Update from RCH Melbourne

Sorry about the lack of news. With the house move this last week, I haven't had internet access sorted until today. Just in time before leaving for Melbourne tomorrow.

This last 2 weeks has seen Lauren in for a number of procedures. From a bone marrow biopsy (twice), lumbar puncture, to a new Hickman line inserted (for accessing veins) for taking bloods and infusion of her modified T-Cells (CAR T-Cell therapy). This has been postponed until the infection in her foot is totally corrected. Last weekend, this infection led to a 20 cm incision in her foot to extract the puss (which sounds like there was plenty there!). The idea was to extract it via a needle biopsy, but very quickly the team realised that won't do the job. So the cut has been left open until recently so they could keep draining/cleaning the puss/infection from her foot. Apparently it's looking a lot better. Last Lauren mentioned is it was not stitched but in a cask so they can access it again if needed. Might need to correct some of this detail once I've spoken to her face to face.

On that note Julie, Kate & Nathan are returning to Adelaide this week and Grandma & I are heading to Melbourne tomorrow. The infusion of her T-Cells has been delayed about 1 - 2 weeks at this stage, pending the foot being clear. She's still been spiking a daily temperature, thus why they want it cleared up before proceeding with the T-Cell infusion. The good news is the first bone marrow biopsy (about a week old) had only 0.2% (or 0.02%?? not 100% sure) blast count (leukaemic cells). She's had a number of transfusions over the last 2 weeks but seems to be on the mend so we cam proceed soon.

Will update you more from Melbourne. I'm sure Lauren only brought this on to avoid helping with the house move. Still tossing up on whether to put her bed together tonight, or leave it for her to do when back........I know, it'll be assembled tonight!! She hasn't even seen her new room yet, but am sure she'll like the new house and very close to a close friend of hers (BD!!)

We'll be taking a special gift from Chrissie P to Lauren tomorrow - an Actor's Industry Survival kit.......for when she's back and continues with her fulfilling career!