This will be my third blog since we arrived
in Auckland from Brisbane on Monday afternoon, June 17.
We have come to New Zealand primarily to
speak a little time with our family, who are living for some months at Ronald McDonald
House, Auckland Domain, while seven-year-old Quinn is receiving treatment.
Quinn suffered two brain tumors, and has undergone radiation treatment earlier
in the year, and currently having chemotherapy treatment, along with stem cell
replacement.
New Zealand is in the grip of winter weather,
and during last night we experienced thunder and lightning, as well as huge
gusts of wind.
We are staying on the 15th floor
of Waldorf Apartments, St Martins Lane, central Auckland, just a 15 minute walk
to the hospital and RMH.
The management of Waldorf Apartments make
accommodation available at a reduced rate for family and support persons of
patients at Ronald McDonald House. The accommodation is excellent and we would
highly recommend them to those in the Australasia region who are looking for
accommodation for holidays or business.
I am typing this up on my tablet at 8am,
Friday morning, just before breakfast. This morning we may go downtown Auckland
and early afternoon go back to RMH to catch up with family. Quinn has doctor’s
appointments this morning as well as IV antibiotics, blood tests etc.
I have titled my two previous blogs as a
Roller Coaster Ride, and this is probably good imagery. Our family has
experienced highs and lows in their adventure, and while this roller coaster
ride is in progress, there is no way to get off.
In the time we have been with family visiting
them at RMH we have observed great kindness and support from other families
living in the House and also the kindness and genuine support from the staff.
There are other families in the House who are also experiencing horrific
situations with a sick child, but they find the time to share their concern and
interest of other families and the situation they are experiencing. Hugs and
warm wishes happen all around the families in the House. And these are genuine
heartfelt expressions of aroha and support.
It is impossible to understand fully the pain
parents when their child reacts to treatment, particularly with nausea and
vomiting. All they can do is take each day as it comes.
Some of the situations families are
experiencing and the sickness of their child have come out of left field,
totally unexpected. Deep down they may ask themselves from time to time why
this illness is happening to their child, but all the parents we have seen have
a positive attitude and for the most part expect the treatment will help their
child have a more comfortable quality of life.
We have seen kindness expressed in a
practical way by businesses coming to the House and cooking a meal for the
families. Often a plate of food has to be taken up the ward in Starship
Hospital, as one parent has to be in the ward with their child and this often
means sleeping in the room with their child.
Celebrities often come to the House and show
their support: sporting celebrities, TV personalities, XFactor contestants and
so on.
What will happen today after Quinn is
reviewed by her doctor, and the blood test results come back. Will she need a
blood transfusion or will she be able to come back to RMH. Well, we will see
what unfolds as the day progresses. But one thing is certain, wherever Quinn is
she will be surrounded by love and support, and a loving mum , dad and elder
sibling who will do whatever is necessary to make each day a happy day for her.
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