It is clearly time for us to go home. For the past few days, everyone who has come into our cubicle has asked if anyone has discussed going home. They (consultants, doctors, nurses, …) obviously have! Today, we have had discussions with the nurses, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, pharmacist, outreach worker, social worker and doctor about discharge procedures/continuity programmes. We only missed out seeing the play therapist because our room was so busy all day.
We are excited but slightly nervous about it as there is so much to learn before we go – Anna’s treatment continues at home with us doing more of it ourselves. We, and all the staff, are now in full agreement that we will (and should) go home once Anna is medically ready and when we are trained and competent to do all the things we need to in terms of looking after her, continuing her treatment and closely monitoring her condition.
One of the key things is (STOP READING NOW IF YOU ARE A BIT SQUEAMISH!!!) learning how to give Anna fluids and medicines through her nasogastric (tube in her nose down to her stomach) tune. This involves a process of checking the tube is in her stomach (checking stomach contents), flushing the line with water and then putting medicines in it. We also have to give her water through her NG tube (she is not drinking enough) by holding up a syringe full of water and letting gravity do its job. Anna isn’t particularly thrilled about this, as you can see!
We also need to monitor closely temperature, exposure to infection, paleness (low red count), bruises/rashes (low platelets), general unwellness, etc etc. Anna will also be an outpatient for the next block of treatment having a weekly lumbar puncture to insert chemotherapy medicine into her spinal and brain fluid.
Oh my goodness – this sounds like it is going to be a full-time job!!! However, we are just THRILLED at the thought of having her back home. One day at a time…
anna's blog 
Fantastic news that Anna is getting home she will be much more comfortable in her own home xx
Oh my….. This is fantastic news – However Yes I can read why you will both be slightly nervous! But very positive that Anna is allowed home, so you can all be together again. Bit more normality for Nathan and Anna than they have had over last few weeks.
Going to be really tough going for you and Peter – carrying out all of the above procedures…. But necessery and conducted with buckets of braveness and unconditional love.
Take care all and thinking about you every day xxxx
Take care everyone,
Fabulous news. It’s always much better at home and the food will be much better too ! – you can do it all in your jammies if you want. but it sounds like you’ve got your work cut out with administrating all that medication. And like you say, just take it one day at a time. I’m sure your son especially will be pleased to have you all at home too and get back to some sort of ‘normality’. Hoping that Anna will feel more relaxed at home surrounded by all her own things. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care. love Jane, Errol. xx
What fantastic news that you can all be at togther at home for New Years Eve, especially for Nathan and Anna.
It sounds like a very difficult time ahead, but you and Peter are so stong, and with such a good support group around you.
Love and best wishes to you all
Nici
Wow, being at home will be great, you’ll be able to crack on with housework!
I remember having to catch up with all the dull chores after getting home between time spent in Newcastle with Rebecca during her treatment stays (5 days at a time)
Thinking of you as the New Year rapidly approaches!! Only two and a half hours left of 2011
Vicky, Peter and family!
Wonderful news! We are delighted for you all and hope 2012 is a much better year for Anna. Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. X
Fantastic and positive new years day news. You will soon be confident and competent with her care, Though it will, without doubt, be a challenge. It must be a lovely thought that you can be together again as a family.
Wishing you all the very very best
Love Janet and family xxxxx