The big day - Melbourne

hi guys
we went to the hospital to find out the 'final' diagnosis for me. After heaps of testing to exclude a whole heap of other stuff, i have JMML.im ok about it, i think mum and dad are probably feeling a bit worse than i am...im just sick of the needles, and the sad eyes mum and dad give me when they have to hold me while im having them. i heard mum say that 'normal vaccinations now are going to be peice of cake!'
so where to from now? I definitely have to have a bone marrow transplant to save my life. the dr's are really confident they will find a match from either cord blood, or a donor. The hard part is to keep fit and well, and to continue to put on weight. mum reckons i wont have many problems doing that, ive got a 'good appeitite'...Dr Keogh, who is looking after me (and is a Carlton supporter, but dont hold that against him!) reckons if we are lucky, the transplant may take place in the next 3-6 months. it would be good if we could, i want to be well for my first birthday - got a few good looking chicks to chat up! The transplant will depend on a whole heap of things, but we are all feeling positive...i will be like the 'boy in the bubble' once i have the transplant for a while until i get better, i cant afford to get crook as i will have no immune system.

once again, me, mum and dad would like to thank everyone for their love support, thoughts, prayers and stuff. We feel so supported through this difficult time, and i know that mum and dad really appreciate it...and its making their job to look after me much easier knowing that they have all of you gang to call if they are having a crap day.

My colitis has cleared up for now, and im eating well...i was 7060g (just a smidge over 7kg) last week, so im putting on weight again which is good. All my bloods have stabilised, but they are keeping a very close eye on me. i feel like im in the best hands for my condition...it really is as rare as hens teeth, but i know that everyone is looking out for me, and the Dr's, nurses and support team from Monash are awesome...the driving gets a bit tiring, but i try and be on my best behaviour for mum and dad!

Anyways, best go to bed, its getting late (and mum is keen to hit the hay!)

thanks for all the comments and stuff, it really does keep all of us going.

lots of love
ELI
xox