Thursday, October 29, 2009

Half term escapades

Since the last update, we have been busy. We had a lovely time with Penny and family from Cornwall. Mati and Rosie got on like a house on fire, they last met when Mati was 2 months old! It would seem that 5 year old girls, wherever they are from, are very similar, evening
dancing shows to ABBA music seem to be popular!

Last Friday our dear friend and photographer, Emily kindly let the Impavido family into the studio. Boy did we have a laugh posing in front of her camera, the girls dressed up and
brought along two umbrellas. Emily captured some very happy moments. Here are just some of the photos. If you fancy trying to capture you or your family on film take a look at her website. Emily definitely creates memorable images,
she is available both sides of the Atlantic www.emilypinnaphotography.com



On Tuesday Isabella had a follow-up MRI of the spine, number 7 but who's counting?! On October 13th they had seen some thickening of the lining around the spine, they did not think it was tumor but wanted to take another look. This week they found nothing, so the October 13th MRI really was just good news - the main tumor has shrunk. Today we are here again for the start of cycle 7. We had 4 nurses ready to access her, straight in, blood counts high and chemo is being administered as I write. Phew, one down, 7 chemo sessions to go....2010 here we come.

The flu scare seems to be reaching new heights here in DC. No siblings are now allowed in the oncology clinic. They have made an exception today for Matilde, as we didn't know. However, we have not been into the art room. In a normal year we wouldn't worry, but it seems impossible to get
hold of the seasonal flu shot for the girls and we are waiting to get the H1N1 vaccine. After much debate we have decided to just get the shots and hopefully forget about the issue and get through the next couple of months without any added complications.

This week is the half term break. Between hospital visits we have been to the pumpkin patch (finally a good day without rain) and have been getting ready for Halloween. No doubt there will be photos of the 3 witches and clown available next week!

Lots of love,
Emma & Gregorio. xxx


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Up up and away....

Cycle 6 completed, a big sigh of relief all round.

Today? Wednesday. Yes chemo today, as we are off to New Mexico this evening. The highlight of the week-end will be a balloon flight at sunrise on Friday morning at the Albuquerque Hot air balloon festival! Fingers crossed we have no medical dramas. Who knows whether some of us will suffer from vertigo. Gregorio has bought periscopes so that the girls can see out of the 4 ' high basket. I am sure there will be plenty of photos to share next week.

Tuesday we have another MRI. So more news then.

Lots of love,
Emma & Gregorio xxx