Saturday, 30 June 2012

Mountain climbed!

Done it - the gruelling chemo schedule is finished,  the summit of Ella's mountain has been reached, Ella came home at 8.30 last night and celebrated with a gin and tonic and a bath!

Having climbed Ayers Rock twice - I think its the best description of Ella's mountain - a very steep hard climb to the top and and then a long and wide undulating summit with lots of ups and downs to be navigated to get to the other side.




The chemo climb started 10 months ago at the beginning of September and has included over 100 nights in hospital, two operations, three unscheduled emergency visits/stays (including the one in intensive care).  gallons of chemo, buckets of medication, many boxes of tissues to mop up the tears, at least 10 kilos of carrots and other fruit and veg (for the juicing), endless hours of reality TV, and even more endless hours of waiting for things to happen.

Next steps on the summit crossing are:

Hope and pray that Ella does not become ill over the next 14 days as the chemo bangs all her good cells and blood count to pieces
A trip to Wimbledon on Tuesday - a longed for dream
Ongoing weekly Mepact sessions at the day unit
Scans and X rays - scary!
And of course preparation for the big operation on 01 August.

Onwards...


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17 comments:

  1. Georgina30 June 2012 at 12:10

    A massive congratulations to you all! I hope Ella enjoys Wimbledon (will look out for her on TV!!) and also gets some time to relax before the next operation. Lots of love xxx

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  2. Anonymous30 June 2012 at 14:11

    Top Tip for Wimbledon - don't forget your cushions! Shelagh x

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  3. Anne and Peter30 June 2012 at 14:24

    Wow congratulations to you all especially to Ella. Fingers crossed for keeping well. Enjoy Wimbledon. Take care all of you and enjoy one anothers company. x Love Anne and Peter

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  4. Anonymous30 June 2012 at 15:58

    yes!!! Fingers, toes etc. crossed, all my love Maisy x x

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  5. Anonymous30 June 2012 at 19:22

    Good job Ella! I hope Harry is there on Tuesday for you :)) lots of love annabel xxx

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  6. Bob Tarzey30 June 2012 at 20:44

    Well done Ella, August is in my diary, in case you or Mum need some support in Oxford, love U Bob

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  7. Anonymous30 June 2012 at 20:51

    Great news! Everything crossed for the next couple of weeks. Pete's niece, Alice, did a sponsored run recently; one of the charities was Teenage Cancer Trust. Have a brilliant time at Wimbledon! Love Pete & Sarah.

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  8. Anonymous30 June 2012 at 21:00

    Well done Ella you really are incredible ! And well done Jo for your strength and courage - you are both inspirational. Praying that it's only good news from now on in. Lots of love CJ xx

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  9. Team Tarzey30 June 2012 at 23:24

    What a journey and what a display of courage by Team Redman led by Ella . Have a great day on Tuesday ; enjoy the strawberries and chamapagne - I've heard of Henman Hill & Murray Mount - maybe they should rename it Redman Ridge !!! All our love - Andy, Tina, Tommy & Kezia xxxxx

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  10. Anonymous1 July 2012 at 12:01

    Jo/Ella

    Following on from Shelagh's top tip have got a couple of Twickenham cushions...padded,easy to carry and good for the bum..will take them to Lorraine's later so that she can have in the car for you to use if you need.
    Have a great day

    Anna

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  11. Anonymous1 July 2012 at 19:45

    Congratulations on an epic journey up that mountain so so proud of u all ! Ella, my love you are a truly truly amazing girl. I am in awe. I remember so well looking after a beautiful happy little girl all those years ago who knew her own mind and was willing to try and try to get to where she wanted to be, I feel truly honoured to have had that time with you and Soph. I always knew just what a special girl you were and how accomplished and gorgeous you would grow up to be - I hope you are truly proud of your grit and determination and of keeping on going through the toughest times - we are all so so proud of you. Heres hoping that its sunshine all the way now especially at Wimbledon we will be watching the crowd for you. Our bedrooms are primed and house is open for anyone who needs a bed in near Oxford for August. We will bring our cheerleading team to you there. And so looking forward to seeing you all at the weekend all our love xxxx Suzy,Jemima, Annabel and Chris xxc

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  12. Jo1 July 2012 at 19:46

    Thanks all as ever for your ongoing support and encouragement in whatever shape or format (including cushions!) XX

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  13. Annie A1 July 2012 at 20:09

    Amazing xxx

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  14. Anonymous1 July 2012 at 20:35

    Well done Ella, you have been incredible and have come so far. You are an inspiration to us all. Hope the next couple of weeks are good to you and have a great time at Wimbledon.
    Lots of love to all of you. Tanya xxx

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  15. Mandy H1 July 2012 at 22:47

    Hope the sun shines for you every day but especially on Tuesday...such a long journey covered in such a short time...wishing you strawberries, champange and lots of love - the Hollands xxx

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  16. Anonymous2 July 2012 at 21:34

    Well done team Redman. What a journey, what a mountain, have fun tomorrow x. Father Xmas x

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    Replies
    1. Jo4 July 2012 at 22:05

      Is that Father Xmas in Philadelphia????

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