More great news

We've got the first part of the bloods back and it's more good news. The enzyme which indicates a diseased heart is 'normal'. This was high when he was in hospital. Potentially this means that he may have had a virus or a 'cause' of the heart failure which has now gone.

So, what this means is that 'recovery' is back on the table as an option. It's still very early days and a long way to go, but there is a chance!

There are more bloods to come back including kidney function.

It is quite unbelievable and I suspect we aren't going to quite dare believe what it could mean, for some time.

On another note that doesn't leave me quite so lost for words... Bridgit and Leah had a fantastic fundraiser last night for Cure Kids and their Auckland to Queenstown challenge. They raised $7500 and plenty of our crowd went home with a few extras, including us - thanks to Mum we have a year's supply of breakfast to share!

In the middle of all of the fun, Bevan slipped in the 'oh yeah, the Dr rang with the blood results'. Apparently kids bath times can be quite the diversion!

Fabulous Fly Guy

We always knew he is a super star!

Guy had his 3 month full check up today and has got some good results. To quote Dr Tom "I don't want to appear too optimistic, but I'm very pleased". Believe me, Dr Tom never appears too optimistic!

How to explain this, when the technical bits are not my forte..? Key pieces:

• His heart has reduced in size (still enlarged, but "not so much" to use one of Meg's fav phrases).
• His liver is significantly reduced - almost can't feel it (I think this means good blood flow).

And the biggie!!:

• His heart contractions have gone from 17% to 37% (the ave is 55%)

So all in all BLOODY MARVELOUS!

We were hoping for maybe some small improvements but expecting probable stability in results so this just proves what a wee champ we have.

To give a fuller picture we need to give blood (well, Guy needs to) which will show enzymes which will indicate the level of disease still in the heart, amongst other things.

I asked whether Dr Tom expects his condition to plateau, continue to improve or slip a bit. There is just no knowing what will happen next but he did say the quote above at about this point. So keep those prayers coming, toes and fingers crossed, love and laughter flowing. I don't care what is doing it but we are working on our own small miracle in Sunny Sandringham!!

Sarma came with Guy and I which was great from a 'what the?' perspective on the medical bits, as well as someone Guy adores to hang out with for a few hours at hospital.

We will have another appointment sometime before Christmas and, all going well, we won't need to in back at Starship (love them though we do) until then.

We saw a few of our friends on the ward, including Hayley who features in an early blog showing Guy how to use a stethoscope. We dropped off some of the CD's to from Rae F to the ward playroom which they were incredibly appreciative of, as they had been to buy some of the Baby Einstein series a couple of weeks ago.

So I'll let you know the results of the blood test if I can understand and translate (though I'm not promising anything).

Take care and I look forward to perhaps a wee celebratory drink tomorrow at the Cure Kids auction with a few of you.
Tessxx

Drugs are Good!

Had our last (hopefully) drug increase today as per usual it was a thoroughly exciting experience. Guy had a few blood pressure issues (low) but they had returned to a normal level by the time we had to leave! The above video shows his physical condition is good, but not his dance moves (think they are mums!). This is Meg's current favourite song, which we had to download especially for her! Hope it's not too loud!

next visits scheduled

As I eat a late lunch and type with one hand (there's the disclaimer in case the boss reads this!) just an update on next hospital clinic visits.

This Friday 8 August - final increase in carvedilol
Wednesday 27th August - Full check with Dr Tom Gentles.

I saw Dr Tom in the hospital this morn as I was getting a new prescription for Guy. He said they will do a full work up when we come in later in the month, which is good.

Those who will be in Auckland on 28th and want a night out let me know (if you haven't already!).

Tess x