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.

Day +4
The day began as I was woken up by the blaring of Nana's alarm clock. Hmnn!! I was as, snug as a bug, in an ....igloo??
I checked my mobile phone, and to my horror, there were 3 missed calls from Sally at 3.30am, what had happened???
I quickly showered, and ran as fast as I could across the car park, into 'the unit', washed my hands, alcohol gel'd my hands, entered Ellas room, re washed my hands, re alcohol gel'd my hands, aproned up, and..... they were just waking up!!
Thankgoodness no immediate emergency iIhad slept through!
Apparently, Sally had had several missed calls from John at 3am, and on trying to reply, there had been no answer. Panic back on, as John was alone at home only for the second time with Jack, Max and Sophie. aghh!
No answer again for an hour, but eventually, after almost contacting all the emergency services, he called back. John had fallen asleep, with the phone in bed, and Sophie, and Jack and Max, and every time he turned over he redialled Sally's phone. MEN!!!
Another 'peaceful' night for my poor sister!!!!

That was only the start of the day, you can imagine how the rest of the day has gone! [what will nana say on her return!!]

Ella had a fairly quiet night, although the tummy ache continued, was it time to start the morphine infusions?

After protesting about the shower routine, Sally and I eventually gave in, and agreed to a bed bath. The race was on, could Ella and Ibeat Sally in the shower?
Of course we won, and with Ella now quite happy, the mornings activites began!

Ella and Sally made teeny meez outfits [dont ask!] whilst I settled into 'antibacterialing' ALL the sillvanian families. [they're still not finished, got another 3 villages to do!]
Ella's teacher, Janet arrived with Greek mythology the subject for today!.

School was put to one side when, 'the tray', and Nikki came in. Oh no, its monday, dressing change day, and bloods. The tears began, poor Ella.
It went from bad to worse when Ella's 'line' would flush, but no blood could be drawn back from it, Ella, Nikki, Janet and Sally tried all but stand Ella on her head. No success. At least the medicines were going in.

More tummy ache..
Doctor Wynn came on morning rounds and was extremely pleased with our dear little Ella, infact , introduced her to his team as 'Ella, no complications', what a relief. Tummy ache, vomiting and a sore mouth were also to be expected at this stage. At the moment Ella doesn't have sore mouth, there is obviously something in sucking ice pops during chemo!

Knee deep in alcohol wipes, Ella decide to join me with the silvanian families, so for a while, all 3 of us happily played along. It was nice to see Ella sat out in a chair, especially not covered in glue!

Another try for bloods. Nothing.

Sally and I decided that she would go home and spend a night with Sam, as nana was on her way back. d d duh!!!
Sally disappeared for a few minutes to pack, when a nurse came to take Ella for a chest x-ray. [she has a slight cough] and they also thought that it would check if Ella's line was still int the right place.
I didnt know what to do, Ella was in isolation, no-one is allowed in her room other than a named few, let alone be allowed out! the nurse assured us though that everywhere had been evacuated from general rif raf, all doors had been opened ready, and of we went. Ella agreed it was almost popstar treatment!!
The only problem was, would anyone believe us on our return?

Still no blood, and more tummy ache.

Sally went home, and nana arrived, soon we were ship shape again. Don't you just love mummys!!

The evening drew in, the bloods didn't, oh no, not again, 'the tray' and magic cream. More needles, and during corrie orrie, how rude!!!
Luckily, a very lovely, experienced doctor took Ella's blood without any tears, and nana, Sally and I agreed that the morphine should start. One good thing at least, Ella will have a sleepy, dreamy night, ready to start all over again tommorow.

Night night, got to go, nana is twitting in my ear to get off. [will pass you over, am going to put my shoes on and make a break for the igloo before she notices!] rachael xx

Oh no she isn't......Annette xx
PS When I arrived Rachael was actually cleaning the windows with alcohol wipes..........

Day + 3

Oh what a funny Nana have we,

Can we make the blog as funny as she ?

We have sat hear thinking and scratching our heads,

As Nana's gone home for a night of passion with Reg........... OOH erh!!

She's gone off in the blizzard ,

Completely oblivious

To the plans laid down in Ella's room,

For little does she know'

as she drives through the snow,

We are hunting for her stash of macaroons..........................!!!

Mmmm they were tasty we left not a crumb ,

So please all you bloggers,

keep shtum!!

Well hello everyone out there!! This is Sally, Ella and Rachael signing in.

Our day only began at 4.45pm, taking over from nana and daddy. We belive everything has gone okay so far today, Ella was just waking from a long afternoon snooze when we arrived. She quickly came too, and before we knew it high school musical was on, Sally was colouring in, and aunty Rachael was break dancing [actually more like belly flopping!] which seemed to raise a slight smile from Ella. Breakthrough!!

As we tucked in to Lamb casserole and dumplings, Ella couldnt be remotly tempted, infact at one point she was hiding underneath a receiver bowl from the smell. So as you can guess, food is way down on the list of prorities for now.

The medicines from the machines is endless, as is the constant bleeping from them, the nurses are really good though and manage to shut them up for at least 60seconds. We did have a funny moment earlier when Sally plugged all the individul machines in next to Ellas bed, and then realised she coulnt get out past the wires!! oops!

Ella is reclining in bed as we write this, trying desperatly to concentrate on Wild at Heart, nursing a very sore tummy, along with being sick. Time for something stronger than paracetemol now.

Shes so brave, our little princess.

The snow seems to have stopped for now, and as we discuss who will sleep in the igloo, our minds quickly wonder to the macaroons!! he he he!! have a good night nana, sleep tight??!!! xx

Lots of love to you all, and thankyou for all your messages, they keep some kind of sanity in here! looking forward to reading them all tommorow, night night, Ella, Sally and Rachael xx

Day +2
Our days are definitely starting slightly later, although I'm sure Sally wouldn't agree with that. Her and Ella's night wasn't as peaceful as it may have been. I think I heard Sally say something about "those bleeping machines". When I arrived it was to find both Mummy and Ella in Ella's bed this time.
We decided to have breakfast first today and discuss showers when we'd eaten. Ella nibbled the cereal and buttered her own toast, and that was about as far as it got. She really is trying. All the nutrients she needs are going through the lines now, so the eating has become less of a challenge for her and us.
Then it was shower time...
We got well prepared this time, with a willing Ella. I filled the little blue bath with bubbles so that she could have a little play with the flannels and soap whilst sat on the chair in the shower, backwash salon style, to have her hair washed. Got the picture? Mummy was in the firing line this time, wrapped in a towel, I held the lines and the machine bleeped on merrily. Needless to say, as soon as any water came near, Ella immediately changed her mind and screamed blue murder, until the three of us emerged, five mins later, triumphant. A clean baby with clean hair.
On with the clean pj's and back onto her freshly made bed, with her Hannah Montana cover on.
Sally took the opportunity to cut Ella's hair shorter. Ella knows that one of the consequences will be hair loss and in her own way she is ready for this. We asked the nurse for scissors and Sally very skillfully cut a shorter 'bob' style. Lump in throat time.
Next it was Sylvanian Families..to the un-initiated they are tiny figures (mice,rabbits,cats,hedgehogs) which have even tinier clothes and furniture etc and when you have set them up you play 'dolls house '. Ella loves it, and so do I for that matter. We already have their village set up in the room, so it's just a matter of thinking of a storyline. Shopping for shoes today!
We were expecting Daddy later. He was coming over with Sam, Ella's best friend from school..Grace and her Mum, who's also called Sam! Got that? Ella has been looking forward to Grace coming for days, so it was decided that a little nap would be a good idea before hand. Mummy agreed and was asleep before Ella and I had strict instructions to wake them up at 3.00...which is easier said than done. Grace arrived and the little girls were able to speak through the glass and pass things to each other through the "in and out" doors.
Sally has gone home tonight, to have some quality time with Sam, so Damian and I are in charge!
Before we finish, Have I told you about the coconut macaroons? They are the latest 'must have' from the hospital restaurant. I'm stashing them in the igloo. We've decided to have a competition. The best "macaroon" comment to the blog during Ella's stay will win.What... we don't know yet.........
By the way Damian said Ella used to like macaroons, but now she is half Canadian we are wondering if, when her taste buds come back, she will be into maple syrup, drizzled over hot pancakes ,instead!
Night night Annette, Damian and Ella.

Day +1

Hello everyone, I wanted to show you these photos of us this morning after my transplant. Thankyou for all of your blogs I enjoy listening to them. I am painting stained glass pictures for my windows.

Lots of love

Ella.xx

As you can see Ella has had a wonderful first post transplant day. She started with a lie in, and so did Daddy. After a cup of tea Daddy and I got cracking on the housework, whilst Ella directed us from the comfort of Daddy's bed.

Then it was Ella's turn to be spruced up...no easy feat with all that equipment in the bathroom. We decided that Ella would stand in the blue bath for a "wash down" rather than a shower.(she is very anxious not to wet the lines). Mummy had arrived by now and she was squashed into the bathroom too, as I filled the little bath using the shower. That's when things went slightly wrong. Somehow the nozzle slipped out of my hand and sprayed me from head to foot, much to the delight of Ella.

When everyone was dry again Daddy slipped out to "make" our breakfast, and it only took 5mins girls. Toast,bacon,eggs,tomatoes and hash brown. What a gem! Ella enjoyed just what she fancied, much to our surprise.

Auntie Rachael soon arrived and Sally and I took the opportunity to go shopping for hand cream (dry hands are an occupational hazard ) and tonights' tea. We found some nice slithers of fresh pineapple for Ella to nibble, we know that post chemo the taste can be very refreshing. We'll see how it goes.

She has continued to amaze us today.

When I came back from a short break I was met by a beautiful streamer she has made with Rachael, to decorate her room, and she was enjoying a story read by teacher, Janet .

It's around 6.30,Rachael and Daddy have left for home and we three have been watching Grease on DVD.Sally and I have been singing along and Ella has looked on in amazement at us jigging up and down. It didn't take long for the news to reach round the unit

"Ella's got Grease on!"

Of course, every subsequent 'obs visit has been a hum along'

Dr Wynn and his team came along this afteroon.He examined Ella and pronounced "You are doing very well ,young lady."

Sally is back in residence tonight.I've evicted her from the igloo.........what with her dryer,straighteners and not to mention zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ing. It's like having a teenager all over again.

We know this is the beginning , only day +1, and we know there will be some darker times to come, but what a start!

Night Night,Sally Ella and Annette xx

Day zero, transplant day.

Another very peaceful start to the day..Sally and Ella both fast asleep when I arrived. They missed the sight of me arriving covered in snow, it was coming down quite heavily then.(Sadly for us it stopped early so Ella's tree didn't look like a christmas tree for long.)

We got started properly on the day about 8.00am, with Ella propped up comfortably on Sally's bed. No shower today, the thought was too daunting but from tomorrow Ella has to shower everyday. We tried to get interested in "making and doing" but we finally settled on a DVD, which none of us was watching !

How about some breakfast then? That might cheer us up? Sally and I were just getting to grips with cereal and toast when Damian arrived, about 11.30. Now the four of us wondered what to do next. (minds were definitely elsewhere today ).

One of the transplant team arrived to check Ella over, and the first question on three minds was WHEN? He said probably about 7.00pm, we'd know more later. Shortly after he popped his head around the door to say " the cells are air born!". Frantic texting and phone calls followed to let people know the news we had been waiting to hear.

Ella perked up a little during the afternoon, but it was very quiet with Sally still cross stitching,

Damian watching TV with Ella and me doing one of Ella's painting by numbers, age 6+, which was quite hard enough thank you very much.

About 5.30 Sally and I went for a walk and as we passed the nurses station we over heard them talking about Ella and mention "between 5.00 and 6.00". It wasn't a secret of course, but we put two and two together and realised that the moment was coming soon. About 5mins later we saw the courier arrive carrying a cool box and being met by the transplant technician.It was a heart stopping moment I can tell you. To realise the precious load he was holding.

We came back to tell Damian and Dr Wynn came to say that the cells had arrived and were being prepared and checked ready for transplant about 7.00pm. How organised and accurate the timing had been , from this mornings estimate.

The nursing staff made Ella's lines ready, we put our pinnies on ,because from now on Ella is in isolation and everyone who is allowed inside the cubicle needs to wear one, and we clock watched until 7.05 when they arrived to set it up...

Just before that ,two faces appeared outside the door, Auntie Rachael and Auntie Dianne, who had raced over to be here as soon as they heard the news.

The transplant took about an hour to go through, very successfully,with no hitches. A doctor stayed on the unit just in case and a nurse stayed in the cubicle to monitor Ella's vitals every 10mins.

Half way through Ella really perked up and afterwards she made her way to her own bed and waved back to her adoring fan club, through the glass.

We have all (and I'm including all our dear families and friends ) reached the end of a momentous day in many ways, none more so than Sally,Damian,Sam and Ella. We are so grateful for the wonderful support you all give and for the fantastic skills of the team here, who have steered Ella so far successfully.

Here's Tevor the Consultant Clinical Scientist who set up the transplant.

The red bag holds the cells from the donor, Ella's new bone marrow.

The cells have reached Ella's body.

Damian is staying with Ella tonight and Sally is joining me in the igloo, so she'd better behave. Daddy is on breakfast duty so I hope he has a good night ,don't you?

Night night, Sally,Damian,Ella an Annettex

Day-1, 9th day of conditioning

When I peeped through the window this morning Ella was still in bed...awake.....but resting, and Sally was too. This told me a lot about their night. Anyway, we all transferred to Mummy's bed for cups of tea and biscuits, Ella managed two cream Hobnobs and Mummy and I the rest. (umm)

We swapped stories about our nights and I told them about my shower and how I found out too late that I didn't have a towel. About padding ,dripping down the corridor at 6.00am to the shared cupboard to look for a hospital towel, and praying that Harrison Ford wasn't padding in the opposite direction. And about the two postage stamps I found, which didn't actual dry anything but exfoliated beautifully.

Ella's immunology nurse,Barbara, came along to see her about 9.30, just as Sally's phone rang. It was Rachael....and obviously from Sally's voice something was wrong.She had run out of petrol on the East Lancs but had managed to pull off into an industrial estate. "Mum come and get me!"Fortunately Barbara is local and drew me a map! any men reading now look away..........it went over the page.......but I knew what she meant. I did find her eventually in Homebase carpark, where we got her going again. We were soon on the ward, with Auntie Rachael lugging in two great big bags of new craft activities, including a potter's set, complete with wheel. Naturally it's been put to the back of the pile, until Daddy's free!

As the morning progressed it became apparent that there would be big changes all round today, both in Ella's treatment and in her condition.

The line which we hoped would be down today doubled and later unbelievably doubled again. Ella has been very drowsy and hasn't felt like doing much at all. She did brighten up a little when she got her new baby Annabel and positively smiled when Daddy showed her how Sam's new remote control car can go along the ceiling without falling off. When it did fall off there was a hint of a laugh!

Ella drifted in and out of sleep all day really, so we have tried to generate a more calm atmosphere, even little Sam joined in by giving big sister a lovely foot massage ( he's learned a lot Andrea ) while Rachael did some finger knitting.

As I say the lines have quadrupled, so that by tonight there are four drips going all at the same time. Two with feeds to give enough calories etc whilst Ella isn't eating and and two supplying drugs. Sally has been wondering how three of us, and the stand, will squash into the toilet.

As you can see from the photos Ella is well and truly hooked up as she snoozes tonight.

This picture is from Ella's portfolio of makeup...beware., and Ella's tree which she can see from her window even when she is lay down.

It's very late now so we are going to close,Sally has struggled hard to get the photos on, hope you enjoy.

It's great to hear all your news too.Night night form Sally, Ella and Annette