More relapse

After doing so well on the RIST for over 6 months, the recent scans from the beginning of February 2013 unfortunately show new tumor activity. This was difficult for us to hear as until now, the RIST protocol was showing improvement with each new scan. We have decided, together with Dr. van Noesel, to change to the chemo combination of Topotecan and Cyclophosphamide. Hannah had Topotecan 2 years ago which helped her then to go back into remission. Hopefully she will tolerate this new combination as well as the previous chemos. She has a great quality of of life, managing her energy so well that she does pretty much everything she wants to.

Hannah is still riding horses 3 times a week, and at the moment has gone to England for the weekend for her cousin's 18th birthday. Above is a photo of Hannah with her leased pony Pringle (her favorite!) She loves being at the stables and can easily spend all day there. She loves to help with the other girls that are horse crazy too.

Although she misses school regularly for hospital appointments, she is keeping up with the class well. She enjoys learning and sets very high standards for herself. Once a week she has a tutor at home to explain anything she might have missed and has help from the hospital education department during chemo weeks.

Despite all of the setbacks and treatments, Hannah remains happy and positive, and amazes everyone who knows her!