Gavin: Sore subject (BMT+27)

Sonny was off his lines today at midday and was scheduled to go to the gym this afternoon. Except, overnight a cold sore appeared and he couldn't go anywhere in case he spread it around. I don't really know what all the fuss is about, the last time he snogged the physio she was fine. Heartbroken, but fine...

Zoe: Purrrrrrrrrrroblem (BMT +26)

I've lost count of the number of people who regularly say they'll do anything to help but I really don't think any one of you had what I'm asking for in mind when you made your kind offers...

I need to find a foster home for our two cats. Both kids are distraught but we don't have an awful lot of choice. So think about who you know that likes cats a lot who doesn't have one at the moment and would possibly like two for a few months. Ideally they should live locally so that Ruby can visit them. Over to you.

PS, they are moggies but Gav likes to think of them as very rare pedigrees... no pressure then!

Gavin: Stop and watch the world every once in a while (BMT+25)

Today's performance by England was entirely predictable. Drawn against the old foe and peppered with smatterings of a war no one is allowed to mention but fuels the flag-waving patriotism, we were cruelly dumped out of the world cup after more goal line controversy. Except we weren't. Germany would have won despite the goal that never was due to an England performance owing more to blancmange than backbone. Wasn't Four Million Fabio meant to give us the discipline that every other manager has lacked? However, I don't blame them. If I pampered my kids with money, jewels and limelight how could I expect anything more than precocious brats who are constantly lifted skywards by the hot air of the army of manicurists, tattooists and massuers around them?
Anyway, after the game, I took Sonny to the park and we kicked a ball around for at least 20 minutes. He has to sit down a lot as it hurts his legs and, during one of our breaks I asked him what he was thinking (as he wasn't saying anything). Not much dad, he replied... just watching the world. So, I watched the world too and you know what, there wasn't any vuvuzelas, face paint or Emile Heskey. It was brilliant.

Gavin: A (yankee doodle) dandy day (BMT+24)

Sometimes, you have a really great day despite not much happening. Maybe it's because there's nothing odd happening with his bloods or his temperature hasn't done anything worrying. Or because we managed to get out again and kick a ball around for a few minutes in the park. But I think the real reason you have great days is when Sonny does... it makes such a difference. I arrived about 2ish and since then we've talked about football, watched football, played football, chosen his new football boots and discussed football transfers. We're currently waiting for extra time in the USA v Ghana match where we're keeping everything crossed for the Yanks. If you don't know why we're supporting America then like OMG, where have you been? We're pretty big on the internet you know.

Gavin: A very dirty dozen (BMT+23)

After such an exciting day yesterday, it was inevitable that Sonny would be bought back to earth with a bang. The diarrhea sickness started when he got back from the park and struck every hour until around 5am. As usual, it could be a number of things, ranging from a bug (most likely) to GVHD, something he ate that disagreed with him, or the fact that it's coming into the weekend and Sonny never gets ill on a Monday morning (Zo's called the phenomenon Locumotions).
Whatever the reason, he woke up after one of his worst nights in a long while quite chirpy and asked that we watch the classic war film 'The Dirty Dozen'. As this was weirdly the number of pyjama bottoms he went through last night, the coincidence has got me thinking there may be a link... Next Friday I'll be screening back to back episodes of 'It'll be alright on the night' and avoiding 'There will be Blood' like the plague.

Zoe: Sonny 1 - 0 Cancer (BMT +22)

The euphoria of England progressing to the knockout stages of the World Cup pales into insignificance compared to what took place today at Queens Square. Sonny Anderson made a long awaited appearance and it was as if he's never been away.
There was no trophy to play for, no media spotlight, just one boy with a huge smile on his face and that's what football is all about.

(thanks for the words Andy)

Zoe: Defoe a winner (BMT +21)

Two magical things happened today. Against the odds England made it through to the knockout stages and more importantly Sonny has reached +21. The first three weeks were meant to be very bumpy so we are in a celebratory mood... as you can see from the photos. Enjoy.

Gavin: Texting... (BMT+20)

Daddy: Hey mate, just seeing how you're doing. Love you x
Sonny: I'm ok just talked to the person who helps you feel better
Daddy: And did it help? x
Sonny: yes
Daddy: great stuff, not long till I see you buddy x
Daddy: Are you watching football? What's the score? x
Sonny: 2-0 South Africa and france have 10 men
Daddy: Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. There goes my outside bet. Bugger x
Sonny: The commentary is so bad I would rather listen to paint dry than to them
Daddy: Ha ha... Very good! x
Sonny: Uruguay and Mexico threw
Daddy: Unbelievable stuff. Thanks for letting me know John Motson.

Zoe: Drip stand off (BMT +19)

Sonny's next mountain to conquer is food. If he starts to eat he can come off TPN (nutrients in a bag) and his PCA pump (morphine). If he starts to eat well he'll be able to take most of his other daily medications orally. This would be great as he has to go everywhere attached to his enormous drip stand. (He took today's photo by the way as part of a school project). However its easier said than done. He's not been allowed to eat for nearly 4 weeks as they've been resting his gut and during this time he's also been incredibly sick and nauseous. He's been allowed to eat and drink since Friday but so far since being given the green light he's only managed to eat 3 little fromage frais yoghurt things - yes, the really tiny mini ones. We are not worried though, he'll get there, he always does because he's amazing.

Zoe: Small steps (BMT +18)

Sonny was very tired today. His bloods have dipped a bit which was a tad alarming after they'd been climbing so steadily. Although we were told not to worry... Hopefully he'll feel less tired and a bit brighter after a blood transfusion tonight.

Today's picture is brought to you by Robin, Emily and Lucy from his school. They took part in a cancer charity event today in support of Sonny. Brilliant effort! The picture really cheered him up. Hopefully, it won't be too long before he's back in the classroom refusing to talk to girls.