didn’t work either!! Great!
We nearly collided with a Snow Plough!
This was to be the beginning of a very LONG JOURNEY!!
We finally came across a garage and found our way onto the Right Road and off we went on our way.
Our Mitsubishi Delica starting making a Funny Noise just outside Morlaix and we continued with the journey!
Little did we know that the Truck was Poorly!!
We then Broke Down on the Dual Carriage Way, In France the Gendarme (police) need to be told and then they arrange for Roadside Recovery!
So we waited, waited!
Eventually a Very French Recovery Truck and Driver arrived. Luckily we still had the company of Maurice (Frenchman) who translated for us!
We were then taken 1.5hr back up the way we came, to the Garage.
It was diagnosed that The Cam Belt had gone! The garage will then repair it, but not until Monday! We didn’t know what damage has been done?
Great, 2 tired Kids, 1 cross removal man (Dave) 1 cross Frenchman, 1 cross Hubby!
We then had to source a Rented Van with Tow bar to take us back on our journey. Dave took Emma in his van with one Trailer of our Worldly Goods onwards.
We then got a Taxi to the rental and picked up a van, with Tow bar!
After getting the Cards to go through (Damn Security Procedures) good thing though!
Off we set.
The original journey should of taken 8hrs but we did it in 19hrs!!!!!!!

Where we are living is lovely and we have woken up to 3inchs of Snow!!
Matt and Emma love it, they haven’t stopped. The Quad is being used daily and even more fun now it is snowing!
We are having problems sourcing the parts for the Truck in France and the Logistics of it all is a Nightmare!

But……….. As we say “don’t worry about the little things”
Apart from all that has happened we are Extremely Happy and Enjoying Life!
To be continued…………………………..
Thanks for reading this journal.

Tueday 01st March. 17.39pm French Time!!

Hi Everyone.
Thanks for your continuing support.

Hi Guys

Well, Sorry I havent updated, but as you might now we are now Residing in France for a while.
I will have an Update for you all to read and Laugh about in the next couple of days!!

You will NEVER guess what happened to us after we arrived in France!

I will keep you all in Suspense!!

Please if you can, spare a thought for our Friend Jake in Australia as he has relasped after having a BMT in September. Link jake's page
Please sign his guestbook.

Thanks

Take care

Love Jackie, Andrew, Emma and Matt.



Sunday 13th February. 18.53pm gmt
Well, the surgery went well and in usual Matty Fashion we were home the same day!
He went down at 2.15pm and was in recovery at 4pm, it never gets easier seeing your child go down for a GA!
Matt was eating a drinking within 12mins of returning to the ward! He is Amazing!

Check out the new photo's, See his hair, I even asked the Aneathatist if they could cut his hair while he was under, but they said "oh now, it's beautiful!. Great another Surfer Dude Fan!!!!!

Andy and I spent 9-5 in the Solicitors on Thursday, photcoping all of Matt's Medical Files (8 lever arch files) we have 3 files to do on Monday!


We went down to see my Nan (NUNA) to say See you Soon,(no Goodbye's) we will miss her very much.(see photo)

We also saw Ellen MacArthur's boat at Falmouth Marina.(see photo)

Today (sunday) we met friends of ours from School etc up at the Local Pub for a Leaving Drink. It was great to see so many, I know we are here for another 10days but we will be very busy finalising the packing and we might not see our friends for a while.
Thanks to Karen and Julian Coia for the drawing of Kea School.
Also thanks to (Teachers - Jo ,Hubby,Tom,Lamorna Knuckey,Rachel Heffer, also Karen,Julian,Tom,Sam Coia, Tamsin,Jake Morgan, Sue,Scott,Brad Everall, Carl,Nicky,Jazzy,Maddi,Oli Bone,Nicky,John,Jenny,Luther,Howard Yeates, Helen,Glynn,Dan,Luke Hudson, Alison,Pete,Luke Rugg, Caroline,Sophie Wear, Becky Hancock, Hannah Scrace, Carl,Tash,Mum Davis, Angela,Katy,Emmie Lamble, Alex Jose,James Reynolds,Ben Horner, Doug,Pam Marsh,Mark Hibbit Toni,Nick Davidson, sorry if I have left anyone off!
Thanks to the above for all the cards and well wishes.

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wednesday 09th February - 21.52pm gmt
Just a quickie, Matt is due for surgery on Friday at 2pm.
Hopefully he should be out in the evening?

For those who don't know, when Matt was first diagnosed with AML he picked up Aspegillus Flavus in Room 5 in Bristol Hospital, this was due to an Air Conditioning Vent being covered up with a piece of Card, with the help of solicitors we have followed the Proceedure to lodge a formal complaint against the NHS, (this has taken 12months) and two weeks ago they admitted Primary Liability for the Causation of Matt's Infection! Obviously this has been very hard for us to do, as we are going over old ground and have been reminded again over the Trauma which it has caused.

Tomorrow we have the great task of Photocoping All of Matt's Medical Notes which have already been Paginated at a Cost to us! We saw the solicitors today and he explained the cost of copying them (£500) and we said "we would do it"
We need two more copies of the 8 lever files!!
So far it has cost us £2671.00 to pursue this claim and there's more to follow.
So, I don't like asking but if anyone who reads Matt's journal feels like they can contribute to Matt's Fight for Compensation please feel free to donate to A/C. 007346891. sort code - 30-98-76. AS & JF Woodley.

There is no guarantee that we will beat the NHS but hopefully we will give them a Grilling For The Additional Stress and Condition they Caused Matt to go through!
5 Trips to Surgery, nothing to do with the Original Diagnoses of AML!

It's just a Case of Proving it!

Many Thanks for all of your support.
I will keep you posted on how Surgery goe's on Friday.



***************************************

Friday 04th February 2005. 14.08pm
Just to let you all know, Matt is going to have MORE surgery next Friday to hopefully close the Hole?
The surgeon will use stronger stitches which will help in the healing process!
It may or maynot work? if it doesn't then we will have to leave it for a year or so and have another go!!
This is an Article that I found today!

When a child is diagnosed with leukaemia, their life is turned upside down overnight. Together with their family, their lives begin to revolve around the hospital for months and even years. In addition to the physical side-effects of treatment, nausea, hair loss, stomach problems, there are many other problems which result from this treatment - resulting from time out of school, and lengthy periods away from friends. The impact of this should not be underestimated.

***************************************

Thursday, February 03rd. 2005 13.15pm gmt
Well,
We saw Dr Nick Goulden Weds 02 and he is really pleased with Matt's Progress.
Nick is Happy for us to go to France and fulfil our Dream.
We do need to come back in May for Clinic. We have finally reached 3month Clinic Appointments!!!
Anyone who is going through this sort of NightMare will understand why this is an Achievement!
He was also confident that the GVHD has been and gone!

Matt will have to stay on a maintenance level of Hydrocortisone as his Adrenal Gland Tests show little production of the Natural Steroid.
Nick Goulden, is under the impression that this problem was linked with why Matt had all the Sodium Level problems at the beginning of Treatment.

Emma is well, though her Knees are playing her up, she has the condition OSGOOD LETCHMA DISEASE (not spelt correctly) but it is where the Muscle over the front of the Knee is over-stretched, which then causes a build up of Salts/Calcium. She will grow out of it but it has restricted her from doing her Funky Feet Dance Group but she has not stopped Riding Lessons!

Andy (dad) had his Polypectomy (nasal polyps removed) on Tuesday 01/02. All went well and in usual Woodley fashion he was out in a Day! No pain either!

BeBe the spider has shed again and is even Bigger. I will try and get a new picture of it!

Thanks For Visiting Matt's Page.

***************************************

January 29th, 2005
Matt has been back at school all week and his is coping without his plate!
No results from the Endocrinology Tests (done on Mon), but we are seeing Nick Goulden from Bristol on Wednesday 2nd Feb.

We took Matt for his Oral Surgery checkup on Thursday, and explained that Matt has been feeling some AIR in his mouth when he drinks! The Dr (never seen her before, and had to explain why Matt had a Hole in his mouth!)said "it's looking good, and only come back if Fluid starts to leak from the Nose"
Matt had a drink when he got home and guess what?
Apple Juice was running from his Nose!
So back into to Clinic on Friday Morning and we saw the Surgeon who did it, and he said "there is a small hole where the tissue hasn't quite bonded and Matt will need to wear his plate again whilst he eats and drinks!
One problem with that is the Plate is very uncomfortable to wear!
So we had to see the Orthodonist in the village who oversees Matt to get the plate adjusted!
If we are still having problems with it, Matt will need to go back in Hosp, to have a small stitch put in!

Andy (dad) is going into Hospital next Thursday to have his Nasal Polyps removed (been waiting 7years!)

***************************************

Saturday, January 22, 2005 22.52pm gmt
Well, yesterday we celebrated Dave's Life.
The Buriel Site was beautiful, there is a Big Tree, just by Dave and we all had a vision of Dave playing on the Stump and Owen Clambering over it too!
Boyz!
Matt gave Dave a few Stink Bombs to keep him going, Kelly gave a packet of Fun Snaps (Dave,Jamie and Matt's Favourite on Ward 34!)
There was a gathering afterwards at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel.
We then went to the Celebration Service for Dave, where his school pals were able to remember Dave.
Mel,Step,Abbie and George were all so strong as was Dave's Dad Mike.
There was a Memory Table for Dave which consisted of his passion for Speedway Racing (Rebels), Status Quo,and his Love for Newcastle United football team which was represented by his signed Team Shirt.
There was a part of Dave's Drumkit, which Matt has been given the Honor of looking after for the Family.
An aray of Caps.
A great photo album which showed Dave living Life to the Full.
We met up with one of the Nurse's from Bristol, Sarah which was nice,she now is working at Cambridge.
Dave,Kelly,Jamie,Allan,Sara,Tania and Justin were all there.
We all where in Bristol Childrens Hospital at the same time as Mel and Dave.

The Church was Busting!!
All the children were given a Balloon(rebel colours) to release outside! Which was lovely.

There wasn't a Dry Eye in the House.
If you can try and find "Peter Frampton, Not Forgotten" it was the music dedicated by Mel (Dave's Mum)

Matt made alot of Friends in Bristol but Two Great Friends,Owen and Dave and he will never forget them.
The bond between these Boyz is so strong!

Play Hard Boyz!

Thanks
Jackie

***************************************

THRUSDAY 20TH JANUARY 2005
This Journal hopefully will be the Final Closure on Matt's Journey!

Following journals will be about Matt's Continuing Enjoyment Of LIFE!!

Well, The mouth surgery went extremely well!
We took Matt to Hospital at 8am and he eventually went down for surgery at 9.45am.
The wait was agonising as it always is, it doesn't get any easier!
Matt needed extra Hydrocortisone during surgery (normal for him as his adrenal gland is a bit reluctant to produce Cortisone)

He looks forward to the BIG SLEEP!
The anetheatist (sp?) had to look hard for a good vein, Matt's veins are very Illusive!!
But she found One!

Matt came out of recovery at 12.10pm, bit sleepy but ok!

The surgeon was really pleased with the way it went!
He was a bit anxious about the condition of the tissue due to the severity of infection (aspegillus flavus) but on doing the surgery, he was very pleased with it.

Matt can keep the Plate in, just for protection really, as the Hole is Very Vunerable!
And as and when Matt is ready, he can take the Plate Out!!!!
End of an Era!
Another Plate for his Collection!

I don't know what Andy and I expected but the Handimanship of the Surgeon was EXCELLENT! (credit where credit is due) If you didn't know what Matt had gone through you would NEVER know that surgery had been performed!

In usual Matt Woodley fashion, he was soon asking for Hot Choc and then SUPERNOODLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MOUTH SURGERY = NO PROBLEMS!

Dr Katrina McDonald came over from the Oncology Ward to see Matt which was lovely.

We were discharged at 3.30pm!

Emma stay overnight at Bethany's and had a late night!!

We all HATE being separated, but it was easier that way, Em could go to School without getting up Ultra Early!

On Friday 21st, we are all going to Dave's Buriel and Celebration of Life in Plymouth.
It is going to be very hard for Matt and Emm as this will be the 2nd Friend they have lost.

Dave was a fighter to the End and he will be going to Play with Owen and all the other Angels.
Matt and Dave got up to Mischief in Bristol Hospital.
I spoke to Mel (Dave's Mum) and she said " she will never forget, when Matt (2days after coming out of BMT Unit) decided to take Dave in his wheelchair (only allowed out of the Ward for a couple of hours!) outside to let off some STINK BOMBS!!. We didn't know where they went?

BOYZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will be meeting up with Allan,Sara (nicole's page) Dave,Kelly (beebo's page ) and Tania and Justin (Angel Owen's Parents)

Lighter note, Jake in Oz is doing really well.jake's page
Post Pals(post pals) are getting Stronger and getting all the recognision they deserve.

Stay Safe and Well.

Love Jackie

wednesday 19th january - 22.38gmt

Hi Everyone.
Thanks for the continuing support.

update tomorrow!!! 20TH JAN

I have a wicked picture to upload!!

Sunday 16th January. 20.50pm gmt
Matt's Best Mate Dave, passed away this morning, Mel his Mum said "he was very peaceful and Steph,Abby and George all got to say "goodbye"

He is at rest, playing with Owen and that is the way Matt handles the loss.

We are all deeply upset, as Dave was a Fantastic Chap and we are so lucky to have met him,his family, the same as Owen's family.

The swab they took from Matt's Tonsils on 6th Jan, has grown Herpes! Gasp!
Spoke to the ward today and they advised that as long as he is well we don't need to put him back on Aciclovir! (anti-viral) (the drug he stopped end of Dec 04)

Matt's mouth surgery is still scheduled for Weds 19th and all being well he will be home after the op!
He recovers well from GA's!!
Will update after the OP!!

Could you all visit post pals and wish Kat Happy Birthday for 16th January.

Thanks
Love Jackie


Saturday 8th January 2005 19.00gmt
Dave is still with us although he is very sleepy.When we told Matt about Dave 2weeks ago, this song was playing in the background-Carole King- Youv'e got a Friend.
The words are so true about Dave. This is now known in our household as Dave's Song.

Matt is still well and full of energy.
He has an Inflamed Ear,Spotty Tonsils and mouth ulcer! and is on antibiotics!
Too be expected I suppose as he has stopped the Anti-Viral Aciclovir!

Wednesday's Clinic went well, although 2hrs late! Blood counts were
HB-14.0
WBC-9.8
PLATELETS-356
NEUTROPHILS-5.0
LYMPS-3.89
All fine.

Thursday's CT Scan. 40mins late! awaiting results. This was done because Matt has stopped the Anti-Fungal meds, they want a base x-ray.

Friday's Dr's Apt. All is fine with reguards to the Surgery Down Below! and Matt has been discharged for that Dept!

The long awaited appointment for the Mouth Corrective surgery came through today, Matt will have his Assessment on 13th Jan.
See Photo (not for the sqeamish!!!)

Then Surgery on 19th January!!!!!

This means our MOVE to France is iminent!!
We plan to MOVE to a place called Bussiere Galant.
We have decided to get away from the Hussle and Bussle England has become!
And to Get A New Life!!
Originally we were moving to New Zealand in Oct 03, but when Matt got diagnosed those plans were cancelled!
So think yourselves lucky we are closer!

Matt and Emm can't wait, it means FREEDOM to THEM!
Life is too short, grab the opportunity while you can!
We have had a Horrible 5years and it is time to draw a line in the sand and put that time behind us!
And those that know us will understand!

We are moving ON but NOT disappearing!!

For those that haven't heard, we have a Golioth Bird Eating Spider called BEBE and we think it is getting ready for another shed, which means it will get bigger again! See Photo!

Take Care All

Love Jackie, Andrew, Emma and Matt.
xxxx



Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Dave is very poorly but comfortable, Matt txt's Dave daily. He is a lovely lad.He was determined to open his presents with his Sisters Steph,Aby and brother George, and Mum Mel.
Thinking of all his Family.

What can I say?
The rule for Christmas was that they can bring TWO presents up with a Cup Of Tea!

Matt woke on Christmas Morning at 4.45am and asked if he could go and see if Santa had come, Yes I said, as long as you go back to bed until 7am and don't wake Emm!!!


We had a Cup of Tea and ALL the presents at 6.58am

Matt and Emma had a great Christmas. They have both been very spoilt.

What with all the pressies that Matt's Elf sent through (see Photo)
And all that they received from Family and Friends.

Matt had an All Terrain Board,Inline Skates,Electric Scooter, the list goe's on,on, and on.
Emma wished for the Yetti Boots and as you can see from the photo, she got them!! etc....

We went round to Grandad and Nanny Franks where Matt was given a Voice/Code Activated Safe, Matt put some money in and we ALL tried to open it!! it took along time to get into the Safe.
Good incentive to Save!
Emm had a Hair Curler, she was delighted!

We saw Nanny and Grandad Keith, where Emm and Matt were spoilt again!!
Emma had some Inline Skates and more.....
Matt got a Tow Bar for his Quadbike and more.....
Nanny Nuna (great-gran) was also there and more spoiling took place!!

We didn't have Tradional Turkey!!!!

We had home-made PAELLA, with squid,prawns,cod,mussels (see photo). It was Gorgeous!!!!
Wash down with a Huge Bowl of Sangria!
Matt and Emma both had Bucks Fizz!

Boxing Day we spent the Day putting things together. And chilling..

Matt has been saving his money for a while now, and he was desparate for an Electric Scooter. The one Santa got him was good, but we visited Halfords on Monday. Matt saw The Ultimate Scooter!!!!
We agreed for him to get it with his Own Money!!!! (see photo)

Today (tuesday) we are going over to see Andy's sister and nephew Ben, to exchange more presents!
Emma is going for a 2hr hack on Wednesday, Thursday Emma and Matt are being looked after by friends Doug and Pam while we go OUT! Its Andy's friends 40th birthday.
New Years Eve is Dougs Birthday and we are All going out for a Chinese Meal.

Matt and Emm go back to school Next Tuesday.
Matt has clinic on Weds,CT scan on Thurs,Check up down below on Friday.
Waiting for Mouth Surgery appointment to come through!

Both Jamie (beebo's page) and Nicole (nicole's page) are doing well.
Jake from Australia was at home for christmas and is doing well.
jake's page

Wishing You All a Very Happy New Year!

Please sign Matt's GuestBook.

Thanks

Jackie

Friday, December 117th, 2004 20.25pm GMT

Hi Everyone.

Main Photo is of Matt with the Hair and Dave, at Plymouth Bowling.

Just an update on Matt's friend Dave. Dave is very peaceful and is not in pain, he has been heavily sedated and his Mum, Mel said "the end is close" Dave has been through so much and it will be very sad to loose him. Matt and Dave are the same age and we met him and his family whilst in Bristol Hospital.
Matt is very upset tonight as is Emm, we felt it was the right time to tell them, they both lit a candle for him.

Matt knows Owen will look after Dave.

Take Care
Jackie

Wednesday 15th December
Well we have all been on BBC Spotlight Local News.
Matty,Emma and I were all interviewed in the plight to highlight the good work that Post Pals do and did for us and all the other families.
Kat Ramsey was recommended for the BT Childline Awards.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/4094175.stm

Matt and Emma had Huge Parcels arrive yesterday, and inside there was lots of wrapped presents and these were sent by Matt's Elf? (PP)

Please could everyone, stop for a moment and think of Dave, Matt's mate from Plymouth, he is very poorly. (see Bowling Photos)

CT scan booked for early January, as is the Clinic Apt, and the Endocrinologist wants another test done early Jan!
Also, Andrew should be having his Polyps removed from his Sinuses in Early January!

Here's to 2005!!!!!

Good news, Jake from Oz has been discharged and should be home for Christmas.
www.caringbridge.org/me/jacob

Take Care

Love Jackie




DECEMBER 9TH 2004
just a quick message about the photos!
Matt and Emma went to the Treliske Hospital Christmas Party.
They had a great time!

We met up with Jody and Melissa who we met in Bristol, they are from Newquay.

We also saw Jake and Jordan, who's mum Anne, I used to work with many years ago!!!

Both Jody and Jake are doing well!!

Check out the updated Photo's!!!!


FRIDAY DECEMBER 3RD
Well what a busy time we have had!
Normal Life?

At the weekend we visited Dave from Plymouth for his 10th Birthday.
It was great to see him again.
There was 43 people all Bowling! Hectic or What?
There was also a great Fire Work Display, there was an exploding CAKE!!

We caught up with Jamie (beebo) which was great.

Dave is ok!
I will update the photos!
Check Them OUT!

Well, this week,
Tuesday- Meeting with the Endocrinologist from Bristol, well,
It seems that the test results showed that Matt's Adrenal Gland is not producing ANY Cortisone! so now they are reducing the Hydrocortison, which they seem optimistic that it will KICK start the gland again?
Nicky Gilbertson wasn't so sure when we saw her on Wednesday?

Wednesday- Clinic- As per usual Matt wouldn't Bleed! After three atempts and by this time Matt was Tackacardic and sweating!
It was decided that we should come back to the ward on Friday for a re-try!
The meeting went well, and the consultant is pleased with Matt's progress.
They have decided to stop the Voriconozole and the Aciclovir on the 27th December!
Jokingly, I said " ok, we will see you on the 28th! as there is a BIG Chance Matt will develope SHINGLES!

Friday- Meeting with the Oral Surgeon, Mr Adcott is confident that he can fit Matt in for Corrective Surgery after Christmas!
It will involve- wait for it!
Cutting the inside of the roof of Matt's Mouth and pull the tissue across and then..... cutting a semi-circle around the roof and with a cut up the middle and pulling it across the hole!

I tell you what, The NHS have alot to answer for!!!!! well that's another story..

Matt is fine about all this Surgery Talk and can't wait to get rid of the Mouth Plate that he has had to wear for the last 16months!!!
You know what they say "No Pain, No Gain!

Today at school was the Christmas Fayre, and as usual we ended up spending a Fortune on the Tombola!
Prizes Matt won, tins of sardines, soap, candles and WINE!!!!
Not to mention the Beanies that Emma came home with!!

At School, there seems to be a bit of Bullying going on in Emma's Class, so today at the Christmas Fayre, one of the girls, hit Matt over the head for no reason, and I LOST IT WITH HER!!!!its been all week that this person has a go at either Emma or Matt.
Children can be so cruel sometimes?

We have had good news from ours friends that we follow in OZ, Jake who had AML and Aspegillus had to have a BMT and is now out of Isolation, Hopefully he will be out for Christmas.
Please visit - www.caringbridge.org/me/jacob

Please take the time to read Matt's Guestbook and sign it.

We have had alot of support and Love sent through this site.

Take Care and Please don't worry about the Little Things In Life!

Wednesday 1st December 10.23pm GMT

Hi Everyone.

UPDATE TOMORROW, I PROMISE!!!!!!



Please remember to sign Matt's Guest Book.

added a few new photo's!

Well, Matt's back at school today and is doing well after his op last week.
After having two baths aday he is the cleanest he has ever been!

When I told the Consultant that Matt was out on his bike on Monday, she couldn't believe it!

The weekend was very busy and the Boat Trip Party went well, there was 35 children all dressed as Pirates!

This weekend is alittle bit quieter but still we have running around to do, Matt has Daniel and Lukes shooting party to go to on Saturday at 11am and Emma is horseriding at 11.15am.

I don't know, children these days seem to lead such hectic social lives!

On Sunday we are taking Matt and Emma swimming and then picking up my Nan (Nuna) as she is coming round for Sunday Lunch.
She is amazing and coping well after losing her husband a few weeks ago after being together for 61years!

Love to you all

Don't forget to sign Matt's Guest Book.


NOVEMBER 11TH.
Matt's Op went well today, he was soon eating Super Noodles even though they said it's not normal to eat that sort of thing after a GA!

Matt is on Codine and Paracetamol for the pain, which he is in alot of!!!

He is already saying he wants to ride his bike, but we are being firm and telling him that it wouldl not be a good idea to do that!

We have a busy weekend, Emma is staying over for a sleepover at Bethany's and going out to Mannings for Tea!
Then Emma is horse riding at 11.15am, followed by a birthday party at a local leisure centre for trampolining and swimming!
Sunday is Bethany's Birthday Bash, where we are going up the Fal on the Enterprise Boat for 3hrs! all dressed as pirates, try to get some photo's!

Thinking of Kat from PostPals (see link)

Dont forget to sign Matt's Guest Book.
Thank You for all your support.

jackie


Sunday, November 7, 2004 20.49PM GMT
Flu Jabs went extremely well!
Emma was so brave!

She had a great time at the Eden Project and sait it was Spectacular.
She didn't get home untill after 11pm!

Matt had a friend Jack over on Friday night and the stayed at Jacks on Saturday night, where he had a firework display and bbq in the garden!

We went out to a mates house for a few drinks, and we were home before Emma!!!

Matt has to go into hospital on Thursday to be Circumsised(sp?) poor little chap, as if he hasn't been through enough, but past treatment has caused it!
He was gutted to think he won't be able to play football for the school on thursday!

We have just had a letter from a very good friend of ours who is now in BASRA!
He just signed matt's Map and then I received the email.
Fingers crossed for all our boys out there at the moment.

Take Care all

love jackie
Flu Jabs tonight!!! Tell you later how we get on with Emma, last year it was murder!!!!

The Picture is of Matt and Emma with their Great Granmother- Nuna.

Well, the meeting with the consultant went really well.
Our appointment was at 1.30pm but as usual we didn't see him until 3.20pm!
But this is normal!

We were told that Matt's Cells have done the job they were meant to do.
They have conquered the BOOP (GVHD)!
Also Dr Goulden was positive that the Cells have also beaten the Leukaemia!!
Matt was jumping with Joy!!

He has KICKED AML'S BUTT!!!!

As to the medication, he will stop taking the Cyclosporin (anti-rejection drug) on the 17th November.
We have to watch Matt, we don't the BOOP to return.

The Voriconozole will be stopped soon after and the Aciclovir will be stopped in the New Year as there is a great risk that Matt will develope Shingles! and might need hospitalisation with I.V's.

Matt had his Endocrinology Tests on Monday, after having to have a second canula inserted as the first blocked.
The results showed that the Adrenal Gland (gland which produces the bodies own Corstisone) isn't functioning properly, they found traces of Calcium in the Gland and this means that Matt will need to be on Hydrocortisone permantly. He said "it's better to stay on it than to stop it"

They are going to re-run the tests to confirm this information.
The Consultant thnks this stems from Matt was first diagnosed, he had SIADH (sodium deficiency)

Matt is now down to Monthly Blood Tests when he goe's to the Clinic and we see Dr N Goulden (Consultant from Bristol) early February.

Matt has so much energy he is certainly getting back to his former self.
He is swimming every weekend and now he is joining his old Gym Club.

Matt is due to see the Oral Surgeon on the 03rd Dec.
Matt has been seen by a specialist for the Phimosis (Balonitis). It may be that Matt needs surgery (down below) which will hopefully be done before Christmas.

Emma is still raving about last weekend when she CANTERED 3 times! She is having riding lessons every Saturday.

This Saturday, Emma is off the Eden Project with her Class, they are taking part in the A Time Of Gifts Parade, they have made Lanterns,a huge Galleon and a Large Serpent. They leave the school at 6.30pm and won't get back until 11pm!
It should look spectacular!
The Bio-Domes are being specially lit up!

This is Emma and Matt going out to a Halloween Party in the Village!!
SCARY!!!!

Please don't forget to sign Matt's Guest Book, it nice to know where all our friends and visitors come from.

Take Care

Jackie

Thursday, November 04, 2004 10.52am GMT

What a BUSY week!
Saturday we took our Irish Reletives on a whistle stop tour of Cornwall.
We visited the Eden Project which was great!
The Weather was BEASTLY!!!!

Tuesday we drove to Totnes and caught up with Tania and Kane, Angel Owen's Mum and Brother, had lunch with them.

We then met Dave and Kelly (Beebo) at Allan and Sara (Nicole) new home.(Torquay)

Their house was Full of happy Children!
Nicole,Jamie,Matty,Emma,Lauren and Charlie (see photos)
We then stayed overnight with Jamie and their new puppy (Frodo)(Teignmouth)

Matt was given a collection of Warhammer! He was delighted! Thanks Dave.
Kelly gave Emma loads of Make-up and girlie things!!!

We then drove to Plymouth to catch up with Dave (Osteosarcoma)where we had tea with Mel and her family.

Thursday! Matt is staying overnight at his friend Brad's with his Warhammer!!

And, Emma has been to a Birthday Gymkana with Jazzy and friends, and is now sleeping over at Jazzie's!!

QUIET NIGHT FOR ANDY AND ME!!!!

Chilling out for the rest of the Week (i don't think so?)

Back to school on Monday!!

Matt has his Endocrinologist Tests on Monday!
He will have to have a canula put in so the Emla Cream is ready to be applied on Four Veins (if I can find any?)

It was great to catch up with all our friends that we met in Bristol, Nicole is off to Disney (Florida) next week and is counting the days!
All of us have been through so much, and still have battles to fight.

We have built up a Lovely Relation.

Thanks to you all.

Keep signing Matt's GuestBook!



OCTOBER 22ND.
Matt is doing well.
He didn't want to bleed for the CLIC nurse yesterday after 3 attenpts and we had to go to Hospital today.
Dr Katrina McDonald managed to get BLOOD from him after two attempts!
His counts are : HB.14.7, WBC.6.8, PLATES.354, NEUTS.2.55,

The Cyclosporin is down to 10mg twice aday for the next two weeks and then down to 10mg once aday then STOP!

He is very active and is enjoying Cubs!
Baggera said " he is a credit and gets stuck into all what the other boys are doing"

Matt has had PMA (positive mental attitude) all the way!

I will never forget when he was first diagnosed,
he said" Well I have climbed Bluff Knoll and I have another mountain to climb and I will!"
Bluff Knoll is in SW Austrailia and is the 7th highest mountain!

Grandad's funeral is on Friday and Emm is going but Matt is going to stay with a friend for the day, complete with Quad Bike (weather permitting) it's forcast V rough here!

Please could you all be thinking of Jake who we have met via internet in Australia, he will be having a BMT is November.

www.caringbridge.org/me/jacob

Just highlight,right click,copy then right click again and paste onto your address bar!
Please leave him a message.

We are going to catch up with Beebo and hopefully Nicole next week.
We are going to see Dave from Plymouth who is fighting Osteosarcoma again!!
Update next week!

Thanks for all your support.

love

Jackie, Andrew, Emma and Matt.

Saturday 16th October 18.48 pm GMT

It's 12months today that Matt came out of Isolation!!
Matt came out the night before Andy's 40th Birthday!
The Best Birthday Present any DAD could have!

Andy is 41 tomorrow!

13th October 2004
Hi all.
Matt is doing well and still continueing to do boyz things!
We have an appointment with the Consultant from Bristol on the 3rd Nov.
And an appointment to see the Oral Surgeon on the 3rd December.

A bit of sad news today, Matt's Great-Grandad passed away this morning and I have (jackie) spent the day comforting Nan, Grandad was to be 91 on the 26th!
Nan and Grandad were together for 61 years!
Matt and Emma have taken the news very grown up but they are sad.




8th October.
Well, as you can see by the photo's
Matt has been invested in the Cub's!
It's very strange not having the little man at home!
Having someone else be responsible for him and giving him his Medicines.
I miss him so much as do we all.
Keeping the phones by the bed!
Picking him up on Sunday at 2.30pm!
It's the first time he has not been at home!
He is getting back to Normal and doing Normal Boyz things!



October 4th
Hello Again, Lets see if I can get it right this time!

Sorry for the lack of updates!
but here it is!

We have just got to 12months Post BMT on the 24th September, when Matt had the transplant, we were told if we get to 6mths the Consultant would be happy and if we got to 12mths he would be Optimistic!

WE ARE THERE!!!

We celebrated with a bottle of Champers and took Matt and Emma bowling and had a Take-a-Way from ASDA!
That's what they wanted!


The Coast to Coast bike ride went well and we all completed it and raised £127.00 for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Matt is extremely well.
He is Enjoying Living Life to the Full! We are having trouble keeping up with him.
Matt is no longer on the Dreaded Prednisolone! It's been 2 weeks now! and all is well.
We are still going into hospital weekly for the Cyclosporin Levels which hopefully we should know this week when this will stop?
They have decided to stop the Voriconazole after the Cyclosporin has stopped.

We have a meeting with the consultant on Wednesday,hopefully we will see Nick Goulden from Bristol aswell and she might say "we don't need weekly bloods if we are stopping the Cyclosporin anyway" Matt's blood counts are stable.

We are waiting for the appointments to come through for the Max Surgeon who will hopefully repair the Hole in the Palate (caused by the Aspegillus) and the Endocrinologist he will have a look at Matt's Adrenal Status?
Matt is still on Clarifycin, hydrocortisone, Aciclovir and Septrin at the weekends.

What a concoction!!

We are getting there slowly.
As for re-immunisations, this won't be done until after he has stopped the Cyclosporin for 4-6months.

Matt is back at school and enjoying Yr5, he is doing Football after school.
Matt has joined the local Cub Group and is having a Sleep-over at the weekend at PerranPorth (near the beach) they are visiting the Glider Club and doing the Air Activities Badge, he has just taken the First Aid badge and is being invested on Wednesday.

He is determined as ever to get back to a "Normal Life" as quick as he can!

We all have to have the Flu Jab soon and Emma is not looking forward to that as she has a Needle Phobia!
Emma has at the moment got a Virus and we have kept her in Quaratine over the past few days, keeping Matt well away!
She has had temps of 38 and above! Poor little thing!

We took Matt and his friend Dominic to the Quadbike Centre and they had a great time, it was very Muddy!!
Emma went to Kempton Park for a Bug Show and came back with a Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula, An Indian Praying Mantid and 7 large stick insects!
The spider will grow to 12inchs! it is only 2yrs old and is called BE BE as the last one we had was called BO BO!

We would like to thank everyone who has and is leaving messages on Matts GuestBook.
They mean alot to all of us and when we read other pages we realise that we are not alone.

We would like to wish Jake from OZ with AML, all the best and a speedy recovery as he relasped in Sept.
Dave from Plymouth is Ok but is still very poorly, we hope to see him at Half-term.
We have just met another boy Tom, from Camborne who has AML and is having a BMT in Bristol this week, his sister Rebecca is the Donor.
Jamie and Nicole (see links) are both doing well.

I will attempt to add more links for all the Children we have met through Caringbridge.

A big Thank You to you all.

jackie

Monday, October 4, 2004 14.46PM GMT

UPDATE DUE TONIGHT!

I DID IT EARLIER BUT! WHEN I REVIEWED IT, IT HAD GONE?

PLEASE SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK.
AND READ THE PAST JOURNALS!

THANK YOU

Wednesday, September 8, 2004 12.11pm gmt

Please don't forget to sign Matt's Guest Book. Thank You.

UPDATE- UPDATE- UPDATE!!! 16TH SEPT.

The Steroids - PREDNISOLONE - has STOPPED!!!!!

On Sunday 12th September we are all taking part in the Coast to Coast Cycle Ride in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust, we have to cycle 20miles from Bissoe to Portreath and Back!

We have raised £127.00, hopefully this will help Children and Adults who are looking for Bone Marrow Matches to fight Leukaemia and other Cancers who have not had the Luck that we had with Emma!
One in Four Chance of Siblings being a match.

Thanks to all who have sponsored us.

Watch this space for an update!


Well as you have probably read earlier, Matt has had his Central line removed!

This happened while we were on holiday in France!

The first week went well, with a visit to the hospital at St Yriex for bloods, they didn't take it from his line but from his FOOT without any spray or cream,he was so brave!

Then I flushed his line again, and within one and half hour Matt developed a fever and was violently sick!
He was shivering but his temp was 39degs.
We took him outside for some air and this is where he started to shake and could not focus on Grandads Fingers as his eyes were rolling!
Later it turned out that Matt was going into shock!

After contacting Treliske Hosp in Truro,(home) we were advised to take him to the nearest hospital ASAP!
We picked up a friend Xavier who translated everything that had happened. He was Brilliant.

On arrival to Limoges Hospital, Matt had blood taken for cultures and had a chest xray.
To cut a long story short, Matt had a BUG!
The line culture was negative but he had
Enterobacter Cloacae!
Matt started a course of antibiotics and was feeling better, on the Friday, they decided that the Line had to come out!
Matt was delighted as he had Mr Wiggly for 14months and was desperate to get it removed!
Saturday morning Matt was in Surgery for 2.5hrs, when the line is removed normally, it is pulled out of the original entry point, but, Matt's line had broke under the skin and had to have another incision made to retrieve it!
Matt recovered well and was soon eating, which is a good sign.
I cannot fault the treatment and care that Matt recieved, the food was excellent, Matt had 5 course meals everyday!

Matt was discharged on the Monday but we had to go back everyday to complete the course of Antibiotics and to have the canula taken out that was in his arm.(120miles round trip)

After all this excitement we chilled out!
That QuadBike was used all day everyday!
It needs new shockabsorbers on the front!
The weather was fantastic, we did have a few storms!
One night it was so bad that Emma stayed inside as we were camping out.
Matt woke the next morning and asked where EM was?
When we told him that we had a storm last night, he said "I didn't hear anything!"
Even though the tent was flooded in the middle!

We arrived back to England, and took Matt for a check-up all was well.
We saw the Hand Clinic and they were happy with the little finger and don't need to see him. The scarring is thick and might need to be redone at a later date.

The CT scan Matt had before we left showed no change which is good.
The ENT dept don't need to see him again as Mr D Whinney was confident the Aspegillus is no longer active in the Sinuses.
We are just waiting to hear from the ENT surgeon on when they will repair the hole in Matt's Mouth?

The weather when we got back home was Awful!
But for the last 2 weeks it has been glorious, so we have been down at Porthtowan Beach everyday, all day, surfing and having Breakfast on the Beach!
Matt and Emma have been in the sea for 7hrs aday, only coming out for Food and Drink!

Matt's Steroids have been reduced to 5mg alternate days and the Cyclosporin is reduced to 40mg twice aday.
His counts are good -
HB-14.1, WBC-6.8, PLATES-260, NEUTS-3.25, SODIUM-139

We saw Dr Gilbertson the consultant and she is happy with Matt, and is now talking about reducing and stopping some of the medication!
Matt will soon be having his Childhood Immunisations.
He needs to see the Hormone Dr aswell to make sure that his body is producing enough hormones to substain his body, as he has been on alot of medication for a long time.

Matt and Emma returned to school on Tuesday and had a great time.
Emma is in year 6 and has the job of looking after the younger children is reception class which she loves.
Matt is in year 5 and had a good day yesterday.



Please keep your fingers crossed for Matt's friend Dave as he is poorly again, (osteosarcoma)

And please check in on Nicole and Jamie. (see links)

I have updated some of the photos and there will be more to follow!

Thanks to PostPals and everyone who has visited
Matt's Page.

Saturday 17th July 19.07GMT

PLEASE SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK, THANK YOU.

JUST A QUICKIE!

WELL WE ARE HAVING A GREAT HOLIDAY IN FRANCE!
MATT IS CURRENTLY IN LIMOGES HOSPITAL AFTER GETTING A LINE INFECTION.HOPEFULLY OUT ON MONDAY, BEEN IN SINCE THURSDAY!

WEATHER IS FANTASTIC!

THE LINE IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UPDATE MORE DETAILS SOON.

Well we had a great day yesterday, Matt had a brilliant day and the sun shone all day!
Loads of friends and family came to Porthtowan Beach for the day.

Matt would like to thank everyone who came down and thanks for all the lovely presents that he received.

Dave and Kelly and Jamie came down from Torquay (beebo).see Kelly on the photos!!

My brother Clive came down from Loughborough for weekend and camped in our garden with his girlfriend Sam.

Bob came from Weston-super-mare and he is coming over to France with us.

As you can see, I have cracked to issue of photos! thanks to Kelly.

Catch up with you all soon.

And once again
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.

MID JULY.
Not much to report,
Matt has had his 8 stitches out and the Finger is looking good.
He has to keep his splint on for 6 weeks, but can start taking it off once a day as of next week!

He is coping with it, he has just come back from a mates party where she had 2 large bouncy castles!

It's amazing how he managed to adapt the splint!

The cyclosporin has reduced to 45mg twice aday and the Prednisolone to still at 10mg alternate days. This is to be reviewed when we return from France!

Emma is at a friends Birthday Party.

I have added new photos but they are large! I still haven't managed to add more than three photo's!
Any Advice gratefully received!

Catch up Soon.

Early July
Matt is doing well with the splint!
We had to have a lighter one put on today.
This needs to kept on for 6 weeks!
And he has been given exercises to do, 5 times every hour!
Seeing Mr Scott, the hand surgeon tomorrow and we will see just what he done!
Also how long Matt might have to have antibiotics for?
Matt is back at school and is doing his work on a computer as he is Left Handed!
Update more tomorrow!

2nd July
Guess who spent another Friday in hospital?

Matthew and Me!

Matt was putting his bike away in the garage and went to shut the door, but he couldn't reach so he pulled the side strutt of the door which then scissored his left little finger!

Loads of BLOOD!!!! and a very stressed little boy.

I took him immediately to hospital, where they xrayed the finger and thankfully its wasn't broken, but they needed to clean it.

They also gave him a Tetnus which was under debate from all over because of the Transplant!

They had to put Matt under with a GA! On doing this they found that he had damaged the Tendon! so they had to cut down both sides of the finger and repair it. He was down in emergency surgery for two and half hours!!

He is ok but very sore and has a half plaster and bandage.

We were allowed home but have to go back again for the daily antibiotics for the line infection!
Antibiotics should finish on Monday!!

Emma had a great time on Camp and was shattered on Friday and Minging!!!!

Optimistically Andrew is taking a joint of beef out of the freezer for tomorrow!

I don't know Boyz!!!!


ANOTHER UPDATE!
Matt is doing well and it seems that the antibiotics are working!
Hopefully he will only need Gentamicin, which can be once aday!
He is overnight tonight, but we will know more later when we take him in.
The bug that they grew from his line is I think I got this right was Coagulant Neg Strepp. This responds well to Gentamicin.
Still no talk of when Matt's line will be out, Nick Goulden wants it to stay in for a little while longer. We don't know why?

Emma went off to camp this morning, packed up like a pack-horse!!!
Hopefully the weather will stay fine?

Just a quick update.
Matt has now a line infection, and has started a course of first line antibiotics, which means he needs to be in hospital overnight as they are admistered in his wiggly, every 8 hours.
He can come home between 11am and 7pm which is nice.
He is coping well but was well annoyed when he was told on Friday that he needs to be admitted!
We won't know which bug it is untill the sensitivity test come back from the Lab.
They have increased the Cyclosporin again to 55mg twice aday, and the steroids are now being reduced, they are now 20mg twice aday and going down to 10mg next week until we return from France in August.

Emma is on School Camp next week and is really looking forward to that.
(so are we!) not really, gonna miss her.

Jamie (see link) had is line out last week, but it went with problems!
Nicole (see link) too has had her line out.
We are going to ask when Matt's is coming out?

EARLY JUNE UPDATE
Hi Everyone.
Well where do I start?
The RAF trip was excellent and a BIG thanks to POSTPALs for arranging it!
Photos to follow! (promise)

Matt's CT scan showed some ? areas, and he is back on the steroids as mentioned before, his dose is now 30mg and 5mg alternate days, this is to be reviewed next week.
He has so much more energy!!!
He is also back on the Cyclosporin!

We had a trip to Teignmouth, where we stayed with Dave and Kelly, Jamie,and Charlie.See Beebo's Link.
We camped on their verge, and had a great time.
We also caught up with Allan, Sara, Nicole and Lauren. See Nicole's Link.

We took all the children to Teignmouth and walk on the seafront, brought icecreams, played in the amusement arcade, the kids went on the water boats, and played in the park.

I will get the photos sorted!

We then had a great BBQ at Dave and Kelly's.

On the way back we popped into Plymouth to catch up with Mel, Steph, Abbie, George and David who had Osteosarcomia.

All these people above we met in Bristol Children's Hospital and have kept in touch, without them I don't know how we would of coped. They are all wonderful and strong friends.

Matt had another CT scan, this time it was on his sinuses, and we met the ENT surgeon, who will be overseeing Matt's treatment for the damage that was caused by the Aspellgilus.
The results were ok, but they are being sent to London for another specialist to look at?

Half term week, what an adventure!

We went to Porthtowan Beach several evenings and Matt Paddled!!!!!!!!

While we were up at Teignmouth we had some sad news, that Owen who we spent alot of time with in Bristol Hosp, lost his fight against AML, he was a lovely chap, full of mischief and when Matt and Owen got together, well the Nurses and Doctors had to watch out!!!!

Matt was knocked for six, when he heard the news and went very quiet for the rest of the weekend.
Emma seemed to have a delayed reaction and broke down on the sunday asking all the questions that came from a sister who loves her brother.

Owen's funeral was on Sunday, and the only words I can use to describe the day, was Beautiful. We all wore black and red in menory of Owen as his favourite character was Dennis the Menace!

We camped at the River Dart Adventure Park at Ashburton, Devon.
Matt and Emma had a great time, we took their bikes and brought them an inflatable dinghy to use on the lake.
The weather was brilliant.
We looked after Kane, and he is just georgeous! only 3.

We had Tania, Justin and Kane (owen's family) over for BBQ's and drinks each night.
On the night before the funeral, there was lots of their family and friends arrive for a get together. See photo.

We will miss Owen deeply and Matt and Emma have lost a good friend.

Matt saw the ENT guy again Monday, he looked up his nose with a microscope.eeeakkkk!
But he was please with what he saw, as from the scan, they thought Matt needed his sinuses flushed as he had sinusitis, which envoled having a General Anaesthesitic( i know its spelt wrong!) the consultant wasn't sure if the guy who puts them under would do it, because of the steroids that he his on and also the GVHD in the lungs.
But the nasel passage looks better than before so we don't need to see him for 6 weeks!!!

Matt and Emma returned to school today, both looking very tanned!!!

We also had good news, Andys Dad, Frank, has prostrate cancer (I know) but his CT scan has showed that it has not penetrated to wall of the bladder as first thought!
Just waiting to hear what treatment he has to have now?
He had Osoephegus? Cancer last January, Life is cruel, and it's always those that have been good all their life who get the s..t kicked out of them!

Love to all who visit Matt's Page.

Jackie.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tuesday, June 07th 2004 22.03 GMT

PLEASE SIGN MATT'S GUESTBOOK!

Update Coming Tuesday, Just Landed from very busy weekend!
Tell you all about it tomorrow!

Hi Everyone
Just an update.

Matt has been reduced with the steroids, 30mg and 15mg alternate days, to be reviewed Next Wednesday.

We had a great time away at the weekend, my brother's wedding Kegworth.
We stayed at the same hotel as all the other guests and met some lovely new friends.

We drunk to much! like you do and let our hair down abit!!!

The weather was beautiful and the day well without any glitches!

Matt has now been put back on Cyclosporin (anti-rejection), we don't know how long for?

His counts are good, alittle high but that's down to the steroids- HB 16.2, WBC 10.5, PLATES 281, NEUT 8.43

Matt has been at school this week and is doing well.

Matt has another CT scan on Friday, this time on his sinuses, will update the results.

We are going to RAF St Mawgan on Thursday, we will be having a tour of the School of Combat, Tour of a Helicopter, ? Helicopter flight, Lunch in the Officers Mess, and visit the Pilots of 203 Squadron.
We are all looking forward to it.

This has been arranged by PostPals (see link)
A BIG thank you to them.

At the weekend we are visiting Jamie (beebo) and hopefully weather permitting having a BBQ and camping!, we will also be catching up with Nicole (see link).

We popped into Bristol Hosp last week and saw the staff on ward 34, they couldn't believe how well Matt was looking.
They loved his Hair!

We saw Tania (Owen's Mum), he is back in BMT unit as he is not feeling very well at the moment, he has high temps and the Drs don't know where it is coming from?
Fingers crossed for him.

That's all for the moment.

Jackie

13th May 2004 10.23am gmt

Hi Everyone.
Well the results of the scan showed a few suspect areas again!
Looks like the BOOP is rearing its ugly head again.

Nick the consultant that he wants Matt to go back on the Dreaded Steroids (prednisolone) 30mg per day for 7 days then reduced to 30mg alternate days!

We have stocked up the supernoodles again!

As far as we can see the leukaemia is under control which is a good sign as Matts counts are stable.

As for the Line, it looks like it here to stay for alittle while longer!

Matt had a ENT surgeon look up his nose with a camera and he was pleased the way it looks, but we will be a regular visitor to his clinic!

Matt has also been put on a steroid puffer is help his breathing.

09th May 2004

Not too much to report!

Matt had his CT scan on his lungs last week and we are waiting for the results.
We see the Consultant from Bristol on Weds 12th and hopefully have some news when his line is coming out?
I will update with any news.

Matt has managed 4 full days at school and is really enjoying it.
He even managed to join in the P.E activities.

Both Matthew and Emma appeared on the front page of the local newspaper (West Briton)as Zoe Mills the reporter did a follow story on Matthew's progress.
They got recognised in Truro while we were out shopping!

Today was Emma's 10th Birthday and we had a Pizza Party with Grandparents and friends, the weather was beautiful and very warm.

Yesterday we went horseriding at Goonbell, St Agnes and had a lovely time, Emma's birthday treat.(see photo)

Don't tell the Drs but Matt went on our friend Mark Hibbets
Kawasaki 1200 motorbike (fast production bike on the road!)
And he pulled WHEELIES!!!!
I said "dont tell me anymore!"
Matt loved it! (see photos)

We have a family wedding in Hathern, Loughborough in a couple of weeks and are staying over for the weekend.
Emma has a new dress and will look a million dollars!

The trip to RAF St Mawgan is happening on 27th of May, and Matt and Emma are looking forward to that! Thanks to PostPals.

Please keep signing Matt's Guestbook.

Thanks for all your continuing support.

Take Care

Love Jackie

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 20.40pm gmt

Hi everyone.

Well we are back!
And yes we had a great time but Matt was poorly Easter Monday, as a result we had to take him to a French Dr and then we had to take him to a Lab at St-Yrieix-la-perche for blood tests, the Dr thought it might be a viral infection but all the results were ok!
We think it was a reaction to stopping the steroids! He was flushed and had a temp of 38.5 and was sick!

He soon picked up and was out on his Quad bike the next day!
Grandad's wood looks like a quad track with jumps and corners!
Matt and Emma both went on Grandad's BMW1100 motorbike which as you can imagine thouroughly enjoyed it!!
Scarry......

The weather was ok and Matt has a lovely Tan, we did cover him up but the strength of the sun behind the clouds obviously got through!!

We left Chalus at 4am and reached Roscoff at 2pm! The weather driving up was horrendous, we had hail storms, heavy rain, wind what with all the lorries it was BAD!!!

The ferry crossing was rough and Emma was sick!!.

We finally got home to Truro at 11.30 and Matt and Emm went to bed at midnight! but they were both up at 7.30am!

Matt recieved two lovely handmade quilts, one from Online Angels and the other from Project Linus Uk, they are beautiful.
Matt went to hospital today to be checked out and they are really pleased the way he is, his blood counts were good- HB.16, WBC.8.2, NEUT.4.93,PLATS.327 All are looking good!
He had a nose swabb taken just to see if there is any fungal infections?

Matt is going to school tomorrow and we had to kit him out with all new uniform as it's 10months since he was there and has grown! He lost 4kgs on holiday!

Hopefully we will be going to RAF St Mawgan, and may be going in a Helicopter? Can't wait!! this is all being arranged by Post Pals, they are brilliant!
Forgot to say, that Matt recieved a signed Banner from Everton as well, he has a great collection what with the signed shirt and photo!

Thanks to all who have signed the guest book and Map and please don't stop!!

Check out the photos!

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 11.46AM GMT

WE HAVE ADDED A GUESTMAP TO MATT'S PAGE. He'd love to see where his visitors are from so please sign it if you have a moment.

WE HAD GOOD NEWS FROM TRELISKE,

NO MORE DAILY TRIPS FOR CASPOFUNGIN!!!!!!!!

THE CONSULTANTS ARE PLEASED WITH THE SCAN,BUT THERE IS AN AREA AT THE BACK OF ONE LUNG BUT THEY SAID IT MORE THAN LIKELY, SCARRING!!

HE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE THE CLARIFIMYCIN,ACICOLVIR,VORICONOZOLE, THE STEROIDS ARE BEING REDUCED TO TWO AND HALF MG, EVERY OTHER DAY AND THEN THEY CAN BE STOPPED.

MATT IS REALLY PLEASED. SO ARE WE, IT MEANS WE CAN HAVE
LIE INS!!

THIS MEANS THAT WE CAN START PLANNING FOR OUR VISIT TO FRANCE AND ENJOY THE BREAK.

MATT CAN GO BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER EASTER (WITH LINE IN)

KEEP SIGNING THE GUESTBOOK AND PLACE A PIN!!!

LOVE TO YOU ALL.

Sunday, March 21, 2004 16.39 GMT

HI EVERYONE.

I HAVE NOW MANAGED TO ADD A GUEST MAP ON MATT'S PAGE! PLEASE ADD A PIN ON THE MAP SO MATT CAN SEE WHERE HIS VISITORS COME FROM? but has gone to past journals, don't ask me how?!!!!
anyway please sign it.

TODAY IS VERY WINDY DOWN HERE IN TRURO, CORNWALL.

MATT HAS JUST HAD HIS HAIR HIGHLIGHTED AND IT LOOK GREAT.
THANKS TO PAM AND DOUGY.(SEE PHOTO)

HE IS GROWING HIS HAIR TO BE A SURF DUDE!!!

WE SHOULD GET SOME NEWS THIS WEEK ABOUT THE SCAN AND I WILL UPDATE AS SOON AS I GET THE NEWS.

WE ARE STILL GOING TO TRELISKE FOR THE DAILY RITUAL OF CASPOFUNGIN, IF THE SCAN RESULTS ARE GOOD THEN WE CAN STOP THE I.V.
THIS MEANS MATT CAN GO BACK TO SCHOOL FOR A FEW MORNINGS TO START WITH.
HE'S LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT!

WE HAD GOOD NEWS FROM BRISTOL THAT LITTLE JAMIE (SEE LINK) IS DOING WELL AND IS IN PART REMISSION!
OWEN IS HOPEFULLY ABLE TO GO HOME IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND DAVE IS AGAIN HOPEFULLY ABLE TO GO HOME SOON.

EMMA HAS BEEN HOME ALL WEEK WITH A COLD/COUGH AND WILL GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW.
IT'S BEEN NICE HAVING HER HOME.

LOVE TO MY MUM AND ALL THE MUM'S READING THIS, WE ALL LOVE YOU.XXXXXX

JACKIE.

Wednesday, March 10, 2004 12.31gmt

Hi Everyone.
Sorry for the lack of updates, but time flys!

We haven't done much lately but visiting Treliske Hospital everyday still for Caspofungin.
Matt is starting to get fed up with this!

He is now on 5mg predisolone alternate days until after his CT scan, which is next wednesday 17th.
Hopefully the results will determine just how much longer Matt needs to have the Caspo?

Matt is still taking daily-
Magnesium, Acicolvir,Predisolone,Voriconozole,Hydrocortisone
CLarifimyacin and Septrin at the weekends.
He has been getting down and the moood swings are still there, but we keep saying its coming off the steroids which is causing this.

Matt went to school for an Animal Lecture last week and they brought in A Millipede,Skunk,and a Barn Owl.Matt really enjoyed seeing all his friends.
Matt and Emma went to Tom Hendra's birthday party at the weekend and had a great time.
The children in Matt's class have got their school camp today and are away for 3days!
Matt was disapointed that he couldn't go as he still has his lumen line in and has to go to Hosp.
We will take him to the Quad Bike centre tomorrow instead!

We went down to see My Nan and Grandad yesterday as it is Nan's Birthday today, she is 82 and Grampy as E&M call him is 91 this year! Both complete with all their facualties!
And we fed the Swan's at Swanpool Beach and Emma nearly stood on a Moor Hen! made her jump!!

We are now trying to keep fit, Andy takes Matt out for cycle rides, a different circuit everyday and he is doing really well and looks forward to it.And we are all using the treadmill.
We keep telling him that his weight will start to reduce once the steroids even out. He has gained 12kgs since mid-jan.

The new car is fab and Matt and Emma think its brilliant.
We are looking forward to taking it to France.
On the ward at Treliske they have 2 guinea pigs which are named Ant and Dec, Matt chose which one was which and has written a letter to Ant and Dec asking them to visit the Ward!

Matt is still having home schooling with Lynn and seems to be doing really well.

We had good news from Owen in Bristol,that his counts are on the way up!!!
Dave from Plymouth should be going home soon.
Nicole is doing well to and is enjoying school.(see link)
And Jamie is out of BMT and back on the ward.(see Link)

Signing Off now.

Don't forget to sign Matt's Guestbook.

Thanks.

13/03/04- Update - News from Bristol, Owen is coming out on Monday as his counts are coming up!
Matt was very down last night and didn't have a good sleep.

We went to the Quadbike Centre today and Matt and Emma got absolutely plastered! Great time though.

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Monday, February 16, 2004 15.00 gmt

Thought I'd update.

Not much has happened. Matt is doing well and is still gaining weight (see photo).
We had to buy new clothes for him as none of his were fitting!

The steroids are slowly being reduced and when we saw Nick the consultant from Bristol, he was pleased the way Matt was responding to the treatment for BOOP.

Matt will not be having a Bone Marrow test in March as the don't like putting them under for a GA, they basically watch his counts.

Matt's counts have settled down now, they went quite high due to the steroids.

We have been to Portreath beach last week and it was lovely.

Emma had the Valentines Disco at school last Friday and she looked a million dollars (again) she's growing up too fast.
(see photo)

Matt is still going out on his quadbike and this week is half-term so we will be visiting the ATV centre at Blackwater with Emma.

Matt was choughed today as he received a signed Everton Team Photograph another thing to get framed. His Nan and Grandad have just got his Signed Shirt framed and it's looks great!

We visited the Bird of Paradise Park at Hayle this morning and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the different birds.

We are still in contact with the guys in Bristol and our friend Owen will be having a stemcell transplant from his dad Justin on the 20th Feb,with donations of WBC from his Mum Tania, just like what Andrew and I did for Matt, fingers crossed for them as he has relapsed again, he has AML the same as Matt.

We are off to France for Easter and hopefully a bit of sunshine?

Please don't forget to sign Matt's guestbook.

Big thank you to all at Post Pals.

jackie.

Monday, February 2, 2004 11.54 AM GMT

Hi everyone.
Matthew is still having to go to Treliske daily for Caspofungin and is still on 30mg dailly dose of steroids for the condition BOOP.
He is eating loads and his favourite food is Bachelors Super Noodles.(3-4 packets aday!)
He has gained 4kgs since we left Bristol in January.
He also has two breakfasts, 1 at home and 1 in hospital, he especially likes the sausages and hashbrowns.

Matt has Lynn the teacher visit daily and is doing really well.
We took him to the Dentist last week as he had an ulcer under the mouth plate and the Dentist put a rubber type covering over it to relieve any pressure that was there.

Emma is doing well at school and is growing up too fast!

We are seeing Nick Goulden from Bristol on Wednesday 4th Feb.
hopefully he will decide to reduce the steroids? we will also get the results of the CT scan Matt had last week.

We took Matt to the Quad bike Centre on Thursday last, and he fell off but was ok!!!
I couldn't watch him go over the Ramps!!!
Matt has been out on his Quadbike last weekend, with Emma and had a great time, he got absolutly plastered.

Matt recieved an email from his friend Justin who we met in Kalbarri in Australia 2 years ago and was really pleased.

The days are very long at the moment, but he is keeping himself busy by playing ATV Offroad on the PS2. The music is getting a bit monotinous at the moment!

Matt has his 6mth BMT check in March and fingers crossed we will have some good news.

Hopefully all being well at Easter we will be going over to France again for a break, with the Quad again.

Matt is featured on the PostPals web page and recieves cards and emails regularly from visitors.These really cheer him up.www.postpals.co.uk

We went over to Andrew's sister Lynn's for Sunday Roast and it was nice to catch up with them and Andy's Dad and Jean.
We gave Ben,Matthew's action men, it was Christmas all over again for him, (he's four and half)

Yesterday (sunday) he was very down and was in tears before bedtime as he wants all this to finish!
It was very hard to bring his spirits back up.

News from Bristol.
Our friend Owen went home for a few days,
Dave from Plymouth was also allowed home for the weekend.
Jamie in BMT is doing OK but has mucositis. (see Beebo site)
Nicole is doing OK. (see Nicoles site)
We miss them so much they are all very good friends and we wish them all well for the future.

All for now,
jackie.

Saturday, January 17, 2004 13.20PM

Well we are back in Cornwall after the stay in Bristol.

Matthew has started a course of Steroids to help with the condition BOOP! (bronchiolitis obliterans organising pnemonia)
These have made him very hungry all the time!

There is a risk with the steroids that it could encourage the fungal infection to grow!

He now has to take 14 tabs twice aday!

He is still going into Treliske for daily Caspofungin I.V.and needs to have weekly swabs from his nose to see if there is any fungus growing, he also is having weekly respiritry tests to monitor his lung capacity.

We now have to keep a eye on Matt and keep him away from any risks of infections (have to wait to see Lord of the Rings Lastest film)

He was glad to get back home and we picked his quadbike up from ATV centre at Blackwater.He's desparate to get on it again but it will be a while, as his lungs arn't functioning aswell as they should at the moment.

Emma was glad to see us back home and is currently staying with Rebecca as she had a sleepover last night.

The photos are of the presentation on Christmas Eve where Matthew presented a cheque to CLIC for an amazing £3540.00.
We all had a great time and can't thank everyone involved enough.

Jamie (beebo) is up in the BMT unit now and is doing well.(see site link)

Saturday, January 17, 2004 13.20PM

Well we are back in Cornwall after the stay in Bristol.

Matthew has started a course of Steroids to help with the condition BOOP! (bronchiolitis obliterans organising pnemonia)
These have made him very hungry all the time!

There is a risk with the steroids that it could encourage the fungal infection to grow!

He now has to take 14 tabs twice aday!
He is still going into Treliske for daily Caspofungin I.V.
We now have to keep a eye on Matt and keep him away from any risks of infections (have to wait to see Lord of the Rings Lastest film)

He was glad to get back home and we picked his quadbike up from ATV centre at Blackwater.He's desparate to get on it again but it will be a while, as his lungs arn't functioning aswell as they should at the moment.

Emma was glad to see us back home and is currently staying with Rebecca as she had a sleepover last night.

The photos are of the presentation on Christmas Eve where Matthew presented a cheque to CLIC for an amazing £3540.00.
We all had a great time and can't thank everyone involved enough.

Jamie (beebo) is up in the BMT unit now and is doing well.(see site link)

Sunday, January 11, 2004 23.37 gmt

Hi All

Well, we are back in Bristol with Matt as he has developed a condition called Broncholitis Obliterans Organising Pnemonia! (BOOP)

This condition is treatable with steroids and is associated with the Transplant from Emma.(GVHD)

Matt was and is very angry to be back in Hospital again especially up in Bristol.

He's missing Emma greatly.

We came to Bristol on Thursday via Ambulance which was an experience again for Matthew.
We had blue lights and sirens to go across the Clifton Bridge due to no Change!!!!

Matthew is also back on Caspofugin daily and when back home has to go to Treliske daily.

He doing well and is on Oxygen due to the restriction of the airways in the lungs.

We arn't sure how long we will be here but hopefully when Matt's oxygen levels are corrected we will be allowed home, only to continue treatment at Treliske.

We have met up with old friends here at Clic House. Tania and Justin are here with Owen as Owen has relapsed again and is waiting for a matched Bone Marrow Donor?

We were allowed to bring Matt up to Clic House today and Justin cooked Roast Chicken for us all.

Emma is currently staying with Nanny and Grandad, and is being spoilt! She stayed with her Uncle Bryan and
Auntie Ann on Saturday and had a great time with Kate,Ellie and Sam.

Matt is pieved that the Quad is still at The Quad Centre and that he has'nt riden it since Last Monday.



We have a meeting tomorrow regarding the Fungal infection!!!!

Watch this space......

We had a wicked time in France and the Quad travelled well!

Jamie (Beebo) is due to go up to the BMT unit next week and will then have his Transplant soon.
Good Luck to them.


I will update the photo's soon. Awaiting Broadband!

Friday, December 19, 2003 16.30pm

Thought I'd better update this page again. We are slowly getting settled and sorting through things. Matthew has been to the Quadbike Centre at Blackwater every week since we've home. He is still having weekly bloods taken and they seem to be doing ok. He is counting down the day's to when hopefully he will get his Quad. There will be a presentation on Truro Piazza on Christmas Eve at 2pm. We will be arriving by Limo with a Motorcycle Escort. Great!!! Emma is really looking forward to wearing a New Dress, watch this space! Matt is going in Jeans!

We had to visit IKEA again!!!!!
We had our 3month check at Bristol on Thursday 18th and Matt had a CT scan,everyone was really pleased to see just how well Matt is looking and couldn't believe the things he's been upto! We saw Jamie and Kelly (see BEEBO'S LINK), we caught up with Dave and Mel who were returning to Plymouth for Christmas and the nurses on the wards,Matt had a kiss off Wendy the Ward Manager on 34!

Matt wanted to visit the Galleries and all shop's, hope these aren't Emma's Genes?!
We found out the results of the scan today (19th) and it appears to show Matt has 2 new Fungal Lesions on his lungs and we need to start a course of Casopfungin I.V daily again. Great,this really cheesed Matt off as he was also hoping to have his Lumen Line out in January aswell start school for the mornings.
The course of treatment will start on Saturday and continue daily until Christmas Eve with a break while we are away and then restart when we come back. He will then have to have another CT scan on the 8th Jan, back in Bristol.
We have to go through the ordeal of Emma having another Flu Jab and we're not looking forward to that!! Matt then has IVIG on Tuesday,which will be the last time.
He has just started Penicillin V and this is taken twice aday for ? we don't know how long.He has stopped the
Folic Acid and the ciprofloxin but the Magnesium was dropped to 3x3capsules daily and then we get a phonecall to increase them again to 3x4caps daily.
He can come off his Clean Diet on Saturday, which is great but he did have a King Prawn tonight, naughty but very nice!!!
We have also Booked our ferry crossing to France on Boxing Day, returning on the 4th of Jan.We will be travelling from Plymouth to Roscoff overnight and then 7 hrs drive down to Limoges. Complete with Quad Bike in Tow.

I will update the photo's after the presentation next week with the details about the donation to CLIC.

Thursday, December 4, 2003 14.19pm

Hi everyone

Thought I better update the page!
Matthew is still doing well and all went well when we saw Dr Gilbertson at Treliske last week, I think she was supprised to see just how well Matt was looking. They decided that we all should have the Flu Jab, well that's another story,will tell you about that later! They also decided to reduce the anti-rejection drug (cyclosporin) down to just 20mg daily and then after 10days he can go down to 10mg daily. We're still watching out for the GVHD to happen? They also stopped the antibiotic (ciprofloxin). He is still eating and still drinking loads of milk, we could do with our own COW! Matthew has been pestering us to visit the Quad Bike Centre at Blackwater, as you can see by the photo's he got his own way! We went out there again at the weekend with Emma, who looked a bit like Lady Penelope,with her pink jacket and yes pink lipstick! Emma managed to roll the bike,but thankfully she was ok, and got back on the bike and went off again. I must say they were both Plastered in Mud! I took Emma and Matt to see the Lantern Parade which was held in Truro, and again there were collectors for Matthew and Clic. On last Saturday a guy called John Verran went around all the pubs in Truro, being pushed in a wheelchair and dressed up as Father Christmas collected £655.00 towards the campaign. It's unbelievable how so many people are donating to this. Matthew is enjoying having a home tutor Mrs Walker comes everyday for an hour and he's getting on really well. He visited Kea School to take part in the Tree Decoration Service which was brilliant, he was asked to turn on the lights but he was a little shy! We have also been interviewed by Radio Cornwall and it will be broadcasted on Saturday at 7.10 and 8.10am. Back to the Flu Jabs, Emma was so wound up that she started to kick the nurse, I did'nt have the strength to hold her and Andy had to restrain her with both arms and legs in a locked position, you could hear the screams out in reception! This all stems from when she had to have her bloods taken in Bristol and the Dr took blood from the vein that wasn't numbed by the Cream! What we have'nt told her yet is that she'll need another injection in 4weeks time! Matthew's bloods are being taken once aweek now and they have come back, they are
HB-14.5,WBC-9.0,PLAT-249,NEUTS-6.13,There looking good! Matthew and Emma's uncle Clive is coming down on Friday and I am sure he'll have to go the Quad Centre! Emma is going to a sleep-over party at Jemma's!!!! late night for her?
Anyway, it looks like Matthew's bike will hopefully be presented to him on Christmas Eve and it looks promising that CLIC will get a cheque for £800 , fingers crossed.
Thanks for everyone's support and I will update soon.

Saturday, November 22, 2003 21.30pm

Hi everyone.

Well we have finally made it back to Cornwall! We never expected it to happen so soon?
We have a lovely house and are slowly sifting through all the boxes of stuff.

Its so nice to have our own rooms and we've even all got our own bathrooms!

Matt had his first visit to Treliske Hosp on Monday and that went well, he then had to go into Treliske on Wednesday for IVLG (imunglobin) he was sick but this was the cover drugs he had,(hydrocortosine,pethedine,paracetomol,puriton)but he recovered well and after all his clothes were washed( which to Matt took ages to dry) he got so impatient that he shouted to the Nurse's "are they dry yet? don't you think I've spent enough time in Hospital?"

We have to go again on the 8th Dec for IVLG, this time I'll take a change of clothes!

He's still taking daily: Hydrocorisone,Aciclovir,Cyclosporin,Cyprofloxin,Magnesium,
Voriconozole,with weekly Folic Acid and at weekends he has to have Septrin.What a concoction!

We have to go to see Nick the Consultant at Bristol on the 16th of December.First meeting since we got discharged.

Matt is doing really well and his blood counts are going up daily, he's never had so many neurophils!

Pauline the CLIC nurse comes to take bloods Monday's and Thursday which cuts out the visits to Treliske.

Matt has been out on his mountain bike, still getting punctures though!
He thinks it great to live down a muddy lane!

He is getting a home tutor next week for a hour a day which will be good for him as he's needs to be stimulated.


Tomorrow (sunday) we are hoping weather permitting to visit the beach and get some good photo's of Emma and Matthew.

Matt also is pestering us to go the quad bike centre at Blackwater so we'll have to see.

Emma went back to school last week and was shattered!

Monday was a very emotional day for all of us especially seeing all of Matt's friends going to school, I know he'll be back there soon.

The fundraising for Matthew's Quad is coming on leap and bounds and hopefully the presentation of his bike and donation to CLIC will take place in Truro on Christmas Eve.

We are planning to visit France for the New Year, which we all are looking forward to.

I would like to thank all concerned who are working hard fundraising for Clic and Matthew, We can't thank you enough.

I will update the photo's when I get new one's.

Saturday, November 22, 2003 21.30pm

Hi everyone.

Well we have finally made it back to Cornwall! We never expected it to happen so soon?
We have a lovely house and are slowly sifting through all the boxes of stuff.

Its so nice to have our own rooms and we've even all got our own bathrooms!

Matt had his first visit to Treliske Hosp on Monday and that went well, he then had to go into Treliske on Wednesday for IVLG (imunglobin) he was sick but this was the cover drugs he had,(hydrocortosine,pethedine,paracetomol,puriton)but he recovered well and after all his clothes were washed( which to Matt took ages to dry) he got so impatient that he shouted to the Nurse's "are they dry yet? don't you think I've spent enough time in Hospital?"

We have to go again on the 8th Dec for IVLG, this time I'll take a change of clothes!

He's still taking daily: Hydrocorisone,Aciclovir,Cyclosporin,Cyprofloxin,Magnesium,
Voriconozole,with weekly Folic Acid and at weekends he has to have Septrin.What a concoction!

We have to go to see Nick the Consultant at Bristol on the 16th of December.First meeting since we got discharged.

Matt is doing really well and his blood counts are going up daily, he's never had so many neurophils!

Pauline the CLIC nurse comes to take bloods Monday's and Thursday which cuts out the visits to Treliske.

Matt has been out on his mountain bike, still getting punctures though!
He thinks it great to live down a muddy lane!

He is getting a home tutor next week for a hour a day which will be good for him as he's needs to be stimulated.


Tomorrow (sunday) we are hoping weather permitting to visit the beach and get some good photo's of Emma and Matthew.

Matt also is pestering us to go the quad bike centre at Blackwater so we'll have to see.

Emma went back to school last week and was shattered!

Monday was a very emotional day for all of us especially seeing all of Matt's friends going to school, I know he'll be back there soon.

The fundraising for Matthew's Quad is coming on leap and bounds and hopefully the presentation of his bike and donation to CLIC will take place in Truro on Christmas Eve.

We are planning to visit France for the New Year, which we all are looking forward to.

I would like to thank all concerned who are working hard fundraising for Clic and Matthew, We can't thank you enough.

I will update the photo's when I get new one's.

Saturday 8th November 2003 17.48pm CST

The test results of the bonemarrow asperate showed that the 100 cells that were tested are 100f female origin! but no frilly frocks!

Matthew had his results from the scan and they showed a new fungus spot on his right lung and the two that were there are still there but not changed. He will still have to continue with the Caspofungin for another 6weeks and hopefully with his own neutrophils and voreconozole they should dissapear?

We are still looking to be discharged next week and then continue treatment at Treliske daily.Then return to Bristol for another scan.

Nothing on the home front but we're looking and phoning loads of letting agencies!

There is a Halloween party for the children at the clic house and they are all getting excited!!

Watch this space for photo's!

Matthew hopefully will be discharged this week and will have to visit Treliske Hospital daily for his I.V's.

Then back to Bristol next week for another CT scan.

Hopefully we have found a place to live at Perranwell but as usual it will take awhile before we are in!!

Both Matt and Emma are looking forward to coming Home!

UPDATE and New Photos.

Change of plan!We dicided to stay in Bristol until Matthew has his CT Scan next Thursday at 10am. And then we should be able to head to Truro and pick up the keys!
On Friday it will be all hands on deck as the Removals are arriving at 9am. Important things first, Get the beds in!!!!

Matthew's blood counts are continuing to rise and they are still pleased with him.
He's been a bit low over the last few days but considering what he's been through its no wonder!

He had a high temp of 37.7 this morning and they took blood for cultures. They think it could just be a virus which Matt has within himself and with no immune system, no wonder he's feeling lousy!!!

Catch you all later. jackie

Thursday, October 30, 2003 4:40 PM CST

Matthew is an 8yr boy,from Truro, Cornwall who back in June 03 was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukaemia FAB 7, He was admitted to Bristol Hospital For Sick Children on 8th june. We were told about Matthew's illness when he was admitted to Treliske Hospital in Truro,Cornwall to be re-hydrated due to a sickness bug.Routine blood tests were done and they tested him for anaemia which he proved positive and then we were told there were abnormal blood cells which indicated a Type of Leukaemia. Our lives were to change from here on in!
Matthew developed a Sodium deficiency which post-poned the surgery for his long Lumen Line. This was corrected by Matthew being put a fluid restriction of 500ml per day, which was so hard for him.
Matthew started his first 10day course of Chemotheraphy (ADE protocol) through a canula until his sodium count came to a level which they could anaesthetise him. After the first 10days, Matthew picked up a strepycoccal infection and reacted to something, he was covered from head to toe in a scarlet rash which meant he had to spend 4 days in the Intensive Care Unit due to respiratory problems and the sodium problem arose again. He came back onto the Oncology Ward. Matthew started to improve over the weekend but on the Monday he said "that he had an itchy mouth" when I looked I could see a black spot? The Doctors came and had a look and it to our horror Matthew had picked up a Fungal Infection (aspergilious Flavas)this resulted in scans which showed that the fungus had damaged the soft tissue at the floor of the nose and some of the filter bone in his nose and he had to have surgery straight away to remove any tissue which had been damaged by it.As always we were told the worst cenario which was due to Matthew's counts being low, there was a risk of swelling and could cause his airways to block.Thankfully Matthew came through surgery and was soon eating again.The doctors decided to use Andy and me as White Blood Cell donors and weekly we both had to have them harvested, this was to keep Matthew's counts up enough to fight the infection,we also enroled Ian and Andy's sister Lynn to donate as well.Time went by and Matthew was doing really well and we spent a few days out with his sister Emma age 9.Matt had a bone marrow test which showed that he still had 30asts of Leukaemia. Matthew was due to start his next stage of Chemo but unfortunately the Fungus came back and again he underwent surgery to clear his sinuses and tidy up any soft tissue that was damaged. The Doctors then changed his protocol to FLAGG which intailed 5days of chemo, but again Matt could only have 4 day's worth due to the return of the infection.Again tests showed 30f blasts and the chemotheraphy wasn't working. This pushed the urgency for a bone marrow transplant. But again Matthew had a CT scan which showed that the infection had eaten right through the soft bone in the base of nose and to the palate of the mouth. Matthew went down to surgery and returned with a hole right through to palate and up to right side of the nose (great party tricks!!)Matt had to have a dental plate fitted and this he didn't like and he decided that if he did'nt eat he wouldn't have to take it out to clean it! thankfully this only lasted four days and he was back to eating again.
The Bone Marrow Donor was his sister Emma and she was a full match. Matthew had to have TBI radiotheraphy.intense treatment twice a day for four days, which totally irradicated his marrow followed by a single dose of Melphalan chemotheraphy, this whole course of treatment really knocked him for six. On the last day of radiotheraphy Matt was given an Everton shirt signed by Wayne Rooney which he appreciated at a later date.
The Transplant was on 22nd of September and Matthew spent 23days in Isolation, which we all managed surprisingly well.In isolation Matthew managed to eat all the time and used to eat roast potatoes and gravy. He seriously missed his sister and could only see her through the window when she was playing outside in the play area.Matthew celebrated his 8th birthday whilst in hospital 24/08/03 and was given a 6'6 surfboard which went into isolation with him. Matthew was alowed out on the 16th of October which was great as it was Andy's (dad)40th birthday, money couldn't buy that! what a present.
Matthew has althrough this ilness manage to keep eating with sheer determination not to have TPN (feed tube).We are now day 38 post transplant and have just been told that the results of the Bone Marrow test on last friday showed that 100cells were looked at and that they are 100f donor origin. Great News.
Matt has been having Caspofungin everyday and hopefully on results of a CT scan today he won't need it anymore as the fungus infection has gone?
Matt was and is a fighter and due to his ability to be positive he has won part of this battle.
we look forward to the future with our little boy.

Thanks to all friends and family who have continued to support us through this difficult time.

jackie

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