Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Joseph's last thread? Here's hoping...

847 replies

Trazzletoes · 17/09/2013 20:47

My now 4 year old DS, Joseph, was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma last October. It's a particularly aggressive cancer with an 80% relapse rate. Long-term survival statistics are not great.

Joe has had 8 cycles of chemotherapy, an operation to remove the main tumour, stem cell harvest, high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant as his bone marrow was destroyed, 3 weeks of radiotherapy and now 5 1/2 months of differentiation therapy and imunotherapy.

In April we learned he had relapsed and so had a 5% chance of ultimately surviving. Then, the relapse spontaneously un-relapsed but we don't know for certain what this means for his future. Whether its good or bad news.

He remains bright and cheery and gorgeous throughout.

OP posts:
ajandjjmum · 16/04/2014 13:11

Happy days Trazzles - so glad you've all done so well!

SheKnewSheWasRight · 16/04/2014 13:21

what a lovely photo; so glad that things are on the up Smile

LatinForTelly · 17/04/2014 09:58

So pleased you all had a wonderful time at Disneyland, and that the Hickman line is out. Gosh, Joe looks so big and grown up in that photo! I hope things continue to go very smoothly for you all x

ClockWatchingLady · 17/04/2014 13:54

Just brilliant, Trazzles! Smile

nothruroad · 20/04/2014 22:20

What a gorgeous photo and what lovely news. I'm so pleased to hear this. Love to you all.

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 20/04/2014 22:27

I'd lost this thread for ages, but am so pleased to return to it to see such amazing progress.
Xxx

Sirzy · 20/04/2014 22:29

Just caught up with the thread so pleased things are looking up, fab pic!

TeaMakesItAllPossible · 21/04/2014 20:24
Grin

He is such a handsome young chap.

Really pleased about the Hickman.

And for you Thanks

ToffeeWhirl · 29/04/2014 09:03

So happy to see the photo and update, Trazzle. Brilliant to hear Joe managed to get to Florida. Grin

pepperrabbit · 01/05/2014 21:45

I'd lost you for a while, but so pleased to read such a positive update and so glad you had a lovely time in Florida Smile
Yay Joe!

slackcabbage · 05/05/2014 08:26

[SC here] What a fab photo! Just caught up with thread and really happyfor all of you Thanks

Hope you can take a bit of time for some r & r yourself too if at all possible!

Praying4Beatrice · 07/05/2014 22:17

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

Trazzletoes · 18/05/2014 09:21

Not sure whether anyone is still here, but things are still going well - had a check up at the hospital this week and they are happy with Joe's progress.

He's still reluctant to eat so we are trying various tactics to get him eating - it's a long road!

We're off swimming again this morning - just because we can! And he went to soft play this week for the first time since he was diagnosed . In a couple of weeks he will be 6 months off treatment!!!

Also, yesterday was a year on from us being told that his relapse had gone away. I can't believe it's been a year! We are so lucky to have him, especially as he is so well. We're having tons of meetings about him starting school in September... It's so wonderful that he has the prospect of a future.

OP posts:
mercibucket · 18/05/2014 12:23

great news Thanks

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 18/05/2014 12:29

Sobbing here. Am off to a 90th birthday party today. Will raise a glass to a long and happy future for you all.

cowsarescary · 18/05/2014 12:34

We're all still here.

Delighted for you!!

apermanentheadache · 18/05/2014 21:44

Wow: 6 months off. Go Joe ! Fab news.

IHeartKingThistle · 18/05/2014 21:48

Still lurking Wink

It's been a YEAR??! What an amazing boy.

barefootcook · 19/05/2014 09:14

Wonderful news Trazzle. Good luck with the school placement. Hope you get a school that you are happy with.

TensionWheelsCoolHeels · 19/05/2014 09:16

That's so wonderful to read trazzle. Wishing joe continued good health and a positive future. Thanks

hagarthorne · 19/05/2014 11:46

Yes, it is wonderful. I am so pleased for you. I remember those sad penguins that he fell asleep and missed.

Lovethesea · 19/05/2014 13:58

Brilliant news. I lurk but check in every so often to see how Joe is and things are so much more hopeful than when I first found you!

Wishing you all a fabulous summer enjoying every moment and without too much anxiety about the future.

JellyBabiesSaveLives · 19/05/2014 16:59

SmileSmileSmile Brilliant!

Tholeonagain · 19/05/2014 21:31

Oh lovely, wonderful news, thank you for telling usxxx

ToffeeWhirl · 20/05/2014 00:58

Just spotted this. Wonderful news, Trazzles. Am so, so happy for you, precious Joe and all your family.

Smile