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Zahn Thurston-Chambers

  • Mischief or boredom, maybe both

      10 June 2017
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    Just as well Zahn is such a good kid as he seems to put up with lots and not complain. Since his last trip to Starship he has been doing reasonably well with no adverse effects from his chemo. However he was admitted on Friday to hospital as his platelets were low and his haemoglobin borderline. He is neutropedic and although they have given him platelets and a blood top up again he has minimal neutrophils. The Drs have put him on antibiotics to help fight infection and he needs more neutrophils before he returns to Starship. Alan and I have decided our need to visit him in hospital is far less important than his need to get to the next stage of his treatment. He is chatty and good in himself and when we last visited him in hospital he was trying out new ways to use his toys as earrings, a nose ring or an eyepatch. Life must get boring after endless days lying in bed, playing with leggo or on your ipad. Oh and Starship has Sky where Hawkes Bay Hospital apparently only has freeview. Such deprivation !

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  • The roller coaster ride that is leukaemia

      22 May 2017
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    Much better news today for Zahn but the last week has been a worry for everyone. He was admitted to Hawkes Bay Hospital where he remained all last week then a decision late Friday saw him flown by air ambulance to Starship. The effects of 3 months of chemo and other drugs had meant that his bodily functions had either slowed or were not working properly. There was much that was confusing as Drs. said what would happen and then decided he was at risk and they would wait. Today,thankfully,has brought a huge improvement and he will no doubt come back to Hawkes Bay Hospital sometime in next day or so. Yesterday though much improved his blood sugar levels were still being monitored as they were borderline although haemoglobin, neutrophils and platelets had improved. His oxygen levels and his heartrate were returning to normal and the accumulated fluid in his abdomen had all but gone. Better still he was asking for something to eat. Today Drs seem happy with his progress, he is tired but chatty Anna said so obviously much better. This photo was taken a few weeks back on a flight to Auckland when he got to have a look at what happens in the captains area. The good and the bad sides of life that is 'living with Leukaemia. Thank heavens for Starship and their wonderful staff. Beth.

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  • Zahn's Mid May update

      18 May 2017
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    I have posted this photo because I prefer to think positively. This was taken when Zahn was first diagnosed and admitted to Starship. Current hospital photo would see him connected to all sorts of tubes and things. He has had a horrible week in HB Hospital. Having continued chemo and other things for 3 months has affected his wee body to the point that it is not working as it should. He has been unable to eat so he has IV fluids, he is on morphine and other things to help him. Not an easy time but part of the journey that is 'living with Leukaemia'. Thankyou to those that support Anna and Aaron and our family in so many ways. Beth

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  • Zahn has had better weeks

      1 May 2017
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    As the latest photo shows Zahn's appearance changes all the time. Last week Zahn returned home from Starship and then was admitted to HB Hospital where he stayed until Saturday afternoon. He was unable to keep food or even water down and his temperature was up and down throughout that time. It seems as if he got a bug or a viral infection. Today back at Starship was another busy day with the 4th blood top up in 10 days, chemo and yet another lumbar puncture. He seems not to complain, well maybe about wearing the masks but not too much else upsets him, he is a tough little cookie our Zahn.

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  • The changes continue

      22 April 2017
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    I think as a family we have all struggled with Zahn's Leukaemia, just seeing what he goes through but also how much medication he has to have,his blood transfusions and how many times he is in theatre. He is a wee character and his sense of humour never wavers. At the airport he was sporting his favourite shirt and his face had been painted to match, I did have to ask for a photo as he is very sensitive now. It seems strange to see such changes in only 2 months. The staff at Starship and Ronald McDonald House as well as Hawkes Bay Hospital are such wonderful people and deserve enormous praise.

    Thanks to those who have shared his givealittle page and also for donations. Much appreciated.

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  • Week 5 at Starship & Ronald McDonald House for Zahn

      26 March 2017
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    After a few days at home Zahn returned to Starship this afternoon. We all had very mixed feelings and the other children were certainly very sad and tearful saying their goodbyes. He is very quiet, moves slowly and even falls down sometimes as he is tired all the time, only wanting to eat or sleep. Tomorrow begins a new round of chemo and another lumbar puncture. Although tired and needing to sit down he still had his signature smile.

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