28TH OCTOBER DAY +70

After almost a month in hospital with a variety of fevers, infections and a cocktail of drugs Scott is hopeful to be out in a few days.

In the last few days his condition has improved and he is regaining mobility.

The blood results indicate that the transplant is progressing well despite the setbacks.

JESSICA'S PARTY

The family and the exceptional cake!!

The Uni Girls did a wonderful job recounting their impressions of Jessica!!

The Party Girl with one of the most impressive cakes I have ever seen.

As usual, Ian had the microphone and the audience. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job recounting Jessica's life so far.

Some of the guests from prehistoric times.

Brother and Sister. (From the 1920's and 1980's - Top Gun)

The cousin from Bedrock (or was that Melbourne?)

Each of the cakes had a meaning - tea bags, the beach etc. And at the top - the tea cup!!

Although Scott was too ill to attend the party, we all had a wonderful time to celebrate this milestone in Jessica's life. We are so grateful to Ken, who stepped in as MC and helped us all feel the presence of Scott as Ken reflected on Jessica's life and our shared experiences.

OCTOBER 18TH DAY +60 (I THINK)

This is what is happening to Scott at the moment - drips, tablets, injections, blood tests and more tablets, drips, injections and blood tests.

He is starting to feel a bit better as the amount and toxicity of the drugs is reduced, but he has been quite ill and adversely affected by the lethal cocktails he has been subjected to and the high temperatures he has endured.

But the dedicated and persistant doctors at St Vincent's seem to think most of the symptoms are side effects of the drugs. He has been tested for a variety of things but the tests are coming back with positive results and we are assured this is not uncommon after a bone marrow transplant and he needs to sleep and recover.

Thank you to everyone who has been ringing - Scott has not been able to return the calls on his phone but be assured he appreciates the concern, care and prayers of so many people.

NO NEWS IS NOT ALWAYS GOOD NEWS

When someone rang me this morning I realised it has been nearly 2 weeks since I had updated the blog. Also I saw the film Julie and Julia last night so I am hoping some newspaper editor may offer me a job in publishing!!

I have been waiting to report some good news but this has not happened this week. Scott has been in hospital now since 5th October and is still not much differenent. He has has a number of tests - MRIs, Lumber Puncture, bloods etc - but the results are not finding a lot which is probably a good sign. The infection he originally had appears to be going so we are hopeful when the drugs are reduced he will start to recover.

Obviously he is not up to visitors at the present.

A MESSAGE FROM SCOTT

A SLIGHT SETBACK

Unfortunately Scott has developed a few infections so has gone back to St Vincent's for a few days. His energy levels are quite low, probably due to the increase in drugs to fight the infections. At least he has room with a view of Darlinghurst!

YOU CAN ADD THIS TO YOUR CV!!!

I really did not want to be a nurse!!

Out of my comfort zone well and truely!!

"You can add that to your CV", said Annabelle the transplant co-ordinator at St Vincent's after I had demonstrated the competency to administer IV drugs!!

I had to put this on the blog to believe I really did it. I hope I don't upset anyone with the graphic images.

Scott has developed a type of infection that requires more IV drugs, so to keep him at home Judy and Jessica have to perform home nursing duites.

He is still in good spirits despite a small setback. What a great way to spend my holidays - playing nurses!!