HollyHolly's PageNews, Updates and Prayer Requests
Me and My MumSunday 14th February 2010
"Yesterday Holly managed a whole day at school for the first time since last summer. This may not seem a major achievement for many but for Holly it was great to see how pleased she was to be able to be in school and enjoy some lessons with her friends and teachers, all of whom have been so very supportive. This was especially good for Holly after another gruelling day in Southampton General on chemotherapy on Thursday. She has had a nasty cough for over a week and a chest x-ray showed continuing problems which required some extra medication so hopefully that will now clear. Of course, a cough to us is just a bit of an inconvenience but to someone in Holly's situation it can turn into something very major unless it is dealt with swiftly.
Cherryl and Holly
Thursday 28th Jan 2010
"This week has made me feel so proud of Holly as she has finally ventured back to school for a few hours this week. She has been just too poorly to contemplate this in the past few months but she has been remarkably well these last two weeks and as we have had a short break in the chemotherapy sessions, she had the energy to go into Sandown High to catch up on some school work and just as importantly, some social time with her many friends. As this is Holly's exam year she has missed just too much work to really catch up but at least she has been doing her best to show willing. It is hoped that she will at least get some exam results based on predicted grades from her work previous to being diagnosed and Holly is now talking about going to college in September to do a full time course which is just amazing. It is so good to see her looking ahead now instead of just from one day to the next, or even one hour to the next as has been the case for so long.
Tuesday 12th January 2010 from Leigh. I briefly saw Cherryl this afternoon and she asked me to run a quick update. All is going well at the moment, Holly has had a steady time which was a blessing over Christmas and New Year. Today Holly had a blood transfusion again to bring her bloods up to an acceptable level. She has been experiencing nausia and mouth blisters as a result of her 100% toxicity state. Cherryl remains very strong and it must at times be totally exhausting for her. Many of us thank God for the strength and guidance that He is giving to the whole situation that Holly and her family find themselves in. We discussed today that the hospital chaplain had been delighted to bump into Holly and Cherryl on the ward, where they chatted for about an hour and recieved communion. Your prayers and well wishes are so important to Holly and Cherryl and help to encourage and support them through the difficult times, thank you all so much. On behalf of St. Paul's
New Years Day Happy New Year 2010! I sincerely hope you all had a peaceful start to the new year as we did thankfully. Holly stayed up for the midnight celebrations which she enjoyed but is feeling a bit too tired to do much today. We had a wonderful, peaceful Christmas without any dashes to hospital which was a real bonus. Holly had more chemotherapy in Southampton inbetween Christmas and New Year and it is just beginning to take its toll today. Please prayer for pain relief for her as one of the side effects of the drugs gives her pain in her legs. She is hoping to get a bit of fresh air today out in the winter sunshine which will give a bit of a break from spending time in her bed.
Cherryl and Holly
Christmas Eve
Well, it is Christmas Eve and I have no idea where the time has gone....it just seems like yesterday that I was getting ready for last years celebrations! Of course last year none of us had any idea what 2009 would bring. We all take it for granted that each year will pass by with its usual ups and downs and never really are prepared for the unexpected. As I was baking the sauseage rolls and mince pies today, I was reminded of my Aunty who always baked loads and is sadly no longer with us. It started me thinking of all those family members who have passed away and who will not be with us this Christmas. We do seem to take it for granted that they will always be here and perhaps I have been just as guilty as so many others of not really appreciating the times we had together in the past. The newspapers are full of stories of family Christmas arguments and opportunities lost to spend quality times with loved ones. This year more than any other, I shall be enjoying every minute I can with my precious Holly and will not be taking anything for granted. My Christmas prayer to you all that you will enjoy your time with family and friends, in peace and love, and that 2010 will be a loving, fruitful one filled with good times and joy. As Holly enjoys her special Christmas with her family, she is surprisingly well despite the ravages of chemotherapy and gets through each day with extra rest and sleep. Today we had a special trip to see Leigh who spoiled her with a manicure in the hair salon and she was thrilled. My thanks go to you all for keeping us in your Prayers and to all those that have sent cards and presents for Holly. You are all my extended family and look forward to spending a healthy, peaceful New Year with you all. We shall be heading off to Southampton General on 29th December for even more chemotherapy and so I truly hope to be able to bring you good news early in the New Year of Holly's continued good progress. Until then, I wish you all a truly Happy Christmas xx
Cherryl and Holly
From Cherryl Sunday 6th December 2009 9:20am
Life has been one long round of hospital visits, home visits from community nurses, and travelling, not to mention keeping up to date with my work. I know many of you are anxious for news and I apologies for the gaps between updates lately but I just do not seem to have a minute to myself anymore. Holly is in good spirits at the moment and has coped well with this weeks chemotherapy. Her blood results have been better than expected and so she has not yet had a blood transfusion this week which is a miracle in itself. We take the opportunity to go out for some fresh air when she feels up to a short walk around the shops or just being out in the world. She has spent far too long gazing at hospital walls which she now describes as her prison cell! This morning we are off to St Marys for a blood test to ascertain if she is fit enough for tomorrows major chemotherapy appointment in Southampton General. It may be Sunday but the never ending trips to hospital carry on for us. Holly has had some good days and some bad days but she is in remarkably good shape considering all that she has been through these last three months. It is daunting to look forward to another two years of this but we will keep putting one foot in front of the other and get through this together. Your messages of prayers and love keep us going and we appreciate every one. Please keep praying for strength for Holly to keep enduring the chemotherapy which is rising in intensity over the next six weeks to reach a point of 100% toxicity on her body. Her ability to get through all this amazes me everyday and I pray that she will keep fighting through. As the Christmas time approaches I am sure you are busy with special preparations and as my donkey postbag is full to bursting with Christmas Card orders I have little time and energy left at the end of each day to write my updates but I am sure you will understand and keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Should there be any urgent changes in our situation you will be the first to know via my great friend Leigh who I know keeps you all posted with news when I am unable to get on the computer. Thank you all again for your great love and prayers.
Cherryl
From Cherryl Monday 16th November 2009 5:55pm
"This has been yet another week of up and downs for Holly...sadly more downs that ups! Last Wednesday I had an urgent dash to hospital as Holly had had a severe reaction to the constant blood transfusions that she has been having. Thankfully the hospital staff were quick to react and administered the drugs needed to counteract the effects before things got too critical. After stabilising her condition she was eventually allowed to go home....but within an hour or us arriving back through our front door, Holly's temperature rose sharply signalling an infection somewhere in her body. As she has absolutely no immunity at the moment, any infection can be potentially life threatening and even the common cold can have devastating results. So Holly was wrapped up warm in her favourite fleecy blanket and I drove her back in the middle of a black, cold, wet evening to St Marys for more treatment. The daily blood transfusions continued but was now joined by four hourly intravenous antibiotics to kill off the infection. ~then just as we thought we had everything back under control another adverse reaction struck. Two weeks ago, Holly was found to be having allergic reactions to yet another treatment that is given once a week to control a bug that attacks cancer patients which can bring the onset of pnuemonia. This time she was constantly sick and so it was agreed to give her an alternative treatment. However, yesterday I had an urgent call to hospital again as Holly had now had severe problems with this new drug also! Even the nursing staff, who have seen alot of leukemia patients in their careers agree that Holly is having the most dreadful and difficult time as each and every day brings yet more life threatening conditions and the options for which treatments to give become more restrictive each day. The doctors have advised me that Holly will be constantly monitored for a few more days now to make sure that the effects of this anti-pnuemonia drug have fully cleared her body systems before she will be allowed home again. The sum total of all these setbacks has made Holly very depressed and it is very distressing for me not knowing how to help her through some of her darkest nightmares. I am writing this today from her bedside and although she is looking a bit brighter right this minute we are all very tired and weary after such a stressful time. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she needs you all more than ever before. The leukemia treatments have had to take a back seat whilst all these other treatments are taking place and of course that has repercussions if they are not restarted very soon. On a personal level, I am in need of some healing tlc and a day free from stress and worry would be such a blessing. I am not able to bring you these updates as often as I would like but I will be back online just as soon as time and opportunity allows. Please keep us in your prayers as we need them now more than ever.
Cherryl
From Cherryl Thursday 5th November 2009 11:15pm " Yesterday was the longest day on record! Holly and I set out really early to get to a hospital appointment in Southampton General. It was only supposed to be a short visit but in the end went on for over five hours and incorporated yet more blood tests which were sent to the lab for swift results. However, as they were not back before we left for the ferry, we were told that by the time we would arrive at St Marys for the second hospital visit of the day, the results would be available. So Holly and I took a taxi back across Southampton with just minutes to spare before our planned ferry was due to leave.
As Holly finds travelling so very tiring and difficult, she was happy for me to push her in the wheelchair. Seeing that we were the last ones to head for the ferry, I decided to pick up speed and was going full pelt down the access tunnel to the redjet mis-timing the ramp at the bottom and nearly tipped Holly clean into the Solent. All the passengers already seated on the ferry gasped in horror as they witnessed my very bad wheelchair driving but Holly was laughing her head off! She then proceeded to shock everyone by deciding to get up out of the chair and walk to her seat as she thought it was probably the safest option! It was just like a scene from Little Britain and Holly and I laughed all the way back across the solent.
On arrival at St Mary's we had a long wait as the blood results were still not available. When they did finally arrive, they showed a strange result so it was decided to redo the tests to see what was going on. After much debate it was decided that we should return home for the night to return to St Marys in the morning for another transfusion. After such a long day it was so nice to get home and have something to eat and just as we were finishing dinner, the phone rang. The results showed that we needed to get Holly back into hospital within the hour for an emergency transfusion! So we turned out again in the cold night air and drove back to the hospital for our third visit of the day! Holly was back on a transfusion drip by midnight and stayed the night in St Marys. I fell into bed exhausted at 3am but sleep didnt come that easily as the emergency dash to hospital was again to avert yet another life threatening condition, and the worry just was too overwhelming to cope with. Today is Thursday and I have just found out that Holly is to be on transfusions almost daily for the next two to three weeks. These are vital to stabilise her condition again and to avert more extreme problems with her blood levels.
Please keep us in your prayers over this most difficult of times. It would be usual at this time of year for us all to be out and about Christmas shopping but I have a feeling that that wont be quite the same for us this year....our Christmas present would definitely be a turn around in Holly's condition and I pray that her miracle will arrive real soon. The stress on her family is enormous so please send them all some healing light too. I must finish this now but will endeavour to find a moment to update you all again soon as I know so many of you are anxious to know how Holly is progressing on a daily basis.
Thank you ALL again for your precious prayers. Saturday 31st October 2009 11.30pm Today I went to see Holly and Cherryl at home. It has been some time since I have had the chance to see Holly and Cherryl and especially with Holly's recent stay in Southampton which meant all visiting was almost impossible. I was surprised to see Holly in good spirits after what has been a dreadful couple of weeks, having said that it has understandably taken its toll on her health. It was time for the short haircut to remove all of the falling hair - one which was a brave move for Holly. During the time I was there her nurse came, and after giving some treatment decided that Holly needed to go into St. Mary's for a realignment of the temporary line which is currently in her arm. Holly was so exhausted that she had to have a sleep before Cherryl took her in for a long day ahead, one which was not planned. I can see that this sort of unplanned visit causes stress and upset. Please keep Holly in your prayers especially praying that she manages to get the necessary rest needed to withstand the current treatment regime. Holly and Cherryl send their love... Leigh. From Cherryl Friday 23rd October 2009 11:20pm
"Well, what a week it has been!" I know that Leigh has been keeping you up to speed with all the terrible events of the last few days but I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you more. It has been so long since I have been able to get online for a variety of reasons but have managed to get a connection on my laptop tonight so this is live from Southampton General Hospital.
Cherryl
 Conversation with Cherryl Thursday 22nd October 2009 22:35pm More Amazing Miracles
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Job 9:10 NIV
Dear Friends, Just come off of the telephone with Cherryl, who despite being very tired, is amazed at how the week has panned out. As many of you know Holly was very sick and fear set in as to which way things might develop. However, God's army, having heard the news, set to in prayer and the Lord answered in such a powerful way that we are all reminded of His Love for his people. He has most certainly answered prayer and performed miracles in Holly's recovery. On Tuesday, within 1 hour Holly was eating for the first time in 3 weeks, vomiting had subsided and the paralysis was lifting allowing her to move her arm. Today has seen her walking unaided! The nurses are coming to visit her as they hear of her amazing recovery, a recovery that is at a speed that is not seen. It is all down to our wonderful Lord Jesus, who's name we lift on high as He is glorified through the adversties of Holly's condition and her treatment. If all goes well Holly will be home for the weekend for a few days. Cherryl can't thank you all enough for your prayers that have covered them and surrounded them both in love and freindship. Bless you.
Text from Cherryl Tuesday 20th October 2009 22:54pm Amazing Miracles Holly is improving in leaps and bounds. Today Holly had physio to learn to walk again. Her mood is great except for the huge fear of fitting again! Prayer is working amazing miracles and nursing staff are saying how amazing her recovery rate is! We are settling in for the night now with angels watching over and standing guard. Thank you all for your prayers and please keep them coming xx Love Cherryl and Holly. xx Reflection: Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version)
31 but those who hope in the LORD Amen Tuesday 20th October 2009 9:45am As some of you are aware the weekend has been a very worrying time. Holly has many effects from the clot on her brain one of which is continuous vomiting. This does now seem to be more under control. Thank you all for your prayers and continued support. Last evening was the first mail that I have received that read that Holly has has a better day, these small glimmers of improvment give hope. Cherryl is caring for holly almost 24/7 so I will be updating for the next few days on her behalf. Prayer request;
Leigh Saturday 17th October 2009 10:30 pm Please Pray! Holly was taken to Southampton earlier today for a scan which has shown that she has a blood clot on her brain. Please can we all pray for her recovery. Thank you all From St. Paul's Thursday 15th October 2009 10:00am Dear Friends, Unfortunately, things have not gone to plan and Holly has not been well enough to go across to Southampton for her operation to fit her line. A temperature has set in and the risk of such an operation will be too great during this time, a 5 day IV antibiotic has now been set up to counteract this set back, results of cultures are awaited. As you will have read before, it is the pressure on Holly's veins that the operation was going to relieve, so until such time that the operatain can go ahead safely, they have just managed to find a suitable vein in her foot as all others have collapsed, so soon options may run out. Holly has not been able to eat or drink fluids now for a week the constant sickness and headaches are taking their toll and as yet the medication seems not to be effecive in relieveing her symptoms. This has resulted in her moving into a deep depression as all emotional, physical and mental strains take their toll on her. Please do pray for the following:
Thank you Leigh On behalf of St. Paul's Barton From Cherryl Tuesday 13th October 2009 11:30pm
"Today the sun is streaming through the hospital window today reminding me just how amazing the weather is at the moment despite it being well into October. Holly is sleeping just now so I thought I would take the opportunity to write a short update to you from my laptop. Sadly the broadband is still not on at home but I hope that will be rectified in the near future.
Cherryl
From Cherryl Monday 12th October 2009 7:30pm Well I have just left Holly in St. Mary's to come home and get some food after a very long day. Holly was admitted this morning after a terrible week of sickness which reached a pitch this morning where Holly was unable to keep down any fluids. On calling the hospital I was told that she needed to be admitted so that was that. I think that Holly is the worst she has been in the whole ten weeks today and as a result she has been put into strict isolation. All anti sickness medications are not working which is so frustrating, as a result the vomiting has irrirtated Holly's stomach making it hard for her to eat and drink. Holly has lost 5lb in fluids and is now on a drip to help rehydrate. Tomorrow will begin with a blood transfusion which will last for 48hrs, in the hope that this will stabalise Holly for the journey to Southampton by ambulance for the operation to fit her line. Chemotherapy will take place over Thursday and Friday before returning to St. Mary's for admisiion to asses the lines function and to watch for infection. The line will be fitted under general anasthetic and infection will be a very real danger so please pray for her protection and healing in order for this opeation to take place. Please pray for my strength as Holly undertandably looks to me for reassurance, it is so hard seeing her like this. My internet wil be up and running soon as my broadband was connected today, so my updates will be more regular again. Thank you all so much for your support and please look back again for further updates and prayer requests this week. God bless
Cherryl. xx From Cherryl and Holly Monday 5th October 2009 11:10pm Firstly I must aplologise for not updating you all before today, but communications have been severly restricted over the past few days. Not only have my broadband, house phone and mobile phone been down, but even the carrier pidgeons have gone on strike! I have had to resort to good old paper and pen to update you via Leigh. Hopefully I will be back to daily updating in about 10 days time when the broadband will be firing on all cylinders again. Holly has been very ill these past few days. As you will have read, she was admitted to St. Mary's on Thursday with a suspected infection. She was put on an antibiotic drip immediately on arrival whilst the blood cultures were processed to gain more information as to her condition. After 48 hours the cultures came back negative showing that she was actually free from infection which was a wonderful result. However, her condition has continued to deteriorate over the weekend and nursing staff have concluded that she is feeling so ill from the accumulative effects of so much chemotherapy that has been building in intensity over the past eight weeks. Holly is now at home again but is still very weak. She has severe bouts of dizziness and sickness and frequently needs help just to walk a few steps. Her body is so full of poison that it makes my heart break to see her so ill. She is very much more depressed now and her tears mix with mine when I hold her tight to comfort her through the worst times. Her only words at such moments are "I just want to be well again!" It hurts me to even write about her pain and suffering. Please pray that her healing will manifest in her body quickly and relieve her from depression soon. With in the next two weeks we shall be travelling to Southampton General to have the rescheduled operation to insert the permanent line into Holly's vein in her arm to provide a temporary port. However, Holly's veins are now so fragile that it can take three ro four attempts to get a canular fitted as her veins collapse so easily. On Friday it took five hours to get a canular fitted, a job which should take just a couple of minutes to achieve. Her resulting stress and bruising can take its toll which is why it will be a major improvement to have a permenant port fitted under general anasthetic in the near future. Soon after her port has been fitted, the more aggressive chemotherapy regime begins. This will continue until after Christmas and into the New Year. Holly has told me that she is dreading this part of her treatment plan as she realises just how much more ill she will be, especially when full toxicity is reached over the Christmas period. I know that many people are still praying daily for Holly and I once again thankyou for all your love and support. Please continue to pray over the issues that I have highlighted in this update and I feel that Holly needs extra love and protection at this time. She has no immunity physically but it almost feels as if she neds immunity to fight spiritual forces that are working against us at the moment. To those who understand what I am trying to explaine, I would ask you to please pray into that situation to give Holly the strength and protection that she and all her family desperately need. I will update you again as soon as the carrier pidgeons are back in action again. Thank you for continuing to read the updates and for your daily prayers and wonderful messages of love and support.
Until the next time,
Cherryl and Holly. xx Set Back! From St. Paul's Thursday 1st October 2009 8:00pm Dear Friends, Yesterday saw the last of the chemotherapy for 2 weeks, giving a welcome break for both Holly and Cherryl from all of the traveling and treatment. That was to change quickly. Sadly I have to report that Holly has experienced a serous set back. I have just spoken with Cherryl from the hospital where she and Holly have been all day after Holly was admitted this morning. Holly was not feeling well this morning so was taken to hospital. It transpires that she has an infection for which she may need IV antibiotics for up to 3 weeks. Any kind of infection is very serious for Holly as she has no immunity and therefore no ability to fight infection, hence she is in isolation. You can all imagine that this is a very worrying time for the family. Cherryl still has no internet access, so for the meantime I will update you all with her words. Please concentrate prayer on Holly's infection which at this stage is still undiagnosed, we should know more when tests are back. Thank you all Leigh for St. Paul's
From Cherryl Monday 29th September 2009 1:20pm Hello All, Just a quick update as things are very busy! Holly and I are in Southampton today and Holly is having another small operation. The weekend was not great and holly was very sick, so we are just moving on from that and looking ahead. I have had very limited internet access so updates have been difficult, but will write more as the week goes on and keep you all up to date with events. Once again thank you all for your love, prayers and support. Cherryl. xx From Cherryl and Holly Thursday 24th Septemeber 2009 11:00pm
"Today did not exactly go to plan. Just ten seconds after leaving port on the ferry this morning for our trip to Southampton General, we received a call from the hospital saying that Holly's operation had been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances! As a consequence we had a very frustrating day going nowhere in particular. The operation is being re-schuduled but we are not sure when. We ended up going onto the ward for a few blood tests and eventually got back on the ferry at 4pm this afternoon. However, Holly has had a very peaceful, stress free day and is looking good. We are back in St Mary's Friday for chemotherapy before having the sad task of attending a funeral. The day after Holly was rushed by air ambulance in August, her boyfriend's uncle was also taken into Southampton General diagnosed with leukemia. Sadly, he died last Saturday and our thoughts and love go to his family and many friends. Holly has asked to pay her respects to a man of whom she has fond memories as he was a very happy, positive, jokey man who always made you laugh. God Bless You Patrick, you were a lovely man loved by so many.
Cherryl and Holly
From Cherryl Wednesday 23rd September 2009 11:05pm
"Thankfully, today has been a much less hectic and stressful day. Holly completed a further six hours blood transfusions today and she is now bouncing around like a budgie on trill! It is amazing what a few units of precious blood can do to a body. Tomorrow we are off to Southampton General for a two day stay as she is being fitted with a "line". This is a small device which is put into Hollys chest under general anaesthetic. This device will allow her to receive treatments etc much easier in the future. The skin grows over the line which will be inserted into her heart and larger veins in her chest. It is a standard procedure and will be usable for up to two years which will make life considerable easier for Holly in her treatment programme. I will write again tomorrow from Southampton General when I am sure that I will be reporting that the operation has been successful.
Cherryl
From St. Paul's Tuesday 22nd September 2009 11:30pm Dear Friends, The day has taken its toll on both Holly and Cherryl and from a conversation I had with Cherryl late this evening it seems that plans for the weeks treatment will be tough. Today Holly had her operation with just a local anasthetic, which must have been very brave, in the hope that the proceedure would mean less of a recovery and a shorter visit. Unfortunately, due to considerable delays and timings not being met in Southampton, on returning late to St. Mary's it only allowed time for one unit of blood being administered meaning that more will have to be done during the day tomorrow. On Thursday Holly will be having a central line fitted in Southampton allowing drugs to be administered more easily which will mean an overnight stay in Southapton returning on Friday. It seems clear that it is impossible for Cheryyl to make bookings on ferries and plan around transport etc to make sure that Holly can be transported quickly and in comfort. Timings and schedules at the hospitals seem to move all the time which must prove to be stressfull, especialy when it has a knock on effect to the following days treatment. Our prayer coverage is vital and I thank you all for your love and committment to Holly and Cherryl in following these updates over the weeks. Target prayer for this week please;
Thank you all, Leigh for St. Paul's Church
From Cherryl and Holly Tuesday 22nd September 2009 9:15am
"It has been a very long, hot day for the Clarke household today so I apologise for the lateness of this update. Holly and I were looking forward to a hospital-free day but things didnt exactly go to plan. The community nurses rang first thing to say that they needed to take a blood test from Holly and were good enough to come to my office this morning to save a trip to hospital. However, the test results meant that the phone rang late this afternoon to say that Holly's blood counts were very low and so they wanted us to go into hospital this evening to repeat them. So we spent an hour in St Marys and the second lot of results confirmed that Holly now needs a blood transfusion to bring her levels back up to an acceptable level. So on Tuesday we shall be going to Southampton General for 8am for the lumbar puncture operation, and some chemotherapy before returning on the afternoon redjet to spend a further 7 hours at St Marys on a blood transfusion drip! I know Holly is getting used to hospital food but that is taking things a step too far! Anyway, it has to be done so I ask you all to keep us in your prayers during this very long day. The rest of this week is already scheduled with daily trips to St Marys for chemotherapy when we hope to be let off the medical leash for the coming weekend. Holly is fairly well today but still very tired. Hopefully the transfusion will fill her veins with fresh, perfect blood which will literally give her a shot in the arm. The chemotherapy on Tuesday is a particularly aggressive mixture especially when combined with the daily intravenous chemotherapy and Holly tends to suffer with headaches after treatment. It is so amazing to think that in the scheme of things, all this poison that is being pumped into her on a daily basis whether it be directly into her spinal and brain fluids, or into her veins, or orally by mouth only results in some tiredness and headaches. It is very humbling when you think of the various moans and groans we all express with something much more trivial, and then to see Holly taking everything in her stride is just awesome to witness. I know I keep repeating myself by thanking you all for your love, support and prayers but we are truly inspired by you all, your show of love and concern takes us by surprise each and every day. So I make no apologies for saying thank you again here today.
Cherryl and Holly
Thank you! From Cherryl and Holly Friday 18th September 2009 10.30pm
"Thank you Thank you Thank you for all your wonderful messages following yesterday's amazing, wonderful news. God is such a good God and His love for Holly shines from her face today. Her spirits have been lifted so high since the phone call confirming that she is indeed in remission and she looks just full of health and joy today.
Cherryl and Holly
Praise God for He is Amazing! From Cherryl Thursday 17th September 2009 12:15pm "I have just received a phone call from Southampton General advising us of the good news that Holly is confirmed as being "in remission". This is just the most wonderful news and praise God, he has worked his most amazing miracle. This news means that we shall be progessing further on the Regimen C protocol for the higher strength chemotherapy for the next two years instead of looking at a bone marrow transplant at the current time. Holly is obviously very happy at the news despite being extremely tired today. We are just about to leave for another chemo session at St Mary's so I apologise for not writing more, but I just wanted you all to know the wonderful news.
Thank you for all your prayers
Cherryl
From Cherryl and Holly Wednesday 16th September 2009 10:35pm
I know from my emails and texts from today, that so many of you are anxious for news regarding Holly's bone marrow test results and no-one is more anxious to know the answers that me. However, I'm afraid we are still awaiting news from the consultants and so it will be Thursday at the earliest before we hear anything further. I understand that they are still doing various tests on the bone marrow to fully ascertain a complete analysis and so we must be patient another day for news. Rest assured that once the results are known, I will make sure they are posted on this site.
As for today, well Holly did manage to go into school for a short time before coming home too tired to continue before lunchtime. We then went to St Mary's hospital for another chemotherapy session which will be repeated again tomorrow and Friday so it seems like we will have to get used to hospital food for some time to come! Still if it means that Holly is fit and well as a result then it is worth the endless hours of treatment. Holly is looking remarkable well considering but does find it difficult to find enough energy to keep her going through the day.....therefore please pray for her strength to be renewed, for the treatment to be successful, and of course for the bone marrow results to be 100% perfect showing Holly in complete remission at this stage in her treatment plan. I cant believe that we are still only in week 5/6 of the treatment with at least another two years in front of us at the very minimum, so please pray that I may be more patient and have the strength to walk with Holly through this gruelling process with a smile and a confident, positive, faith-filled attitude that will lift Holly's spirits when she starts to get tired.
Cherryl and Holly xxx
From Cherryl and Holly Tuesday 15th September 2009 1:56pm 'An Important Day'
" Holly has had a relaxing weekend following the wonderful news received on Friday evening. Today we are back in Southampton General for a repeat Bone Marrow testing and six hours chemotherapy treatment. I apologise for not updating this site over the weekend but I have been ill with a cold and was laid up in bed for a few days. As Holly has no immunity at the moment, she had to spend the weekend away from home to avoid my germs! She did go to school for a few hours yesterday and had a wonderful time getting back into the swing of things. All her schoolfriends and teachers were so welcoming and supportive and although she was nervous at the start of school, by lunchtime she felt right at home again. Today we had an early start again to get to Southampton General, and I am typing this from Holly's bedside. She is on a drip for the next six hours receiving chemotherapy and so things are shaping up to be a very long day for all of us. We are not yet sure when this mornings test results will be back but rest assured that I will relay them onto you just as soon as it possible.
From St. Paul's Tuesday 15th September 2009 9:30am Please keep Holly in your thoughts and prayers today as she undergoes further tests to determin her bone marrow %.
Thank you all.
From Cherryl and Holly Friday 11th September 2009 7:40pm Praise God Some Very Promising News! "Thanks to Sue P praying that we would hear the results of the Bone Marrow today and not on Monday, I received a wonderful call from our Consultant from Southampton General whilst we were travelling back on the ferry this evening. She was delighted to tell me that Hollys bone marrow reading had reduced from 63% of three weeks ago down to just 3%!!! This means that she is not technically in remission but that they will be repeating the bone marrow op on Tuesday by which time she should be producing her own healthy bone marrow to show that she is indeed in remission. This is just the most amazing news and I wanted to let you all know as soon as possible to show that the prayers are being answered and that just one last push towards Tuesday will bring the whole miracle into reality.
Thank you to each and every one of you from both Holly and I, and it is with great joy that I wish you all a marvellous, happy, peaceful, healthy, joyous weekend.
Cherryl & Holly xxx
From Cherryl Thursday 10th September 2009 9:45pm
"Tonight Holly and I are on the ferry heading once again for Southampton General. Tomorrow (Friday) is a big day for Holly as you will know, as the Day 28 lumber puncture/bone marrow tests and chemotherapy are fast approaching. Holly has felt more under strain this evening and the emotions are starting to surface. She is a bright girl and fully realises that the next few hours and days are crucial in deciding which way the next course of treatment is going to take us. She has been so very strong up to now but she can no longer hide the worry of facing a possible bone marrow transplant. To hold her tight and just be here for her is all I can do, but sometimes it just feels so inadequate. I know that all your prayers will be knocking on heaven's door as you read this and I know that your prayers will not go unanswered. We are in theatre sometime Friday morning, and there is a chance that we shall hear the results before the end of the day. If not, then we have a long wait over the weekend before we get the results on Monday. I know that you have all focused your prayer time over the last 27 days on Holly's healing and full recovery, and we do so appreciate hearing from many of you of your extraordinary times in prayer as a result. I feel that I must include my email address here so that you can contact me direct with your thoughts and prayers, as we need to hear and feel your love and support all the more now. You may not always get a direct reply, but please leave your messages at the following address cherrylclarke@hotmail.com
Cherryl
From Cherryl Tuesday 8th September 2009 10:10pm
"Today was a lovely day with great weather and a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy some quality time together. After a spot of retail therapy Holly and I had lunch before heading back to St Marys hospital for a full MOT check up in preparation for the lumber puncture operation and chemotherapy to come on Friday. A thorough examination of all Holly's blood chemistry and physical condition resulted in a marvellous report showing that Holly's current condition is excellent in the scheme of things. The medical staff were more than happy with things which put a big smile on Holly's face. This evening we attended a friends BBQ and spent some time relaxing with family and a whole host of friends which was the perfect way for Holly to spend the rest of today. She is now fast asleep and it would be a Godsend if she has another complete night's rest as she did last night. They have been very few and far between to date so it would be good to know that she has had a full nights sleep.
As the end of the week approaches, a mixture of emotions is building..... on the one hand it will be good to finally get the Day 28 test underway, but conversely that also brings the results that much closer too! It may be that the results will be available by the end of Friday, if not then we shall have to wait the entire weekend to await the results on Monday. I know so many of you have been praying about these results and I urge you to keep focusing on this issue to bring about the 0% reading that would be Holly's major miracle. As we are away for a couple of days now, it may be that I will not be able to update you again now until the results are in, but rest assured that I will bring them to you just as soon as I can.
Until then, thank you for all your love, support and daily prayers....
Cherryl
From Cherryl Tuesday 8th September 2009 7:00am "It is difficult to know what to write tonight as I am still taking in the events of yesterday. Thank you to those that have contacted me today in so many ways, either on the phone, email or to chat in my office. The numbers of readers on this site are steadily rising and it is wonderful to know that so many people care. Holly has had a quiet day with the family, but did manage to make a short visit to school to catch up with her many friends and teachers. She was surrounded by friends who came to just hug her and give her their love and support. She is hoping to have enough energy to start back to school soon if only for a couple of hours a day. The staff at Sandown High have been so supportive and are doing everything they can to make Holly's final year before exams as successful and stressfree as possible. Thank you again for all your wonderful prayers...please keep focused on this Fridays treatment and bone marrow results."
Until tomorrow....
Cherryl
From Cherryl Sunday 6th September 2009 8:30pm
'Amazing Grace'
"This morning Holly and I attended church for the first time since she was taken ill. It was so lovely to be back with so many friends and members of our church family. As has become the norm in this church, so much of the sermon and worship songs speak directly into peoples lives and needs. Today was no exception. As the service progressed Holly whispered that she was feeling tired and as I sat hugging her in the centre of the church congregaton, my tears started to flow. We were cocooned in a wave of love, prayers and worship and I could contain my emotions no more. Nearly four weeks of stress poured out with those tears and as Holly remarked afterwards, it was the best possible place to release them. My hands shook as we knelt for Holy Communion and the symbolism of taking bread and wine has never been so vivid and meaningful. After the service we were offered prayer and we sat quietly to one side of the church. As those around us started to pray, I strained to hear their words....the church was noisy with children playing and adults enjoying their coffee and the words were lost in the throng. I silently prayed that the words, although not heard, would touch Holly and bring her their healing power. In was put in my mind that Holly was being washed in the blood and that Jesus was replacing Holly's blood with his. As one lady took Holly's hands in hers, another gave me a word of confirmation saying that Jesus was washing Holly's blood and giving His blood in healing. It was taking time for me to process all that had been said as we were leaving the church but once outside in the sunshine, I was just amazed at what Holly shared with me, and she wants me to share this with you all too. She explained that as the lady took her hands to pray, she felt a prickling sensation in her hands. She saw Jesus hand her his crown...a crown of thorns, and the prickling was from the thorns. She realised that there must be Jesus blood on the crown and that He was handing her His blood with the crown. This was just so, so amazing to hear and I cannot explain the joy I felt at the moment. What a wonderful encounter with God, and what a way to receive such peace and love, and God's healing. What Amazing Grace!
Cherryl xx From Cherryl Saturday 5th September 2009 8:54pm
"The days seem to be flying by and next week's lumber puncture test is fast approaching. Holly has been coping so well with her treatment but the last 24 hours have been more emotional for her as the affects of the chemotherapy have taken their toll. We were warned of all the various ways that Holly's health and emotional wellbeing would be affected but hearing the theory and taking the practical are two vastly differing things. Sometimes she laughs her way through, but at other times all I can do is hold her tight and we cry together. It seems strange that we have been in full knowledge of the leukemia for over three weeks, but suddenly it is like the reality and enormity of her condition has only just dawned on us all. We all take just one day at a time, and tonight Holly has gone out with some friends to enjoy some girlie time at the local carnival. I try not to treat her with kid gloves but letting her out of my sight is like taking a youngster to school for the first time and having to leave them at the school gates. I know that all your prayers keep her safe and protected and that God's healing power will turn this whole thing around for Holly's good. Please pray for continued strength, healing and wisdom. Thank you to all you that read this update. I know that there were over 1400 who logged on last weekend alone to read of Holly's progress which is just amazing. It gives me so much encouragement to know that so many care. Focussed prayer for the weekend ahead please:
Love to you all, Cherryl. xx
From Cherryl 3rd September 2009 10:15pm
"Today was a very long day waiting for treatment at the hospital. Holly and I travelled over on an early ferry only to have to sit and wait four hours before the chemotherapy was available to administer. By the time we left the hospital tonight, we felt like we had been there two days! Nevermind, I guess the important thing is that Holly did indeed receive her treatment and is now resting in bed. The chemotherapy is a building process and it gradually takes a hold on the body to do its work from the inside out. It pains me to see Holly starting to feel the strain of so many different chemicals entering her body in so many various ways, and I feel powerless to help her through the process. I know that a good nights sleep will help to heal some of todays effects and pray that she does indeed get her sleep. The steroids still make her extremely hungry and every night she wakes at 3 or 4am and starts eating for another couple of hours before collapsing back into bed to catch up on some more sleep. I so wish I could take her place and the agony of not being able to takes its toll on me too. I can only face one day at a time and cannot imagine just what goes through Holly's mind. Although she is extremely resiliant, positive girl, every so often she goes quiet and turns to sleep to blot out the thoughts that travel through her mind. Please pray that her strength both physically, emotionally and mentally will be renewed each and every day and that God's light will shine on her to keep her from seeing the blacker side of this situation that she finds herself plunged into. I have been encouraged yet again today with cards coming through the post, and emails sending your love, prayers and support. Please keep in touch and I thank you again for all your wonderful prayers.
Cherryl
From Cherryl 1st September 2009 8:45am
"Wow, what a great time was had by all the family at the Grand Donkey Day Out event yesterday. Holly was the guest of honour and arrived at the stage in style in a stretch limo to a flurry of photographers and was given the star treatment when she went on stage to draw the summer raffle. She took it all in her stride and looked a million dollars. It was such a morale booster for all of us to see her so well and happy and enjoying all the attention. For my part, I have never known a day like it with so many people wanting to give their support, words of encouragement and it certainly was a day of hugs and love.
Cherryl
xx   
Dear Friends I would like to extend a warm thank you for all of the support you have given Holly and Cherryl over the past 18 days. Since this page has been live, so many lovely people have read and given of their time to think about and pray for the situation that Holly and her family find themselves in. Many of you will know these lovely people, many of you may not, but your thoughts and prayers are just as meaningful and important. I have the opportunity to speak with Cherryl regularly and receive her updates daily which are all here for you to read. I can't begin to tell you just how much they are getting from your support, I can only imagine that when things get tough you need to know that others care and are somehow with you. The Lord has been amazing throughout all of this, we all know that He is working his miracles daily, for which we are so very grateful not only for Holly but for so many others faced with this illness. At this present time the one most important prayer would still be for the Bone Marrow % to read 0% when the test is carried out. Time is nearing and I would ask that we all concentrate on this very important prayer, giving it our thought and consideration throughout the whole of this week. Once again thank you and I pray that you will all continue to find the time to use this page to keep updated. Leigh. From Cherryl 30th August 2009 10:00pm
"Holly had a great days fun at the Sanctuary today and it was the first day she has been to the farm since before her diagnosis. It was wonderful to see her out with her friends and family enjoying the Grand Donkey Day Out. So many people commented on just how well she looks and were pleased to see her out of hospital for the weekend. I am sure she will be back at the farm tomorrow for the bank holiday fund raising event after a good nights sleep to recover after all the excitement and fresh air. Seeing her so well and happy just shows how all your prayers are being answered and I cant stress enough how much we need your prayers to continue their healing work. She is a living testimony to God's goodness and love, and the strength and power of your prayers touch and protect us every moment of every day. Until tomorrow....."
Cherryl
xx
Focussed prayer please for:
Enjoy the sunshine and have a great Bank Holiday weekend Until tomorrow....
Cherryl
xxx
From Cherryl 26th August 2009 10:59pm
"Today has been a good day being home with Holly. She has loved being back here and enjoyed spending time with the family and on facebook talking to friends. There was a time when I would have been a bit wary of her spending time on Facebook, but it has been a wonderful way for Holly to keep in touch with her many school friends and they have been so supportive sending positive messages of love and friendship.
Cherryl
From Cherryl 25th August 2009 9:15pm "Hello everyone from Brading!! Holly was transferred to the Island on Monday afternoon and stayed the night in the St Mary's hospital childrens ward. Today she was allowed to finally come home for a couple of days and she can't wait to sleep in her own bed tonight. It is great to have her home and things seem a bit surreal. It is quite daunting remembering all the instructions that have been given to me by both hospitals as to her daily care, in particular working my way through a carrier bag of different tablets to give her at different times of the day in different combinations! I didnt realise quite what a responsibility it would be to make sure that I give her all the care she needs on my own after having a whole team of professionals to do that over the last two weeks. I got in such a flap working out her first batch of tablets to take that I ended up ringing Southampton General to talk me through the process over the phone. I couldn't bear the thought of giving her the wrong combination of medication particularly where they all seem to have conflicting side effects. They were very patient with me on the phone and I now feel more confident with the whole process.
Please focus on the following in prayer:
Thank you all so very much, Cherryl. xxx From Cherryl 23rd August 23:25pm "Hi everyone, today has been a day of highs and lows for me. It was wonderful to take a trip out with Holly into the New Forest, and spend time in the fresh air, beautiful countryside and to share a meal together. The sun was shining and Holly loved being out and about for a few hours. She is on tenderhooks tonight anxious to know if we will indeed be transferred back to St Marys on Monday. A final decision will be made in the morning and I know that Holly will be so disappointed if the transfer doesnt go ahead for whatever reason. After we finally made it back to the hospital this evening, Holly picked up one of the many sheets of information that we have been given since we have been here and started to ask questions. I realised that she had picked up some hospital notes dictated by her consultant in preparation for our possible transfer to St Marys. A copy of the notes had been given to us as we are kept informed every step of the way. I was relieved that Holly didnt make it to page 3 of the highly techical, medical notes which gave a summary of her prognosis. It made very difficult reading for me and tonight it has been difficult to keep cheerful and positive.
Until tomorrow xxx
From Cherryl and Holly 22nd August 11:01pm
"Holly had a great day out in the West Quay shopping centre and we did come home with some new shoes which was only to be expected. Holly's Dad and I enjoyed some quality time with her on her own which is a bit of a rarity lately with so many visitors most days. It was good to take her for a slap up meal with all the trimmings which she enjoyed immensely. Tomorrow we are able to go out again for a few hours so I think a trip to the cinema is planned. She is a bit tired tonight understandably, but she did manage to write a few words before we went out.
'A Thankyou from Holly' "Thank you to everyone who is following my updates and praying for me. I am feeling really well today and looking forward to going out shopping, or even just walking down the street. I hope to be enjoying a meal in a restaurant later which will be a change from hospital food. I have decided that I will not be needing a bone marrow transplant because I am well enough not to have one! All your prayers will ensure that this is the case. Mum and I go to the chapel each day and light a candle and we open the bible to see what God has to say each day. It is always relevant to me in a good way. I hope to see you all again soon back on the Island. Thank you again and please keep reading the daily updates.
Bye for now, Holly xxx!
Cherryl
From Cherryl 21st August 2009 10:48pm
We are hoping to get Holly transferred to St Marys hospital on the Island on Monday for a couple of days before returning here to Southampton on Thursday for more chemotherapy etc.
Well, I must thank you all again for all your emails, cards, ecards, texts and calls. I know that many people of following Holly's progress online and the prayers that are going up for Holly, her family, and the wonderful staff here at the hospital are amazing and are a great comfort to us...please keep them coming.
Cherryl
From Cherryl 21st August 2009am
I am sat here at 8.55am in Holly's room waiting for her surgery to begin. As things are running late, which is the norm for hospital life as you will all know Im sure, so Holly is still asleep. She needs a transfusion of platelets before she can have surgery now to prevent any risk of bleeding throughout the procedure. Her platelets are too low again for the blood to clot so she will have some before surgery. Whilst things are quiet I took the opportunity to open the message bible (new testament and psalms) which I carry with me in my handbag....along with everything else that a woman needs to get through the day! I opened the bible to find the following passage from Mark 5 21-43. This was God's morning message to me and I just felt I had to share it with you all. God is such a good God and I thank Him for being here with us through every heartbeat, every breath, every moment giving His healing power and love. A Risk of Faith
30At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, "Who touched my robe?" 31His disciples said, "What are you talking about? With this crowd pushing and jostling you, you're asking, 'Who touched me?' Dozens have touched you!" 32-33But he went on asking, looking around to see who had done it. The woman, knowing what had happened, knowing she was the one, stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story. 34Jesus said to her, "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague." 35While he was still talking, some people came from the leader's house and told him, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?" 36Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, "Don't listen to them; just trust me." 37-40He permitted no one to go in with him except Peter, James, and John. They entered the leader's house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn't dead; she's sleeping." Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn't know what he was talking about. 40-43But when he had sent them all out, he took the child's father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child's room. He clasped the girl's hand and said, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, get up." At that, she was up and walking around! This girl was twelve years of age. They, of course, were all beside themselves with joy. He gave them strict orders that no one was to know what had taken place in that room. Then he said, "Give her something to eat."
Love Cherryl. x
From Cherryl 20th August 2009 10:30pm Hello All, "Holly has fallen asleep three hours earlier tonight after a very tiring day. This morning at 9am she was having a heart scan which went well. Then she had a long morning with lots of visitors from school to keep her busy. This afternoon she had some major chemotherapy treatment and then later this evening they let her out in the wheelchair for a few wheelies round the car park to get some fresh air. She has an early start on Friday morning as she is first on the operation list for a lumber puncture and chemo op at 9am! Hopefully she will awaken from the anesthetic giggling like she did on Tuesday and will be back to her old self by lunchtime.
Well tomorrow is another day and I will write again with news. Thank you everyone for each and every prayer, and for your love and support throughout the long days". "I treasure every email and text. " Please continue to pray for:
Love Cherryl. x From Cherryl 19th August 2009 10:49pm Good Evening! The days seem to stretch into infinity at the moment and this is the first chance I have had today to send you all some news! Briefly it is as follows:
So to summarise, we are relying upon you all to pray 'big' prayers for Holly, your prayers ARE being answered so please do keep up that wonderful support. I can't put into words how grateful we are. Thank you all. Important focused prayer for:
God bless, Cherryl. x
From Cherryl 18th August 2009 10:30pm Hello Everyone, Thank you all for your prayers for Holly's operation, I am pleased to say that all went well and Holly is feeling OK. Tomorrow we hope to have the results from the tests taken last week and this mornings tests taken during the operaion, following this Holly will need to have a Heart and Kidney scan soon to check for damage caused by the Leukaemia. I have had the first bit of quiet time with my lovely daughter which was great. Life is busy with people coming and going so was nice to take a walk and some time to reflect on the past week. Please continue to pray for:
Love to you all, will update you all tomorrow. Cherryl. x
From Leigh 17th August 2009 11:30pm It was an absolute pleasure to travel across to Southampton with Cherryl this afternoon to visit Holly. It was especially nice to be greeted by a happy, confident and calm Holly who was surrounded by her school friends who had visited her today. Due to the chemotherapy treatment, Holly has been told that she will loose her hair. So scissors to the rescue, I cut a new look for Holly that will be more manageable during this process, a new look that Holly was very happy with. However, I must add, knowing that you will agree, Holly would look good in a paper bag - my life was made easy by this simple fact! Tomorrow Holly will be having an operation under GA and the results will give the doctors and specialists a clear pathway for her future treatment. Cherryl has asked that this be a focus of your prayer. Cherryl is certain that your prayers have and will continue to be a vital part of recovery for her lovely daughter, thank you each and every one of you. Please continue to pray for:
Thank you all, Leigh
.
Please may we ask for your urgent prayers for Holly, Cherryl's daughter. Holly has just been air lifted to Southampton General Hospital for a blood transfusion having unexpectedly been diagnosed with Leukaemia only this afternoon. Do pray for the Lord's healing touch upon her at this time and for Cherryl and the rest of the family. We will keep you updated as soon as we have any more information.
"Today was a very long day waiting for treatment at the hospital. Holly and I travelled over on an early ferry only to have to sit and wait four hours before the chemotherapy was available to administer. By the time we left the hospital tonight, we felt like we had been there two days! Nevermind, I guess the important thing is that Holly did indeed receive her treatment and is now resting in bed. The chemotherapy is a building process and it gradually takes a hold on the body to do its work from the inside out. It pains me to see Holly starting to feel the strain of so many different chemicals entering her body in so many various ways, and I feel powerless to help her through the process. I know that a good nights sleep will help to heal some of todays effects and pray that she does indeed get her sleep. The steroids still make her extremely hungry and every night she wakes at 3 or 4am and starts eating for another couple of hours before collapsing back into bed to catch up on some more sleep. I so wish I could take her place and the agony of not being able to takes its toll on me too. I can only face one day at a time and cannot imagine just what goes through Holly's mind. Although she is extremely resiliant, positive girl, every so often she goes quiet and turns to sleep to blot out the thoughts that travel through her mind. Please pray that her strength both physically, emotionally and mentally will be renewed each and every day and that God's light will shine on her to keep her from seeing the blacker side of this situation that she finds herself plunged into. I have been encouraged yet again today with cards coming through the post, and emails sending your love, prayers and support. Please keep in touch and I thank you again for all your wonderful prayers.
Until tomorrow..."
Cherryl |
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