Monday 5 July - Hanging out with Mad Michael and wiggling her toes!

A really settled night and our first full physiotherapy session this morning. Franny is still quite weak and very nervous about her back but was curious to meet 'Mad Michael' who gave us a wonderful welcome. Michael taught us some core leg stretches and for the first time we were able to feel and see the difference in Franny's legs. It was absolutely amazing. All of the stiffness has gone and although she is still very weak Franny has considerably more movement and control. Franny can wiggle her left toes for the first time! By the end of the session Franny was absolutely exhausted and couldn't keep her eyes open. I can't wait for our 3pm session later today. Michael told Franny that they're going for a bike ride, to which Franny replied in her best american accent "you cannot be serious!"

Click on the attached link to see a message from Franny that we recorded this morning .

Tuesday 6 July - Franny is leaving the building!
Another settled night and Franny was discharged!! We will come back to the hospital for physio every day before her next surgery on July 20th. Franny is still very weak and tiring quickly but I have to keep reminding myself this is only day 5 post-op. Franny had a good physio session this morning, more core strengthening and bike riding, YAY! I can't believe the difference in her legs and feet, she is so bendy! Franny is now developing her toe wiggling skills and for the first time ever her feet are pink and warm. As Franny gets stronger, every day will bring a new discovery and I am so grateful and thankful for this opportunity. Dr Park has given us a huge precious present and we're unwrapping her a little bit at a time!

I had to say goodbye to my sister today, it was so painful! Elaine has been an absolute rock for me and carried us (that's me and Franny) every day of this roller coaster ride. We hugged and cried and Elaine thanked me for allowing her to share this wonderful experience. That's typical Elaine, always loving and giving! A huge high five to Mick, Marika, Helina and Annie for managing without Elaine this week. Thank you, I know how much you'll have missed her.

Wednesday 6 July - Jumping for joy for Jordan!
Franny is much more lucid today. At physio we worked on sitting to standing with Fran's hands on a table in front of her for support. Franny is very nervous about weight bearing, we haven't got there yet but she is trying so hard. We had dinner with Holly (4) who's 3 weeks post op and Jordan (13) who was discharged today. Jordan is a lovely brave yound man who is able to describe the surgery so articulately from a patients point of view. Post-op he is discovering new stuff every hour. At dinner he realised he could now sit up much straighter, wiggle his fingers and thumbs, rotate his feet, roll his shoulders, feel his warm feet and cosy socks. He was absolutely estactic and so were we! He has been through such a lot for a thirteen year old and I admire him very much. Franny was partied out by 8pm and we had an early night, tomorrow is another new discovery day.

Thursday 7 July - Franny is Frantastic!!
Franny slept twelve hours overnight but is tiring very, very quickly. We had breakfast and then it was time for a two hour nap! We had a great physio session with Michael and I've put some short clips for you to see our new Gym Junkie. This afternoon Franny discovered she has substantially more range in her upper body now too, check out the new moves!! Thank you for all your lovely messages of support, Franny really enjoys reading them and Aunty Kirsty, thank you for all the lovely handmade presents every day, the flowers in our room and today the giant cookie basket! You are spoiling us!