This blog post contains all the links to the Avastin Diaries Series so far as well as reflections from Joanne Ward, author of this important series.
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION] Joanne Ward, author of the Avastin Diaries blog series, with her son Oscar.
I wanted to write a few words from both of us.
I asked Oscar what his expectations were before we started Avastin and he said “I hoped it was going to work”. He is now “Glad that its working”. This probably sums it up.
From my point of view the expectation was that we “hoped” it was going to do what it needed to do and looking back, I too “am glad” its working.
I know how lucky we are that Avastin is doing what it needs to do, I feel that we have been given some time while things are stable and for that I am grateful. I know of others whose journey has been completely different.
It’s not been an entirely easy ride though and the overwhelming take is cannulation problems, that has been our biggest sticking point in all this & the fact we won’t choose a port due to prioritising Oscars well-being and his sports that just add to keeping him emotionally well which has been so important to him & us.
Granted also it takes a bit of planning at times and every 2 weeks for infusions is a hard slog and can. at times. upset the daily diary of family life, but it’s amazing how quickly you get used to it.
But remember that very first post I wrote, organisation and support are very key to things going well.
— Joanne Ward
Want to catch up on their journey? The links to the whole series of Avastin Diaries so far:
Avastin Diary 1 – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 2 – First Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 3 – Second Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 4 – Teamwork and Third Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 5 – Waiting, Trainees and 4th Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 6 – BSL Nurse and 5th Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 7 – Another Learning Curve 6th Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 8 – Vimto, Ice Cream and 7th Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 9 – Tough Week and 8th Treatment – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 10 – 9th Treatment and Mental Wellbeing Importance – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 11 – Treatments 10-13 and The Summer Holidays – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 12 – Treatment #14 Six months in! – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 13 – Treatment 15 and Scanxiety! – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 14 – Treatment 16 and Scan Results! – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 15 – It doesn’t get any easier – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 16 -Treatments 19&20, Imposter Syndrome and Scanxiety – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 17 – January treatment & Scan results! – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary 18 – FEBRUARY HAS BEEN HARD GOING! – NF2 BioSolutions
Special Issues published:
Avastin Diary – Side Effects Special – NF2 BioSolutions
Avastin Diary – Children’s Services Special – NF2 BioSolutions