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Holly

Holly's Page

 

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Me and My Mum

Sunday 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.
This week saw the six month anniversary (if that is the best word for it) of Holly being diagnosed with Leukemia and I have to say that it seems very much longer to me, and we have another eighteen months to go on the current chemotherapy programme.  Your continued prayers and love and messages of support keep us going so please do continue to keep in contact and pray for Holly over the coming months. 
I will write again soon, Holly and I send all our love and thanks to you all"


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.
 
Tomorrow (Friday 29th January) we are travelling really early to be on the Southampton ward for 8am as the next batch of intense chemotherapy starts after Holly has a bone marrow test and lumber puncture operation under general anesthetic in the morning.  As you may remember back in the Autumn we were all waiting on a test to show us that the leukemia was in remission...well tomorrow the same test is being repeated so please focus your prayers on Holly's continued healing and for a safe and successful day in surgery tomorrow.  The afternoon brings the start of "intensification chemotherapy" which lasts for a few weeks and will mean many visits to both St Marys and Southampton hospitals so please also pray that Holly will not be too affected by the sickness that usually accompanies this treatment and that she will continue to be well enough to attend school throughout the process.  I know so many of you continue to pray daily for Holly and we cannot thank you enough for all your wonderful prayers and messages of support and love.  I think you will agree that she has benefitted each and every day since all this started and God's
healing has certainly touched all our lives along with Holly.  God's Love Is Amazing.
 
God Bless You for continuing to read these updates and for all your prayers...please keep them coming.
With Much Love 

 


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.

 
We did have some bad news Christmas Day when we learned that a very dear friend, Barry, sadly passed away that morning.  Barry prayed for Holly every day and was always keen to learn of her progress.  I would like to take this opportunity to remember Barry here...he always cared for everyone around him and was never without a smile and a hug for his many friends.  He will be very much missed by so many people, not least by Holly and I.


I loved the photograph taken on Christmas Day of Holly and I (above) and hope you will see just how well she is at the moment thanks to all your love and prayers.  Please keep us in your thoughts as we enter another year and thank you all again for your love and support.  Happy New Year 

 

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.


With All Our Love
Cherryl and Holly


 
 

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.
Thank you for your love and support.
God Bless

 

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.
With Much Love and Blessings



 
Cherryl 


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. 
 
 The last three weeks Holly has been so ill and it was a nightmare watching her go through so much not knowing what was wrong.  The doctors, community nurses, hospital staff and consultants both at St Marys on the Island and here in Southampton worked constantly to do their utmost to make Holly more comfortable whilst getting to the bottom of what was going on. 
 
 When she began to fit last Friday arrangements were immediately made to bring her over to Southampton by ambulance for an MRI scan.  The scan showed a sizeable blood clot on her brain which had caused a partial loss of use of her arm and leg.  The sickness continued unabated and it was the worse thing to watch her and feel so completely helpless to help or rescue her.  The tests were continuing to ascertain the best way forward.  And then the nightmare took a terrifying turn.  
 
In the very early hours of Monday morning I awoke to hear Holly starting to fit violently and I leapt to her bedside crying out to the nurses to get help.  Four minutes later she was still fitting and a relaxant injection was giving to calm her convulsing body.  I have never been so terrified in all my life and all I knew to do, as I held onto her so tight, was to pray over her as she thrashed on the bed. As she slowly came round, it became obvious that the paralysis had taken hold of her right side and she had no use at all over her limbs.  Over the following few hours, she had more and more tests and a CT scan.  A visit from the Professor of Neurology confirmed that the blood clot on her brain had indeed been the cause of the fits and loss of use of her limbs but that a treatment plan would hopefully bring her back to full use of her body in time. 
Well, that was Monday, and since then Holly has made a remarkable, miraculous recovery.  All the staff from consultants, nurses to physio experts all keep telling us just amazed they are at her super fast improvements.  Today Holly is now walking unaided, walked up a set of stairs and is writing again almost as well as she ever did.  There is still more room for improvement to get 100% mobility and fitness but the great news is that Holly and I will be returning home this weekend to continue her recouperation on the Island.  I cannot tell you the difference that four days has made to her quality of life and I know without a shadow of a doubt that the hundreds of you that have been praying for us have made the most miraculous difference.  God has answered all those prayers this week and given my daughter back to me. 
 
 I cannot deny that there have been moments of doubt during some of the long, dark nights and I could so easily have been dragged into a crisis of faith but thank God He showed us his mercy and neverending love this week.  Words cannot describe the rollercoaster ride that my family have been on but Thank God we are now in a much calmer place.  I cannot thank you all enough for the massive outpouring of prayer and love that hit us like a tidal wave and washed away all the pain and sickness so dramatically.  We still have a long way to go with Holly's treatment as we have carry on with the chemotherapy that we now know was the cause of the blood clot in the first place.  So please pray that future chemotherapy treatments will be problem and sickness free and that God's healing power will continue to keep Holly protected and healed from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
Thank you all for playing your part in this miraculous week.  Thank you for every prayer and message of love and support.
Holly is sleeping soundly surrounded by God's love and the angels are standing guard throughout the night.
With abundant love and thanks
 

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.

  • Please continue to pray giving thanks for the healing that has and is taking place and especially for Holly to be able to return home for the weekend.

 


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
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.

       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;

  • Thank the Lord that Holly is safe in His care at all times
  • That the clot will be removed and all symptoms healed
  • For strength over this difficult time for Holly, Cherryl and their familiy
  • Thank the Lord for the love and commitment shown by His people at St. Paul's Barton and all others asscoiated with supporting Holly

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:

  • God's love, healing and protection over her and her family
  • Reduction in temperature and to clear any infection in her body
  • For the opeation to take place as soon as possible safely with no complications
  • Her general depression to lift
  • Give thanks for all medical staff involved in her treatment and wisdom in their decision making for Holly's treatment

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.
 
Holly has been on a drip to give her much needed fluids for 36 hours now and there does not seem to be an end in sight just yet.  She is not in the best of health just now and as each day passes she is getting more and more depressed.  It is so hard to watch the pain in her eyes spreading to her entire body now and she has lost any interest in the outside world.  She doesnt even have the energy to reply to text messages from her school friends.  The days are long and are filled with endless hours staring into space or finding a few hours peace drifting in and out of sleep.  It is getting increasingly difficult to console her at such times and the words to comfort her just don't come easily.

Since starting this update, I have been told that every effort is now being made to transport Holly to Southampton General on Thursday to have the line operation in addition to having stronger chemotherapy over the next few days.  Please pray that she will have the physical, mental and emotional strength that she needs to cope with this difficult time. 
 
Thank you for your continued prayers and messages of love and support.  In the absence of my broadband connection, please feel free to text me on 07764617663 during the next few days. 
Love and Blessings
 

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.
 
With Love and Thanks

 

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.  
Today also saw the safe arrival of the "guinea pig"...not the small furry rodent that you may be thinking of, but Holly's brand new, real hair wig which was kindly donated by the Little Princess Trust.  This charity specialises in providing wigs to cancer patients and they really pulled out all the stops for Holly.  The long, blonde wig cost over £500 and will provide Holly with a welcome replacement now that her hair is starting to fall out and most importantly the confidence to face the world.  As a beautiful teenager, there can be nothing more devastating than losing the one thing that occupies so many hours of the day applying hair products and straightening irons!!  The only things is, once it is curled up in its shiny new box, it looks like a guinea pig on its way home from the pet shop!  I have a feeling that the name will stick for some time to come.
Thank you to all those at the Little Princess Trust for supporting Holly in this way.  Thanks also go to all you who are reading this update regularly, as I now understand that hundreds of you are logging on each and every day to read of Holly's progress and on one particular day over 1000 hits were recorded on the site.  Your love, support and very important amazing prayers continue to keep us focused in the right direction.  Thank you to those of you who wrote yesterday to help me through a particularly stressful, emotional day..your love helped me regain my footing after stumbling through a very long day.  I cannot tell you just how moved I was by your words of comfort and love.  Thank you for every single prayer for Holly and her family.  We are all benefitting and being touched by God's love daily.
Until tomorrow,
With Much Love 

 

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;

  • That the Lord Jesus will continue His amazing work in healing Holly's illness
  • Protect and strengthen Holly and Cherryl in their travelling
  • That ALL co-ordinting of treatment will run smoothly without long delays
  • Pray the Lord's guiding hand of wisdom in all treatment and decisions that are made by the medical staff
  • All prayer support will lift Holly, Cherryl and their family

 

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.
Until tomorrow
With Much Love
God Bless 

 

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. 
 
At the moment she is tucking into a "full english" and this may sound a bit mundane but for me I can see that she is eating to enjoy and savour the food, and not just filling her stomach to counteract the ravenous effects of the steroids. Today is the first day for a month that she is completely off the steriods and it is a joy to have the old Holly back to her normal self.  Part of the side effects of the steriods is to cause massive fluid retention which makes the patient's stomach and face swell up out of all proportion.  Holly's face last weekend was so swollen that her face ached from the effects and her stomach was just huge.  Today the effects are starting to very slowly subside and that has made Holly feel so much more comfortable.
 
Holly has asked me to say a huge Thank You to everyone who reads her update, sends up the most wonderful prayers and sends love and support every day.  She, and all her family, have gained so much from your love and you will never know just how much of a difference you have all made to our lives. 
 
Today we have yet another trip to St Marys for the last of this weeks chemotherapy but then we shall hopefully not see a hospital until next Tuesday in Southampton when another lumbar puncture will take place.  Every eight weeks we shall be having the bone marrow testing repeated to make sure that Holly is still in remission.  It was explained to me this week that Hollys condition is such that she is at high risk of falling out of remission early and if this was to happen then we would be facing the bone marrow transplant route as a consequence.  As great as yesterdays results were, I must stress that the prayer cover is vital to Holly's continued well being and healing and cannot thank you all enough for your continued support and love.  The following few weeks will be tough as the Regimen C chemotherapy cranks up to full strength by December when Holly's body will be subject to full toxicity.  This can bring with it the most violent of side effects which perversely will show that the chemotherapy is doing is work.  I pray that although Holly needs to go through this most devasting of treatment, she will be in God's love every step of the way and will emerge completely healed. 
 
Holly is going to be celebrating quality time with her friends and family over the coming weekend, and I pray that you will all enjoy the same with your friends and families.  I pray God's love and blessings over every one of you and I will be back with more news next week.
With Love xx

 

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.
 
Thank you again for all your emails, texts and phone calls....I love to hear from you all as it gives me an inner strength that keeps us moving in the right direction emotionally, and spiritually.  Never think that you cannot contact me, please do keep the prayers and messages coming in at cherryl@stpaulsbarton.co.uk
With Love 

 

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.

 
Thank you for all your wonderful prayers and messages of love and support.  Thank you for God's unfailing love that will bring the news today that Holly is indeed in remission. 


To be continued.........
 
Cherryl  and Holly xxx

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 %.

  • Pray that her own body will now continue to make good healthy bone marrow cells leading to a remission state
  • Thank the Lord for his Healing, His Love and His Protection

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.
With Love

 

  • Continue to pray that Tuesday's result will reveal that Holly will be in remission.
  • Thank the Lord for his faithfullness and goodness in answering prayer.
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
I pray that God's Angel Armies will surround Holly to protect her, uplift her, strengthen her and that God, that great physician will finish his perfect work in her and restore her to perfect health swiftly. 
Until tomorrow.....
With Love and Blessings xxxx 
 

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....
With Love and Blessings 
xxxx

 

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....

 

  • Prayers for Holly's Bone Marrow 0% reading and treatment on Friday.

 

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.
Holly's face was radiant, and she says that she now "feels stronger and more connected to Jesus."  She has never had an experience like this before but what a priviledge to meet Jesus right in the middle of her need in such a profound way.  She has asked me to thank those who prayed over her, and I too add my thanks for your obedience and love.  To everyone who supported us this morning, and each and every day through prayer, may you all receive God's wonderful blessings today and every day.  God's word does not return void, and all your prayers are being actively answered right in front of my eyes.  I cannot adequately express my feelings today, but I think you will understand why. 

What Amazing Grace!


With Love

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.
Until Sunday xxxx
 

Focussed prayer for the weekend ahead please:

  • Please pray for continued strength, healing and wisdom.
  • As Day 28 approaches, please keep focused on prayer for a 0% reading of leukemia in the bone marrow, this would be Holly's major miracle.
  • Pray for strength and guidance for Cherryl and the whole family.
  • Pray and give thanks for everyone involved in the care of Holly.

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.
Until tomorrow..."

 

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. 
Holly gave interviews to the press and the film crew that covered the event, as she felt it important to let people know about how her condition can be a hidden disease, difficult to spot and to raise awareness.  She also stressed that she was going to be leading as normal a life as possible over the coming months and as she spoke, it was obvious that there was no way that she was going to be anything but completely healed.  She again repeated to the press that she was not going to have a bone marrow transplant as it was not going to be necessary.  Her faith is amazing and is growing each and every day.
I hope you enjoy the photos showing Holly with her boyfriend Chris, and also with Elvis impersonator Dean Allsopp who closed the show in spectacular style. "


 

Cherryl xx
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


 


From Leigh 30th August 2009 11.30pm

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

 


 


From Cherryl 28th August 2009 6:30pm

"The last couple of days have been very busy with a full days travelling and chemotherapy for Holly yesterday, followed by more chemotherapy in St Mary's today.  Holly was very tired this morning but seems a bit more like her old self this afternoon.  Her blood counts have dropped again and so on Saturday we shall be sampling the delights of hospital food again for a mammoth 8 hour stint of blood transfusions.  This will hopefully give Holly a boost to her energy levels and allow her to enjoy the rest of the bank holiday weekend. 
Sometimes the days seem like a whirlwind of activity where you don't get a moment to just sit and catch your breathe, and before you know it, it is time to fall into bed only to get up the next day and start all over again.  Consequently, I do sometimes run out of steam and don't have enough energy or brain power left to write my daily update.  If I miss the odd day, then please be patient and I will catch up with the updates the following day.  I know some of you are anxious if you don't have fresh news on dear Holly each morning and I just wanted to reassure you that I will get to my computer just as soon as time allows.

Focussed prayer please for:

  • Holly's continued good progress to full recovery and thank God for the wonderful healing miracles that He brings us daily. 
  • As Day 28 approaches, please keep focused on prayer for the 0% reading that would be Holly's major miracle.

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. 
In the morning we shall be travelling back to Southampton General for some more chemotherapy and hopefully, if all goes well, then we shall be back home for the Bank Holiday weekend.  This will be a busy weekend for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary as we have been planning our yearly fundraising event since last January, and although it hasn't been my priority over the last two weeks, some wonderful people, including Holly's sister Karen have stepped into the breach to finish off the last minute organising to make sure the event goes ahead as planned.  Karen has been my right-hand man through everything and she has been marvellous, if a little stressed at times!  So I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all she has done keeping the sanctuary going as well as supporting Holly and I in so many ways.  Holly is looking forward to taking a trip down to the farm over the weekend to catch up with friends and some of the amazing people that have supported us over this difficult time.
Thankfully, I have had a better day healthwise and am now firing on all cylinders again...it makes all the difference to feel strong and more able to cope with all the things that need to be faced on a daily basis.  Thank you for all your prayers for my health and strength and for your amazing prayers for Holly. Until tomorrow!"

Love and Blessings

 

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.


The stress of the last few days finally caught up with me today and I have been ill today with fatigue.  It has been a struggle dealing with the nausea, dizziness and tiredness today and I am praying for a better day tomorrow after a good nights sleep.  Thank you to all those that have written emails today after the earlier update asking if I am ok.  I do appreciate all your kind words, love and support and don't know what I would do without you all.


Well, tomorrow is another day and I am praying that Holly has a happy day before out trip back to Southampton General on Thursday for more intravenous chemotherapy.  If everything goes according to plan, then she will be home again for the weekend.  We have two more chemotherapy sessions to come before the crucial testing of the bone marrow on Day 28 of her treatment plan which I pray will show a 0% reading in place of the 63% on the last test.  I know Leigh has been highlighting specific prayer requests to focus on and each day, those prayers are bringing our major miracle closer."
 
Until tomorrow xx
 

Cherryl.

Please focus on the following in prayer:

  • Miracle Healing of the Leukemic cells in her Bone Marrow  - Target needs to be 0%
  • Please pray that Holly will be fully restored to good health quickly, and also for some extra strength to help me keep focused, positive and knowing that we are in God's loving care 
  • God's guiding hand upon the whole medical team involved with Holly's treatment both on the Island and in Southampton
  • Opportunities in the busy days ahead to visit the Chapel, pray and read the Bible

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. 

  • Please pray that Holly will be fully restored to good health quickly, and also for some extra strength to help me keep focused, positive and knowing that we are in God's loving care."
     
     

Until tomorrow xxx
 
 
Cherryl

 




 

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. 
 
 On a personal note, one of the other Mums wanted to chat tonight when I was busy in the ward kitchen fixing Holly a drink.  She has been in and out of Southampton General since her 15 year old son was diagnosed in April.  By talking to her, it became obvious that she is still in a state of shock at what has happened to her son and didnt seem to be coping too well.  I dont know her son's name but I pray that the healing prayers that are being spoken over Holly, will spill over and touch all the young patients on this ward, from the tiny babies, and toddlers to the teenagers.
 

'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!
 
Until tomorrow....
Love xxxx
 

Cherryl

From Cherryl 21st August 2009 10:48pm

 
"Today has been a very positive day for Holly.  Although the lumbar puncture op was delayed by a couple of hours, it went very well and she awoke from the general anesthetic giggling and asking for some toast!  The steroids that she is on each day make her extremely hungry and because she had to be nil by mouth since the previous night, she was absolutely ready to eat the pillow if she wasn't fed pretty quickly!  The chemotherapy that is administered at the same time as the lumber puncture is extremely strong and she is given anti sickness medication to counteract any side effects and thankfully she doesnt seem to suffer too much afterwards. 


This evening we went out for some fresh air and a trip out in the wheelchair took us past a bus stop on the hospital grounds.  I caught Holly eyeing up a passing bus at one stage and thought she may well have been planning to escape on the next No. 7 bus.  However, she did agree to come back to the ward as she is being given the treat of some special therapy tomorrow....the consultant has prescribed a spot of retail therapy for Holly in the West Quay shopping centre tomorrow so I have a feeling that my credit card may well take a bit of a bashing!!! For once, that doesnt bother me in the least, as you can imagine.  It will be a bit of a treat for me too to get out for a while and be back in the real world for a couple of hours.  Hospital life can soon institutionalize you!
 

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.
The next three weeks still remain a critical time in Holly's treatment plan as it will be at the end of that period that a decision can then be made as to what happens next.  The tests at that time will show just how aggressive the leukemia is and whether the chemotherapy will be sufficient for her or if a bone marrow transplant is on the cards.  Holly's Dad and I are to be tissue typed this month to see if we are possible matches but this is unlikely.  An exact match will be sought on the national and international registers should this be needed for a transplant.  I have been asked by many if it is possible to be tested to be a donor for Holly and my advice would be to contact the Anthony Nolan Trust to be registered on their excellent register.  It is quite possible that you may not be able to be a match for Holly, but if you were a match for another person somewhere in the World, what a wonderful gift you would be giving to someone in exactly the same position as Holly.  
 

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. 
The attached photo is of Holly this evening tucking into yet more food and as you can see she is still as beautiful and full of fun as ever. Until tomorrow xx "
 

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

 
 21-24After Jesus crossed over by boat, a large crowd met him at the seaside. One of the meeting-place leaders named Jairus came. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees, beside himself as he begged, "My dear daughter is at death's door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live." Jesus went with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing and jostling him.  25-29A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus. She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, "If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well." The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with.

 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.


She loves to hear of all your prayers and we do visit the hospital chapel most days if time in her treatment schedule allows.  She lights a candle whilst there and we have a quiet time together there thanking God for all his wonderful healing power.  Each day she opens the bible at a random place, and is amazed at how each day's reading is so relevant to her situation.  I am sure we can all identify with doing this on occasion and Holly's bible experiences each day have been a blessing to both of us.  Most of the time she is a tower of strength but just occasionally she cannot hide the fear that is in her eyes and my heart breaks.  Every parent knows that feeling of wanting to take the hurt, pain and sickness away from a child and would give anything to take that suffering on oneself and not a moment goes by when I dont have those thoughts myself.

 
My strength comes from my faith that God is in control of everything that is happening to Holly and my family at this time and although I cannot see the bigger picture of where all this is going, one day all will become clear and He will surely show us that He works everything for our good.  Our daily miracles are blessing us constantly and we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.
 

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:

  • Three Week Miracle Healing of the Leukemic cells in her Bone Marrow  yesterday at 63%  - Target needs to be 0%
  • Opportunities in the busy days ahead to visit the Chapel, pray and read the Bible

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:

  • Holly had a kidney ultrasound scan today which took an hour and seems to be all ok...more news on that tomorrow.
  • Her blood pressure is unstable and keeps going up and down with no apparent cause.  She is due a heart scan in the morning to check things out.
  • Her blood sugars (diabetic situation) is still unstable and she needs to be very very careful with her sugar intake.
  • Her op to take spinal fluid which shows any leukemic fluid in her spine or brain has come back as clear which is a huge relief. 
  • Her op to check the amount of leukemic cells in her bone marrow shows a level of 63%.  A better reading would have been 50% but at least it is heading in the right direction.  The results show that we have three weeks from now to get her reading down to 0% in her bone marrow results to show that the chemotherapy is working sufficiently.    So we do now have a three week time slot to get as much prayer as possible centred daily on this test.  The results in three weeks time determine what happens next in her treatment. 
  • The wonderful news is that should they manage to stabilize everything over this coming weekend, they will let her come back to the Island for a couple of days next week.  She will be transferred to St Marys and may also be able to come home  to Brading for a night or two.  She will then be back in Southampton General Thursday for chemotherapy, and another bone marrow operation Friday.  If all goes smoothly then she can come home with me for the bank holiday weekend too!  (I have to stress that this is done as a morale boosting exercise and does in no way reflects that she is somehow on the mend and so all the prayer can stop!!!)  She has three weeks to get her major miracle.  If at any stage over the next three weeks she shows any sign of a cough, temperature, sickness, tiredness or any type of infection then she will be whisked back into hospital at a drop of a hat.

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:

  • Three Week Miracle Healing of the Leukemic cells in her Bone Marrow currently at 63% - Target needs to be 0%
  •  Thank the Lord for all He is doing for Holly for the clear Kidney scan and that the Spine and Brain are clear of Leukemic cells

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:

  • Healing of the Leukaemic cells and protection of all organs
  • Good results from the tests

Love to you all, will update you all tomorrow.

Cherryl. x


From Leigh 17th August 2009 11:30pm

Dear Friends,

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:

  • Holly's operation tomorrow
  • Healing of the Leukaemic cells and protection of all organs
  • God's guiding hand upon the whole medical team involved with Holly's treatment
  • Cherryl and the whole family

Thank you all,

Leigh

.

 



 



From Cherryl 16th August 2009 - am

Holly blood count down to 6!  Miraculous xx

 



From Cherryl On: 15th August 2009 12:49

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to everyone for all your prayers and support over the last few days. I thought I would quickly write an update to let you all know that Holly is responding very well to treatment and today her white cell blood count (which should be an 8) has dropped down from the initial 700 to 52 this morning! The consultant is especially pleased that none of her organs are showing signs of damage or deterioration and she says her body is coping remarkable well. Holly has been receiving lots of visitors to keep her spirits up and had a better nights sleep last night.

On Tuesday she is due to have an spinal operation and again next Friday and those will give the consultants more idea of how to progress further in her treatment.
On a personal note, thank you to everyone who has emailed or texted (or sent messages by carrier pidgeon), please keep them coming as we all appreciate the morale boost during the long days. I will be sending (on a separate email) some recent photos of Holly taken just one month ago which shows just how well she looked then despite having this condition (we now believe) for the last 5 - 6 months without detection.

Speak to you all again soon, signing off from Southampton General, Piam Brown Ward.

 



From Cherryl On: 14th August 2009

I have no idea how to start this update on my beautiful daughter Holly, except to thank you for all your prayers. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is that from making prayer a last resort it is now always my first resort and your prayers are now joined with so many others, that I know God is listening and answering every one.

Holly is on chemotherapy as you know but we are awaiting a vital test result (due sometime next week) which will give the doctors/specialists more of an idea of how aggressive the Leukaemia is and therefore how to best treat it. Unfortunately, all the current signs are that the Leukaemia is very aggressive and more radical chemotherapy/bone marrow transplant may be required. On Tuesday and Friday next week, Holly will have two operations under general anaesthetic to take fluid and bone marrow. She needs your prayers to get safely through these procedures. There is a higher risk of complications in surgery at the moment as her condition is not stable enough to cope with anaesthetic etc. For the coming 7-10 days she is at high risk of organ failure, strokes and heart failure, so please pray for this to be taken care of and for every organ to be protected.

I have just received information to say that her white cell count has dropped to 159 which is a huge improvement over night. A normal cell count is 8, a high leukemic count is 50, Holly was admitted on Tuesday night with a count of 700!! The doctors have never seen such a high count, so dropping to 159 is a miracle in itself. Please pray that her count returns to normal.

Feel free to email me direct on cherryl@stpaulsbarton.co.uk as I need to hear from the outside world. Knowing that you are all praying has given me such strength. I may not respond direct but will continue to keep Leigh up to date with news and he will pass this onto you all. He has been my tower of strength from the very start of all this so please pray your protection over him too.

Thank you Leigh and everyone for all your love, prayers and support”.

Attached is a very recent photograph of Holly that I am distributing to friends and family to help with focused prayer.

Cherryl. x

  

 



From St Paul's On: 11th August 2009 23:42

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.

 

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.



 IW County Press 28.08.09

 

"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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