Morning Jules,

Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

Hi Hope

Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

Congratulations Grandma! What lovely news!

From all the Cancer Chat team

Thank you- I feel like I have gained a whole new virtual family and its wonderful to share the good news especially as I have received so much support here over the past year.  Jules x

Congratulations on the new grand baby! Somehow babies and children tend to really lift our spirits and I think they give us hope for a better future. I know you will really enjoy both grandchildren and they will make you smile even on the days when you may not feel like smiling. They do worm their way right into your heart without even trying. Have fun!

Lorraine  

Thanks Lorraine for your kind words.  If things have settled down with my daughter I am hoping she will be allowed home later today. Suspect if will depend on whether the canula can be taken out and they have been able to slow the bleeding(up to last night they did not feel she warranted a transfusion). I amgoing into work today to book few days off once our son in law goes back to work. This will give her an extra pair of hands through the half term week and also that's when hubby's next check up is due, too providing the manager agrees.

How are you keeping?

Take care Jules x

Morning Jules,

I know you'll be at work now, hope you manage to book your leave okay.

I know when we first started to discuss our pregnant daughters you will have told me what you are called but being me I have forgotton

so what is it, Grandma, granny, Nan, etc. Let an old person know will you,LOL.

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

I am a granny but have just replied to Garf on the amazing quotes thread about same thing.  My grandson has called me Gingy since he was little and it has stuck- so sort of have a special pet name.

Just got back from visiting the new family at the hospital.  Unfortunately my daughter had to have emergency surgery for blood clots this afternoon and is now having blood transfusions so will be in hospital a little longer.  All a bit emotional for her as the new baby was feeding really well but has had to be switched to the bottle because of the drugs my daughter has to take  Having said that the little one is happy as long as someone is giving him food and she is flat on her back full of tubes at present so it was like pass the parcel as we all took our turn with the customary cuddle.  Son in law in his element and doing a great job looking after both of them during the day. My daughter is being 'specialled' tonight so that she can sleep of the effects of today and the baby has its own dedicated nightnurse.  God bless the NHS.

Have our first photos so can take them into work tomorrow.  I am on holiday from next Wednesday (when my son in law goes back to work) and do not go back for 2 weeks so can help out during the half-term week too. Hubby has been doing the afternoon school run and all in all we are managing quite well (feel a bit shell-shocked at the turn of events, especially as she had a really good labour/delivery.

Still they are in the best place for now and we are keeping our grandson busy tomorrow so that his Mum can have a complete day of rest.

Will chat again soon.  Hope all is well with you?

Jules xx

Hi jules,

Lovely to hear from you. What a strange coincidence that both our girls had a post partum bleed and transfusions after a good birth.!!

It's funny how we all react when things don't go quite to plan, but with child birth and children thats often the way isn't it? As for feeding the baby have they not given her a breast milk extracting machine.? She could still feed the baby later . Emotionally this would be a big bonding action for her and baby which is a positive thing.

Glad to see you got the time off. Hope you sleep well tonight so you have the energy for the next few days/ weeks.

speak again soon

Annabel.xx

Hi Annabel

Yes quite the coincidence and must say I drew strength from knowing how well your daughter recovered.  Unfortunately my daughter not allowed to express (she already had the equipment herself as used if with first baby for a while) as she on heavy duty drugs which would pass through and not be good for baby.  Far better that she gets well (they had to do quite a repair job on her insides and the bad tear aswell as dealing with the blood clots).  She was on oxygen when we got to the hospital but they were able to remove this just before we left.  Hopefully following the transfusion and a good night's rest she will feel stronger.  She said that the last 12 hrs had been a bit of a blur but baby was quite happy laying next to her on the bed. She more fed up with being prodded and poked (and has a needle phobia).  Our grandson took it all in his stride but not impressed at the baby's cry (covers his ears) but very much hands on helping (so gentle).  Was a bit bemused when helping Daddy to change the nappy - wondered why the baby had a 'klippit' for a tummy button.

Well off to work shortly and then we will have our eldest grandson after school (he not visiting hospital today) and Dad will pick him up on his way home (well thats the plan at the moment!!).

As to sleeping, managed 4 good hours before tossing and turning began so not bad at all.

Have a good day.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Just to say I hope your daughter is feeling better, and hope new baby continues to do well.  I laughed at your grandson not being impressed by baby's cry  - when I brought my youngest home, eldest decided to help with bathtime, as I took baby's clothes off he naturally screamed and then eldest started crying and saying "put his clothes on"!  It's one of those little things I'll always remember.  Have a good day.  Hope x

Morning Jules,

Hope your daughter is soon feeling back to full strength and able to come home again. I loved the part of your thread where your eldest grandson wondered why Zack had a klippit for a belly button! Priceless! One to remember for the archives

Glad you managed to get a few hours sleep last night . . . I managed almost a full night, only punctuated by the mandatory stoma bag check that will be part and parcel of my nocturnal routine for the forthcoming future!

Hope work is not too taxing today . . . Your mention of work and how you are moving stock round ready for Christmas, has inspired me to make this a 'Book Christmas.' Going out shopping is not going to be easy with upcoming treatments etc, so, inspired by you, everyone will be getting a book this year!

Who knows, maybe next year they'll get a book written by me! Highly unlikely!

Take care, Jo xx

Morning Jules,

Hope your daughter is soon feeling back to full strength and able to come home again. I loved the part of your thread where your eldest grandson wondered why Zack had a klippit for a belly button! Priceless! One to remember for the archives

Glad you managed to get a few hours sleep last night . . . I managed almost a full night, only punctuated by the mandatory stoma bag check that will be part and parcel of my nocturnal routine for the forthcoming future!

Hope work is not too taxing today . . . Your mention of work and how you are moving stock round ready for Christmas, has inspired me to make this a 'Book Christmas.' Going out shopping is not going to be easy with upcoming treatments etc, so, inspired by you, everyone will be getting a book this year!

Who knows, maybe next year they'll get a book written by me! Highly unlikely!

Take care, Jo xx