It's probably no surprise, given my continuing existence, that were I to be given the opportunity to change any of the decisions made regarding my treatment, I wouldn't alter a thing. However shaky some of the steps may have seemed at the time, and whatever slings and arrows outrageous fortune may have flung at me as a result, it's … Continue reading Me and my immunotherapy, on the national news
Expectation management
Last time I posted, I was approaching my first second birthday – one year post-transplant – and somehow we've got to more than 100 days since that, given that it's over a year now even since the momentous Day +100 that confirmed I was on the right track. For the record, the birthday celebration was … Continue reading Expectation management
Day +362: You’re only one twice
Everything's relative, and it's fascinating to compare the 101 days that have flown by since I last posted here to the critical first 100 days after my bone marrow transplant – which took place just under a year ago. Life's been turned inside out and upside down, but somehow we've bundled through it all and come out blinking at … Continue reading Day +362: You’re only one twice
Day +261: Good blood and bad chat
It's been a while... I even cheated and used a website to work out how many days it's been since my stem cell transplant. I usually put such a delay down to the fact I've been too busy getting on with life, which is at least partly true. It's also, though, because medically my life hasn't been very interesting, … Continue reading Day +261: Good blood and bad chat
Day +214: Covering all bases
There was always a bit of a joke in my family as we were growing up: with four children, my parents thought they might be well provided for if one of us grew up to be a doctor, another an accountant, a third a lawyer and finally, I think, it was a toss-up between a … Continue reading Day +214: Covering all bases
Day +195: My body is no expert
Do you listen to your body? I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend some time living in Naples when my father was posted to work there for three or four years during my teenage years – and not just because otherwise I'd never have met the magnificent Mariacristina... My happy memories are … Continue reading Day +195: My body is no expert
Day +181: The patience of patients
Q. What do you call a winner who is quite happy to wait around before receiving his/her medal? A. ... Remarkably, at my last clinic appointment at St George's, I showed my face at reception pretty much bang on time and was ushered through immediately to see the doctor. I was flabbergasted, having set myself up … Continue reading Day +181: The patience of patients
Day +169: Run, Robin, run!
* Raise riches for resources with rock star Robin * My poor cousin Robin, who only ever really wanted to be a rock star, has gone and got himself signed up to run around Wembley Park on Sunday – and all for a very good cause. Inspired by my plight, progress and persistence, he will be taking part … Continue reading Day +169: Run, Robin, run!
Day 167: Inspirational individuals
On Thursday evening I had the privilege of attending a private viewing of Anthony Nolan's fantastic After exhibition, and I'm still trying to process the thoughts and emotions it inspired in me. After comprises photos showing patients who have had bone marrow transplants, accompanied by a description of their story, often focusing on a particular aspect of life they have managed … Continue reading Day 167: Inspirational individuals
My 100th post: 10 months in pictures…
"You know what?" said Mariacristina. "It's been a great year." She's right, of course...