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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:
sandgrown · 20/05/2014 01:07

Only just read your thread but what lovely news. Good luck for the futurex

ChipsRedWhite · 21/05/2014 11:50

That's brilliant news!!

LiberalLibertine · 21/05/2014 11:56

So fantastic Flowers excellent news

weebarra · 21/05/2014 13:44

Wonderful news!

Badvoc · 22/05/2014 14:06

Do happy for you dear trazzles Grin

ajandjjmum · 22/05/2014 23:01

Just brilliant! Smile

lougle · 22/05/2014 23:33

How wonderful!

ClockWatchingLady · 23/05/2014 12:23

Lovely news! Smile
Thanks for updating us, Trazzles.

LatinForTelly · 25/05/2014 00:06

Fantastic news, Trazzle! I hope his eating picks up soon, and that you all have a wonderful summer.

saffronwblue · 25/05/2014 00:10

Such happy news!

DianaTrent · 25/05/2014 00:24

So pleased to hear of Joseph's progress, it's fantastic. Really happy for you! Grin

Fivemoreminutesmummy · 27/05/2014 19:45

I can't believe it's been a year! Very happy for you all and thanks for updating.

TravellingToad · 28/05/2014 13:26

I love reading these updates :)

barefootcook · 29/05/2014 08:45

Hey Trazzle. Hope you have a relaxing summer. Have you found a school for Joe yet?

ShiftyFades · 20/06/2014 16:06

Hi Trazzle, I haven't posted for ages and haven't updated myself on Joe's progress since December. I am so glad he's doing so well, as you are.
I've just realised that I was in DisneyWorld at the same time as you - gutted I didn't get a chance to give you a hug.

I hope Joe continues as he has been, onwards and upwards Smile

apermanentheadache · 20/06/2014 18:17

me too. Hopefully now he has his line out you can do lovely summery things like swimming in sea etc.

CoteDAzur · 20/06/2014 18:25

Great news! Very happy for all of you, Trazzles Smile

TeaMakesItAllPossible · 24/06/2014 21:11

Lovely update. School, swimming and softplay. Super Joe GrinGrinGrin

So pleased for all the Trazzles Trazzle.

I hope that you've managed to find a little bit of your own groove too.

Trazzletoes · 22/07/2014 10:03

Hi, sorry I've only just seen some of these replies.

Yes, Joseph is due to start Reception at our most local Primary in September. It's a one form entry so nice and small. The school has additional funding to care for him all sorted now. They are really seeming to be great with him.

He's been coming on leaps and bounds recently. He's using the toilet more consistently and there's an end in sight for nappies. He's eating better. He still has his tube in his nose but again, there's an end in sight. He is walking well though still tired easily. But he's alive. He's well. His 6 month scans came back clear. He is doing so well and getting stronger every day. He's amazing. I love him.

A few weeks ago we went to an event in the city centre and there was a giant inflatable slide. There were loads of kids on it and J was adamant he wanted a go. His time was almost up and he hadn't been able to climb any of the netting to get to the top of the slide. He was in tears because he couldn't do it. I have him a bit of a shove and helped him up as far as I could reach ( not very far) and he hauled himself up the rest of the way. He cried the whole way up, partly because it was really hard on him physically and partly because he was scared. But he made it. I was cheering him on, as we're complete strangers who were willing him up as well! His face as he came down the slide - he was so proud of what he's achieved. And so he should have been. Most 4 year olds could have done that easily, but it's another reminder of how far he has come.

Shifty sorry we missed you Sad

OP posts:
RainbowInACloud · 22/07/2014 17:19

Lovely update, so glad to hear he's doing well. What an achievement for him- determined little chap.

barefootcook · 22/07/2014 22:05

Wonderful news Trazzle. Sounds like everything is progressing well for Joe. It will be exciting for him to start school. Please let us know how he gets on. Good to hear that the school has some extra funding too. Enjoy the summer.

Tholeonagain · 23/07/2014 20:50

What a wonderful, brave little boy. Thank you so much for the update xx

apermanentheadache · 24/07/2014 22:04

That's effing brilliant. Am so pleased. I think about you often.

CorporateRockWhore · 24/07/2014 22:09

Ah, I love that about getting up the slide! Go Joe Grin

Mouldypineapple · 24/07/2014 22:19

Great news. I think of you often too, it's lovely to see such a positive update.