Hi Biscuits
Glad the genes are behaving well. That's great news. I hope you are having a better day.
I think it is basically human to go online, look at statistics, probability and fear the worst. What we do know; whatever you find and read is generally five years or so out of date. The plan that is being designed for you now by the medical team is very current, it is cutting-edge and we know that survival rates for ALL are improving significantly because treatments are changing.
When I had my diagnosis, we were about 14 days away from making a substantial life commitment (groan......!). On that morning my GP called me in and referred me straight to a Haema consultant. My question to the consultant on that day was "In light of what you know about my results and what I have just told you, should we go ahead with our plans?". He placed his pen down, relaxed his breathing, pondered and after some 20 or so seconds (seemed like an age) he said very clearly and without qualification "I think you should make your commitment". Other information fell away as insignificant. His words were a testament to his belief in what his team and the NHS resources could deliver. Your case will be considered, by several consultants, senior nurses, staff nurses in regular meetings weekly. Every little detail of your progress will be monitored, discussed and your plan will be fine-tuned because they all want you in full remission and back home permanently. It will however be your plan, not a generic plan but one tailored around you.
The intrathecal chemo is OK, the anticipation of the bang is bigger than the bang itself as they say. You can get local anaesthetic, or sedative, and a bottle of coke just helps keep any headache in check - the nurses tipped me off on that one!!
Yegodsandlittlefishes is right. The school will let you have some time with the family, at the right time and once your neutrophil counts are OK.
I hope you have a good evening and restful night. I am very conscious that although having gone through ALL, everyone will approach it differently and you must follow your own path through. I can give you support, tell you how I found parts of the process and how I was able to get through them. Ultimately it is down to you. If you think my thoughts 'get in the way' please indicate, and I will cease or reduce posting, whatever works. There are some great people on here.