"Anyone who signs up to the stem cell register must have at least a minimal level of goodness," I was telling our guests on Saturday, not long before they went on their way. And it's true. You're offering to help a stranger – if you're found one day to be a match – with no benefit … Continue reading ♫ And you were there, my good man ♫
A time for giving?
I know I've left it a bit late to ask for Christmas presents this year, and the chances are I'm not getting you anything, but I'm going to inflict with my wish list anyway – BECAUSE IT'S CHRISTMAS! And, of course, as any John Lewis advert devotee will remember from a few years ago, the joy is in … Continue reading A time for giving?
Imperfect 10: a defiantly different decade
My relationship with diaries is a troubled one (erm, happy belated birthday, everyone!), but a growing number of dates have been sticking in my mind. Back in March I celebrated my first second birthday, a year after my stem cell transplant. A few months later, as I celebrated my 33rd birthday and fourth wedding anniversary, I … Continue reading Imperfect 10: a defiantly different decade
Days +51 to +55: The Donor Song (my new bone marrow’s from you)
I sometimes wonder whether I could have been a half-decent musician, had I ever put in the hours practising. "But why break a habit of a lifetime?" I thought this weekend when recording The Donor Song (my new bone marrow's from you) in a fit of gratitude and creativity. I'll use my bunged-up nose to plead … Continue reading Days +51 to +55: The Donor Song (my new bone marrow’s from you)
Day +50 (and +47 to +49): Treatment by numbers
1 readmission to hospital since discharge following stem cell transplant (average is apparently three in first year post-transplant) 2 times as bushy: my eyebrows seem to have thickened dramatically; fine hair has also appeared on the bottom of my nose, my ears and, to a lesser extent, the rest of my head. I'm not sure why... … Continue reading Day +50 (and +47 to +49): Treatment by numbers
Days +20 to +22: Going the distance
Mariacristina was off work on Monday, having traded it for working on Sunday to keep social media updated with the progress of runners in the London Marathon raising money for CAFOD, the charity where she works. They included Tom Jarvis, the youngest participant this year, who turned 18 just two days before the event. I am in … Continue reading Days +20 to +22: Going the distance
Day 0: Transplant party time
There are many important days in one's life, but some stick in the memory more clearly than others. I have a feeling today will be one of them, as I received the donor cells I need to build my immune system and give myself the best chance possible to keep those nasty lymphoblasts away. So, … Continue reading Day 0: Transplant party time