Well we finished the week at Stanmore and after a scary couple of days of infection and transfusions Rose was well enough to make it to the gym - not sure what we were expecting but think a sort of immersion therapy of hours of intensive physio and that huge strides - literally - would be made! Unrealistic of course - Rose has been off her feet for months and and all the tendons in her leg were pulled down and shortened for the three months she was in traction and the way back is going to be very very long. Add to that major surgery, a prosthetic leg, reduced muscle tissue and cancer and it's not surprising that the pace of physio with her was only half hour sessions morning and afternoon. She tires very easily, is very weak and physio HURTS! So no circuits, no spinning classes, no jogging round the block but some tentative hopping along parallel bars, and a lot of crutches practice. It left a lot of hospital time either side of the sessions - which it's fair to say we've all had just about enough of now - but Rose really likes it there and feels very safe. Stanmore is great and I think probably what Rose took away from it all was a bit more confidence that one day she will walk again - new exercises, new things to try, and someone who isn't us telling her what to do. The nurses, teachers, play specialists and doctors all welcomed her back like a minor celebrity and gave her nothing but praise and encouragement all week - which considering she was booked in for rehab and ended up being a very high maintenance patient requiring constant monitoring for the first few days was really impressive!
At the end of the week the big man did his familiar 20 second ward round with a deferential cast of thousands in tow which always makes me laugh - he wastes no time, takes no prisoners and cuts straight to the chase which I really like. We have another three days before our next admission to the Marsden and he wants her back at Stanmore for all of them after what they call 'weekend leave' - we are just pathetically grateful for every minute they can give her so leapt at the chance. Consultation complete, letter dictated and all before 7am. You've got to admire it.
Not much else of excitement - lovely chance to meet up again with the gorgeous Darcy, her great friend from her last admission, who by good fortune (for us!) was booked in for another op herself the same week. A slightly more disconcerting visit from the hospital chaplain (summoned by who I couldn't help wondering, the ward or someone Higher Up?) who wanted to include Rose in the daily prayers. Hmmm. My big moment to make my introductions? I thought not.
So back up to Stanmore for 9am Monday morning for three more days with our little gym bunny and Marsden Thursday. Just a regular week...
