Thursday 3rd September

Although having the first appointment of the day is great, getting all 3 of us out of the flat for 7.20 am is challenging!

We see Carmen Ares today, the consultant. She's back from her holiday in Iceland, and popped in to see how Toby was doing. We mentioned his nosebleed, but she didn't seem concerned. So far, it's only happened when Toby has been playing roughly with Sam. She also mentioned that from next week, they will reduce down the volume of the area targeted, but keep the dose level the same. Kyle and I can't agree on whether that means the intensity increases in effect ie. a higher energy in smaller volume to give the same total dose in Grays, or not. We'll check next week when we see her again. We also ask about the possibility of seeing the machine and she was happy to agree, although exactly when remains to be organised. She understood totally how it's good to see where your 'baby' goes for his treatment. Carmen is spanish and speaks brilliant english, but very fast - so fast I struggle to keep up!

The weather today is grey and changeable but we need to get the boys some exercise so we head out for a walk up the side of the valley in Bad Zurzach where we are staying. We have a great view of the valley side from the flat and see one field of cows which Sam comments on regularly, so decide to go there for a closer look. Toby is more interested in splashing in every puddle possible (I have his wellies out here but he had his shoes on typically!) and drenched himself from toe to waist, but thoroughly enjoyed himself. Sam did really well at staying out of the puddles until the last 200 yards when the desire got the better of him and he soaked himself too. It also rained while we were out. Back to the flat for some lunch and then out again as the weather improved, with another walk, including the highlights of the train station, for Toby, and the Rhein. Despite all this walking, I decide that going for a run is a good idea once the boys are in bed that night, to make the most of Dad and Rona being there to babysit!