Day+5
In all the other rooms on the unit it came light about 7.30am, except ours..............
Is that song by Tina Turner called "Steamy Windows" or "Smeary Windows"? If it's the latter, then any remake of the video could easily be filmed here, in Ella's room. Mind you, they are the cleanest smears in town, thanks to Rachael.
Ella and Auntie Rachael were awake when I arrived and both had had quite a peaceful nights' sleep, the morphine seemingly having done it's job, and Ella only waking a couple of times. We had a gentle start with a 'nice cup of tea' and then we set about the daily routines, starting with the beds. Rachael was easily turfed out, but Ella wanted another few minutes.............before her bed bath..........then another few minutes.....until finally she succumbed to the gentle touch of Auntie Rachael and the sweet smelling bubbles. ( I was trying put the vision of the windows out of my mind at this point.) We played the pj's game, where Ella guesses which top we have hidden up our jumper and she tries to match the bottoms, then she chooses which ones to wear. Pink gingham today!
Breakfast came and went with Rachael and I polishing off bagels (with pastrami ) and Ella fancying just the toasted bagel with butter. When the nurse asked me later how much she had eaten, I was able to say ' oh! a quarter of a half '.( Not very good for a former Maths Co-Ordinator.)
Janet came quite early and they read and compared Greek myths again, looking at the features and enjoying the stories. A real treat to see and hear.
A little later, Muriel ( play specialist ) came to the window to say that the magician was coming in about 2.00pm. Ella and all the family know him from Chiquitos Restaurant in Southport, where he entertains the children at teatime on Sundays. He also works in the hospitals in the North West and had promised to come in to see Ella when he was over here. Ella was sooooooooo excited and had the great idea of drawing him a picture, which she decided was going to be a seaside scene with him stood on the seashore. From that we moved on to making him a present. What could it be? Of course, a finger knitted wand warmer........perhaps not.No! we would make him the wand itself! Good old Auntie Rachael, she knew just what to do. She prepared the sparkly star for the top of it, whilst Ella did a mile of finger knitting to cover a pencil twice. Then it was all glued into place, with a pompom on the end! One wand extraordinaire!!
We waited for the big moment to arrive ( transferring Ella to her bed so that she would be able to see him through the window and trying to keep her awake long enough to see him at all) and it didn't disappoint. Ella was delighted with his magic and Mr Magic was delighted with his presents!
We have found Ella much more content to sit or lie quietly for longer periods today, in fact this morning we listened to gentle background music whilst we 'made and do'd'. One of the nurses commented that she loved our room because it is so calm and a little haven of girliness.Ahhh

Sadly both Mummy and Daddy are suffering with coughs and colds, so will not be joining us for a few days. On day +5 transplant patients begin treatment to encourage the growth of white blood cells. Ella will be at her lowest over the next few days, but the work is beginning, to build her up again. It also means that she is at her most vunerable to infections. Tomorrow she is going to have a blood transfusion ( standard practice )to give her a boost and help her along a little.

Tonight Ella fell asleep early, shortly after 5.00pm and she hasn't really woken up. We've settled her down for the night, her lines have been changed and her pink fairy lights are on. Mummy and Daddy have been reassured that all is well and hopefully they will have a peaceful night too.

Hi all, its rachael. Just a quickie from me to say 'hi'and let you know, mum and I also got a pressie today, brought to us by Reggie's son Simon. An exercise dvd!!!
Strictly come dancing workout! It arrived shortly after the magic man, and is still in the wrapper. We decided that it would be a good idea to work our way up to it, and begin tomorrow. Oh good time left for a macaroon!!
The medical team have been fully informed, and are standing by, so watch this space.....!!!
We have enquired with a professional window cleaner who advised vinegar and newspaper, although mum suggested elbow grease???!! might just leave them till we have perfected our quick step tango's, and fast jive moves, we are overlooking the car park after all!!!
Night night from Rachael Annette and our darling Ella.x
PS. In the words of Bruce Forsythe Andrea, ' you're my favourite'.
PPS. Don't worry Colette, Simon couldn't be tempted by our macaroons.
PPS. Come on Martin.I'm still thinking of a rhyme to go with Rev.