Daniel’s Future

Daniel has finally had his surgery on his paralysed foot. The bones have been fused in his big toe, to stop it scrunching right over every time he puts his shoes on. The operation went well. He now has to wear this giant boot for minimum of six weeks! Bit more rehab than I was expecting. He has also had his MRI brain scan, which unfortunately has shown up some microbleeds around the tumour area where the proton laser beam pathway was. It is causing some symptoms; headaches, decreased balance, brain fog and cognitive issues. We are currently reviewing how this will affect his schooling. His headaches are relatively under control, we are pushing for a physio referral, and he is being scheduled a new neuropsychology cognitive assessment. Watch this space ….

What an awesome day Mercedes-Benz World with Daniel. This has been eagerly anticipated by Daniel, and I booked it for him as a gift when his Provisional Driving Licence arrived. We all know how much of a petrol-head Daniel is - so I wanted a 'cool' car to be his first experience, to make it so memorable for him. Mercedes fits the bill in our household; so off we went. Daniel had two one-hour drives with the awesome Track Day instructor, Derek, where he drove round the circuits, off-road sections, practiced roundabouts and reversing into a 'garage', and a straight track where he was allowed to progress to 30mph. First one-hour drive was just him & Derek; the afternoon session he had us parents in the back. He did brilliantly. Plus, we bought a USB with both Daniel's drives, to keep for posterity. A wonderful time.

Daniel's amazing recovery story is featured in King's College Hospital's social media and in 'News' on their main website!

Teenage cancer survivor celebrates four year recovery milestone - King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Daniel underwent ground-breaking keyhole surgery at King’s to help remove a rare tumour invading his brainstem

Daniel and I had an awesome day at The Saatchi Gallery in London. The weather was awesome so that we could walk around the park opposite and sit out in the sun at the cafe for drinks. The Flowers Collection was beautiful and inspiring. Daniel and I enjoyed Galleries and Museums when we were in Manchester. He is very cultural. He did also do most of the walking on our trip; but I thought the wheelchair would be better just for inside the Gallery.

Off to The Saatchi Gallery in London today with Daniel. Gorgeous sunny day! So excited 😎🤩☀️

Daniel is doing so well with his GCSE Art. Basically only been learning since September. Below is his self portrait in charcoal. I think it’s awesome!
Plus - good news - we have finally seen an Orthopaedic Surgeon, who is going to operate to fuse Daniel’s paralysed toes into proper alignment. This will be so great for Daniel’s quality of life, and pain relief. Yay! 🎉

This is unfortunately SO true. I really made friends of strangers with my friends becoming strangers in 2021.
Good news is, my true genuine new friends are amazing and worthy of our love in every way, every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️