First week back in Christchurch

James has completed one week of treatment and is feeling good.  He still has an appetite but feels a little sick at the end of the day so he takes an extra anti-sickness pill.  His treatment is the same as before for consolidation one which comprises of 14 days of ATRA and five weeks of Arsenic trioxide.  James receives treatment for five days and then rests for two days - we are now on his two days of rest.

Last week he had a visit from the Prime Minister, the Hon John Key, where James got to show off some of his rugby skills.  The Prime Minister was visiting Ronald McDonald House to have a look at the earthquake damage and to meet some of the families staying here.

For the past week,in between treatments, James has been keeping himself busy with another boy staying here who also has cancer.  They have been playing playstation and riding on their scooters.  He has also had a visit from the Health School and will have his first lesson on Wednesday and another one on Thursday.  He will also have homework to complete each week so he doesn't miss out on school while he is receiving treatment!

James with his former teacher Al Ingham

James with kids at Arakura School

Chilling with the Prime Minister

John Key passing skills impress youngster

James and the Prime Minister - John Key

A brilliant photo of James Aberdein-Tapuai and the Prime Minister at Ronald McDonald House earlier today

Home for two weeks

James was allowed home for two weeks in between his treatments.  His neutrophils were looking good so there was no hesitation in packing our bags.For the first few days when we arrived home we just hung out with our family and became familiar with our surroundings again.  Wags was super excited to see us and was jumping around for ages!  We visited Wainuiomata Intermediate and met James' teacher for the first time and took a walk around the school.  We also visited Arakura school and saw his teachers and friends and took photos of them.  All his friends at Kids on Foot and the Wainuiomata Judo club were also exited to see him.  Friends visited and James had a ball with his rugby mates and family friends - jumping on the trampoline and playing on his scooter.  James had a great time with Jade, Lea and Sam and spent the day in Porirua at the skate park.  It was an awesome two weeks at home and we were sad to leave all our wonderful friends but now we are here back in Christchurch and starting treatment again today on the anniversary of Christchurch's big earthquake!  Here are some of the photos taken while we were home.

Message from Jak

Jak and James have been home for the past couple of weeks but will be flying back to Christchurch on Tuesday for another three months and the next round of James' treatment. Please keep praying that all goes well for the James and the rest of this beautiful family. Message from Jak below...

We have had such an awesome time at home - I am so lucky to have such great friends - to name a few - Lisa Gestro, Lisa Lualua Aati, Leanne Booth, Roxy Johnson, Raewynne McGhie, Frances Easthope, Robyn Crossley, Le-Lee-Anne Murphy, Lauren Anne, Lealofi Nanai, Lynette, Barbara....the list goes on.....I am also blessed to have such a great husband and kids....