Monday, February 23, 2015

Update - Eyes,Immune Function, Holiday & 2015 look ahead

Life as always seems to fly by so fast. Already it is a month since we did our life changing USA Disneyland holiday.

Two weeks ago Harrison has his portacath inserted (by surgery at Westmead Childrens hospital) into the right side of his chest so it can be easily accessed to delivery his intragam (immunolglobulins) every month. Harrison's immune function continues to be low, so this infusion gives him an immune system for a couple of weeks per month. It is not a perfect solution and not a fix , but the best of a number of choices, and will be a life long product Harrison will need. & as Harrison has very fine difficult to access veins we have opted for this port instead of canulas every month.

Prior to that we had a wonderful Disneyland adventure. Pictures will follow this post.
We visited California, Disneyland, Colorado and the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park and Legoland. We saw extreme heat and drove through snow. Rode on many rides and celebrated Halloween Disney style
It was a holiday that delivered what it was intended to do, created a visual memory for Harrison and his siblings, so that when Harrison can no longer see, we all can talk to and with Harrison about this amazing holiday we had.

Of course, with such a holiday comes the realisation that this indeed is his lot in life, and while amazing, there were moments that were tinged with real sadness. Sadness that he wont be able to return to see this again in his lifetime, that even if we did go back to Disneyland, he wont be able to see it like he did this time, and that this really is a final farewell in the path to losing his vision.

The cataract has now completely overtaken the the left eye completely , and suspect the tumour has continued to grow. December 12 marks the next Eye doctor appointment and the day we find out about the surgical appointment we have in April 2015 for Harrison's eyes.

Harrison now only has 5 degrees vision in his right eye. He has a strange fixed focus on the left eye, and a glazed appearance always. Until recently noone really noticed his eyes and now everyone notices.

Next year there are plans for Harrison to go to the "big kids school" as part of his schools Satellite class program, which is exciting that he and his class mates will be able to have this fabulous opportunity.

Many changes are afoot for our whole family next year, and while Harrison has his big school adventure his siblings will all take on new paths also, high school for the oldest Marlie, a new support class for Sterling and Ella will go up into year 4.

I cross all fingers that 2015 is a better year for our family medically speaking and that we can plan a new adventure with lots of sensory input for Harrison to enjoy.. Maybe we go south to Tassie this time.!!
For now we are busy putting up Christmas lights and trying to make Christmas as memorable as possible -just in case this is Harrison's last Christmas to see things :) I feel an expensive light bill coming up but it will be worth it as he adores Christmas lights and decorations!

In case we forget to write Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!!





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