Hey guys!

I wanted to do a quick blog this week as it was one year ago tomorrow (19th December 2018) that we found out I was pregnant. Whilst we kept it a secret from everyone except close family and friends until the 12 week scan in February, the planning began the day I took the test because of my pre-existing medical conditions and the medications I was taking.

I remember spending this week a year ago on the phone to numerous medical professionals trying to ascertain when I needed to be seen and by whom. I didn’t fit into any of the categories for early review by an obstetrician.  It was also tricky as none of the doctors could definitively say whether my medication was safe in pregnancy due to a lack of research. I stopped it the day I found out and I am pleased that, thanks to regular horse riding, I have not needed to re-start the muscle relaxant.

Many people doubted whether I would cope with a baby. I must admit I wasn’t worried about actually managing as a mummy, I was more concerned about the pregnancy and birth. I just didn’t think my body would manage carrying a baby to full term and giving birth without any medical intervention. Well, I proved myself wrong by carrying Arthur to what is classed as full term and by pushing him out independently in just 25 minutes. It’s amazing what even a body damaged by cancer and cancer treatment can do. I hope that any doubts people may have had about me being a parent have also disappeared thanks to my regular blogs and Facebook updates showing how I am managing with just 4 hours of carer support each day in the week. The Carer’s do not do any changing, washing, or feeding for Arthur. I do all of these tasks. They assist me with household tasks such as cleaning, washing, and getting out and about. At weekends Louie is home and, from speaking to friends with children, it seems he doesn’t do anything extra for Arthur that any other Dad wouldn’t do. So all in all I think I’m doing well really and the main thing is Arthur is a happy boy.

I still can’t believe that one year down the line from finding out I had defied the odds and become the first neuroblastoma survivor to fall pregnant naturally, I’m sat here in bed with my gorgeous baby sitting on my lap, asleep with his head on my chest. He loves this position. It looks so uncomfortable but it never fails to settle him. Most babies like being walked around but he’s not fussed by this, he much prefers the notion of the wheelchair.

So since I last blogged we had Arthur’s kidney scan results. He does have a duplex kidney and one is smaller than the other. However, they both seem to be working properly. The consultant suggested doing a scan to assess if the smaller kidney is functioning less when compared with the larger kidney. This scan involves injecting dye into the vein and doing an MRI scan. I raised concern about this with the consultant as I want to avoid any unnecessary procedures for him. I don’t want him constantly being poked and prodded like I was as a child. I asked the consultant what the results may show and what each possible result would result in treatment wise. She said that unless Arthur was portraying any symptoms, even if the smaller kidney wasn’t working so well, no intervention would be required. I therefore voiced concern that the scan may not be necessary at this stage and she could understand my views. He is therefore going to have his kidneys scanned with ultrasound next year instead as this is non-invasive. My other reason for wanting to avoid radioactive dye unless required is that radiation can be associated with neuroblastoma, the cancer I had as a child. Whilst Arthur’s risk is no higher than any other baby’s risk, I still want to keep it minimal. Ifvhecdidvdevelopvsymptoms, I would of course follow any medical advice given but at the moment the consultant agrees the scan is not necessary and is just done as a way to be fully informed. She has reassured me that  both of his kidneys are working well and she is not concerned. After all, if it hadn’t been for my disability and the need for extra growths cans, we would never have known about the anomalies that are believed to be present in 1 percent of the population.

Also since my last blog, I travelled to Plymouth and back on the train with Arthur. Apart from a poo explosion just as Louie dropped us off and having to change Arthur  across 2 seats due to not being able to reach the changing unit and apart from a track defect meaning we had to get off a stop earlier than planned on the way back and be put in a taxi, it went well. As ever, Arthur was a good boy and didn’t cry at all. He enjoyed seeing family and friends and I now feel we can go anywhere on the train.

We are spending Christmas in Plymouth with my family. Elsa our cat will be coming too. The car will be quite full but there’s nowhere else I’d want to spend Arthur’s first Christmas.

We’ve finished baby sensory until next term and we have just completed a baby massage course which was useful. I hope to take Arthur to a music class next term

I am thinking of doing future blogs as videos. This will make it easier to fully explain myself and Arthur can take part too. If anyone has any questions or issue they would like me to discuss, please just comment below.

Have a wonderful Christmas all. Arthur’s Christmas Day outfit came today (thanks Grandma) so watch out for Facebook photos.

Lots of love to you all. Xxx