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Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Elliott Update

Hello friends

This post is going to look different as I am experimenting with blogging from my iPad.
I wanted to give you all an update. Elliott's surgery took place on Tuesday as there were further tests beforehand. Here is my brave boy having just had all these guide circles placed on his head - we chose to make lots of silly suggestions as to what these were for!




His operation was long and believe me I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. By late afternoon he was in the High Dependency ward with lots of nurses fussing over him. The surgeon said it could not have gone better and was very pleased - all in all a huge relief.
He has a way to go but the main surgery is out of the way and my beautiful boy was even cracking jokes as I said goodnight.
I am fortunate to be staying across the road from the hospital in Ronald McDonald House, Camberwell.




I have to confess I did not know much about this charity until now but I've made it a mission to find out more. I spoke with one of the volunteers and she explained that the McDonalds restaurants pay for refurb/construction of these home-away-from-home dwellings for families with children in hospital but once the building is complete each one is run on donations.
Once my life clicks back to normal watch out! .... I'm organising a crafty day and online crafty kits with all proceeds going to this beautiful house - it has made my stay in London with Elliott both manageable and stress free.
Again I must say a zillion thanks to you all for your comments, messages and more - you are all so very wonderful.
Take care friends.
Christine :) xx
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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87 comments:

  1. AnneRD22 May 2013 at 05:48

    Wonderful news Christine, thank you for the update. Had been thinking of you and hoping the op went according to plan. Anne x

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  2. Jenny Marples22 May 2013 at 06:10

    Oh what great news Christine. Elliot is indeed a brave boy and it is wonderful to know things are moving in a positive direction. Hugs, Jenny x

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  3. Chris22 May 2013 at 06:31

    Hi Christine,
    Thank you so much for letting us all how Elliott is, I'm so very pleased the operation went well. Elliott is so brave and seems so positive. Hope Mitchell is doing OK too.
    Love Chris X

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  4. Lacelady22 May 2013 at 06:36

    Such great news Christine, now Elliott can put the bad part behind him, and move into the recovery part. Thanks so much for the update, the surgeon sounded positive, which is good news.

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  5. mags22 May 2013 at 06:39

    Great news Christine. So glad the operation went well. Take care.
    Hugs
    Mags
    x

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  6. nmty22 May 2013 at 06:45

    Hi christine I am so pleased Elliott's surgery went. Lv norma

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  7. Bridget Larsen22 May 2013 at 06:45

    They do a great job Macdonalds. and you are doing a great job with your blogging from your ipad. Goodluck with round 2, am crossing my fingers for you.
    Bridget in Australia

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  8. Linda22 May 2013 at 06:50

    What a great news, he's such a brave boy
    hugs Linda

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  9. jucrook22 May 2013 at 06:55

    So glad to hear that things are going well. I must admit that I have often wondered what those boxes at the tills in McDs are for but never bothered to find out. Now I know I will be sure to make donations. I realise there is a long way to go but it is great to have such good news after the op and that he is joking already. Thank you for keeping us updated. Love to you all. Ju

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  10. Cinders6122 May 2013 at 06:58

    So pleased for you all. Thank you for taking time out,from what must be a very trying time for you all, to update us. Thinking about you and Elliott. Gillian x

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  11. Sue Jones22 May 2013 at 07:00

    Thinking of you both , so glad that bit is over with. Hope Elliott is comfortable (((((hug))))))

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  12. melanie22 May 2013 at 07:04

    So glad the OP went well and a positive out come,the house look fantastic ,I hope Mitchell is O.K
    Big hugs to you as you must have gone threw unimagainable things On Tuesday .Melanie xx

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  13. Clai0122 May 2013 at 07:21

    Fantastic news! love to you both xx
    and to Mitchell for holding the fort x

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  14. Hellma22 May 2013 at 07:27

    Such great news to hear Christine, glad the surgery went well.

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  15. ginny c22 May 2013 at 07:42

    Glad everything went ok wishing Elliott all the very best and to you and Mitchell. Best wishes ginny xxx

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  16. Christine Harrop22 May 2013 at 07:44

    Wonderful news Christine. You must be feeling such a sense of relief. But as you says, there is still a long way to go so you are all still on my prayer list! Love and hugs from Christine xx

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  17. hazel young22 May 2013 at 07:45

    That's great news Christine glad everything went well and you are able to stay close. xx hazel

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  18. Janice22 May 2013 at 07:52

    Wonderful news Christine, thank you so much for letting us know. It's fantastic that you can stay close by, what a great charity.
    Hoping that your very brave Elliot is doing well, and Mitchell and Bella are holding the fort ok.
    Thinking of you all.
    Janice x

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  19. Ella's Design22 May 2013 at 08:04

    So glad everything went well and that you are able to stay nearby to your little (or not so little) man! I hope that Elliott has a speedy recovery from his surgery and I'm sure the Blogging community will support you in your future charitable causes! All the very best for the days ahead, hugs, Lisa x

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  20. Mrs B22 May 2013 at 08:10

    Hi Christine. Thank you for letting us know the great news, so glad that Elliots op went well. Yesterday must have been terrible for you and Mitchell, and the rest of your family, but now Elliot can concentrate on getting back to notmal. Look after yourself and take care.

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  21. Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes)22 May 2013 at 08:13

    So pleased to be reading this Christine I have been thinking about you all and it is certainly a relief for me so goodness knows how you feel! Give him a big kiss from all of your blogging friends!! Hugs Susan xx

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  22. Lucycat22 May 2013 at 08:20

    Hi Christine.
    Wonderful news, round one over,and the surgery has gone well, he is such a brave boy.
    Really pleased you can stay near him,it must mean a lot to you both,I will keep a look out for your fund raising I would love to help, Love to you all, Take care. x.

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  23. Linda22 May 2013 at 08:25

    Brilliant news about Elliot,have been thinking about you both. As for the fund raising, count me in!
    Hugs
    Linda

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  24. Patricia Howarth22 May 2013 at 08:27

    Morning Christine, I would have felt as if I was holding my breath the whole time too. I am so glad the worst is over for Elliott and you all,, Elliott is such a 'soldier' fancy cracking jokes last night !! Constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Christine.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

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  25. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 08:32

    That's good news, so glad the op went well and sending wishes for a speedy recovery. There is so much great work that goes on 'behind the scenes'. Sending you all a hug. Juliat x

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  26. lydia jordan22 May 2013 at 08:38

    Hi Christine,
    Oh what a relief for you, must admit I felt very emotional reading your blog today.
    I found out about this charity a few weeks ago when I made a donation instead of flowers, it seems they do wonderful work, and yes I'll be happy to help in anyway I can.
    Take care and love to Elliot.
    Lydia
    X

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  27. baconbits22 May 2013 at 08:42

    Wonderful news Christine thank you for the update, so good to see Elliot with a smile.
    Hugs to all
    Amanda x

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  28. Astrid Maclean22 May 2013 at 08:44

    Fantastic news Christine, Elliot is one brave lad! You of course are a wonderful mum and have surrounded him with so much positivity and that can only have helped. Good to hear also that Macdonalds are doing some good things for the world. Good thoughts for all the next steps will keep coming your way!

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  29. Pat S Witney22 May 2013 at 08:51

    Hi Christine
    wonderful news Christine that Elliot's op went well. Everything seems to be going well. As you say a long way to go yet. hope that Mitchell is doing ok as well.

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  30. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 08:56

    Wonderful news Christine, so glad for you all. Ronald McDonald are a fantastic charity as another friend of mine has found out, and now she does all she can to raise funds too.
    love and hugs Carole N xx

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  31. Sally22 May 2013 at 09:06

    Great news Christine, I have to admire Elliott with how brave he has been through all this. Hopefully you will be able to relax (at least a little bit)) for now. It is such a relieve when the surgeon tells you it has gone well.
    I must say it is good to hear that a big company like MacDonalds are doing something positive, I must say I have seen the boxes on their counters but never took much notice, I will now. Best wishes to you all, Sally xx

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  32. Carole Z22 May 2013 at 09:08

    Hi Christine, BIG sigh of relief for you all and especially Elliott, I am so pleased that everything went so well and that things can move forward with a very positive attitude, big big hug, Carole Z X

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  33. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 09:14

    I am so pleased that everything has gone so well as I have been thinking of you all. Take care. Claire

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  34. nattyboots22 May 2013 at 09:14

    Hi Christine

    Had a tear in my eyes when i read your blog, Im so happy all is going well for Elliott.

    The Surgeon sounded positive and thats good news

    Elliott is a fantastic boy and very positive too , it shows as hes cracking jokes already how great is that ?

    Thanks for letting us know Christine i prey Elliott will continue to get stronger and better each day .

    Elaine H x

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  35. marg22 May 2013 at 09:16

    Hello Christine!
    Such an emotional time for you all!
    Take care....
    Love Marg

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  36. smag5322 May 2013 at 09:26

    Thank you for the update Christine.I am so pleased that all went well and things are looking positive.
    XX sending hugs and love to you all.xx Sheila xx

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  37. EmmaT22 May 2013 at 09:37

    Thank you for letting us know how Elliott is, glad the op went well. Thinking of you all and sending Hugs. Emma

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  38. cats22 May 2013 at 09:38

    That's great news Christine.That part over must feel like a large weight has been lifted. Love to you all !!!...Christine xxx

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  39. Unknown22 May 2013 at 09:46

    So glad the op went well! Love and Hugs to you all xxx

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  40. Elizabeth22 May 2013 at 09:46

    Oh Christine, what absolutely wonderful news. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us all know how the surgery went, I am sure we were all holding our breath along with you. Elliot is such a brave young man and very positive which makes such a difference.
    Take care and hugs to you all.
    Elizabeth x

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  41. Sue Yorkshire22 May 2013 at 10:00

    Christine I am so pleased that all went well yesterday what a huge relief and I can quite understand that you felt as though you were holding your breath all day. Its fabulous that you can stay nearby and not have stress of travelling.
    Elliott bless him still has a long way to go but he is strong and positive like his mum
    Sue xxxx

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  42. Jean Z22 May 2013 at 10:02

    Thats wonderful news Christine so glad the op is over and Elliott is on the mend, the home you stayed in sounds a wonderful place deserves help love Jean Z xx

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  43. Mary by the Sea22 May 2013 at 10:03

    Hi Christine, so glad to hear that Elliotts op went well. You can start to breath again. The waiting is always the worst part. I bet Mitchell is relieved as well.

    I had no idea that macdonalds did this work, will certainly investigate Things like this make such a difference for families.

    Take care of yourself and fingers crossed for the next stage..

    Mary x

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  44. Layerlass6722 May 2013 at 10:06

    Christine, Fantastic news and thanks for taking the time to let us know. I have heard of Ronald Macdonald but didn't know exactly what they did. Will be happy to support any fundraising you do for them in the future. So glad you were able to be close by to the hospital.Takes a bit of the stress off for sure. Thank God the operation is over and gone well. Now, Elliott will need a lot of patience as he gradually recuperates. Hugs to you both. Gemma xx

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  45. Sandra22 May 2013 at 10:11

    Christine, I could not be more relieved, isn't it miraculous to think what they can do these days, to think of the level of surgery he had yet he was able to joke you the same day! Way to go Elliott, what a little star you are!
    I have heard of the Macdonald charity and I know what a huge difference it can make to very anxious parents!
    I look forward to being part of your fund raising!
    Hugs to all of your wonderful family Christine!
    Sandra xx

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  46. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 10:19

    Hi Christine. So happy and relieved by your wonderful news. The worse part is now over and he can get well knowing so many people are routing for him.

    Take care.

    Love Val in Spain xxx

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  47. Maggie J22 May 2013 at 10:21

    You must be very relieved that the operation is safely over and it went well. Great news.

    Maggie J

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  48. Teresa22 May 2013 at 10:27

    I am so happy that all went well and that he was so brave to go through all this. Lots of Hugs to you and thank you for posting. I have been holding my breath waiting for good knews too :)
    Ronald McDonald houses are here too and a wonderful thing for families. Would love to help you with a charity thing in the future for them.

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  49. Pat S Witney22 May 2013 at 10:33

    Hi Christine

    Forgot to mention when I left my earlier blog, that I had received my dress forms. Once again thanks very much and hugs to you all.

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  50. Maddie, Nottingham22 May 2013 at 10:45

    Hi Christine & Elliot, so pleased that the op is over and that Elliot should now be on course for a speedy recovery. We were all praying for you all. Keep strong and remember we are all thinking of you.

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  51. Sarah22 May 2013 at 11:01

    I am so pleased that the operation went so well Christine. How brave is Elliot! Take Care

    Sarah x

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  52. SUE22 May 2013 at 11:10



    Hi Christine,

    That's great news, I'm so pleased that Elliott is doing well, the Ronald Mcdonald houses are wonderful places for those that need to be near by, give Elliott a hug from me, I hope he recovers fully very soon.

    Love Sue xx

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  53. Sue B22 May 2013 at 11:16

    Oh what wonderful news that Elliott's op went so well. He truly is an inspiration. I must confess I got quite emotional reading the end of your blog regarding the Ronald McDonald house. Typical of you to be thinking of ways to raise awareness of other things, even though you are going through a stressful time. I'm sure whatever you decide to do to raise funds, we will all be behind you 100%. Wishing Elliott a good & speedy recovery & not forgetting Mitchell for keeping everything else going.

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  54. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 11:26

    Belinda Raven said....

    Hi Christine, so pleased to hear that Elliott's surgery went well. Will be remembering all of you in the days ahead.

    Hugs, Belinda. X

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  55. Janice22 May 2013 at 11:29

    Chris, I am so pleased that everything went according to plan with Elliott's surgery. What a big relief it must be for you all. I hope he recovers well and soon you will be blogging that he is eating you out of house and home!!!. I had not heard of the Mcdonalds Houses but when you start your fund raising you can count on me. All the very best for now.... get some sleep if you can.... Janice xx

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  56. Unknown22 May 2013 at 11:45

    Hi Christine, So pleased everything went well. Elliot is so brave. Love to you all. (((HUGS)))

    Love and Light
    Chrissie x x x

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  57. Susie Bentz: My Time to Play22 May 2013 at 11:59

    Wonderful news! My prayers will continue for a complete and speedy recovery.

    My sister-in-law stayed at a Ronald McDonald House more than 30 years ago when my nephew was born prematurely. It is a wonderful charity that helps people in some of the most stressful times. God bless you for giving back.

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  58. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 12:06

    Fantastic news Christine how brave you both are. lots of love
    Pam S

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  59. Judy Hayes22 May 2013 at 12:08

    So vey happy to hear this good news! I pray for continued healing and recovery. My thoughts are with you.
    Big hugs!

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  60. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 12:14

    Great news Christine & Elliott! I hope he has a fast recovery and all is back to normal soon! Beth

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  61. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 12:16

    So good to hear your news. Very best wishes to Elliott Mitchell and you. Keeping you in my prayers. Looking forward to hearing he is home and recovered soon.
    Phil D

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  62. Rach8322 May 2013 at 12:27

    So glad to hear that Elliot's operation has gone well. Wishing him all the best and I hope he is back on top form again soon.

    I'm just busy making a Christine notebook so thought I'd check out your blog for some inspiration! Thanks for sharing your immense talent.

    Take care,
    Rachel x

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  63. Toni22 May 2013 at 12:42

    Well done Elliott, Christine, Mitchell and all of your supporting family. A big ordeal for all of you but seems like all has gone really well and things are looking positive now. Hope Elliott continues to make good progress.
    Well done to McDonalds as well. What a useful facility available to families with children unfortunate enough to be in hospital. Lovely thoughtful idea of yours to do some fundraising for them.
    Take care
    Toni xx

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  64. Ita22 May 2013 at 12:58

    Hi Christine and Elliott great news ,and thank God the Surgery went well,I know how you felt while waiting,my Hubby had a massive brain haemorrage 21 years ago and is still doing fine.It is wonderfull to have peace of mind that you are so near the Hospital,M.and S also have a house where family's can stay.
    Give Elliott the brave little man a big hug from me .
    Smiles
    Ita

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  65. The Hardy Stamper22 May 2013 at 13:02

    Thanks so much for letting us know how Elliot is doing, I had been thinking of him. All sounds as well as can be and I'm glad that you are staying nearby. I never knew about the Ronald MacDonald houses either - what a great charity!

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  66. Cazann4922 May 2013 at 14:01

    Hi Christine, i couldn't help shedding a few tears when I saw your darling boy with a smile on his face, especially when you thik what he's been through. :) I'm so pleased you're able to be there just across the road from him :) I hope Mitchell is looking after himself and Bella ok..Lots of love, Carole xxx

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  67. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 17:08

    Hi christine glad elliots op went as best as could be. Would love to help with fundraising if you need any. Take care xx

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  68. CraftyJo22 May 2013 at 17:10

    Great news, thanks so much for the updates.

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  69. loftylass22 May 2013 at 19:12

    Absolutely wonderful news Christine - thank you for the update. So pleased the surgery went well.
    Hugs
    Heather W
    x

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  70. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 20:12

    Hi Christine - What brilliant news for you from Elliott's surgeon. Thank you for keeping us up-dated.
    Looking forward to your fund raising.
    Val C xx

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  71. Yvonne22 May 2013 at 20:12

    Oh Christine.....such wonderful news!
    So happy to hear he's already making jokes....
    Big big hug to you and the boys,
    Love,
    Yvonne

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  72. Penny22 May 2013 at 20:28

    So pleased the surgery went well I was thinking of you. Take care now.

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  73. Anne O22 May 2013 at 21:00

    So pleased that the surgery went well. Best wishes to you and Elliott
    Anne O

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  74. Teresa22 May 2013 at 21:10

    Hi Christine. Great to hear that it all went well.Still be thinking of you in the days to come. Love to you all

    Teresa (Nottingham)

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  75. Dianeandchipps22 May 2013 at 21:17

    So please to hear your news and the surgeons seems pleased. Take care and remember to look after yourself as well.
    Love
    Diane x

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  76. Maggieann22 May 2013 at 21:23

    Hi Christine, really pleased to hear that Elliott's operation went well-he is remarkable and inspiration to us all with his wonderful smile! Mitchell is doing a great job taking care of things for you. Thinking of you all and sending love and big hugs xxx

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  77. Carolyn H.22 May 2013 at 21:46

    Wonderful news Christine, thank you for your update on Elliott.
    So pleased you are being looked after well too, a truly wonderful charity.
    With love from Carolyn x.

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  78. Oksana22 May 2013 at 22:19

    Hi Christine, thank you for the update on Elliott's progress. I am thinking of you and your family. Look after yourself also, hugs, Oksana.xx

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  79. Craftychris22 May 2013 at 22:24

    I am so glad the op went well! You must all be so relieved. We all appreciate you taking the time to keep us updated. I have never heard of the Ronald MacDonald charity either - it sounds really cool and I am so glad it makes things easier for you. Take care and lots of love to all of you. Christine xx

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  80. ros hodgkins22 May 2013 at 22:36

    Hi Christine, I am so pleased that all went well yesterday for Elliott,and now as you say the main operation is over with, it can only get better from here on.
    Take care X Ros

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  81. Ann22 May 2013 at 23:19



    Hi Christine

    Thankyou so much for taking the time to update us on Elliot's progress. So glad the operation went well and Bless you it is so hard to stay strong all the time I am so pleased to hear that you have a Ronald Macdonald House to stay in it makes things a little easier for you.
    You are both (and Mitchell beavering at home and looking after things and little Bella) in my thoughts and prayers.Take good care luv n Big gentle hugs Annxxxxx

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  82. Anonymous23 May 2013 at 00:46

    Christine
    So glad to hear that Elliott has the operation over him and that he is doing so well. It's a relief to hear the surgeon is so happy with the op. Thank you for the update. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Take care
    Caroline MacH

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  83. Margie Higuchi23 May 2013 at 06:07

    Christine, so happy to hear the good news! The Ronald McDonald House is a wonderful organization and I am glad they helped you through it. Continued good thoughts and prayers xo

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  84. Rose in Chester23 May 2013 at 06:39

    Hi Christine,
    What a huge relief it must have been for you - firstly, that the operation actually took place and then - even more importantly - that it went so well.
    As Margie, prayers and positive thoughts are continuing.
    And to Mitchell - thanks and keep up the good work.
    Rose

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  85. Lynn23 May 2013 at 19:09

    Hi Christine, Great news that the Op went well. Hoping Elliotts recovery goes well. Lynn xx

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  86. Peggy23 May 2013 at 21:41

    Great news. So glad the first stage is over successfully. Well done, Elliott. Best wishes to you all Hugs Dee xx

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  87. LisaK24 May 2013 at 15:13

    So pleased that everything went well. Thank you for letting us know. Take care x

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.