New Year, New Hair.

Very quick update

Matt has put on weight :)

However.. temperature has been up and treated with antibiotics. His Morphine doses have also been increased and Matt is sleeping well. The mark on Matt's elbow was nothing to worry about, just a bit sore and a Physiotherapist is visiting Matt to help him with exercises.

The sad news is that Matt is losing his hair now, but as usual he finds the funny side... "My hair has decided it no longer wants to stay on my head...see if I care!...saves on a haircut. Can only see it as a bonus!"

Will post a more lengthy and detailed update soon..

But for now, Happy New Year! :)

xxx

Milkshake & Morphine

Slight anti-climax since Christmas..

Matt has finished Chemotherapy for the next 28 days, but unfortunately as an adverse effect of Chemotherapy, Matt has developed Mucositis, which makes his mouth very sore and painful. This morning he couldn't speak at all and as a solution to a combination of painful swallowing and weight-loss (6kg loss since admittance), Matt has resorted to calorie boosting supplement milkshakes.

To help with the pain, a line has been inserted underneath the skin on Matt's tummy. At the other end of this line is a Morphine pump which pumps two units of Morphine every hour day and night. Matt was already sleeping a lot, but this will contribute further to his tiredness.

As well as this, Matt spotted an unfamiliar red patch on his elbow. He was wheeled to an x-ray to determine what it might be.. Watch this space.

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas

xxx

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas everyone! :)

Am currently in Matt's hospital room writing this while he's fast asleep and snoring! Only a short one, but then again, it's Christmas.

Matt has now completed a week of Chemotherapy with only a few more days to go.  Although he is right on track, the Chemo has taken its toll on Matt's energy levels and he naps frequently throughout the day. His eating pattern is varied; some days he will eat fairly well but on others he barely touches his meals. However, he is still in good spirits.

Matt and Mum :)

We've spent the whole of Christmas Day so far with him and as far as I can tell, he has enjoyed himself. He appreciates all the texts sent to him over the past week even if he is too tired to reply to them all.

We recognise that there is a long way to go but are focusing on one day at a time.

Again, thank you for all your support and encouragement. 

Love and Christmas wishes

xxx

Good Progress :)

Sorry it's been a few days again, but here's the latest:

Matt's doing really well. He's having fairly good nights despite the chemo side-effects and is in good spirits. He's also eating which is more like him..

His White Blood Cells are all gone now including the Leukaemia cells and while this is brilliant news, the lack of White Blood Cells also means that his immune system is as good as non-existent, so he's incredibly vulnerable to infection at the moment. The doctor is pleased with Matt's progress and a Picc Line will be inserted today so that Matt won't need to be jabbed every time blood is taken.

Matt is half-way through his Chemo now so there's not long to go until his first break.

Again, thank you for all your help and support :)

xxx

Sunday

Hi everyone

Sorry it's taken a few days since the last one.

I went to see him at St Bart's yesterday so it's easier for me to say what's going on now. The staff are brilliant and the hospital has a good atmosphere as far as hospitals go.

Matt started a mild form of Chemotherapy on Friday and changed to the stronger form yesterday. He will be taking this first course for ten days so I think he should be finished around the 27th December until his next course. The medicine has already started taking effect; Matt was unwell during the night and his temperature was up but today his temperature decreased. As did his white blood count, which is good news. He is very tired and weak so therefore not in the mood for visitors at the moment. However, I'll be sure to mention when he's feeling up to it again.

While I was visitng yesterday, my blood was tested in order to check compatibilty. I will find out on Monday/Tuesday whether I'm compatible for transplants (ie. Bone Marrow)

My dad texted me earlier saying "Side effects are beginning. But Matt can still smile". Just another exapmle of Matt's optimism and cheer.

If anyone has any questions or can't get through on the phone, don't hesitate to email us and we'll get back to you asap: theknellfamily@gmail.com

Thanks again for all your support

xxx

Early Days

So, as most of you may know, Matt was diagnosed with Leukaemia on Wednesday and has asked me to begin a blog updating everyone on his progress and situation, considering it is difficult for him to contact you all directly, he would like you all to be updated as much as possible and this seems the best way.

Matt has been unwell for over a month now and what was assumed to be Glandular Fever turned out to be Acute Leukaemia. The specialist at Colchester General named it to be Acute myeloid Leukaemia but I will confirm that asap. Until then, here is a link about it if you're interested to know exactly what seems to be going on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_myeloid_leukemia

Matt was transferred from Colchester General to St Bartholomew's London this morning. He has had various tests today, including a Bone Marrow test to determine his type and observe that situation.

As usual, Matt's attitude is amazing and we are all optimistic that he will be well again soon.

At the moment this is all I can let you know as I haven't been in touch with Matt or my parents very much today, but I will post as soon as I know anything else.

Thank you for all your support and help. I can't begin to explain how much it means to all of us, especially Matt.

xxx