tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42385362699703177042024-03-19T03:36:41.200+00:00Katherine's DiaryThis is Katherine's diary on life living with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia.
Visit my website at: www.katherines-story.com for moreAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-82940969613628206152016-01-07T11:20:00.001+00:002016-05-25T17:07:22.794+01:00January 2016 onwards<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday May 9 - Sunday May 15, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following last week's fund-raising launch in Birmingham, I've been trying to promote the appeal. Last week I had an MRI scan on my leg and this week I have been back to the doctors for another unrelated leg problem - this time it is a bruise which has swelled quite badly and hasn't reduced in size for the past 2-3 weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday May 2 - Sunday May 8, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital this week - but for a celebration event rather than a health appointment. The Centre for Clinical Haematology at the hospital is celebrating its 10th anniversary and to mark the occasion, the charity Cure Leukaemia has launched a £3 million appeal to establish the Birmingham Institute of Haematology. At the launch today I was speaking to television presenter Adrian Chiles and former footballer Geoff Thomas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also had to have an out-of-hours MRI scan for the pain in my leg.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday April 25 - Sunday May 1, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been to the dentist this week for a check-up. This is the first check I have had since my transplant. I've had bad experiences in the past with my usual NHS dentist and as I have certain risks to avoid, this appointment in Birmingham was arranged through the hospital.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The dentist is a specialist when it comes to dealing with patients with low platelets and other problems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday April 18 - Sunday April 24, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think the low sports car we used for this year's BONE-shaker MARROW-thon has caused me a few problems. I have been in severe pain this week with my hips and joints and have had to resort to a walking stick. I have been close to needing a wheelchair this week as the pain has been terrible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday April 11 - Sunday April 17, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our charity ride last week was a huge success and we have raised around £1,000 which is split automatically between Cure Leukaemia, Anthony Nolan and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. If you would like to donate to boost the total further, you can do via:</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;" target="_blank">Click here to donate</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, I've been to the hospital again this week. My blood tests are okay but I am suffering severe pain in my hip joint. I have been booked in for an MRI test. My thyroid tests also need repeating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday April 4 - Sunday April 10, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week we received the Mazda MX5 in preparation for the ride at the weekend. This also involved having photographs taken for the newspaper for some last-minute publicity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ride on Sunday, April 10, 2016 went exactly to plan and we estimate we had somewhere in the region of 110-130 bikers joining us from two different starting venues and heading to the National Brewery Centre. This year we had the added benefit of having a video/photographer riding with us who filmed the entire ride for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday March 28 - Sunday April 3, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With just a week to go until our charity ride, we are now into the last minute plans. Meanwhile, this week I have been to Burton's Queen's Hospital for a blood test for my possible thyroid problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday March 21 - Sunday March 27, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have had no joy in securing a motorcycle for our charity ride and so we had to look elsewhere. Stephen knows many people in the motoring sector thanks to his years of carrying out motors reviews. He therefore contacted Mazda and they have agreed to loan us the use of an open-top MX5 for the ride. Although we will have to carry out the ride in a car, at least it will be in style.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday March 14 - Sunday March 20, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our charity banner has now been put up at the National Brewery Centre to help with publicity in the town. This coupled with publicity in the newspaper and a strong position on social media should hopefully result in a good event on April 10th. The biggest set-back is still the lack of any transport for our ride - we have yet to secure a motorcycle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday March 7 - Sunday March 13, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We met with students on the public services course at Burton and South Derbyshire College.The students will be helping with bucket collections on the day of the ride. As we have secured permission to collect in the Octagon Shopping Centre this year, we hope to increase the totals the students manage to achieve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their support will be publicised in the newspaper and so a photograph was taken for the story by the college photographer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday February 29 - Sunday March 6, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As our charity ride is now just a month away, things have started to get busy with the planning stages. We are in talks with all of the charities and hope to get help from students at Burton and South Derbyshire College.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday February 22, 2016 - Sunday February 28, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm quite keen to get back to the doctors to have my thyroid function tested again but unfortunately I still have another couple of weeks to wait. Once I have the test, the results will then be sent to Birmingham for further analysis. If my thyroid is under/over active, then I will have another tablet to add to my daily collection of medication.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday February 15, 2016 - Sunday February 21, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We collected the banner for our forthcoming charity ride this week. Local companies have once again kindly supported us with our ride as we raise money for blood cancer charities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday February 8, 2016 - Sunday February 14, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plans are starting to come together for our BONE-shaker MARROW-thon charity motorcycle ride which this year takes place on Sunday April 10th. The ride will raise money as usual for Cure Leukaemia, Anthony Nolan and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday February 1, 2016 - Sunday February 7, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If my thyroid levels prove to be out of balance, this explains many side-effects and symptoms I have been suffering with for months. Common problems associated with thyroid troubles can include fatigue and changes in body weight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday January 25, 2016 - Sunday January 31, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was back to the doctors this week for another 'sick note' for my employer. Within days of this visit I received a letter from one of the consultants in Birmingham as they have detected some abnormalities in some of my test results. This relates to my thyroid function as two of the thyroid test areas are out of the normal range. A re-test is needed within the next few weeks to decide the next course of action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday January 18, 2016 - Sunday January 24, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week I experienced a few days of stomach ache and I've got an annoying ache in my right-hand-side pelvis. The stomach ache I am putting down to something I have eaten (these things just affect me worse and for longer nowadays) while I am unsure about the pelvis pain. One of my tablets (Nilotinib) has a known side-effect of causing 'bone pain/aches' and therefore it could be this, it could also be a result of the many holes I have in my pelvis where they have extracted bone and bone marrow for testing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday January 11, 2016 - Sunday January 17, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a busy week as not only did we have the first snowfall of 2016, it was also my husband's birthday. Health-wise I have been okay this week and I'm pleased to say that the quinine tablets I take to improve the cramp in my toes is now making a difference. I cannot say that the cramp problem has been solved, but the quinine has helped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday January 4, 2016 - Sunday January 10, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were back at the hospital again this week for another appointment. While last week was quiet, today was a nightmare with cars queuing for the car park, standing room only in the waiting room and an average delay of two hours. Thankfully we only had to wait an extra 40 minutes to see my consultant. There was a massive change compared to last week's visit - the entire experience was quite stressful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday December 28, 2015 - Sunday January 3, 2016</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christmas we ahead as planned as my dad's nasty chest infection cleared just in time. The bad news is that my dad's infection has now returned - worse than before. Because of the infection risk, the only communication between us can now be via telephone. We returned to the hospital this week for a check-up and as most people are still on their festive break, both clinic and traffic were quiet.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-84600439278078498812015-05-03T22:56:00.002+01:002016-01-07T11:19:02.065+00:00May 2015 onwards<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday December 21 - Sunday December 27</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas went ahead as planned. My dad's nasty chest infection cleared up a day or two before Christmas and so everything went ahead smoothly in the end. The busy social schedule wiped out my energy but its only once a year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday December 14 - Sunday December 20</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've managed to keep fit and well despite the amount of coughs and colds around. However, my dad is suffering with a very nasty chest infection which is beginning to threaten Christmas plans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday December 7 - Sunday December 13</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life is a challenge at the moment. I am well - it is just that everybody else is coughing and sneezing everywhere and over everyone. I am trying my hardest to avoid catching any of these nasty infections which are spreading like wildfire as my symptoms will be much worse and prolonged than others - plus it could put me back in hospital. At this time of year with so many coughs and colds, it is a challenge to remain healthy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday November 30 - Sunday December 6</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may be early for some people but our house is now a Christmas grotto. My Christmas in 2013 was troublesome as I was only a month or so post-transplant and last year was my first real Christmas being back to some kind of normality. Therefore I am hoping Christmas 2015 will be super special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday November 23 - Sunday November 29</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital again this week for a lung function test. The test was booked a couple of weeks ago when I was experiencing bouts of breathlessness. This has since cleared somewhat but I still wanted the test to take place as a precaution. These tests are relatively easy and as I have had two or three before, the results enable doctors to clearly see if my breathing is improving or suffering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday November 16 - Sunday November 22</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had my annual flu jab this week. This required a little more planning than most people as I have to have my appointment out-of-hours. After double checking that the virus was not of the 'live' variety, the injection went well with few side-effects except swelling of the injection site. We have to plan the injection so that my husband can have his soon afterwards and so we managed to get this done at the chemist the following morning. My husband suffered more side-effects than me with aching joints and a mild fever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday November 9 - Sunday November 15</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a few weeks of having days feeling under the weather, I felt good enough this week to recommence with my exercise regime. The weather is now the biggest hurdle when it comes to me trying to regain some stamina.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday November 2 - Sunday November 8</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week I received a huge donation of stamps and foreign coins from the readers of the Ashbourne News Telegraph - two bin bags full. I will now get to work sorting and packaging these stamps so that in the weeks before Christmas I can make another donation to Leukaemia CARE. I am extremely grateful to all who donated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday October 26 - Sunday November 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I celebrated my second transplant anniversary this week (Thursday October 29th). This week for our family is extremely busy and poignant as it holds many anniversaries for key dates. Wednesday, October 28th marked four years since my sister-in-law Sharon lost her battle with cancer. While my transplant anniversary shares the date with what would be my late mum's birthday and my late brother-in-law's birthday. So while my transplant anniversary is a joyous occasion, there are plenty of other sad events too. My transplant anniversary was published in the newspaper to help raise awareness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday October 19 - Sunday October 25, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were at the hospital this week on a Saturday - proving that the NHS is already a seven-day-a-week service. This appointment was for my eyes as I have suffered with a few bouts of dry eyes. At my last appointment six months ago I was given some eye drops to use when I needed. The doctor this time suggests using them more regular as a preventative measure as my eyes are showing some traces of Graft versus Host Disease. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday October 12 - Sunday October 18, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My clinic appointment went well. In terms of my blood, I am still in complete molecular remission. To help solve the foot cramps, I have been prescribed quinine tablets - yes this is the stuff found in tonic water and commonly used to treat malaria. The cramps are a side-effect of my medication as the Nilotinib tablets strip certain chemicals and trace elements from your system. As for my breathing, I am being booked in for some more lung function tests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday October 5 - Sunday October 11, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm at the hospital again next week which I am strangely looking forward to as I have a couple of issues I need investigating. Firstly I keep suffering with severe foot cramps, secondly my breathing doesn't feel 100 per cent and thirdly, I am sure my spleen is slightly swollen. I will be glad to have a thorough check-up new week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday September 28 - Sunday October 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's the Pride of Britain Awards this week. It's hard to believe that it's now more than 12 months since I was in the shortlist for an award. I've seen the nominations for this year and I don't recognise any names - this is in stark contrast to last year when I knew quite a few of those shortlisted for awards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday September 21- Sunday September 27, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The problems with my breathing appear to have cleared up - it's a good job really as the finger-tip oxygen meter I ordered still hasn't arrived as I'm being messed around by Amazon. On Thursday and Friday this week I was in London for a short visit - this was an opportunity to gain lots of exercise as anything in London appears to warrant lots of walking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday September 14 - Sunday September 20, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a few days this week where I suffered periods of breathlessness. The last time I had this it was the tell-tale signs of the start of pneumonia. I'm making sure I keep up to date with my daily doses of penicillin. I've also ordered myself a finger-tip oxygen meter from the internet so that I can measure my own blood oxygen levels. This will aid me in the future to determine as I can get medical advice quicker as the blood oxygen level is likely to fall before other symptoms develop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday September 7 - Sunday September 13, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the children have returned to school, I've taken the opportunity to have a few days away without the added hustle and bustle of the peak season crowds.Our accommodation had no WiFi or phone signal and so I have been fairly quiet this week - but it's good in a way to take a break away from things for a few days every once in a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday August 31 - Sunday September 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's Blood Cancer Awareness Month and so I have been busy preparing an article for the start of the campaign on September 1. My husband Stephen is also liaising with a lady in Uttoxeter who is due to meet the recipient of her stem cells next week. The lady donated her cells to a German man five years ago and the pair are due to meet for the first time. We're helping to arrange some media coverage for the meeting to help highlight the importance of donors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday August 24 - Sunday August 30, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had another of my vaccinations this week. I have been booking these injections during the out-of-hours slots at my GP surgery to prevent having to sit in a waiting room full of others, however, this didn't quite work to plan this week as the out-of-hours slot was as busy as the day time surgery with a waiting room full of coughing and sneezing patients.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, I didn't suffer any ill side-effects from the injection or my wait in the doctors' surgery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next week is the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month so please keep an eye out in the media for various events. I should be in the newspapers again next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday August 17 - Sunday August 23, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The busy hospital period has started again as it was clinic again this week for my blood results. The summer holiday season resulted in a change in the number of patients and the number of staff at clinic. Thankfully everything blood-wise is doing well and so we stocked up on a few thousand pounds worth of tablets, creams and mouthwashes at the pharmacy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My next medical appointment is next week when I have another injection. The last time I had this particular injection, I was ill the following day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, I can reveal that the Run4Katherine team will be taking on the London Marathon again in 2016. At present, it is just one of the trio who is signed up and registered to run again for Anthony Nolan - but you can sponsor our runner Verity here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine2016/">https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine2016/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday August 10 - Sunday August 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been increasing my levels of exercise this week - thanks in part to days out because of our (7th) wedding anniversary on August 9th and my birthday on August 13th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regular readers of my diary will remember that my birthday was a significant date because it was the day I was finally discharged from hospital after nearly eight weeks of treatment in 2013. This year marks two years since that milestone day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've also been back to the hospital this week for a routine follow-up appointment with one of the specialist doctors, unless some of my problems worsen beforehand, we will follow up this appointment with another visit in December.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday August 3 - Sunday August 9, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My popularity in Ashbourne continues to grow thanks to the story in the News Telegraph last week. As a result I've received many more batches of stamps - many accompanied with letters of support. I've also been contacted by Ashbourne Rotary Club who asked if I could speak at one of their monthly meetings. From next week we start with the hospital appointments again as I have various bookings over the next couple of weeks plus another injection to have at the GP surgery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday July 27 - Sunday August 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My stamp and coin collection has been promoted in the Ashbourne News Telegraph this week. My loyal band of Ashbourne readers are still actively donating and collecting stamps and foreign coins and a newspaper update helps to give the campaign a boost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've been to the hospital this week, but not for me, this time it was for my dad. It was strange as we had to pass some of the waiting rooms I used to visit when I was very first diagnosed at Burton's Queen's Hospital before my care was transferred to Birmingham.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">First weekly entry</span> - Monday July 20 - Sunday July 26, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the Burton Mail moving offices, I have cashed in the collection box money for Cure Leukaemia and Anthony Nolan. The collection total was £37.08 meaning that each charity is set to benefit from a cheque for £18.54 in the coming weeks. I'm really pleased that permission has been given for the new office to have just one collection box on the counter and they have indicated that it should be a box connected to my chosen charities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, July 21, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As my days are becoming more in-touch with normality, I'm going to switch my diary entries to weekly updates as more happens in a week overall than it does daily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, July 20, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm thrilled with the continuing success of my used coin and stamp collection - this is probably my most successful campaign of them all as it started after I was diagnosed and is still going strong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, July 19, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been visiting family today and had lots of enjoyable exercise playing football with my nephew. Days like this help to build-up my energy levels while giving me some valuable fresh air.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, July 18, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Burton Mail is moving offices soon which means the collection boxes on the front counter have to counted and cashed-in before the move takes place. I'll update readers once I have paid-in the money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, July 17, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been promoting the need to donate cord blood from umbilical cords as this can be used for transplants just as well as donated stem cells.At present, less than one per cent take up this option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, July 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been keeping a very close eye on the new television series based at the Royal Derby Hospital. Leukaemia wasn't a part of the series but it was good to see the hospital behind the scenes. Although it is only about 10 miles from my home, my care will always be in Birmingham because they are the World's blood cancer experts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, July 15, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The charities I support have been very busy this week and it's hard to keep track of progress. Anthony Nolan hosted a supporters' event in London and Cure Leukaemia has a team of cyclists taking on the Tour de France a day before the professional riders. I hope both of these events succeed in raising plenty of funds for the charities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, July 14, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My presence on social media is growing. I've always been kept very busy updating my diary and Twitter but I've recently started to use some new software to make the job quicker and easier - and my follower numbers are increasing daily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, July 13, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully I am completely free of the sickly-feelings I experienced late last week. I'm making more of an effort to make sure I drink plenty as it must have been dehydration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, July 12, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the past few months I've become somewhat of a convert to internet shopping. Although I enjoy the shops, they are still a huge risk to me and I have to watch every cough, sneeze and wheeze. The shops appear much busier as people prepare for the summer so I have resorted to shopping from the safety of my sofa and having it delivered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, July 11, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always like to try and analyse the situations which potentially made me ill on Wednesday. There is nothing which stands out so I am pinning it down on dehydration caused by the warm and sticky days and nights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, July 10, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't mention in my diary entry for Wednesday (July 8) that it was probably the worst I had felt for months. I woke up with a shocking headache and spent three-quarters of the day on the sofa trying to find a way to shift it. I took tablets and plenty of fluids but nothing worked. Thankfully I am recovered now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, July 9, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My stamp and coin collection is equally popular in Ashbourne. I will be planning a story for the Ashbourne paper in the coming weeks to encourage further donations to accompany the generous donations already received.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, July 8, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've shared the reply from MP Andrew Griffiths and they are pleased to have his support. I'm looking forward to see what response I receive from the Secretary of State as there is an urgent need to increase the number of donors on the register.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, July 7, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've returned home from holiday to find a response from MP Andrew Griffiths regarding the Anthony Nolan #Destination Cure campaign. Mr Griffiths is very supportive and is writing to the Secretary of State for Health on our behalf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, July 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I received an update on the stamp and coin collections I recently sent to Leukaemia CARE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The totals: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4.4kg of donated foreign currency returned £58.13. This is better than average as the average price is only £45-50 for a 6kg donation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also five envelopes of stamps weighing 2.88kg raised £57.60</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, July 5, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had time for one third and final visit to the swimming pool again today. I'm hoping that we can start to visit our local pool more often now that I am medically allowed and now that my confidence has returned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, July 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We returned to the swimming pool again today and now that my confidence has returned, I was able to enjoy it more. We reminisced a lot in the pool about our holidays before my illness which included many of the top waterparks in Florida including Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and Aquatica. Hopefully we can enjoy trips to the USA again soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, July 3 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went to the beach today and had great fun. To say that this week is still classed as out-of-season as children should (in theory) be at school, it is shocking to see how busy places are becoming and how many children have taken time off school to go on holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, July 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another milestone was reached today as I went swimming. Not swimming as in lengths because it is a family activity pool but swimming in the sense of entering chlorinated water for the first time since 2013. We consulted my doctor beforehand who advised that it would now be ok for me to go swimming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, July 1, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We went a really long walk along the seafront and the harbour today - smashing all previous walking targets I have achieved. In hindsight it was probably too far I my legs and feet were killing and I was zapped of energy. I was well in need of a good rest and sit down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, June 30, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm probably getting more exercise than ever before this week - I easily toppled the 10,000 (5km) steps-per-day target today. The sun is proving to be a little bit of a problem as it is so strong and I burn so easily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, June 29, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I apologise to anyone who has been wondering why the diary was a little late being completed this week. The truth is that we have been away for the week which means limited internet access - plus I don't like to publicise my absence too much. I am writing all of the entries dated June 29 - July 5 in one session.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, June 28, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My health is probably the best it has been now for the past few months. I have to be careful in the sun and I've noticed some reaction on my body to some specialist (and expensive) sun creams. I therefore resorted back to off the shelf sun products with a high factor 50 SPF rating. I'm a huge fan of hot weather and the sun but I have to be more careful nowadays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, June 27,2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm keen to press ahead with the Anthony Nolan #DestinationCure campaign. I continue to help through social media but feel there is probably more that can be done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, June 26, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've sent my first two boxes of foreign coins off today to Leukaemia CARE - around 4.5kg worth of coins plus a few notes. In the past week I've also posted around five envelopes of stamps to the same charity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, June 25, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm continuing to try and help promote the Anthony Nolan 'Destination Cure' campaign. I'm still waiting to hear back from my MP so in the meantime I am continuing to help by promoting via social media.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, June 24, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Cure Leukaemia London to Paris cycling ride has been a success and will have raised thousands of pounds for the charity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, June 23, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leukaemia has been hitting the headlines in the past few days as a popular television newsreader is in urgent need of a stem cell donor. It's never pleasing to hear of these desperate appeals for appeals as they prove there is a still a lack of donors on the register.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, June 22, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The article on the Destination Cure campaign appeared in today's Burton Mail to help promote and boost the work being done by Anthony Nolan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, June 21, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've had a sudden influx of used postage stamps for my collection for Leukaemia CARE. A new system of collecting and posting the stamps now means that the charity receives more money per kilo of stamps than previously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, June 20, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">II'm hoping that progress is being made with Anthony Nolan's #DestinationCure campaign. I have written a detailed letter to my MP Andrew Griffiths and hope that he will back the campaign. A story line on Casualty tonight - a patient with leukaemia diagnosed with just weeks to live - shows that even in the world of television, leukaemia is an important issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, June 19, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hospital certainly works very fast as I have my next follow-up appointment sorted and booked already. I have until December to wait for one appointment but this is just a progress check on my side-effects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, June 18, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd like to wish all the riders taking part in the London to Paris cycle ride the very best of luck. This charity ride will help to raise vital funds for Cure Leukaemia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, June 17, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a very busy day at the hospital with two appointments and a visit to the pharmacy required. All of my results are still very good and as the weight I unexpectedly gained has started to fall off, everything is looking good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Leukaemia CARE couldn't find the right candidate to please the This Morning producers, the charity didn't receive any televised coverage today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, June 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was asked by Leukaemia CARE if I could help them a project they have planned for tomorrow. Part of this would include appearing on the This Morning show. Unfortunately, as I have two hospital appointments tomorrow, I cannot make it to London for 9am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, June 15, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the #DestinationCure campaign was officially launched today I dedicated a lot of time to helping to promote the project.- both on social media and by writing a detailed letter to my MP.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, June 14, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A new report is due to be published tomorrow by the charity Anthony Nolan. The report is calling on the Government to take action and help improve blood cancer survival rates. The three key aims of the report are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. To urge the Government to invest in the UK stem
cell donor register and cord blood programme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To urge the Government to p</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rovide the right
infrastructure and support for innovative medical research.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To urge the Government to g</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">uarantee every patient
the long-term care and support they need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, June 13, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the side-effects I have been suffering with on-and-off over the past couple of weeks are starting to ease and I'm feeling fit and healthy. I've managed to escape burning myself to a crisp in the recent mini heatwave and my energy levels are improving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, June 12, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My foreign coin collection for Leukaemia CARE is starting to gather momentum - some readers have already filled their boxes and so I hope to be able to arrange a courier collection next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, June 11, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My follow-up appointment as a result of my appointment on Tuesday has come through already. It's another Tuesday appointment which always creates a bit of a problem with Stephen trying to secure the time off work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, June 10, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was nice to spend time out today on a day trip to get a little exercise and fresh air. As the weather has been very sunny over the past couple of days, I had to plaster myself in factor 50 sun cream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, June 9, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've been to the hospital again today - an unusual Tuesday appointment which means Stephen had to take time off work. The appointment was to discuss some of the side-effects I have experienced over the past few months. I'm happy with the outcome of today's appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, June 8, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The call for foreign coin collection boxes continues and Stephen has been out and about dropping them off to people who have requested them. Between us all, we should be able to generate quite a few coins for Leukaemia CARE. If you would like your own box, please get in touch. Stephen can be contacted at work on 01283 524868.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, June 7, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The call for blood donors continues. It's good to see that the campaign is getting lots of national attention with newspaper stories and a high-profile Facebook and Twitter campaign.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, June 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm in the newspaper again today calling for more people to come forward as blood donors but also calling for a rethink on how we can make the process easier. You should be able to give blood as easy as you can get your flu jab at the chemist or supermarket.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's also a year today since I won the Touch FM Pride of Burton Award.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, June 5, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been revealed that there is a massive shortage of blood donors in the UK. I'm a big campaigner for blood donation and so have been speaking to the Burton Mail again today about a story they are planning for tomorrow on the issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, June 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The good weather continues and so does my sensitivity to the sun. I've been forced to find the sun cream today - not because I am out on the lounger sun bathing, just because I cannot walk outside without being burned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, June 3, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm beginning to see how sensitive my skin now is when it comes to the sun. This spell of hot weather is glorious but I burn so easy. I only went to the washing line today and already my skin started to turn red. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy has caused my skin to become prone to burning.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, June 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Foreign coins and notes are starting to arrive at the Burton Mail for my latest collection for Leukaemia CARE. I've ordered some more collection boxes from the agency which is overseeing the project. If you would like your own collection box, please get in touch with me via Facebook, Twitter or email:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">stephenkatherine45@gmail.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, June 1, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm slowly recovering after another busy weekend. I've been on another walk today to try and further increase my energy levels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, May 31, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm absolutely shattered. Yesterday was a very long and tiring day as we had to be in Birmingham by around 9.30am and then was on the go continuously until around 4pm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think my daily walks have taken a toll on my energy and so when you add an event like yesterday to the mix, it's just exhausting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 30, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've spent the day in Birmingham taking around 700 photographs of the Brindley Place Dragon Boat Races. The main charity partner this year is Cure Leukaemia who should raise around £100,000 from the event. We photographed the races as well as Cure Leukaemia patron Adrian Chiles addressing the audience. It's been a very long and tiring day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 29, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm continuing to support Delete Blood Cancer by speaking about my experiences and by talking about the importance of people signing up to the stem cell register. I've supplied the charity with some words and photos in preparation for a piece on their website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, May 28, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today is World Blood Cancer Awareness day and therefore I am helping as much as I can to spread the message about the signs and symptoms of leukeamia and the importance of becoming a stem cell donor. I've been in talks today with the Delete Blood Cancer charity and they are looking at running a piece about me. I appear in the Burton Mail again today to promote the awareness-raising day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, May 27, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My foreign coin collection scheme appears in today's Ashbourne News Telegraph as I try and spread the word further. As coins start to arrive at the Burton Mail offices, we have sent 12 boxes out to friends in the Birmingham area who are helping us to collect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, May 26, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In an effort to increase my stamina and get me out and about, I'm starting to do daily walks. I have a pedometer style app on my phone which helps track my progress each day. With a canal nearby and various routes in mind, I have various routes of differing lengths depending on how I feel and depending on the weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, May 25, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week promises to be a busy week as my coin collection has now been officially launched - plus it's World Blood Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday. And then at the weekend it's the dragon boat races along the canal in Birmingham - for which Cure Leukaemia is the leading charity this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, May 24, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My foreign currency collection scheme for Leukaemia CARE is already proving popular - we've already got eight boxes being sent to the Birmingham-area thanks to friends on the motorcycling community. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If anyone wants a box to start their own collection, please contact me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:stephenkatherine45@gmail.com" target="_blank">Click here to email me.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Foreign-coin-campaign-boost-cancer-charity/story-26555340-detail/story.html" target="_blank">Read the Burton Mail story on the campaign here:</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 23, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My foreign currency fund-raising scheme was officially launched today in the Burton Mail with a publicity article. I can now start to promote the scheme on social media.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm after any spare foreign currency you have and if you have a lot, I can even arrange for the agency to send a box directly to you. These boxes contain everything you need to collect - bubble wrap, money bags and sticky tape. They are delivered and collected free - all you have to do is fill it with foreign coins and notes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 22, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next Thursday it is World Blood Cancer Day. I am in the process now of trying to determine what I can do to help promote and support the event. The main theme of the event is to raise awareness of 'togetherness' and so the symbol chosen to represent the day is the ampersand symbol (the fancy 'and' sign) = &</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, May 21, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The latest box of stamps was posted today to Leukaemia CARE. The Ashbourne News Telegraph is planning an update on me next week to help further promote the new foreign coin scheme so I am hoping for a good response.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, May 20, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My latest fund-raising initiative gets underway today as we've prepared a story and images to promote my foreign coin collection scheme. The idea is simple - if you have been on holiday recently you will no doubt have a pocket full of small change. This cannot be exchanged at the travel agent back to British pounds and so you are left with a handful of useless coins. It's this foreign currency I want as I can turn it into cash for Leukaemia CARE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, May 19, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been busy sorting and packaging the latest collection of stamps in preparation for sending them to Leukaemia CARE. I estimate this latest batch is around 3kg but includes some very old stamps which will significantly increase the overall value.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, May 18, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I received a huge batch of stamps from the Ashbourne News Telegraph offices - their readers have been eagerly collecting on my behalf. Within one of the envelopes I discovered a loom band featuring the name 'Katie' which I can only presume was a gift for myself. Many thanks for your thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, May 17, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was the third annual Stephen Sutton charity motorcycle ride today and so we were on photograph duties. The ride left Lichfield Rugby Club before heading out towards Alrewas and back around to Burntwood. We took hundreds of pictures as usual - hopefully the event raised a lot of money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following my usual pattern, a day out yesterday means I am feeling tired today. We did however manage to get out and about a little and I caught the sun - which isn't good news. My tablets and treatment mean I now burn so much easier and despite my precautions, the sun caught me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 15, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In what is a rare day out for us, we went to Trentham Monkey Forest to mark our 12th anniversary of meeting. It was 12 years ago today that Stephen and I first met in Lichfield and so we decided to mark the occasion while tourist attractions such as the monkey forest are pretty much empty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, May 14, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything is starting to fall into place with regards to the foreign coin collection scheme I am starting with Leukaemia CARE. A story will be published in the coming days and we have some collection boxes coming from the agency who deals with turning the coins into cash for charity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, May 13, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's the Cure Leukaemia dragon boat race in Birmingham in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping to help in someway on the day as we helped them secure the bid for the event just before Christmas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, May 12, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm trying to keep as active as possible and have downloaded a couple of step-counting apps for my smartphone. They have obvious disadvantages in that you have to keep your phone with you all of the time to get accurate readings but they help to give you a general idea as to your activity levels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday May 11, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My unusual stomach pains have just about disappeared. I now notice that any ailment I have, always stays with me for seven days and I am now getting to the end of seven days of discomfort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, May 10, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the past seven to 10 days, I have been experiencing bouts of lower abdominal pain. This pain is intermittent making it hard to pin-point the exact pain or cause. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 9, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With all of the politics now out of the way, I can get back to campaigning about food hygiene scores. The delay some months ago was that there was an election looming. Now, hopefully, there isn't any excusable delay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 8, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My recycling scheme looks set to extend to foreign coins in the next few weeks. Each time you come off a foreign holiday you accumulate a handful of foreign coins which are too small to change back to British pounds. This new recycling campaign will give you an outlet to give these foreign coins to charity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, May 7, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the election now almost out of the way, it's back to work on various campaigns. We've been in talks today with the charity Leukaemia CARE regarding our stamp collection as we dispatched another 2.5kg worth today from the Burton Mail offices and have another couple of kilos due to arrive from the Ashbourne News Telegraph offices. We may now be able to extend the recycling campaign beyond stamps - keep your eyes peeled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, May 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many of the charities have been publishing their election wish-lists. Without turning too political, all of the charities are slightly worried as a new or changed Government could mean changes to the NHS or cancer treatment. Nobody knows what will happen - it's just a slight fear of what may or may not happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, May 5, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been dealing with the consumer watchdog Which? again regarding food hygiene scores. Progress at the moment has been slow because of the election - which appears to have taken over events for the past six months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Monday, May 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm pleased to see that the C Word has made such a huge impact. All press and media reviews are raving about the drama - while at the same time it has helped to raise awareness of cancer, its treatment, the impact cancer has on the family, and its deadly consequences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, May 3, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today is dominated by a television drama - The C Word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's the post my husband published on Facebook following the 90 minute drama:</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just watched the best television drama we have seen in
years. . . . The C Word.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It ranks as being the most accurate portrayal of cancer and
its horrendous treatment ever publicised. It’s impossible to put into words the
impact of this drama – but this isn’t television, this is real life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a couple, Katherine and myself where able to relate to
every single one of the trials and tribulations of Lisa Lynch’s (Sheridan Smith’s)
treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’ve suffered the life-shattering side-effects, we picked
handfuls of hair from the plughole and used a sticky-roller to try and keep up
with the constant battle with hair loss. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve sat in the manager’s office arranging time off work, we’re
cancelled pre-booked holidays and have been quoted eye-watering amounts for
travel insurance since.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’ve been stopped in the street by random strangers because
they recognise Katherine’s photograph in the newspaper and read her daily
diary.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’ve also done a wedding with a wig.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And unfortunately, we’ve also learned of the deaths of some friends
and followers you inevitably gain on Twitter and Facebook.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul Nicholls (playing Pete Lynch) and Sheridan Smith have
just played out the past few years of our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And within minutes of The C Word finishing, the BBC 10 O’clock
News starts with more of the endless political back-slapping and back-stabbing
which has dominated our televisions for months. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The C Word puts life into perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a bonus, Sheridan Smith now follows me on Twitter. What an amazing actress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first time in weeks I have started to feel relatively normal. It has been so busy over the past couple of months with a trip to London, our charity motorcycle ride and the marathon runners completing their fund-raising, it has been an epic everyday challenge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 1, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As our marathon runners are keen to continue with the 'Run4Katherine' name and team, we've been in touch with the Anthony Nolan charity to discover what other events the team may be able to enter. With London under their belts, next time it could be Berlin or New York.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-91674672014114103192015-01-02T09:04:00.000+00:002015-05-03T22:55:56.738+01:00In the year 2015<div class="MsoPlainText">
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, April 30, 2015</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a very powerful drama planned for Sunday evening - The C Word. Starring Sheridan Smith, the drama promises to be powerful and touching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 29, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's no visit to the hospital today which is a rarity - and a welcome bonus as I am so tired.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 28, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm slowly starting to recover after what has been a very busy few weeks. It's been so busy I haven't had time to fully recover and my energy tank has been running lower and lower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, April 27, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post-ride and marathon work continues as there is so much correspondence to deal with for the various events between the charities. Thoughts are already centred around the next challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, April 26, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our three marathon runners all successfully completed the London Marathon under the team name of 'Run4Katherine'. Their total fund-raising total was an incredible £6,597-40.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the London Marathon complete, the runners are already hinting that they may undertake more challenges for Run4Katherine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, April 25, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Armed with a bucket full of coins we headed to the bank to pay all the monies from last week's charity ride into our account so that we can make the necessary online donations via the Virgin Money Giving website.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The total raised from this year's ride was £1174-22. We will organise a dummy cheque presentation in the coming weeks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrxnGAb0p1yvSRMYlKy7OS6vwSuC_dzKB9QqGMp2ypCkLvVC6DIdd7ohK-l9e3Y2U5drqfPpMW9lF68pcacnHr0fDlp4KDsXqKHGs0_MV5dPFsvA9rt0NfCClJ5Cg-fT9JK7ensnVcWo/s1600/Screenshot+2015-04-28+07.13.38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrxnGAb0p1yvSRMYlKy7OS6vwSuC_dzKB9QqGMp2ypCkLvVC6DIdd7ohK-l9e3Y2U5drqfPpMW9lF68pcacnHr0fDlp4KDsXqKHGs0_MV5dPFsvA9rt0NfCClJ5Cg-fT9JK7ensnVcWo/s1600/Screenshot+2015-04-28+07.13.38.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG0QK_aX4Ya7TvY0PuaPX5BoIHYPREJ4BiXi7ZjNOPZ6d33oCyrubu6kkMeVm3lpLClOH18YILLRcQLrK6X_EqyrD-KGLwmECwbyxxLaye34YPTcarXjmCJzwAYyFGW3mdsxGpp1qZ5A/s1600/Screenshot+2015-04-28+07.13.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG0QK_aX4Ya7TvY0PuaPX5BoIHYPREJ4BiXi7ZjNOPZ6d33oCyrubu6kkMeVm3lpLClOH18YILLRcQLrK6X_EqyrD-KGLwmECwbyxxLaye34YPTcarXjmCJzwAYyFGW3mdsxGpp1qZ5A/s1600/Screenshot+2015-04-28+07.13.25.png" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, April 24, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Work continues on the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon as we have selected a prospective date for 2016 and now it is time to start filling in various accounting returns for the money we have raised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 23, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attention now turns to our three marathon runners who take on the London Marathon on Sunday for Anthony Nolan. The team - known as Run4Katherine - have managed to hit their £5,550 target but the more we can raise the better. If you want to sponsor our runners, their JustGiving page is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 22, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today to see the eye specialist. Thankfully, my vision is perfect and there are no signs of any serious GvHD issues as a result of my transplant. I've been issued with some drops for when my eyes are sore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also had to return the trike to Harley-Davidson today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 21, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our ride this year has so far raised more than £1,100 which will be split between Cure Leukaemia, Anthony Nolan and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hopeful this total will continue to rise as people make last-minute online donations through our Virgin Money Giving page:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, April 20, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ride may be over for another year but the work continues as it is now time to start counting the money, posting raffle prizes and dealing with the post-event forms and admin. The Harley-Davidson also has to go back to Gloucester on Wednesday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, April 19, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was our charity motorcycle ride today. Thankfully the weather remained dry and the number of bikes taking part had increased since last year. Finishing at the National Brewery Centre was a great choice and everyone appeared to have a great day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't already, please sponsor the event and help to increase our fund-raising total:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, April 18, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was time for me to have a test-ride on the trike today in preparation for tomorrow's charity ride. It was a great experience and our 15-mile ride took me on country roads and dual carriageways so that I could get used to the different situations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also took time to take more publicity photos.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI0a688uTmxfRkQeDTW6hwiSumEazThH15y5YCXp2-1RgPSWoQnQ4WM32LJ8JDh_DmBV_N5kMGELdt86Txn8oUl3LlUat8s_ztkC4Cy-IoxVHtdB7dDwuEk-u6QrQEAF4s-UpPpUQ-rQ/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI0a688uTmxfRkQeDTW6hwiSumEazThH15y5YCXp2-1RgPSWoQnQ4WM32LJ8JDh_DmBV_N5kMGELdt86Txn8oUl3LlUat8s_ztkC4Cy-IoxVHtdB7dDwuEk-u6QrQEAF4s-UpPpUQ-rQ/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, April 17, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All efforts are now focused on the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon this weekend. Boxes of materials have been dropped off at the museum and our student helpers have their buckets and T-shirts ready for the big day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please support the event as every penny helps eradicate blood cancer:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Support and publicity for Sunday's ride is growing. And the weather forecast is looking promising too. If you can't make the ride but would like to make a donation to support the charities, visit </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Boneshaker</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 15, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was my two year diagnosis anniversary today - and what a busy day I had. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly I had two hospital appointments. Unfortunately, some of the tests I have had over the past weeks haven't revealed a cause behind my current issues. Monday's CT scan hasn't been processed yet and so this may still have the answer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following a busy morning at the hospital, it was a trip to Gloucester to collect a Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide (trike) ready for Sunday's BONE-shaker MARROW-thon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The agent we collected the bike from was superb and the long ride home was good (thrown in at the deep end) tuition for Stephen - especially as it was roasting weather and continuous traffic jams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 14, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've felt slightly funny today after the various liquids and injections I had to consume yesterday in preparation for my scan. Tomorrow promises to be a very busy day with two hospital appointments and a trip to Gloucester on the cards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, April 13, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After drinking the bottle of liquid I was sent yesterday, I was at the hospital again today. This CT scan must be very in-depth as I had to drink some liquid yesterday, I was given another litre of special liquid to drink when I arrived and I was injected with some special fluid too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my appointment was late afternoon, it was gone 5.30pm before we left the hospital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the days count down to my charity ride, I'm appealing for sponsorship. If you can't make the ride but want to help boost our charity total, visit:</span></div>
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<a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Boneshaker" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Click to visit my sponsorship page</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, April 12, 2015</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route
for our charity ride has had to be changed. Part of the problem is because of
the success of the ride and because of the good weather we are expecting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
original aim of the ride was to follow a 'Queens to Queens' route - the Queen
Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to the Queen's Hospital in Burton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However,
there is no easy route to the Queen's Hospital in Burton - especially when we
could have two, three or even four hundred motorcycles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
safety issue of causing an obstruction near to the hospital has resulted in us
scrapping the route via the hospital - instead we will head straight to the
final venue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
April 11, 2015</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have
another CT scan on Monday and in preparation I have been sent a bottle of
liquid by the hospital through the post. I've got to drink half of this liquid
tomorrow evening - 24 hours before my scan time. I'm not sure how well it mixes
with my medication which I have to take around the same time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
April 10, 2015</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With just
over a week to go until our charity motorcycle ride, things have stepped up a
gear or two. The route through Burton is still under scrutiny because of safety
concerns and may end up being changed again. It's now also time for us to start
making signs for the route which will be strapped to lamp-posts late next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 9, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parliament may be dissolved for the upcoming election but I am still working closely with the ministers from the Public Health department as I continue my campaign to make food hygiene ratings at restaurants compulsory. The latest twist shows the Government was adopting a system of cutting back on legislation and my plan would require extra legislation. </span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 8, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had to make a few last minute changes to the route of our charity ride following safety concerns raised by our team of marshals.In hindsight, the new route is much better but the change just creates a lot of extra work in terms of notifying the authorities and updating the website.</span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, April 7, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With just a week or so to go until the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon there are lots of things to plan and finalise. With more than 200 riders showing an interest in the event on Facebook, the ride should be much bigger than last year.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, April 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's taking me a while to recover from my busy week away last week. My entire body aches and it feels as if I have the flu.</span><br />
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<b>Sunday, April 5, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm really tired after my visit to London. I can manage one or two days of activity before I need the same amount of time to recover. I'm so tired and my legs feel so stiff and heavy that it's likely to take a few days before I am feeling better.</span><br />
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<b>Saturday, April 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm back home again now and waiting for me on the doorstep was an appointment for a CT scan next Monday afternoon. As this scan is looking at my internal organs, I have also been sent a bottle of liquid to drink 24-hours before the scan.</span><br />
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<b>Friday, April 3, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm thoroughly enjoying my time in London - and I'm walking greater distances than usual. The downside is that this extra exercise hasn't made any difference to my increased weight gain which again proves that this has nothing to do with anything I eat or drink or how much exercise I undertake - it is purely a side-effect of my tablets which I am hoping is rectified soon.</span><br />
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<b>Thursday, April 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a huge fire in London today - and our open-topped bus took us by the incident on our travels. This is when you realise that even open-top buses have their downside as I had to dart downstairs to avoid the clouds of black toxic smoke heading in our direction.</span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 1, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's so far so good in London as I'm working to avoid crowded places and enclosed spaces. An open-top tour bus is a good way to travel when you have to avoid the underground.</span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 31, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm off to London today for a short break. As I'm still prone to infection, I'm going to have to be very careful when out and about and this means that the underground and enclosed buses are out of bounds. Travel will have to be on foot of via taxi.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, March 30, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our charity runners have now reached their London Marathon sponsorship target for Anthony Nolan. Thank you everyone.</span><br />
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<b>Sunday, March 29, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been supporting the Shoeboxes for Heroes campaign again today - this is a scheme whereby shoeboxes are filled with goodies and then sent to our troops who are serving overseas.</span><br />
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<b>Saturday, March 28, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plans for our charity ride continue to come together. A very nice firm in Birmingham - LogoMotif - has helped us by designing a poster for the event. We'll now start to get some of these posters printed and circulated.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58qdqzAOU73whyphenhyphenWcrcJQ9IAIowC2jGVBphQWWrTbucPuWbYVW_5Y-Ttlq6fTKjpFfJnzHvnLqYLtzpoq8q8-xvb80pVA5R3Wtzd3857vuz537X_y4vqRipNSIhPn-kC_lZLQHDkmJJA8/s1600/BONE+SHAKER+BLUE+POSTER+A4-NO+BLEED-AW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58qdqzAOU73whyphenhyphenWcrcJQ9IAIowC2jGVBphQWWrTbucPuWbYVW_5Y-Ttlq6fTKjpFfJnzHvnLqYLtzpoq8q8-xvb80pVA5R3Wtzd3857vuz537X_y4vqRipNSIhPn-kC_lZLQHDkmJJA8/s1600/BONE+SHAKER+BLUE+POSTER+A4-NO+BLEED-AW.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></span></a></div>
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<b>Friday, March 27, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a quick reminder that my charity runners - Run4Katherine - have their fund-raising event tomorrow night. They are now very close to hitting their target for Anthony Nolan.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrjxaUV_Ntf9BkXW2MKu600AxD87qsifbHEqgPoAOP8mmO6NeREs6sqUMzawUGI1tsg3mY2LvNjJknCOyuddAaV98XGrJ3jUonGKAbOWUO9Y0E_CS8joEwF_Vu6ImfVsU34e1SwpV6co/s1600/Charity+Night+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrjxaUV_Ntf9BkXW2MKu600AxD87qsifbHEqgPoAOP8mmO6NeREs6sqUMzawUGI1tsg3mY2LvNjJknCOyuddAaV98XGrJ3jUonGKAbOWUO9Y0E_CS8joEwF_Vu6ImfVsU34e1SwpV6co/s1600/Charity+Night+Poster.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b>Thursday, March 26, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've not had the best of days today as I'm frustrated with my gain in weight and the time it is taking to have the problem diagnosed and reversed. It's a game of patience but it is hard to get to grips with.</span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 25, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today. Firstly, my blood results are absolutely fine. The results which are testing for 'cushings syndrome' have been processed but the consultant who understands these figures was not in clinic. I have to wait another couple of weeks to get these results and a possible diagnosis. In the meantime, I'm being sent for a full body CT-scan to see if anything shows up on the scan.</span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 24, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our attendance at the egg run on Sunday has gained us many new supporters who in turn may attend our ride. The numbers for our ride are slowly increasing and these are just the people we know - there is an unknown number of people coming who will have seen the ride in the press or on Twitter.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, March 23, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back to the hospital again later this week. I am hoping that there are some results ready from the tests I underwent a week or two ago. In the coming weeks I have a range of appointments with new and different doctors including a specialist eye doctor.</span><br />
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<b>Sunday, March 22, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were in Stoke-on-Trent this morning to photograph the Star Bikers charity Easter Egg run. Hundreds of bikers bearing eggs made the run from the Britannia Stadium in the city. As a result, we're gaining more and more support for our ride in April.</span><br />
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<b>Saturday, March 21, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to walk along the canal at the weekends as it gives me exercise and some fresh air. Today's walk was a little longer than usual and helped to push me a little. </span><br />
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<b>Friday, March 20, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of work is going on behind the scenes on our charity ride. Clever use of Twitter and Facebook is helping to gain us dozens of new friends and followers every day who in turn then decide to join our ride. It's looking promising that we may even have some scooter riders on the run this year.</span><br />
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<b>Thursday, March 19, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A television programme today on the dangers of sugar has left me wondering and confused. Too much sugar we are told makes you fat. The alternative is artificial sweeteners - are these the same sweeteners which have been linked to leukaemia? Is that the only choice - fat or leukaemia?</span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 18, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Work has started in earnest now on our charity ride as we spend hours designing and printing labels and sticking them to collection buckets while sorting balloons, charity T-shirts and trolley tokens. We've spent quite a few hours today preparing things for our ride next month.</span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 17, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have some great news. Harley-Davidson has agreed to loan us a Tri-Glide (trike) for our charity ride next month. All of the forms have been signed and driving licences checked. Everything is now starting to fall into place for our charity ride on April 19th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My chest pain has finally started to subside - almost exactly a week since it started.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, March 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The days are ticking down until my three charity runners - Run4Katherine - take on the London Marathon in my name to raise cash for Anthony Nolan. The trio are now extremely close to reaching their £5,550 target but we still need more. The more money donated means the more lives we can save.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine/">https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine/</a></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, March 15, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My chest pain has still been on and off and continues to cause me problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't heard anything from the doctors since my tests last Wednesday so I am hopeful they are okay.</span><br />
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<b>Saturday, March 14, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past few days I have been suffering with a chest pain each morning. This pain started after I had to take the steroid tablet on Tuesday evening in preparation for my tests on Wednesday. It's a strange pain as it vanishes by around 2pm but leaves me unable to bend down or move each morning.</span><br />
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<b>Friday, March 13, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in the newspaper again today for the partnership story between the college and my charity ride. We've also had some very promising news surrounding our bike loan for this year. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year my husband was loaned a brand-new Suzuki bike as at the time he was regularly reviewing their motorcycles for work. This year, I want to take part in the ride myself and we have therefore been searching for a trike so that I can ride pillion. It has taken months to arrange, but we are now 99.9% certain of having a Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide for the event next month. There's just a few more forms and emails to send before it is all fully booked and confirmed.</span><br />
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<b>Thursday, March 12, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past few months I have been the leukaemia representative for a campaign known as #KeepYourPromise. The campaign is a reminder to the Prime Minister that he made a promise that all cancer patients should receive the drugs they need - but now he is cutting the cancer drugs fund. Despite a petition and campaign, the cuts still went ahead which is a huge disappointment. A trip to Number 10 may now be called for to ask him in person - why?</span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 11, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's hospital visit was the quickest ever. We enjoyed an empty waiting room and had done all the tests we needed to by 9.15am. We've now got to wait a couple of weeks for the results. All of these tests are looking into whether it is something called Cushing's syndrome which is causing my weigh gain.</span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 10, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I need to take a steroid tablet in preparation for some blood tests tomorrow. The timings appear to be quite critical and so I have to take it at 11pm in preparation for blood tests at 9am.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, March 9, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a photograph taken today with the level 2 Public Services students at Burton and South Derbyshire College. It is these students who plan to help us at the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon in April.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, March 8, 2015</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've now started to prepare for my next appointment on Wednesday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before we return to the hospital again this week, there are various tasks I have to complete and special tablets to take.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've also been out today photographing a charity motorcycle ride in Birmingham. We're now well-known among the bikers for our photographs.</span><br />
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<b>Saturday, March 7, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had an appointment through for a CT scan - but this time it's not for me it's for my husband who has recently started to suffer himself. Fingers crossed in the next month that both he and I can be swiftly diagnosed with one ailment or another so that we can continue life without worrying.</span><br />
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<b>Friday, March 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm really starting to suffer with this feeling of bloating I have which is still being investigated by the hospital. I am struggling to find comfortable clothes but it's not worth buying new as all of this added weight should disappear as soon as the doctors have an accurate diagnosis.</span><br />
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<b>Thursday, March 5, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plans are being arranged for a publicity photograph on Monday with the college. We have managed to secure 8-10 students to help with our charity motorcycle ride in April and as we now have T-shirts from all three charities, we want to give them a little newspaper coverage for their efforts.</span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news is that I my thyroid is fine. The bad news is that I have many more tests to come to determine the cause of my weight gain. The doctors are considering a condition known as cushing's syndrome - an illness usually associated with steroid use but it can also be triggered by other factors. I'm back at the hospital next Wednesday for some special blood tests but first I have to carry out various tests myself at home on Monday and Tuesday. Finally, we met with the QEHB charity today who kindly loaned us collecting buckets and wristbands for our charity ride.</span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 3, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With two hospital appointments on the horizon I am a little anxious. I should however discover what is leading to my weight gain as the results from my thyroid tests should be back. If the thyroid is clear then in should be a simple case of water tablets to clear the excess fluid I am carrying.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, March 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a year today since our first charity ride - and the weather has been awful again. As March has been terrible in weather terms again, it has reinforced our thoughts that our ride has to be held in April - or later. Meanwhile, I'll be helping the charity Anthony Nolan in the coming days as they launch a campaign to help dispel the myths surrounding stem cell donation.</span><br />
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<b>Sunday, March 1, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This coming week is going to be exceptionally busy as I have two appointments on Wednesday. Having to get to Birmingham for the first one at 9am will mean having to leave home before 7am. We are also meeting with the charity QEHB to discuss our BONE-shaker MARROW-thon motorcycle plans.</span><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 28, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a huge scooter event at the National Brewery Centre today so we popped along in the hope of attracting some extra riders to our fund-raiser in April. The good news is that our promotional banner for the ride is now on display for drivers to see.</span><br />
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<b>Friday, February 27, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully I am now fully recovered following the side-effects from my latest injections. I suffered 24-hours of feeling depreadful and expected to be returning to hospital but I managed to contol the fever and swollen arm myself at home.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, February 26, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully I feel much better today - although my arm is badly swollen following the injection. It was a good job I was feeling better as we had an appointment at the National Brewery Centre with the blood bikers for a promotional photograph. A photo to partly promote our ride but also their services.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, February 25, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My predictions were correct. Throughout today I have felt increasingly worse following my injections yesterday. My temperature also spiked to 38.8 which put us on high alert for a possible hospital visit - thankfully I was able to reduce this with paracetamol tablets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, February 24, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been back to the doctors again today for more injections. Today's jabs were another shot of pneumonia and diptheria. For some reason, these injections hurt more than previously - I may be in for a bad night.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, February 23, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am starting to experience some timgling and pain in my scalp. The last time this happened, I was later diagnosed with shingles and was hospitalised. I really hope this is not the case this time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, February 22, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may be Sunday but we had some positive feedback from Burton College today. We have asked them if any students may be interested in helping with street collections at our fund-raiser as we now have a licence from the council. Early indications suggest this may be happening.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, February 21, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We always attract a high number of blood bikes at our charity ride and as they are now making more and more trips to the Queen's Hospital in Burton, we are planning a joint promotional photo this week. The photo if we can arrange it in time will be at the National Brewery Centre with some blood bikes and us with our new BONE-shaker banner.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Friday, February 20, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new online petition has started well and has already attracted a few hundred signatures. I know my original petition needed 100,000 signatures before anyone would take any notice and I suspect this one to be the same. The difficulty with an election on the horizon is that these signatures have to be gathered before the end of March.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, February 19, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a busy day on social media as the new petition regarding the cancer drugs fund was publicly launched. The petition is a joint initiative between leukaemia, bowel and prostate and kidney cancer charities.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read about the campaign on the Leukaemia CARE website:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/news/keep-your-promise">http://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/news/keep-your-promise</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, February 18, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been a few changes since I launched my petition calling for a reversal of the changes made to the cancer drugs fund.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My petition just concerned blood cancer patients and there were many other patients with different cancers fighting their own corners. After a few weeks of planning, it has been decided that one joint multi-cancer approach would be better and I have been asked to represent the leukaemia front. The new joint-charity joint-cancer petition officially launches tomorrow and you can add your name to the petition here:</span><br />
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<a href="https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keepyourpromise">https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keepyourpromise</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, February 17, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mystery over whether or not I have a hospital appointment tomorrow continues. I've come to the conclusion that without having official confirmation of an appointment, I'm not going to make the 70-mile round trip to Birmingham and waste time. When I next see my usual consultant I will let him chase up what's gone wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, February 16, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm certain that I am meant to be seeing a new specialist on Wednesday. However, as I don;t have an appointment letter, I ventured into telephoning the hospital.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After speaking to four or five different people and sending an email, I'm still no further forward. The appointment is needed but at the same time I don't want to waste my time and money travelling to the hospital if I don;t have a slot booked.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, February 15, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm coming to the end of my two week trial without taking my leukaemia drugs and unfortunately, I haven't noticed any difference. The doctors wanted to check if it was the tablets causing fluid retention but as there hasn't been any noticeable changes, it probably isn't down to them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, February 14, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each day I now try and get out and about for a little fresh air and exercise. That is easier said than done at this time of year when the weather is so unpredictable but it is a regime I have been sticking to for the past couple of weeks.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Friday, February 13, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend marks the one-year anniversary since I was placed in remission from leukaemia. I will have been cancer-free for 12 months without any sign of relapse.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may continue to suffer other side-effects, but at least I am well-clear of leukaemia.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, February 12, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've now done more than a week without taking any of my leukaemia tablets. This trial is to test if it is the tablets - Nilotinib - are causing water retention. After seven days I haven't noticed any changes which is unfortunate as I was hoping this may have answered some of my ongoing issues.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, February 11, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today has all been about my charity motorcycle ride again as the publicity stories are appearing already in the pages of motorcycle magazines and websites. We are also 90 per cent of the way to securing a very special bike for the day of the ride. It will certainly attract a lot of attention if we can sort the deal in time. Meanwhile, Hardy Signs has supported my ride again by producing another amazing banner for us:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, February 10, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There has been some significant progress in relation to my charity motorcycle ride.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've applied for a street collection licence which will allow us to collect money in charity boxes on the day and I've been liaising with the police with regard to the plans. A press release has also been arranged through a specialist PR agency, this will be sent to loads of motorcycle magazines.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, February 9, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's usually me who is the patient but this week it's my husband who is booked in at the doctors, the hospital and the opticians. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There has also been progress in relation to the online petition surrounding the Cancer Drugs Fund. It has been decided that the best way of securing a change of policy is if all of the various cancer charities join forces and campaign together. I have been asked to represent leukaemia patients.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, February 8, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organising our charity motorcycle ride takes many months of behind-the-scenes work. Today we have made a small impact on the huge list of tasks to complete in the next few months. Meanwhile, the numbers attending keeps increasing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find details on the ride here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com/boneshaker%20ride%20bars.htm">http://www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com/boneshaker%20ride%20bars.htm</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, February 7, 2015</b><br />I am enjoying not having to take some of my medication as it is giving me a break from fasting. My usual routine means I cannot eat for two hours before I take the tablet and for one hour after - giving me a window of three hours when I can only drink water. And I take those tablets twice a day so this takes up six hours of an average day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, February 6, 2015</b><br />Today marks the one year anniversary since I marked 100-days post transplant.<br />If you remember, reaching the 100-day milestone was a major achievement as this was the time frame when things were most likely to go wrong.</span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, February 5, 2015</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been to the hospital again today for an appointment
with my chest doctor. This was a follow-up appointment following some recent
lung function tests I completed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the plus side, we now know that the breathing problems I
had a few months ago were down to a viral infection which has now cleared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What the results also show is that the weeks of chemotherapy
and radiotherapy conditioning I underwent have permanently damaged my lungs. I
have probably lost around 10 per cent of my lung function when you compare the
results from my original tests before treatment and the results now.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, February 4, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On World Cancer Day I was back at the hospital. I'm going to stop taking my anti-leukaemia drugs for two weeks to see if they are causing fluid retention. I am due to see a specialist in two weeks' time so this trial will help formulate some results. I am also being referred to an eye doctor as I am starting to suffer with a few vision problems - another common side-effect of a transplant.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, February 3, 2015</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm preparing for my two days of hospital visits, especially as the weather man keeps warning of snow, ice and frozen conditions at every bulletin. Making the 70-mile round trip in the height of summer is easy, it just gets a little worrying in the winter time. Thankfully I think we should miss the worst of any weather.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, February 2, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure you mark Wednesday in your diary - it's World Cancer Day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This day enables people to unite around the World with one common theme - cancer.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To support the event in the UK, Cancer Research charity shops are selling special 'unity' wristbands for £2. My local charity shop has already sold out - has yours?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.worldcancerday.org/">http://www.worldcancerday.org/</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/donate/world-cancer-day?gclid=CKvzi76mxMMCFaSc2wodxicALA&dclid=CNTzrb6mxMMCFUidfAodt1wAQg">http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/donate/world-cancer-day?gclid=CKvzi76mxMMCFaSc2wodxicALA&dclid=CNTzrb6mxMMCFUidfAodt1wAQg</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, February 1, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first of many publicity articles appeared in the press yesterday and already it is helping to spread the word. Physical numbers may not rise as a result immediately, but having an online story enables others to share the news on your behalf and reach a wider network of friends and supporters.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Charity-bike-marathon-bigger-better-Burton/story-25952584-detail/story.html">http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Charity-bike-marathon-bigger-better-Burton/story-25952584-detail/story.html</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eetd9WP1A0keclPfJbdRgSwGp4FYiLw2pAfcIdQc1fnjnL1b1kGg7-i6Y-OJZUdqNrJUvkroFwcAI_UmhGMOoWWWXs8XFOUSbtAy5pwXVPonzQhHN4j26ZEgcF9mCRHYqXWw-YddGHE/s1600/BM+310115+Pg13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eetd9WP1A0keclPfJbdRgSwGp4FYiLw2pAfcIdQc1fnjnL1b1kGg7-i6Y-OJZUdqNrJUvkroFwcAI_UmhGMOoWWWXs8XFOUSbtAy5pwXVPonzQhHN4j26ZEgcF9mCRHYqXWw-YddGHE/s1600/BM+310115+Pg13.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, January 31, 2015</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been nice to get out and about and enjoy a little fresh air as I spend the majority of my week indoors. This coming week promises to be busy and tiresome as I have morning appointments at the hospital on both Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday is my normal blood clinic and Thursday is my follow-up appointment with the chest doctor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 30, 2015</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My charity ride in April has gone from bubbling away in the background to being my main focus of effort. The first publicity stories start tomorrow in the Burton Mail and details have now been sent to most of the major bike magazines. We've already secured a listing for the event on a popular biking calendar and already the numbers are growing. We now have more than 150 people signed up to ride and the numbers tend to grow by two or three people every day. </span></span></div>
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<b>Thursday, January 29, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plans for my charity ride - the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon have stepped up a gear on the past 24 hours. Letters have now been sent to the police and Highways Authority plus I will soon be applying for the relevant council licences. In the meantime, my husband Stephen is sorting the publicity and motorcycle for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, January 28, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've suffered a few side-effects since my injections yesterday. Tuesday night was difficult as both my arms were quite painful. It was difficult to know how to lie as I had had injections in both arms. There is also some promising developments when it comes to action against the changes proposed to the Cancer Drugs Fund. It's too early to reveal the exact details but the developments sound promising.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, January 27, 2015</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was back at the doctors today for another round of
injections. On the menu for me was yet more inoculations for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis and pneumonia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm back again in a month's time to repeat the process
again. </span><br />
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<b>Monday, January 26, 2015</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve
received some feedback from the Department of Health regarding my campaign to
see the display of food hygiene scores (known as Rate my Place or Scores on the
Doors) compulsory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m
being supported in my campaign by the consumer agency Which? and before
Christmas I wrote to the Minister for Public Health Jane Ellison. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve
now been given an update by the Food Standards Agency and Ms Ellison has also
encouraged me to write to the food safety team at my local authority. I’ll be
putting pen to paper again in a few days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, January 25, 2015</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve
been out supporting a charity motorcycle ride today for a young cancer victim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #444444; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;">Brandon Carter died from skin
cancer at the age of 27 in 2014 and it was his wish to ride on the back of a
Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He fulfilled his wish last January before passing
away. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ‘Dream Ride’ is now an
annual event and I went along to take photographs of the riders. The ride
raised more than £1,000 for cancer charities so was a huge success.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #444444; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plans are now coming along for
my own charity motorcycle ride the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon which returns in
2015 on Sunday, April 19<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #444444; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com/welcome%202015%20ride.htm">http://www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com/welcome%202015%20ride.htm</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, January 24, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My team of marathon runners are busy trying to raise funds so that they hit their minimum sponsorship target by April. They have now nearly raised half of what they need and so plans are in the pipeline for a charity night at a pub and another body combat session in March.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please donate and help them reach their target for Anthony Nolan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine/">https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine/</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 23, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mouth is still sore so I am still having to resort to prescription-strength mouthwash to ease the pain. You'd think it would only be spicy foods which caused the stinging sensation but I'm finding I can eat certain spices without any pain and then the plainest of foods sets my mouth on fire.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, January 22, 2015</b><br />Today, completely without warning, my mouth has developed soreness. I have had to resort to using some of the prescription-strength mouthwash I was issued when I first left hospital. I have prided myself on not having to use this much but today I was left without a choice. I just hope the various niggles I am currently experiencing are not late bouts of GvHD - a condition whereby your donor cells starts to attack your own body.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, January 21, 2015</b><br />After my dealings with the doctors earlier this week, I've now got my prescription to help ease some of the pain and discomfort I have been suffering in recent weeks. I just hope it is fast-acting as standard pain-killers have been of little use.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, January 20, 2015</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been in touch with my GP today after days of pain and discomfort - I'm hoping the prescription that's waiting for me is the answer to my problems.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from my grumbles, I'm pleased to say that stamps are still arriving on a daily basis for my campaign and signatures are slowly being added to my Cancer Drugs Fund petition.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, January 19, 2015</b></span></span><br />
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I've been suffering pretty much daily for the past three weeks or so with bouts
of pain and discomfort. I've tried pain killers and I've given things time to
right themselves naturally but I think it's time to pay a visit to the GP.
Hopefully I can get an appointment to be given the once over in the next couple
of days.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, January 18, 2015</b><br />My online petition regarding the Cancer Drugs Fund is slowly progressing. It received a boost today thanks to a couple of television personalities using Twitter to promote the web link. As we need 100,000 signatures before someone takes notice of the issue, every signature counts - especially as you yourself may count on these de-listed drugs one day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73868"><span style="color: red;">http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73868</span></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><br /><b>Saturday, January 17, 2015</b><br />I'm continuing to receive stamps and donations through the post - thank you for saving them for me over the Christmas period. Last week I posted a hefty box of stamps to Leukaemia CARE and already I have enough to send another sizeable donation. Your stamps help the charity maintain a <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">24/7</a> helpline for patients and their families.</span></span><br />
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<b>Friday, January 16, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My petition has been approved and is now online. i now need to find 100,000 signatures so please sign and share. Share it with your friends, neighbours and work colleagues as it is only through widespread sharing and the power of social media that we will hit the 100,000 mark.</span><br />
<a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73868"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73868</span></a><br />
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<b>Thursday, January 15, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a little deliberation and some useful
guidance from the charity Leukaemia CARE, I have submitted an online petition.
If approved, the petition calls for the Cancer Drugs Fund panel to re-analyse
its findings surrounding certain de-listed blood cancer drugs. There may be
cheaper and newer drugs on the market, but the ones which have been de-listed
are tried and tested and proven to be effective. Once the petition is approved
and online, please sign it in support.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Department of Health</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Call for
reassessment of the Cancer Drugs Fund for blood cancer patients</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a
petition on behalf of blood cancer patients who are concerned about the recent
changes made to the Cancer Drugs Fund.<br />
It was announced on Monday, January 12, 2015, that life-extending cancer drugs
are to be removed from a list of medicines that are approved for funding via
the Cancer Drugs Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This petition
calls specifically for a rethink over the de-listing of the following
drugs:<br />
Bosutinib and Dasatinib for blast-phase Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia;<br />
The de-listing of Bortezomib for relapsed Myeloma, Mantle-Cell Lymphoma and
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia;<br />
The de-listing of Bendamustine for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma;<br />
The de-listing of Ofatumumab for relapsed or refractory Chronic Lymphatic
Leukaemia;<br />
A re-analysis of the decision to reject Vemurafenib for all Hairy Cell
Leukaemia patients and also a re-analysis of the rejection of Idelalisib for
Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Wednesday, January 14, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been looking closer at the Cancer Care Fund since changes were announced earlier this week. I am now consulting with a couple of leukaemia charities so that the true impact of the changes can be monitored. I'm interesting in starting an online petition to call for a re-think on some of the drugs, but before this can happen, I need a better idea of patient numbers and costs. There are a couple of areas causing me concern but it's too complicated an area to jump in with both feet until further research has been carried out.</span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, January 13, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You've probably seen the news surrounding the changes to the Cancer Drugs Fund.<br />It's wrong to say I am lucky, but my current medication doesn't fall under the remit of this fund. However, if this medication I take ever stops working - which it could as my last medication stopped working - then I am firmly into Cancer Drugs Fund territory.<br />I welcome the extra investment being pumped into the fund but the axing of certain life-prolonging drugs leaves me worried. Who is to say what drugs will be axed when the review body meets next time? Should pound signs play such an integral part when deciding the best medication to treat a patient?</span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, January 12, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you see my home from home on the television tonight? The BBC One show Inside Out ran a very interesting feature on organ donation - an issue very close to my heart.<br />The hospital at the centre of the programme was the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the doctor who was the main focus was my chest consultant.<br />Being so familiar with the hospital and its doctors must show I spend far too much time in Birmingham.</span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, January 11, 2015</b><br />I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along today and supported my marathon runners as they held a body combat session. Over the next few months there will be lots of little fund-raising events taking place as the runners need to hit their target before April. Please let me know if you'd like to help or donate.<br /><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine">https://www.justgiving.com/Run4Katherine</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b>Saturday, January 10, 2015</b><br />My team of marathon runners are in action tomorrow as they try and raise a few more pounds to help enable them to hit their London Marathon sponsorship target. We've got just four months left to help them raise another £4,000 so the three runners hit their minimum entry total of £5,550. <br />It's a tough challenge and that is before they even think about the run itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 9, 2015</b><br />I posted the latest batch of used stamps to the charity Leukaemia CARE today. Readers listened to my pleas for stamps over the Christmas period and they have been flooding in along with some special first-day Royal Mail covers. This latest batch should be worth fair few pounds to the charity.<br />Thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, January 8, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure whether I should be waiting on tenterhooks for the hospital to call me following yesterday' blood tests or if I'll just learn about them at my next appointment.<br />If the thyroid test does show I need medication to bring either an over-active or under-active gland back to normal, I'd like to start taking the relevant tablets as soon as I can.<br />I'm not particularly worried about the results because it is just one of a massive list of problems I am likely to encounter - and anything is better than having leukaemia. </span></span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, January 7, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a very busy and tiring day at the hospital. The lung function test appeared to go well and I know that the results are better than the last time I did the test which is a promising step.<br />Over the past few months, I've noticed that I am gaining weight without reason and this is now being investigated. One of the side-effects of my tablets is water retention and this is one possible cause. Another side-effect of both the medication and the transplant itself is thyroid problems - both under-active and over-active. I've had extra blood samples taken today so that my thyroid can be monitored and corrected with medication if required. </span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, January 6, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As I'm at the hospital tomorrow, I'm having a day of anxiety today. I still get extremely nervous in the run-up to my appointment as so much hangs on the results of just a simple blood test. It's likely to be a long day as I have to also squeeze in a lung function test for my chest consultant plus I need a wheelbarrow full of drugs.</span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, January 5, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Christmas now officially draws to a close, I'd like to thank the many readers who either sent me cards, letters or donated stamps. You have followed my journey since my diagnosis in 2013 and continue to support me and the charities I support. I touched your hearts and now your kindness is touching mine.</span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, January 4, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep having occasional bouts of heartburn. I have never suffered from heartburn before but in the past few months I keep having instances after eating certain foods. I can only assume this issue is side-effect of my tablets reacting with certain foods.</span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, January 3, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything gears back to full speed next week as many services scaled-down over Christmas return to normal. It's back to the hospital on Wednesday for two appointments. I have my routine clinic appointment as well as a lung function test as my recurrent chest problems continue to be monitored.</span></span><br />
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<b>F</b><b>riday, January 2, 2015</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another day and yet another blood cancer death hitting the headlines. This time it is Deborah Bone - the lady who inspired the Jarvis Cocker/Pulp hit Disco 2000 in 1995. Deborah died from multiple myeloma - a form of blood cancer which affects plasma in bone marrow. The attention this death is receiving because of the Jarvis Cocker link will hopefully help to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer charities. </span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, January 1, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is meant to be a happy New Year but in the past 24
hours I have heard of the deaths of three people from leukaemia - two of whom
had the same CML strain which I was diagnosed with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Christine
Cavanaugh. Maybe not a name which springs to mind for many of you but you will
know her voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was the voice of Babe the Pig and Chuckie from the
cartoon Rugrats.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-19403031892903881322014-08-14T22:35:00.003+01:002015-01-02T09:02:59.015+00:00My 34th year<div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, December 31, 2014</b><br />As the year draws to a close, I can reflect on how 2014 has been a phenomenal year for me.<br />Admittedly, I've had to have two hospital admissions - one for pneumonia and one for shingles - but this a remarkable improvement on the third of a year I spent in hospital in 2013.<br />As I'm now being re-vaccinated, I'm hopeful hospital admissions will become a thing of the past.<br />2014 has also been a busy year for my charity work as I've been working closely with both Anthony Nolan and Cure Leukaemia in recent months to help raise funds and stem cell donors.<br />I've already started to plan 2015 and so my work in this field continues. Just because I may be clear of leukaemia doesn't mean I'm giving up on the charities. Everything I do is geared to benefit others in my position rather than to be of benefit to myself.<br /><br /><b>Tuesday, December 30, 2014</b><br />I've been to the doctors today for the first stage of my re-vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, pneumonia and meningitis.<br />I am having low-dose vaccines which means these injections will be repeated again at the end of January and then again in February. I'm then also in line for further pneumonia vaccines before it will be time to have the flu jab again.<br /><br /><b>Monday, December 29, 2014</b><br />It's the doctors for me again tomorrow night as I'm due my next batch of vaccinations.<br />I haven't had the best of days today which doesn't bode well if I do suffer a raft of side-effects from the meningitis, polio and pneumonia jabs I am set to receive.<br />The countdown then begins again tomorrow for when I have to repeat these injections again in a few weeks, and then again once more after that. <br /><br /><b>Sunday, December 28, 2014</b><br />In the days between Christmas and New Year, people start to think up their resolutions for the year ahead. My resolutions are simple - continue on the road to recovery and continue to support the charities who have helped me over the past months.<br /><br /><b> Saturday, December 27, 2014</b><br />I've packed all of my energy into the past two days and now I am shattered. I feel as though I could sleep for a week. Two consecutive days of hustle and bustle is all I can handle nowadays without me needing time to recharge my batteries.<br /><br /><b>Friday, December 26, 2014 - Boxing Day</b><br />This time last year I was still in the very early stages of my recovery. very weak and very tired but trying the best I could to soak up the festive spirit.<br />This year will be equally memorable for the snow blizzard which forced us to endure a three-hour car journey in treacherous conditions. It's not an experience I'd want to repeat in a hurry but it has created memories</span>.<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, December 25, 2014 - Christmas Day</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas Day is a time when we begin to reflect on events of the past 12 months. Leaving my health aside, this year has been phenomenal with me being shortlisted for a Pride of Britain Award plus me taking home a host of charity accolades. I have some really big plans and projects in mind for the coming year so who knows what I may be writing this time in 12 months time.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - Christmas Eve</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been suffering with a few sudden, sharp pains in my right side today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't been able to pinpoint the exact source of the problem - I'm keeping an eye on whether it could be a pain in my kidney. I'm not overly worried - the sudden stabbing pains are more of an annoyance than a concern.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tuesday, December 23, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today should have been the day to have my second batch of vaccines including pneumonia and meningitis. However, as the threat of possible side-effects just two days before Christmas caused me a spot of worry, I took the decision to postpone them by a week. The injections are important, but not at the risk of ruining Christmas as I didn't have much of one to celebrate last year.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Monday, December 22, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may be getting close to Christmas but my campaigning continues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've mentioned before how I have joined forces with consumer experts Which? as I press for changes to food hygiene regulations. Having already gathered support from Burton MP Andrew Griffiths, I have now been armed with the facts and figures I need from Which? to start the ball rolling with Government Ministers. Watch this space.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sunday, December 21, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The busy days in the run-up to Christmas are starting to take their toll. Although my energy levels have vastly improved over the past 12 months, they are not what you could describe as 'normal'. This is more prominent now as the days and nights get increasingly busy in the festive build-up.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Saturday, December 20, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following on from the success of the Anthony Nolan donor recruitment event at Burton and South Derbyshire College, I am now on the hunt for other establishments keen to bolster the numbers on the register. I'm keen to hear from any sixth form centres or large businesses with a predominantly 16-30 workforce who would be keen to run similar schemes. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Friday, December 19, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My messages about saving your used stamps for Leukaemia CARE have been well received as I continue to receive plenty of donations. Christmas is probably the only time of year when we all send and receive vast quantities of mail and so this is an ideal opportunity to raise cash for charity without it costing you a penny.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thursday, December 18, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Christmas draws closer the generosity of my followers continues. i've received yet more questions today about where people can donate money. Although I support many blood cancer charities, I am urging people this festive season to support the charity Cure Leukaemia who are based in Birmingham. Alternatively, just join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register or save your old stamps for Leukaemia CARE.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday, December 17, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My chest doctor has been in touch with a date for a follow-up appointment which shows the issue is being taken very seriously. The plan is for me to undertake some breathing tests so that the specialists can compare my lung results from before the transplant and when I was last very ill with my breathing to see what drop in performance I have experienced since transplant.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tuesday, December 16 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Anthony Nolan team returned to Burton and South Derbyshire College today with their spit-kits to recruit donors who had been inspired by last week's talks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I popped in to check on progress and was pleased to see a slow but steady stream of students showing an interest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a lot of hope that this project at the college can become a regular event which will help build up interest over time,</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Monday, December 15, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been extremely tired today. I think my three separate visits to Birmingham last week are starting to catch up with me. I need to revitalise as tomorrow is a very important day at Burton College as the Anthony Nolan charity is returning to sign up any interested students. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sunday, December 14, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say a big thank you to all of my loyal followers and supporters who have sent me Christmas cards. Many of you have also sent stamps for my collection for Leukaemia CARE and I've had a couple of questions on how to donate money to the charities I support. I would like to thank you for your continued support and interest in my recovery from leukaemia.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Saturday, December 13, 2014</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All week, a team of Anthony Nolan volunteers have been speaking to pupils at Burton and South Derbyshire College about becoming a stem cell donor and its importance in saving lives. The volunteers spoke to around 150 students each day as they held 27 special tutorial classes. I just hope these talks help turn students' interest into names on the register.</span><br />
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<tr><td valign="top"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b> Friday, December 12, 2014</b><br />Today I have working alongside former international footballers Lee Hendrie and Geoff Thomas as well as some big names in cricket. The charity Cure Leukaemia was one of three charities going head-to-head for votes for a major funding stream from Brindley Place in Birmingham.<br />Our campaigning paid off as Cure Leukaemia won the vote. The tens of thousands of pounds they will now receive will save many lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b> Thursday, December 11, 2014</b><br />My visit to the chest specialist went well. Further investigations will now be carried out to determine the quality of my lungs with a lung function test. The problems I have experienced could be down to scarring and damage caused by the intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy I have received over the past 18 months. I'm just happy that it's nothing more sinister causing my intermittent problems.<br /><br /><b> Wednesday, December 10, 2014</b><br />Getting to a hospital the other side of Birmingham for 9am tomorrow is going to be a bit of an eye-opener but that's what I need to do if I am to get my chest examined.<br />Over the past couple of days, the pains I experienced daily last week have started to subside.<br />Tomorrow could just be a quick check-up or it could involve all manner of tests, scans and x-rays. I'm expecting a busy day.<br /><br /><b> Tuesday, December 9, 2014</b><br />Now that most houses have their Christmas lights in place, the next job on the agenda is writing the cards. That's why I am relaunching my used stamp collection for the charity Leukaemia CARE. All households receive far more mail at this time of year and I just want your used stamps for charity. You've already helped raise more than £1,000 through your stamp collections but I am certain this Christmas that we can give this total a mighty boost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><b> Monday, December 8, 2014</b><br />The Anthony Nolan recruitment event started today at Burton and South Derbyshire College.<br />In this first day, the charity's volunteers have spoken to 175 students - so by Friday, the event could be close to addressing 1,000 potential life-savers.<br />It's pleasing to see the event finally come to fruition as planning started for this day in July.<br /><br /><b> Sunday, December 7, 2014</b><br />Today I was in Birmingham supporting another charity - St Mary's Hospice.<br />The hospice was holding its first 'jingle jog' around a park where participants dress up as Santa and I wanted to go along to show my support.<br />I've heard many great things about the hospice from the nurses who treated me in Birmingham which was one of the reasons for me supporting the event today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b> Saturday, December 6, 2014</b><br />This coming week is going to be extremely busy. The Anthony Nolan recruitment event at the college begins on Monday, I am helping Cure Leukaemia later in the week with a video and then on Friday I am helping Cure Leukaemia again as it strives to secure a big deal with Brindley Place in Birmingham.<br /><br /><b>Friday, December 5, 2014</b><br />I am beginning to look forward to my hospital appointment next week as I really need to have my chest pain checked out. The pain is intermittent which rules out quite a few possibilities. However the last thing I want to happen this close to Christmas is for me to be admitted to hospital.<br /><br /><b>Thursday, December 4, 2014</b><br />My intermittent chest pain continues. Thankfully I don't have the breathing difficulties I had the last time I experienced such discomfort. I've even considered the possibility that it could be something as simple as heartburn caused by my medication. With hospital appointments on the horizon next week I don't have long to wait to get it checked out.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday, December 3, 2014</b><br />A few months ago I mentioned how I was supporting a group of people in Sri Lanka to start up a leukaemia support charity. You'll be pleased to learn that interaction with Sri Lanka continues and my first overseas Christmas card arrived from one of the group today - they are so thankful and appreciative. <br /><br /><b> Tuesday, December 2, 2014</b><br />I keep experiencing occasional chest pains, similar to pains I had when I was admitted with pneumonia a few months ago. Thankfully I see the chest doctor next week should the problem continue - however, I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that it is nothing to worry about and that it subsides soon.<br /><br /><b> Monday, December 1, 2014</b><br />Tomorrow, is Giving Tuesday, a national day of generosity.<br />It's a way to give something back whether that's joining in with some of the 'selfie' challenges being invented, recycling your used stamps or signing up to an organised event.<br />With Christmas on the horizon it's easy to think of presents and indulgence, but it should also be a time to think about a charity which one day may save your life. I wouldn't be here without the efforts of charities.<br /><br /><b> Sunday, November 30, 2014</b><br />On the weekend closest to December 1, I always like to put the Christmas decorations in place.<br /> Last year I had only just been discharged from hospital and so we managed with minimal fuss as I felt awful. I'm going to make up for it this year and hope to have a proper Christmas this time around.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, November 29, 2014</b><br />I keep having bouts of excruciating cramp in my toes. At first I just accepted it as an inconvenience but I've been doing some research and it appears this cramp is a side-effect of my transplant. According to an advice booklet produced by the Anthony Nolan charity, these cramps may last years and could be caused by dietary or vitamin deficiencies or through medication. Quinine is supposed to help.<br /><br /><b>Friday, November 28, 2014</b><br />I may have spoken too soon about my lack of side-effects from the flu jab I had on Tuesday. I keep experiencing bouts of feeling very hot and then very cold. Almost like a fever but my body temperature doesn't change it's just that I feel different. <br /><br /><b>Thursday, November 27, 2014</b><br /> I haven't suffered any ill-effects following my first post-transplant vaccination which is a promising start.<br /> Meanwhile, plans are coming together for what will be a huge stem cell donor recruitment drive in Burton in the coming weeks. i hope to be able to reveal more next week when the action plan has been finalised.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday, November 26, 2014</b><br /> Television can play a pivotal role in helping to raise awareness of leukaemia and increasing stem cell donor levels. Today it was the Surprise Surprise show which thrust leukaemia into the spotlight with a tear-jerking story of a lady who has battled aplastic anaemia and lymphoma.<br /> What television does is make people realise that their 'ordinary' lives today could be filled with the nightmare which is leukaemia by tomorrow. <br /><br /><b>Tuesday, November 25, 2014</b><br />I've had my first vaccine today following my transplant. Today was just the normal flu vaccine via injection - many of you may have had the nasal version but that strain is too dangerous for me.<br /> Plans are also falling in place for the mass donor recruitment session we have been planning for Burton & South Derbyshire College for many months.</span><br />
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<b> Monday, November 24, 2014</b><br />The postman delivered a very important parcel today - tablets.<br /> We mis-calculated the last time we visited the hospital and wrongly assumed I had enough tablets to last until my next appointment. Thanks to the power of email and a superb team in Birmingham I'm now fully re-stocked and have enough pills to last come rain, snow or shine.<br /><br /><b> Sunday, November 23, 2014</b><br />This coming week marks the next stage of my recovery from leukaemia as I begin the re-vaccination programme. This week I have diphtheria, tetanus, meningitis, pneumonia, polio and possibly the flu vaccine to have - and they'll all be repeated again next month, and the month after and then a few months after that. <br /><br /><b> Saturday, November 22, 2014</b><br /> I've been asked today to help in any way I can to find a matching donor for a young girl suffering with aplastic anaemia.<br />Anna Leigh is a five-year-old girl from South Carolina who needs a matching donor to save her life. The good news is that you don't have to live in the USA to help as you could be a matching donor if you sign up in the UK today.<br /><br /><b>Friday, November 21, 2014</b><br /> Today it was 'Hero Day' for the charity Anthony Nolan. It doesn't require you to possess super powers - or dress as Superman (but this helps). It's a day when everyone comes together to be a hero. That can be anything from shaking a tin to collect money or baking cakes to sell to raise funds. My super powers rest in raising awareness, which was done alongside sorting out the final bits of organising for a donor recruitment event to be held next month at Burton and South Derbyshire College.<br /><br /><b> Thursday, November 20, 2014</b><br />Twelve months ago I was finishing my last full day in hospital before being discharged following my transplant. Looking back, I felt as rough as you can possibly imagine but a I was just thrilled to be heading home.<br /> A year down the line and I'm still not 100 per cent as I still have days when I struggle, or lack energy, or just feel rotten. In another 12 months time I will probably look back on today and realise how different I feel with yet another year under my belt.<br /> Nobody said that this would be a quick or easy road but I'm so grateful to be writing this diary another year down the line.<br /><br /><b> Wednesday, November 19, 2014</b><br />I struggled today climbing up a steep incline - an experience which left me extremely frightened.<br /> What I keep having to remind myself is that I am not super-woman. A year ago I could barely manage the stairs without assistance and I have to appreciate it will take many more months, if not years, to recover fully from my leukaemia battle. <br /> <br /><b>Tuesday, November 18, 2014 </b><br />I support many charities but that doesn't mean I have to agree with everything they do. A few months back I made a charity donation via text - and today I received a call to my mobile asking me to pledge £10 a month.<br /> What's annoyed me is that the telephone call was from a third-party agency hired by the charity at a cost of more than £7,000 for the campaign.<br /> Dear charity, we will all give what we can to help, so please don't waste the donation I gave you on a five minute marketing call.<br /><br /><b>Monday, November 17, 2014</b><br />I've spoken to my doctors today and things are moving forward with my vaccines. I have my first injections next week. This will be the first major step in rebuilding my fragile immune system. <br /><br /><b>Sunday, November 16, 2014</b><br />Today I was in Birmingham supporting my ever-growing number of biker comrades.<br /> A charity ride was taking place to raise money for specialist equipment for disabled children, and as the ride required riders to wear a 'onesie' and as it passed by the city's German Market, it was an opportunity too good to miss. I like to support all of those people who regularly support me, and the bikers we know are part of this loyal band of supporters. <br /><br /><b>Saturday, November 15, 2014</b><br />A scary experience with a meal today has reinforced my commitment to change rules surrounding food hygiene. Did you know it's law for a restaurant to display a 'no smoking' sign but there are no rules governing the display of food hygiene ratings?<br /> I want to change this legislation and I've already joined forces with consumer watchdog Which? to help bring this to fruition. </span><br />
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Friday, November 14, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been given a copy of the vaccination schedule I will be following
over the next few months now that I am one year post-transplant. I should soon
be having the flu vaccine alongside the diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningitis
and pneumonia jabs.<br />
My vaccines must be lower doses so diphtheria, polio and tetanus are done
monthly for three months - I can't just have one injection and move on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Thursday, November 13, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was the World's first Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day - if you
paid attention you may have seen TV presenters or newsreaders wearing purple
items of clothing as a sign of their support. I had reason to visit Birmingham
again today, and by chance, we met the entire team from the charity Cure
Leukaemia. We can't go far now without meeting someone we know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hospital appointment went well. My blood results are still fine and
they're not thinking of taking another bone marrow biopsy until early next
year. It's a huge relief once I have been to the hospital and heard the
results, I'm just very nervous beforehand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still waiting to hear about my re-vaccination schedule now that I am
one year post-transplant.<br />
I'm hoping wheels are put in motion soon so that I benefit from the added
protection vaccines offer. Tomorrow it's back to Birmingham for my usual blood
tests and consultations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Monday, November 10, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My spleen pain has now subsided but I'll still be getting it checked out
on Wednesday at the hospital. Although every visit to the hospital gives me the
frights because I never know what they are going to say, I always feel a huge
sense of relief afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sunday, November 9, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a night and another morning of pain in my spleen, I'm pleased to
report that the discomfort has started to subside. I'm due back at the hospital
on Wednesday and this issue is going to be top of my agenda. Even in remission,
you don't get many days when you can completely relax and forget leukaemia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Saturday, November 8, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep having spasms of pain around my spleen which is worrying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With leukaemia, the spleen often becomes enlarged as this is where
excess white blood cells congregate. My spleen is now back to normal size but I
sometimes wonder if months of being swollen has left it weakened and prone to
discomfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Friday, November 7, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living with a compromised immune system has made me reconsider many
things and one of my latest campaigns concerns food hygiene. It's too early to
reveal the full details, but today I received support from a very well-known
organisation. I think the resulting partnership could be very big news in the
coming weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Thursday, November 6, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past 12 months, my social media presence has grown at a rapid
pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The downside to this, is the more people I interact with, the more
tragic stories I hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the past two weeks I have heard about the deaths of five people I
followed and communicated with on a regular basis. You can't forget for one
second, that blood cancer kills people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Wednesday, November 5, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past few days I have been wading through various pieces of
legislation as I consider my next move to increase blood, stem cell and organ
donation. Turning ideas into reality takes months of work behind the scenes but
hopefully there will be some positive news to report soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Tuesday, November 4, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drug regulator NICE often hits the headlines for the wrong reasons -
but today it's positive news for leukaemia patients with chronic lymphocytic
leukaemia - CLL.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This doesn't affect my treatment as I had CML not CLL, but it's really encouraging
to see a breakthrough tablet which costs £182 per 100mg given the green light -
and it's British, made by GlaxoSmithKline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I mentioned one of my magic drugs cost £37,711 for a year's supply?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drugs aren't cheap but they save lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Monday, November 3, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I have passed my one year post-transplant birthday, the time has come
for me to start organising my re-vaccination schedule. I need just about
everything you all had as children - measles, TB, etc along with flu and
pneumonia vaccines. Having so many vaccines in a short time-scale of just a few
weeks could lead to some side-effects, we'll have to wait and see what
happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sunday, November 2, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I promised before, my campaigning doesn't end just because I have
collected a number of awards - if anything it will increase. I have a few
political issues I will be addressing as well as pressing ahead with plans for
my mass Anthony Nolan recruitment event which is earmarked for Burton and South
Derbyshire College in December.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Saturday, November 1, 2014</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marks the start of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and in
memory of my mum who died from pancreatic cancer in 2011, I am supporting the
campaign this year. The charity Pancreatic Cancer UK was holding a 'purple
lights' event today which involved lighting the sky purple - I took part in my
own little way with some purple glow sticks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, October 31, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a busy week attending various award ceremonies, I’ve returned home with yet another accolade. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was the Cure Leukaemia charity ball and I was crowned ‘Champion of the Year’ – returning with a stunning engraved crystal vase.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We attended this charity ball held at Villa Park last year while I was still undergoing treatment so it’s great to be able to return feeling so much better – thanks in part to the efforts of the charity Cure Leukaemia.</span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, October 30, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week I've received another large donation of used stamps for my Leukaemia CARE appeal - huge thanks to reader Iris Mullis. As the season for traditionally sending more cards and letters is on the horizon, can I remind everyone that the appeal is still active. We have already raised more than £1,000 and Christmas card postage will hopefully give this figure a real boost. </span></span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, October 29, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I celebrated my first birthday today. This may sound strange to many people as you know I’m actually 34-years-old.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My birthday today marks the one year anniversary since I received my stem cells from a mystery German donor. A transplant gives you a new lease of life and can change many aspects of your past life (your blood type, hair colour, appetite etc), therefore its classed by many as a re-birthday. When I reach two-years-old, the mystery surrounding my donor can be lifted and we can make contact if we wish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, October 28, 2014</b></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow marks my first birthday. Yes it is exactly a year since my life-saving bone marrow transplant. Tomorrow would also have been my mother's birthday so I plan to celebrate my milestone like any other birthday - with family and a nice meal.<br />Meanwhile, today marks exactly three years since the passing of my sister-in-law. Cancer is never far away from any of us.</span></span></o:p></div>
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<b>Monday, October 27, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had an exhausting but exciting day in London. It's
been a real privilege to be given a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament by
MP Andrew Griffiths and his PA Sarah Bridgman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During our visit to the Commons, Prime Minister David
Cameron made a short but memorable speech on British forces leaving
Afghanistan, plus he told the EU Britain will not pay its demand for £1.7bn -
we were sat opposite in the gallery as this speech was made. The awards at the
end of the day were the icing on a very enjoyable cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, October 26, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband and I travelled down to London today in preparation for the Anthony Nolan Awards tomorrow. I'm good friends with quite a few people linked to the Anthony Nolan charity through Twitter and Facebook and tomorrow will also prove a good opportunity to meet these people in person.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, October 25, 2014</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm preparing for my big trip to London in preparation for the Anthony Nolan supporter awards which will be held at the Houses of Parliament on Monday. These awards are big news for Burton as both my husband and I plus our MP Andrew Griffiths are shortlisted for one of these prestigious accolades.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, October 24, 2014</b><br />I'm preparing my next charity campaign - but this time it won't be for a blood cancer charity.<br />Three-and-a-half years ago my mum died of pancreatic cancer and as November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, I've decided I need to turn things purple to show my support. I'll reveal more about my plans in the coming weeks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, October 23, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was the first of my award ceremonies today as I was shortlisted for a 'Best in Care' Award from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.<br />I wasn't the overall winner of my category but I walked away with a certificate and badge honouring my contribution. It was a great event with some truly wonderful medical staff rewarded for their work. The hospital is a world leader in so many ways.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, October 22, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been working myself up for a while about this, but tomorrow marks the first of the award ceremonies I am invited to. I have three such events in eight days and I'm extremely nervous about all of them. Tomorrow is the 'Best in Care' awards ceremony organised by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, October 21, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm still recovering from a busy weekend and haven't felt 100 per cent today. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My ear ache has subsided but I'm suffering from fatigue. This is another wakeup call for me as I try and continue life as normal but often pay the price for it afterwards.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, October 20, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I feel drained today, clearly the Great Birmingham Run yesterday has zapped me of energy.<br />You'd think that I'd run the marathon myself from how I feel rather than me just photographing the event.<br />I've also been suffering with ear ache which I'm putting down to the strong gales which were blustering around Birmingham yesterday. I need a few days to recover now but at least we managed to capture more than 700 photos for Cure Leukaemia - we took more than 7,000 overall.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, October 19, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may not be able to run the Great Birmingham Run for charity but I'm able to help in other ways.<br />Today I was taking photographs of the runners on behalf of Cure Leukaemia. If you watched the race live on Channel 5 you would have spotted me quite a few times in the media circle by the finish line.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, October 18, 2014</b><br />My tongue is slowly getting back to normal after a couple of very painful days.<br />I've pinned the problem down to sucking boiled sweets. I had a couple during a car journey on Tuesday and my mouth has suffered since. Small, simple things can create so many problems.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Friday, October 17, 2014</b><br />I have to commend Channel 4 for dedicating an entire evening's television to the Stand Up 2 Cancer campaign. There were some truly heartbreaking stories over the evening.<br />It's a shame that a campaign to help eradicate cancer doesn't get as much advertising, publicity or support as we're used to with the televised appeals for Children in Need and Comic Relief.<br />I'd like to see this campaign grow in future years as at present, one in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, October 16, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend, thousands of runners will pound the pavements of Birmingham during the Birmingham BUPA Great Birmingham Run. As well as marking one year since Burton Mail reporter Rob Smyth took on the challenge for Cure Leukaemia, it also marks one year since I received the phone call to say I needed to make my way to hospital to start the treatment in preparation for a bone marrow transplant. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, October 15, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm suffering with a very sore mouth today. I'm partly blaming the food I have eaten today coupled with the general weakness of the flesh in my mouth. As it now feels like I have eaten a bowl of grit and brushed my teeth with sandpaper, it's going to take a while to return to normal. This is just another of the complications you face post-transplant. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, October 14, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An appointment with a chest consultant has now been finalised for November.<br />Or it had until I discovered the date I have been given is one I cannot make. Thankfully I've managed to rearrange the slot but it means its going to be two weeks later than initially planned. It's a good job my breathing has improved recently.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, October 13, 2014</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final menus, times and venues are starting to arrive for the various award ceremonies I have coming up before the end of the month. It's all starting to feel very real and quite scary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really appreciate the recognition I am receiving but these award ceremonies leave me feeling a bag of nerves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>S</b></span><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">unday, October 12, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was out supporting a couple of charity events today by photographing the bikers taking part. First on the agenda was a charity ride in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital while the second event was in aid of Children in Need.<br />As a result of our photos, we've now also raised more than £50 for the blood cancer charities I support.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, October 11, 2014</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recent press reports on me have resulted in a resident from Matlock sending me a charity donation. It's so heart-warming to receive a hand-written letter of goodwill and a donation from a complete stranger who has been touched by my story. I'm adding the donation to the money I collected throughout September for Leukaemia CARE as part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, October 10, 2014</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My breathing problem returned today - just when I thought it had subsided and cleared.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also had to call the doctors today for an emergency repeat prescription as it suddenly dawned on me I was running very low on some specialist cream - thankfully everything has been sorted quickly and easily.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, October 9, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My official invitation for the Anthony Nolan awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament has now arrived. Plus I saw my name in the hospital newsletter yesterday for the QEHB 'best in care' awards. With three ceremonies to attend in an eight day period later this month, this is the calm before the storm</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, October 8, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was back at the hospital today for a routine appointment.<br />Everything is going well and the consultant is happy with my blood results.<br />As my breathing problem has improved immensely this week, it looks as though my appointment with the chest specialist will now be held in November.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, October 7, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Has the temperature dropped rapidly or am I starting to feel the cold more than I did before my life turned upside down? The good news is that my experience with leukaemia was publicised by the charity Leukaemia CARE during blood Cancer Awareness Month and now various people want to speak to me with regards to maybe publicising it further. We'll see what develops in the coming weeks.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, October 6, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The news has been full of stories on how the flu vaccine is being given to children.<br />This is going to be a nightmare for me as the nasal spray vaccine being used is classed as a 'live' vaccine. Anyone who has had a live vaccine recently is a serious threat to me and so I'm facing a problematic winter unless I cocoon myself indoors.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, October 5, 2014</b><br />As both the blood bank and Anthony Nolan issue an appeal for more donors to come forward from Burton, it shows that there is still a massive need for more education and awareness in the area. I am working towards the day when these organisations don't have to beg us any more as we adopt the donating attitude.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, October 4, 2014</b><br />I turned out in the awful weather conditions to show my support to the bikers attending Ride to the Wall today. Following our ride in March, we've got to know many new biker friends and today was a chance to support them. We've built up somewhat of a reputation over the months for photographing biking events and Ride to the Wall broke new records for us as we took more than 9,300 photos of the event.</span></span><br />
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<b>Friday, October 3, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you've had cancer, you begin to celebrate mundane achievements.<br />Mine today is that I have used a hair drier for the first time in 18 months - until now I've never had enough hair to worry about but the 'chemo curls' are growing thick and fast.<br />This is the norm for you - it's an achievement for me.</span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, October 2, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I've been mingling with former England football player Geoff Thomas as he
launched a major fund-raising initiative to benefit the charity Cure Leukaemia.<br />
He spent the morning in London briefing the national press and television
before heading to Birmingham for the main launch event in which I was featured.<br />
It was a pleasure to meet Geoff and I am honoured to have been asked to take
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<b>Wednesday, October 1, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blood Cancer Awareness Month is now over and it's been a phenomenal success.<br />I received a really touching email today from the charity Leukaemia CARE thanking me for my key role within the week which has reached five million people. That is five million extra people who now know the signs and symptoms of blood cancer.</span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, September, 30, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the one-year anniversary of my stem cell transplant approaches, it's time to start planning for the next stage of my treatment. Having a transplant completely wipes away every vaccine you have had in your life, and so from the one year anniversary, I have to start being re-immunised. I hope the side-effects are minimal as I have a lot of injections to endure. </span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, September 29, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My course of super-strength antibiotics finished today for my breathing problem. I'd like to say they had made a huge difference but I'm not sure of the impact they have had. The next few days are going to be a key test as to their effectiveness.</span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, September 28, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My breathing has been fine all day until it was time to climb the stairs for bed.<br />The inconsistency of this breathlessness points me in the direction of lung scars caused by the intensive chemo and radiotherapy endured last year. If it was an infection, this breathing problem would be more consistent all day every day. </span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, September 27, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever I receive an envelope marked the House of Commons I am always slightly excited as to its contents.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's letter was from Burton's MP Andrew Griffiths congratulating me on my Anthony Nolan award nomination. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I extend my congratulations to Mr Griffiths as he too is nominated for an award for his help with my campaign.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Friday, September 26, 2014</b><br />My breathing problem has returned to its usual self after a few days showing some improvement. My antibiotics run out this weekend too which goes someway into showing this is maybe something other than a viral infection.</span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, September 25, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Blood Cancer Awareness Month is drawing to a close, I hope that people have paid attention to the information which has been made available through the media and social networks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thinking 'it will never happen to me' is not an option. I never thought it would happen to me either and my cancer was diagnosed late. Do you really want to follow in my footsteps? </span></span></div>
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<b>Wednesday, September 24, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the past few days my breathing appears to have improved. I still pin one theory on that the weather plays a pivotal role and as the temperature has dropped a few degrees this week, my breathing has eased. As I slowly come to the end of my course of antibiotics, I hope this there is some truth in this theory.</span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, September, 23, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My latest award nomination is now public and I'd like to thank everyone for their continued support. It's clear October is going to be a very busy month as I have two award ceremonies and a charity meal to attend within the space of eight days - two in Birmingham and one in London. Hopefully November will be a little quieter. </span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, September 22, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was World Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Awareness Day. Did you know or has the event passed you by without you knowing any more about leukaemia?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If it's the latter, my aim is to change this. I've just launched a new social media campaign which I hope will get people thinking more about blood cancer,</span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, September 21, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always keen to support those who have support me and today it was the loyal band of bikers we know as they went on their shoebox run to the National Memorial Arboretum.<br />We're getting to know more and more new faces and so I expect our next motorcycle fund-raiser to double its numbers.</span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, September 20, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started the day in London as I was really keen to watch and photograph the Great Gorilla Run where runners complete a fun run dressed head to toe in a gorilla suit. The day went to plan but my breathing was particularly troublesome first thing. Two minutes out of the hotel and I was seriously out of puff.</span></span><br />
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<b>Friday, September 19, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received a surprise sackful of stamps today from the people of Ashbourne.<br />These stamps will help bolster my continuing efforts to raise money for the charity Leukaemia CARE. Health-wise, I'm still waiting for my appointment letter to see the lung specialist so my breathing remains pretty much the same - troublesome. </span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, September 18, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been working on a fund-raising project which will hopefully grip people's attention and spread viral. Wouldn't it be great if I could start a fund-raising project which became as successful as the ice bucket challenge. Only time will tell but I'm hopeful. </span></span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, September 17, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today and the results from my recent lung tests show no improvement since I've been on specialist medication. The tests also show my breathing has deteriorated since my transplant in October.<br />This could be caused by one of three things - GVHD, where my new cells are attacking my body; a viral infection; or damage caused through intensive chemo and radiotherapy.<br />I'm being referred to a specialist chest doctor who will no doubt want to carry out an internal lung examination known as a bronchoscopy. </span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, September 16, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back to the hospital again tomorrow. I'm hoping they have some conclusive results from my latest CT scan and lung function test as my breathing is still not sorted. As blood cancer awareness month presses on, can I remind everyone I'm still selling charity ribbons for Leukaemia CARE. </span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, September 15, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm starting to dread going to bed as my nights are currently awful. Aside from being awake until <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">3am</a> I have bouts of night sweats, nausea and restlessness. I'm blaming these problems on my bedtime cocktail of drugs. </span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, September 14, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Blood Cancer Awareness month continues, you may have heard a radio clip from me today if you listen to Heart FM. The station spoke to me about the signs and symptoms of leukaemia as many people don't know what to look for. I hope every bit of media coverage I receive helps in some way save more lives.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, September 13, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ventured out today and was recognised many times by people who follow my diary. One of those who stopped to chat was one of the first consultants I had when first diagnosed at the Queen's Hospital. I was amazed he remembered me as I haven't been to the Queen's for almost 18 months and he must see hundreds of patients. It's days like today which reveal just how many people follow my daily trials and tribulations. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Friday, September 12, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The regional Pride of Britain finalists were revealed today. I'm not going through to the London finals but I am extremely proud of how far I have come having already beat off thousands of nominations. I'm thrilled for those going through to the London finals and I'm pleased that my video on the news will have helped to further raise awareness.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.itv.com/news/central/search/?q=Pride+of+britain"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.itv.com/news/central/search/?q=Pride+of+britain</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, September 11, 2014</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you catch me on the ITV Central News tonight? I missed it too as I'm featured on the East Midlands bulletin rather than the West Midlands version which we receive in Burton.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My fingers are crossed now for tomorrow when the grand finalists are revealed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Link to video on ITV website:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.itv.com/news/central/search/?q=Pride+of+britain">http://www.itv.com/news/central/search/?q=Pride+of+britain</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, September 10, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My work and support for Blood Cancer Awareness Month is spreading and being recognised as the phone and email has been very busy today. I've also been sorting out my various donor recruitment plans as well as trying to sort confirmations for three very keen runners wishing to run the London Marathon in my name,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, September 9, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago, a national newspaper article discussed stem cell donation.<br />The reader comments linked to this story have left me appalled as they spread fear and misguided beliefs that becoming a donor is painful and requires an operation. Neither is true. Until we improve overall donor education, my campaign will continue to grow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I hope you have been tuning into ITV Central News this week? I haven't appeared yet but you will have seen two of the other nominees in my category. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, September 8, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to say a big thank you to the anonymous donor who posted me an envelope of foreign stamps for my Leukaemia CARE collection. Your donation means a lot to me and the charity.<br />I haven't received a telephone call from the hospital which helps me to believe that my test results from Friday must be acceptable. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;"><b>Don't forget to tune into the ITV Central News (6pm) every night this week as my Pride of Britain Award nomination video will be broadcast.</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Sunday, September 7, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent a few hours in Birmingham today - not at the hospital but supporting a cancer charity.<br />I volunteered to help take the photographs of a motorcycle ride for the Neuroblastoma Children's Cancer Alliance (NCCA) as they completed the final stage of a ride which has seen them travel between England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in a week-long tour.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, September 6 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't receive a call from the hospital yesterday following my tests so I am hoping this means nothing unexpected was discovered. Today I started to retake some of the tablets I stopped as a precaution a week or so ago. I feel better mentally knowing that I am back on medication - I feel vulnerable without it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Friday, September 5, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today for more lung tests as I continue to experience breathing problems. Today was a lung function test (blowing into a computer) and a CT scan - my second CT scan in a month. And when I returned home, the postman had delivered yet more hospital appointment letters for the coming weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Thursday, September 4, 2014</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to return to the hospital first thing tomorrow for two more tests on my lungs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lung function test and a CT scan. It's hard not to get nervous about the results especially as my breathing appears to have taken a step backwards again. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know if I will get the results tomorrow or at my next appointment - or if I'll just get a telephone call when I least expect it from the hospital.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wednesday, September 3, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today for another check-up as my lungs are causing concern.<br />Everything appears to be okay but we still need the results of some tests to make sure it is what they hope it is.<br />News of me making the shortlist for the Pride of Britain Awards has already spread around the hospital - I feel like a celebrity and I haven't won anything yet.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Tuesday, September 2, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back to the hospital again tomorrow as they are keen to keep an eye on my lungs.<br />I feel that my tablets have started to make a difference and so I'm hopeful that they are pleased with my progress. <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Next Wednesday</a> we're back at the hospital again for a lung function test.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Monday, September 1, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had one of my worst days for many months today. An excruciating headache coupled with nausea which simply left me unable to do anything. I'm not sure if it is down to my new tablets or if it's just coincidence. I don't want a day like this again for a while. </span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, August 31, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow marks the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month and the message is quite simple - would you be able to spot the signs? Spotting leukaemia early is vital to increasing survival rates - please just make sure you're aware of the symptoms before it's too late. </span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, August 30, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">News of my Pride of Britain Award nomination is now public - I hope you're as excited as I am? I'd have loved to have revealed the news earlier but my latest stay in hospital hampered the filming somewhat. I've had loads of good luck messages today - thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's now a waiting game to see what happens next.</span></div>
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<b>F</b><b>riday, August 29, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tablets appear to be working to fix my breathing difficulties. There has been a noticeable difference in the past 24 hours which is a huge relief.<br />It's Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September and therefore I have been busy preparing some awareness and fund-raising initiatives.</span></span><br />
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<b>Thursday, August 28, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today would have been my sister-in-law's birthday. She died in 2011 from breast and bone cancer aged 34 - the same age as I am now.<br />While ever there are cases such as this, the need for improved research and cutting-edge drugs continues and so does my determination to help raise the money to help fund this need.</span></span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, August 27, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's time to celebrate. A few months ago, my bone marrow biopsy showed I had 0.004 per cent leukaemia in my body. My latest bone marrow test has come back as zero - zilch - nought.<br />For the first time in an unknown number of years, I am leukaemia free.<br />I now just need to sort this breathing problem. I have another CT scan and lung function tests on the horizon in the coming weeks.</span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, August 26, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first full day back at home has had to be a day of rest as I'm still short of breath and my energy levels are low.<br />I've started my new regime of anti-fungal drugs and so far they are going okay - the list of side-effects is astonishing but they do say they are for 'life-threatening conditions'.</span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, August 25, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may have been a wet and dismal bank holiday for most people, but it has been a joyful day for me as I was discharged from hospital. I'm returning again on Wednesday for another check-up and probably more tests but at least I'm home now. Armed with a bag full of new pills to go alongside my usual cocktail. </span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, August 24, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still quite breathless but my temperature and blood pressure have stabilised. After speaking to the doctors today, I am still confident that I will be home within the next day or two.<br />My treatment will then continue for months in tablet form rather than intravenously.</span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, August 23, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still undergoing treatment in hospital but things appear to be going ok. I had a slight temperature spike and some low blood pressure tests today but both have now stabilised.<br />It feels strange in that everybody knows me here - news of my campaigns and achievements must spread far and wide as all the staff knows snippets of news about me.</span></span><br />
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<b>Friday, August 22, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My treatment is in full swing now as I have a mixture of intravenous and tablet-form drugs as well as those painful stomach injections.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I'm being treated for both fungal and bacterial infections as I have a form of pneumonia.</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Everyone is still hopeful that I will be home early next week if my results continue to improve.</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thursday, August 21, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding a bed at the hospital took a little longer than usual but I'm now back in my usual ward.<br />For the next few days I will have a multitude of anti-fungal and antibiotic drips alongside a fairly continuous supply of tablets. I'm still hopeful of being home by Monday.</span></span><br />
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<b>Wednesday, August 20, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My bone marrow biopsy results are still not ready so I don't have any further news on that front.<br />The bad news however is that following my hospital appointment and an emergency CT scan today, I am ending the day with news that I will be re-admitted to hospital.<br />Fluid on both lungs looks like a fungal infection.<br />I'm upset at having to be re-admitted but at the same time I need to get better.</span></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, August</b><b> 19, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm slightly worried about the hospital tomorrow as I can never second guess the results. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, at the same time I need to get my breathing problem checked before it escalates or causes further problems. I can't wait to be home again tomorrow with some good results under my belt.</span></span><br />
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<b>Monday, August 18, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My breathing is like a yo-yo. Today it has drastically improved to how it has been over the weekend. Whatever the underlying cause may be, it is something which comes and goes. Thankfully that rules out chest infections and other nasties but could point to conditions such as asthma. </span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, August 17, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My breathing remains problematic - it's a good job I don't have to climb too many stairs on a daily basis. Apart from my breathing I feel well without too many other grumbles. I'll be happier once I've been checked over on Wednesday and once I have the results of my latest bone marrow biopsy. </span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, August 16, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My breathing problem has resurrected itself this weekend. I am increasingly breathless and walking upstairs is the equivalent of climbing Everest. Thankfully I'm back at the hospital on Wednesday. No doubt this will be followed by numerous x-rays and tests.</span></span><br />
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<b>Friday, August 15, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today it was confirmed that I can help Anthony Nolan monitor a new online
forum it has created for bone marrow transplant patients. This voluntary role
just requires me to log on to the forum when I can and help police the posts and
stimulate new discussions. I’m hopeful it will be good for me and the users of
the forum.</span></div>
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<b>Thursday, August 14, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to say a huge thanks to the kind readers who continue to send me their used stamps. Over the past couple of days, I have received a couple of bulk donations equating to a couple of kilos each - this is the same as sticking a bank note in a collection box, it really makes a difference.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To see earlier diary entries (dating back to April 2013) click on the 'older posts' link.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-63474513488115590312014-06-08T11:07:00.001+01:002014-08-14T11:34:20.139+01:00The Pride of Burton<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, August 14, 2014 -<span style="color: red;"> Diary update</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If you logged on to my diary early this morning, you would have noticed a major shortage of entries. </i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A technical glitch on the software I use to update this diary kindly decided to delete everything from June onwards. I'm hoping the diary is now fully restored thanks to me having to keep multiple copies of the daily entries. You may however notice that some of the links and photos which were once part of this page are missing. I'll try my best to remember what pictured appeared where and to update the page.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Technology can be amazing but it can also cause massive headaches.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #454545;">Wednesday, August 13, 2014 -</span><span style="color: red;"> My birthday</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">It's exactly a year to the date since I was discharged from hospital after spending nearly eight weeks undergoing extensive chemotherapy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">A lot has happened in the past 12 months and although I suffer daily with one side effect or another, the difference in my health is remarkable.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, August 12, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today Anthony Nolan released its 'be a better stranger' campaign to highlight how people are more likely to save a pet than the life of a stranger. This campaign came the same day as the announcement by a television actor that his mum needs a transplant. It's clear that the UK's donor numbers are poor and so my work will not only continue but will step up a gear.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, August 11, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My stamp campaign for the charity Leukaemia CARE continues to flourish and I have to thank all of the kind shop keepers and villagers around Burton and South Derbyshire who have been helping to publicise my campaign. Meanwhile, I'm now getting anxious to know the results of the bone marrow biopsy I had done a few weeks ago - I'm trying to believe no news is good news.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, August 10, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">This weekend I have been to Bristol to watch the city's annual hot air balloon fiesta (from the safety of our hotel room). I'm pleased to see that the fiesta this year is supporting the Above & Beyond Appeal at Bristol hospitals - which is important to me. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Last year I needed bag after bag of blood and my doctors couldn't understand why - for the answer they called upon a team in Bristol. This is why I was keen to support the fiesta and the appeal, they work wonders for leukaemia and transplant patients.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, August 9, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">This time last year I was under sedation having plastic tubes forced down my throat as I underwent a bronchoscopy. Why is this important? Well August 9 is our wedding anniversary and it's events such as this which show the difference a year has made. Last year I wasn't in a fit state to celebrate anything.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, August 8, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My breathing has improved in the past couple of days but I still have a patch of eczema on my foot which is proving difficult to control. My main concern at the moment is still how to remain disease free as I still have a compromised immune system and there appears to be somebody coughing and spluttering around every corner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, August 7, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As news of my recruitment drive between Anthony Nolan and Burton & South Derbyshire College is made public, I'm busy dealing with the feedback I'm receiving.<br />I'm fairly positive that this latest venture of mine is going to grow and grow and may even spread to other colleges and sixth forms in the area.<br />I just need to continue to press the Government now over the importance of widespread donor education in the post-16 curriculum. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, August 6, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the summer holidays please spare a thought for a seven-year-old Staffordshire boy called Joshua. His leukaemia means he won't be able to complete his summer homework which is writing about places he visits. Instead he is going to write about the postcards he receives from others. And so I will be sending him some postcards from my travels this summer - please do the same.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.connectcannock.co.uk/community-noticeboard/going-away-summer-dont-forget-postcard-josh/10411/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1408004837431_7068" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.connectcannock.co.uk/community-noticeboard/going-away-summer-dont-forget-postcard-josh/10411/</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, August 5, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My breathlessness and cough returned today, but instead of this being down to the weather as it was last week, this episode was caused by over-exertion.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">If I try and walk too far or up a steep incline, I'm drastically out of puff. Short distances with lots of rest is all I can manage nowadays.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, August 4, 2014</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">The school holidays are proving a challenge for me this year. As my infection-risk radar is always on the lookout for the slightest cough or sneeze, I'm finding the sudden freedom of thousands of children a problem. Next time you're out, just stop and listen - you'd be amazed at how many people are coughing and sneezing - now try and avoid all of those potential hazards and you're in my shoes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, August 3, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">It's Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September and so I am already throwing myself into thinking of ideas to help promote and support the event.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I've already achieved a little success in publicising the awareness week through Twitter thanks to a re-Tweet to thousands of followers by Debbie Magee.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, August 2, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">The recent rain has helped to clear the air and as a result, my breathing and breathlessness has improved. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I'm a big fan of hot climates, I just don't like the breathing difficulties the heat now creates for me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, August 1, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In March this year, I helped organise a charity motorcycle ride between Birmingham and Burton to raise money for three blood cancer charities. Well, the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon is returning again next year. Plans are already gathering speed for the ride pencilled in for Sunday, April 19th.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit: <a href="http://www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com/">www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com</a> for the latest</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, July 31, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had an extremely productive meeting today with representatives from Anthony Nolan and Burton and South Derbyshire College.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come September, the number of people on the bone marrow register in this area should start to climb. More details will be confirmed in the coming weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, July 30, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">It's my dad's birthday today. Rewind 12 months and I have memories of eating birthday cake at my hospital bedside as I was in the midst of my chemotherapy treatment. I would much rather be where I am now even if it does involve a handful of tablets e</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">very day and regular check-ups at the clinic. Let's wait to see the difference another 12 months makes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, July 29, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My health remains about the same today - I'm still feeling a little breathless and not exactly 100 per cent. Do I need to see a doctor is the question or is it just the weather?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I'm pleased to say my stamp collection for Leukaemia CARE is gathering pace - another envelope was posted off to them today. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Monday, July 28, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I'm still a little breathless but I'm hoping it is weather-related.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">A rash has also flared up on my feet but again I'm hoping this will soon disappear as I've started to use creams from my vast supplies.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I've got a few bits lined up with Anthony Nolan this week so hopefully there will be some news to report on my charity work in the coming weeks.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Sunday, July 27, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've not been firing on all cylinders today. I'm not sure if it's the heat and humidity, but I'm feeling quite breathless. I'm also struggling to sleep as a side-effect of my treatment, transplant and current medication is hot flushes - the last thing you need in this weather.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Saturday, July 26, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been suffering with my tongue again over the past couple of days. Simple foods such as watercress leave me diving for a drink. Anything with even the tiniest hint of pepper or spice leaves me in agony. I thought things were improving but clearly not.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Friday, July 25, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've taken the first look at my latest bone marrow test wound today. Thankfully it all looks well. Most people probably don't think much of these wounds but if you remember, last year, one of mine became infected and resulted in me having weeks of visits by the district nurses and input from specialist skin doctors.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Thursday, July 24, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Over the past couple of weeks I have been sending posters to the Post Offices in and around Burton to help boost my used stamp appeal for Leukaemia CARE.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">The first returns started to arrive at the Burton Mail offices today and I'd like to thank everyone who is collecting and donating stamps as part of the appeal.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, July 23, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My three appointments within 24 hours at the hospital are over, and everything has gone well.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I was really worried about all of the appointments this time - worried about my blood results and worried about the painful bone marrow test I needed. Thankfully, my bloods are ok and the bone marrow test was bearable. As this was my tenth such test, I must be getting used to the experience - but my hip bone must look like Swiss cheese by now - full of holes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, July 22, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marked the start of two busy days at the hospital with three appointments spread over just a 24 hour period. Today's appointment went okay, it was the journey to and from Birmingham which was the issue because of the A38 tunnel closures. Traffic jams in this heat don't mix and we will be hitting it at rush hour tomorrow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Monday, July 21, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My busy week of hospital visits begins tomorrow and it's hard not to feel anxious.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">You can't avoid the knowledge that some of the procedures I am going to endure are some of the most painful you can experience - I am going to have a core sample of my hip bone taken with a sharp-toothed needle.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">This will be my tenth such test and I am still very fearful as the pain is unbearable. </span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, July 20, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">It's only been seven days since the end of National Transplant Week and already the NHS Blood and Transplant service has had to issue an urgent appeal for B- blood group donors.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">The situation is so important, NHSBT will find you a donor session if you give them a call.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">It's depressing to hear we are in such a critical state just a week after such a massive donor drive.</span></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, July 19, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Today we've had to turn the house upside down looking for tablets. I'm running low on some of my medication and I won't be re-ordering until my routine clinic appointment on Wednesday.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">As I have to have little boxes of tablets in every handbag and car glovebox, it's been a treasure hunt finding the particular pills. Thankfully, I have just enough to last me - but if I drop one by accident, I might be in a mess.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Friday, July 18, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't enjoy the sun as much as I used to, but it makes such a difference having nice weather. If you remember, this time last year I had already spent 26 days in Birmingham hospital and 11 days in Burton. You can appreciate why I am enjoying the weather this year, as last year, I was confined to that same ward until August 13. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Thursday, July 17, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a letter today from the Department of Health as I continue to press them into trying to encourage more stem cell donors to join the Anthony Nolan and NHSBT registers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Government reassures me that it has invested an extra £16m over the past four years into NHS stem cell services - for which I am grateful - so why is there such a shortage of donors?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an issue money doesn't fix. This is an education and social issue which needs addressing at a young age to encourage future generations to donate as the norm.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, July 16, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regular readers will be aware of the various campaigns and fund-raising challenges I have locally - and now I am helping out abroad too.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I was contacted by somebody in Sri Lanka. A few dozen emails and messages later and I've now sent some literature overseas to help them with their project.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you hear on the news in the next 12 months of a big leukaemia charity and bone marrow charity forming in Sri Lanka - you know it had some help from Burton.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, July 15, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My skin is proving to be troublesome again. Today a rash developed on my wrist which caused some concern - but then it had completely vanished again within an hour.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Meanwhile, I'm giving my used stamp collection a fresh kick-start by displaying appeal posters in some Post Office branches - keep your eyes peeled for a poster and keep saving those stamps.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Monday, July 14, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cramp is still an issue in my toes. It's such a weird place to have cramp and it's becoming an almost daily occurrence - it's something to mention to the doctors at my next visit I think.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Social media is proving useful again as a child in urgent need of a transplant now has a matching donor thanks to Anthony Nolan. Social media has played a huge role in this case.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Sunday, July 13, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rash on my feet continues to irritate me and now I've noticed some patches of dry skin on my legs. It's almost an impossible task to know if these skin problems are caused by 1) GvHD, 2) the sun or 3) my medication. Thankfully, the numerous creams I have in my supply cupboard are keeping it under control </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Saturday, July 12, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The postman delivered me a nice batch of letters from the hospital today. It looks as though I will be a regular visitor to Birmingham over the next few weeks - just as the main A38 tunnels close again for summer work. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Friday, July 11, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've heard some terrible news today which has knocked me back emotionally.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An 18-year-old girl I have been following died today - she was in hospital the same time as me last summer and had her stem cell transplant a month after I had mine.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who thinks leukaemia has an easy fix is completely wrong. I'm absolutely gutted.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Thursday, July 10, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">It's been a day of niggling problems today. I keep getting bouts of intense cramp - but only in my toes. My tongue has also been much more sensitive today than usual with normal toothpaste resembling acid. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">On top of that, I still have a rash on my feet which I believe to be GvHD.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, July 9, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're now mid-way through National Transplant Week and it's pleasing to see that it is gaining more and more media coverage as the week progresses.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The figures are shocking - 1,000 people died last year in the UK waiting for a transplant and from those on the register, four in ten families would refuse to allow organs to be donated.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we need a National Transplant Week every week to reverse these figures.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, July 8, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Work continues behind the scenes as I make progress on some of the ideas I have for increasing donor levels. Change doesn't happen overnight, but it is always based on solid groundwork and that is what I am working on now.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today also marks 10 years since we moved into our house in Burton and I'd like to thank readers for their continued support and encouragement.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Monday, July 7, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My social media presence is growing as I'm now on one of Twitter's 'top patient advocate' lists.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I wasn't on Facebook or Twitter before leukaemia but now it is proving to be a very useful way of spreading the word and raising awareness.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">A couple of days ago I mentioned a Sri Lankan seeking my help - I've now had further discussions with this man and I'm sending him some information and leaflets as he attempts to start up his own leukaemia charity in that country.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Tomorrow marks the start of National Transplant Week. It's time to think about what you would do if you needed an organ transplant - without donors, you would die.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">This week, sign up and make sure you spell it out to your family. </span></span></div>
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Saturday, July 5, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I've noticed a small rash appearing on my ankles - and I'm almost certain that this is probably GvHD. That's the visible signs of my new German donor cells and my body fighting with each other. In small doses, GvHD is good news, however, it can become very nasty so I am hoping that it stays just as a small rash.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Friday, July 4, 2014</b><br />My story and fight to raise awareness must be going global.<br />I was suspicious at first when I received a message from a foreign country - I was expecting the usual 'send us your bank details and pin number' con.<br />However, this message is genuine. Apparently, Sri Lanka doesn't have any organisations raising awareness of leukaemia or hunting for bone marrow donors. In a heartfelt message, my follower is asking if I can go across and help start the ball rolling.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, July 3, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Did you catch the Tonight programme on ITV today?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">The main emphasis of the debate was on growing rates of breast cancer.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">However, it also featured the work of Kris Hallenga who is campaigning to get cancer education into schools - I'm working on something similar too.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My question is how many people campaigning does it take to make the Government take this education issue seriously? </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, July 2, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Celebrities - and especially footballers - very rarely get a mention in my diary.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">He may be a love-hate figure, but Christiano Ronaldo is in my love list right now. Why?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Because he refuses to have a tattoo as it will impact on his frequency to give blood. He is also on the bone marrow register.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Speaking to a Spanish radio station, Ronaldo said: "Donating bone marrow is something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it's nothing more than drawing blood and doesn't hurt.” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I wish more footballers would follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, July 1, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Social media has its good and bad points when you're recovering from leukaemia.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Firstly, some of the forums and support pages can be extremely useful. I learn a lot about other forms of leukaemia and the treatments available on these pages.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">The downside is that you hear about many of the people you follow returning to hospital for various problems - this news isn't good for my anxiety levels.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow - July 1 - marks a rare day for me. Rewind 12 months and I didn't see one glimpse of the outside world in July 2013. I didn't breathe one lungful of fresh July air as I spent every single waking hour in ward 625 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham undergoing intensive chemotherapy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Sunday, June 29, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following our meeting yesterday with the Anthony Nolan charity, I have started work straight away on some ideas and letters will be in the post tomorrow. It's too early to reveal exact details of plans but it revolves around my key belief that education is key to increasing donor levels.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #454545;">Saturday, June 28, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Today we had a very productive three-hour meeting with a representative from the charity Anthony Nolan. </span><span style="line-height: 1.38;">We learned lots about the charity while they listened to our ideas for increasing donor levels - not only locally, but nationally. </span><span style="line-height: 1.38;">There are some big ideas in the pipeline which may take months to come to fruition but could have a massive impact. </span><span style="line-height: 1.38;">It’s going to be a busy few months but this extra effort could help to save many more lives.</span></span></div>
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<b style="color: #454545; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday, June 27, 2014</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pain and tingling in my scalp is very much intermittent which has helped convinced me that this cannot be a return of shingles. When I had this problem earlier in the year, the pain then was very much continuous. I'm more hopeful now that this is just a blip rather than a repeat of the illness which saves me from having to spend another week in hospital.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Thursday, June 26, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am still suffering with the occasional bout of pain and tingling in my scalp.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's very uncommon to have shingles more than once, so I believe my pain is linked to a nerve problem called Postherpetic neuralgia which can be a common post-shingles problem.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, June 25, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to visit the hospital today for an unscheduled visit. A tingling sensation in my scalp had started to cause me concern, but has since improved. Blood tests and examinations at the hospital today proved promising and so no further action is needed at this time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bad news is that I am now booked in for another bone marrow test next month.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, June 24, 2014</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I had to resort to contacting the hospital for advice today. I'm starting to get a tingling sensation in my scalp - a sensation all too familiar from when I had shingles in March.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I'm now booked in at the hospital first thing tomorrow for a check-up. I'm really hoping that it can just be a simple case of taking some tablets which I already have in stock at home.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I don't want another outbreak of shingles as last time I spent five days in hospital.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Monday, June 23, 2014</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Today the news was revealed that the Prime Minister David Cameron is supporting me and the 'Take Five Minutes' campaign. I have read some of the comments on the online version of the story which have started to turn this into a political argument.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My view is that blood cancer kills. We need more donors, and anyone pledging their support deserves credit - what political party they support or represent is irrelevant. I'm more interested in their stem cells.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Sunday, June 22, 2014</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I received a message from one of my Twitter followers today asking if I could help promote the hunt for a bone marrow donor for a 10-year-old boy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My answer, yes, without question. When I started my diary and began publicising my fight with leukaemia, I did it for the benefit of everyone. Please, wherever you are, sign-up, spit and help save the life of Sam Wright. Imagine if this was your child fighting against time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Saturday, June 21, 2014</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">With England out of the World Cup I have had to resort to cheering for my second team - Germany - the same as my donor.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">As the weather continues to impress, I'm having to be more careful than usual about the sun and about keeping hydrated. I never go anywhere now without a bottle of water close by.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Friday, June 20, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still suffering with sleepness nights through various aches and pains. While the weather is good, i have the urge to get up and do something but find that my lack of rest in the night puts an end to such thoughts in the morning. Things are slowly improving but it will be a long road.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Thursday, June 19, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Firstly, I need to thank the readers who have started to deliver batches of stamps to the Burton Mail office. No sooner had a box been prepared to post to Leukaemia CARE that another bagful arrived.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Secondly, it's been another very promising day with regards to my campaign to increase bone marrow donor levels. There are lots of emails and letters flying around and hopefully it won't be long before I can report on some positive actions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Wednesday, June 18, 2014</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">My ongoing campaign to increase the number of potential bone marrow donors has stepped up a gear following the mention in Parliament by MP Andrew Griffiths.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Today I've exchanged thoughts and ideas with the charity Anthony Nolan and face to face meetings with some of their team have now been planned for the next few weeks. Things are moving in the right direction so I hope that these ideas result in a positive outcome.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><b>Tuesday, June 17, 2014</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I was mentioned in parliament today. This 'Take Five Minutes' diary, the Burton Mail newspaper and I were all mentioned and praised by MP Andrew Griffiths as he spoke about the need to increase donor levels. This marks a first for me, but it's nice to receive some recognition.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Monday, June 16, 2014</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">For this World Cup I have split loyalties. In today's match between Germany and Portugal I was an ardent supporter of our former enemy - Germany.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I have to have split loyalties nowadays as it was a mystery German lady who saved my life. I don't know her name, her age or where she is from. She may have been in the crowd in Brazil or she may even be married to one of the players, who knows?</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Sunday, June 15, 2014</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After what has felt like an eternity, I feel that some of the pain and
discomfort I have been suffering as a result of some side effects is starting
to subside. They haven't gone, it's just that they are less frequent, less
intense and more manageable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Saturday, June 14, 2014</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">It's funny how people will throw themselves into
anything for charity. A tweet from a charity close to my heart - Cure Leukaemia
- mentioned the prospect of skydiving and now my husband Stephen appears to be
setting his sights on jumping out of a plane. Watch this space.</span><br />
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<b>Friday, June 13, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I've been working on my action plan as to how I
can help increase the number of potential bone marrow donors in the Burton and
Uttoxeter constituency.</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">So far I've written to MP Andrew Griffiths to
raise my concerns and have started to write to sixth forms and colleges with
regards to a suggestion I have in mind.</span><br />
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Thursday, June 12, 2014</span></b><br />
It's been a day of doctors and pharmacies today as it came apparent that I was
running low on some of the medications I am taking for my ongoing side-effects.
I also needed to restock on powerful painkillers to help keep me sane from the
discomfort. Thankfully everything worked to plan and the stock cupboard is now
refilled.<br />
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014</span></b><br />
My various side-effects continue to cause me bouts of pain and discomfort but
I'm trying to put them to the back of my mind. The first initial steps have now
been taken to rectify Burton's low ranking in the Anthony Nolan donor
league-table. I have many ideas, and with the right support and help, we can
turn the figure around quite easily.<br />
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Tuesday, June 10, 2014</span></b><br />
Figures released by Anthony Nolan over the weekend show that the constituency
of Burton and Uttoxeter is quite close to the bottom of the list when it comes
to the number of potential bone marrow donors registered - we're ranked 515 out
of 650 constituencies.<br />
I'm not overly impressed by the figure and so I'm setting myself the
mountainous task of getting Burton into the top 100 as soon as possible - be it
six months or a year.<br />
I want to put Burton on the map but I need your help - sign up.<br />
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<b><span style="background: white;">Monday, June 9, 2014</span></b><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">As I'm still struggling with pain and discomfort
linked to one of my transplant side-effects, I am becoming a regular visitor at
the hospital again.<br />
This time I'm getting to grips with new doctors and new departments as it's not
a haematology issue. I already have my next appointment booked in July which
shows they keep a very close eye on my compaints.</span><br />
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</span>Sunday, June 8, 2014</b><br />
Thankfully, the sunburn I suffered yesterday has settled nicely and hasn't
caused me any further problems.<br />
I am hoping that many of you stayed up late today to watch the amazing
documentary 'Dying to Live'. The film shows what positives can be achieved when
faced with a terminal diagnosis. Positives can be achieved through cancer if
you try.<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Saturday, June 7, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While some places suffered with torrential thunderstorms, others basked in boiling sun.<br />On my travels today I was lucky in one way to find the sun, but unlucky in another that I have now have sunburn. My medication makes me very prone to burning, plus sunburn can trigger skin-related GvHD. </span><br />
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<b>Friday, June 6, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The medications I collected this week appear to be making tiny steps of progress but I am still suffering occasional bouts of pain and discomfort. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the positive side, today I received some more facts and figures from LeukaemiaCARE, the charity which I support through the used stamp collection. So far, the amount of stamps donated to them through the appeal is a whopping 150kg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight was awards night. It was the 101 Touch FM Pride of Burton Awards at the very posh Branston Golf and Country Club.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't win the category in which I was nominated. Instead the organisers revealed they had some very special awards which came as a surprise to everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it is one of these that I came home with. After a very thorough introduction, I walked on stage to a standing ovation. I am so pleased.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152424488834020.1073741834.342860419019&type=1" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152424488834020.1073741834.342860419019&type=1</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-85314468085336932422014-02-08T09:54:00.001+00:002014-06-08T11:35:01.083+01:00100 days and onwards<div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, June 5, 2014</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my bouts of pain continue. I'm hoping that the bag of goodies I left the pharmacy with on Tuesday start to kick into action soon. The most unfortunate aspect to my recovery is that I never appear to be free of one ailment or another. Last week I was battling the result of days of sickness and now this week I'm in pain. What will next week bring?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's just 24 hours now until the 101 Touch FM 'Pride of Burton' awards. Wish me luck and remember if you use Twitter, use the hashtag #PrideofBurton in your Tweets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, June 4, 2014</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had bouts of excruciating pain today followed by long periods of agony.<br />What problems I had before have been made 10 times worse by the doctors having to prod and poke to determine what to do next. They had to do what they did to assess me correctly, it's just that I am living with the consequences today.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Friday it is the Pride of Burton Awards. Thankfully the venue has been really helpful with my menu requests and I am having my meat cooked different to everyone else and they have arranged for an alternative starter for me - I'm playing safe and opting for melon.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've now seen a photograph of the actual award trophies and they look very impressive - it's a metallic sculpture shaped like a star as in the Pride of Burton logo.</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, June 3, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's inevitable that after numerous bouts of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a bone marrow transplant that I would suffer with some side-effects. Today's visit to the hospital to see a specialist was to look into issues with my digestive system. Thankfully, although surgery was mentioned, we are starting off with a few bits from the pharmacy first.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, June 2, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is touching when readers send me their thoughts and wishes - last week I received another hand-written note from a lady who has been following my progress. The note came with a batch of used stamps as my collection for the charity Leukaemia CARE is still going strong.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, June 1, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's amazing how much can change in such a short space of time. Two weeks ago I was feeling great, this time last week I was feeling absolutely awful and now I am back to normal again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully these blips - which are likely to be quite common - are just the inevitable consequences of the treatment I have received rather than anything linked to leukaemia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 31, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm beginning to feel the difference already thanks to the dissolvable potassium pills I am taking. Apparently, a lack of potassium in your system can cause feelings of nausea, and so my days of feeling sick may have been down to a potassium deficiency rather than the bug itself.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 30, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my tablets are waiting at the pharmacy in Birmingham, I had to get family to travel over and collect my potassium pills. Thankfully, my sickness problems have now gone and I am able to think about getting back to normal again. Hopefully these new pills help in some way.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, May 29, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's reassuring to know that when I leave hospital, my file isn't just placed in a pile until my next visit. Today I had a telephone call to say that after further analysis of my blood tests, I need to collect a prescription of slow-release potassium. This is clearly to replace the minerals and salts I have lost over the past week.<br />My problem now is to work out how I am going to get the tablets from Birmingham before the weekend when everyone is out at work?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, May 28, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was back at the hospital today for my regular MoT test. My blood tests show that the leukaemia is still in remission which is good news. However, the lymphocyte levels in my blood are quite low which shows I have been fighting an infection. But because these levels are low, it means this gastroenteritis I am still fighting is taking much longer to shift.<br />As usual, I left hospital with a bag full of tablets to keep me healthy.<br />We're back at the hospital again on Tuesday so that more specialists can inspect me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, May 27, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may have finally turned the corner with this mystery illness which has been running me down since last Wednesday. Thankfully, it's back to the hospital tomorrow so I can speak to the doctors, and if there's anything else nasty waiting in the wings, my extensive blood tests should find it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, May 26, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very much like the rest of Burton, I watched in hope that the Brewers would clinch victory at Wembley today. The final whistle left me deflated, but so did the knowledge that this annoying illness I have had since Wednesday last week is very much like a boomerang - it keeps coming back when I think I have thrown it off.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been ill on-and-off since Wednesday, but I feel I may have at last turned a corner.<br />I'm starting to see and feel improvements which fills me with confidence. My stomach occasional churns around like a cement mixer but overall I think I am on the mend.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 24, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I'm still not well. I've been hopeful all along that this is the result of something I have eaten or a bug which is doing the rounds, but so far, I can't shake it off. As I have had a transplant, this could also be a Graft versus Host Disease symptom - I'd prefer it to be food poisoning given the option. We're edging closer to the time when I need to contact the hospital again for advice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, May 23, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still not 100 per cent following my bout of sickness on Wednesday, so we had to resort to contacting the hospital for advice.<br />For the time being, I am monitoring my health at home with the knowledge that I have a 24-hour telephone number for my old ward should things get worse. I know for certain that one telephone call to my ward would see me back in Birmingham within hours</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, May 22, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After being struck down with a mystery sickness bout
yesterday, I am slowly recovering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't feel 100 per cent, but the good news is that I haven't been sick
again today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there is a reason behind it, I'm hopeful that it is a
bad meal or a 24-hour bug rather than anything else or anything to do with my
tablets as the latter are far harder to deal with than just a one-off dose of
food poisoning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, May 21, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My day started <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 3am</a> when I awoke feeling awful. By <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">6am</a> I was being violently sick which has had a lasting impact on my day. It's impossible to say if this sickness was because of my medication, because of something I ate or because of a bug - I'll probably never know but it has had a lasting impact on my health, zapping my energy levels.<br />Whatever the cause, I hope it is short-lived.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you catch The <b><i>One Show</i></b> on BBC1 tonight? There was a feature on the work of a volunteer Anthony Nolan stem cell courier.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is the clip featuring Anthony Nolan plus I have included some extra YouTube videos on the same subject.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, May 20, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm starting to suffer with bouts of dry skin on my legs. It's not down to the sun over the weekend as I was extremely careful to keep them covered so it must just be down to the side effects of the transplant or the tablets. Thankfully, I have E45 cream in industrial quantifies and so I'm hoping it soon clears.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, May 19, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news so far is that I managed a weekend of sun
without suffering too many side-effects. The good weather has been a test for
me to see what I can do without suffering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to be careful nowadays because the tablets I take
make your skin more sensitive to the sun and if I'm not careful, I will fry
myself without realising.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, May 18, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a regular listener to Radio 4 but today I tuned
in to hear a special broadcast by actress Olivia Colman who was appealing on
behalf of Anthony Nolan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I support Anthony Nolan because they saved my life.
Olivia Colman put it bluntly why you should support the charity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the UK, 1,800 people need a bone marrow transplant
every year. Anthony Nolan manages to help around three of these people every
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For every person Anthony Nolan helps, there is one they
cannot help. You could be that person one day that they cannot help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listen to the appeal here: <a href="http://audioboo.fm/boos/2168861-olivia-colman-supports-anthony-nolan" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 17, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was very brave today and ventured to the Moira Canal Festival. I had to be on my guard at all times trying to dart away from anyone with a cough or sneeze while also trying to avoid the sun but it was nice to get out and about. It was also pleasing to discover I have avid readers of my diary as I was instantly recognised as soon as I walked through the gate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was busy today helping to sort out the finer details of a campaign I have been working on which will see the Queen's Hospital stock and promote a device known as a central line holder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This invention will be of great benefit to haematology patients and I have enjoyed working with the inventor of the product and gathering support from the hospital and MP Andrew Griffiths.</span></div>
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</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, May 15, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the projects I have been working on in the
past couple of weeks are starting to come to fruition. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received some good news today about a campaign I
started with Burton’s Queen’s Hospital and I am still in regular contact with
Anthony Nolan regarding their Roadmap to Recovery scheme.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These charity campaigns take a lot of time,
patience and energy but the end results are worth the effort.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday, May 14, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I heard the sad news that Staffordshire teenager Stephen Sutton had died.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephen was remarkable in that he always kept positive even when faced with the worst. He said that he had the enthusiasm to live life, but not the time to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have time on your side, share some of Stephen's enthusiasm and start to live your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cancer for me has kick-started certain things in my life - I have renewed vigor to do and change things. Don't 'give up' on life if faced with cancer.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, May 13, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You get to know a lot of genuinely nice people when you are diagnosed with something as nasty as leukaemia. I've met people on Twitter, Facebook and in Burton who I would never have been in contact with - all because of my CML. These are the few positives of fighting CML, it connects you with people you may not otherwise meet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, My appointment letter for a visit to a specialist at the hospital came today, it's in a couple of weeks on a Tuesday, so I'll keep you posted.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, May 12, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you that Monday, May 12 is International Nurses Day? Many probably didn't as nurses all too often are the forgotten element. Without my doctors, I wouldn't be here today - but likewise, I wouldn't be here either without the nurses. When you spend more than 100 days in hospital, you form strong bonds with the nurses and I feel they need celebrating and rewarding. Well done all, thanks for your care.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, today marked the day that the finalists were announced in the 101 Touch FM Pride of Burton Awards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been nominated for the coveted Burton Pride Award along with two other finalists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After speaking to some of those who put me forward for the award - these are the reasons why:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increasing overall awareness of leukaemia through my continued media presence,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increasing potential blood and bone marrow donors in the Burton area by 15 per cent;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raising thousands of pounds which has been split between Cure Leukaemia, Anthony Nolan and the QEHB;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spearheading a used stamp campaign which has seen LeukaemiaCARE benefit from more than 30kg of donations. When cashed in, the stamps have raised hundreds of pounds;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Successfully lobbying MPs to support Anthony Nolan's 'Roadmap to Recovery' campaign;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Campaigning to have Central Line Holders stocked by Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Organising the now-annual motorcycle rally - the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">And achieving all of the above while recoving from leukaemia and a stem cell transplant and spending 105 days of the past 12 months in hospital.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Read more about the 101 Touch FM Pride of Burton Awards here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.101touchfm.co.uk/pride-of-burton/pride-of-burton-awards-2014/">http://www.101touchfm.co.uk/pride-of-burton/pride-of-burton-awards-2014/</a></span></div>
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<b>Sunday, May 11, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I now know what people mean when they say they are experiencing a 'hot flush'. I can switch from being cold to having to start taking off my jumper in the space of seconds as a sudden heatwave engulfs my body. Yet as quick as this heat arrives, it is gone again and I am back to piling on the clothes to keep warm.</span></div>
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<b>Saturday, May 10, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I struggle when we have days of bad weather. Today I was out wearing a hat with ear flaps and a coat yet I was still frozen to the bone and felt pulled pillar to post. I feel the weather so much more now than ever before - every gust of wind feels like being hit by Mike Tyson.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday, May 9, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people ask me how we discovered I had CML. At the time, there were big signs such as chronic headaches alongside painful and burning legs as well as a swollen spleen. But there were other signs which must have been linked including awful toe nails. I had them tested for a fungal infection - twice - but the results always came back clear. Now I am CML-free, my toe nails are perfect - just painful as the bad bits continue to grow out.</span></div>
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<b>Thursday, May 8, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not a day goes by without somebody mentioning the charity motorcycle ride we held in March. Now that more and more people know us in the biking world, we're attracting more and more support by the day. We haven't officially announced the date for next year's charity ride yet but we already have close to 20 confirmed riders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I had an telephone call from our local radio station 101 Touch FM. I have been shrorlisted as a finalist in their Pride of Burton Awards which will take place on Friday, June 6th.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ceremeony is tipped to be a red carpet affair with a five course dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll keep you updated as I learn more about the awards and the ceremony over the coming weeks. If you follow me on Twitter @Leukaemia_and_K , please use the hashtag #prideofburton if you mention these awards.</span></div>
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<b>Wednesday, May 7, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with all long-term illnesses, there are times when you have to be assessed, quizzed and inspected by various health workers for lots of different reasons - and today was one of those sessions. Unlike my usual sessions with a doctor, I don't benefit from these visits as the results are for others to examine.</span></div>
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<b>Tuesday, May 6, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've received a lot of positive feedback over the photograph which appeared in today's Burton Mail. It's the first fresh photo I have had done for a while and the first one I have had taken without my hat. Yes my hair is growing back fairly fast as many of you noticed. It's nice to hear people say how well I am now looking too.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, May 5, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I filled in a detailed question and answer session today for the charity Bpositive as they may feature some information about me and my leukaemia on their website.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bpositive is a support network for anyone who is unfortunate enough to be told they have leukaemia. The founder of the site is in remission himself from leukaemia after undergoing a stem cell transplant. Like me, his donor is from Germany and he was treated in Birmingham.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, May 4, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm continuing to help as many blood cancer charities as my energy-levels allow. Nearly every day, I find a new avenue or new charity to help in one way or another. Just people knowing my story has a tremendous impact as it educates people about leukaemia while offering hope to anyone unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with a blood cancer.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, May 3, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good weather today isn't quite as exciting as it used to be. The medication I am taking makes me more sensitive to the sun, so I have to be careful about stopping out too long. My inner thermostat also isn't quite as it once was either, because as most people had their car air-conditioning on full blast, I needed the heater on high.</span></div>
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<b>Friday, May 2, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today, but for a social occasion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were invited by Cure Leukaemia to speak to Alex and Harry from the Rowing4Research team. These two men rowed across the Atlantic to raise money for Cure Leukaemia and I was filmed with them by BBC Midlands Today in November. As they last saw me when I was really ill, it was a nice touch for them to see me now in remission.</span></div>
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<b>Thursday, May 1, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was touched by a television documentary today on a young woman fighting breast cancer and a brain tumour. As well as telling the story of Kris Hallenga, the documentary showed Kris' efforts to get cancer awareness taught in schools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As one in three of us will get cancer, shouldn't we be taught at an early age what to look for to increase our long-term survival rates?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 30, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I returned to the hospital today for my regular check-up and I'm pleased to say that I am progressing well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, the doctors took a sample of blood to test for a gene known as BCR/ABL - the presence of this gene in your blood usually indicates Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. My test was negative meaning that i am still in remission.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drugs I take on a daily basis are called Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors - their job is to inhibit the formation of the gene BCR/ABL and so they are still working well too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 29, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back to the hospital tomorrow for my routine appointment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm keen to get the results back from a few tests I have had in recent weeks - firstly my MRI scan and secondly the special blood test which reveals the exact level of leukaemia in my blood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fingers crossed it has reduced further or stayed stable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, April 28, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an energetic weekend with lots of fresh air, I've been extremely tired today. My energy levels mean that if I have a busy day or two, I need a day to recover. I'm not in a position yet to cope with continuous days of activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, April 27, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did my bit for charity again today by supporting the Bike4Life charity motorcycle ride at RAF Cosford. The event raises money for the Midlands Air Ambulance and the RAF Museum at Cosford and our way of supporting the event is to take photographs of the riders as they arrive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've photographed a few charity rides now and so we're beginning to make a name for ourselves. Today was the largest event so far with more than 2,000 photographs taken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, April 26, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather may be a little hit and miss but we made an effort today to get some fresh air and a little exercise. It's surprising what outdoor air and a little stroll can have on your body. My energy levels don't allow me to walk far, but I can notice the difference already. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I have a new website.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Many of you will know that I already have one website up and running under the domain www.katherines-story.com</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>From today, we also have a second domain which is specifically for my fund-raising ride and other motorcycle-related bits as the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon is also a (BMF) affiliated motorcycle club as well as just a ride.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This new domain is www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com <a href="http://www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com/" target="_blank">Visit the website</a></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The site is still in its very early stages of construction, but at least the web address is up and running.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, April 25, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm back to experiencing really bad sleeping patterns which do nothing but leave you shattered all day. I learned quickly when in hospital that internet research is not a good idea as you normally end up self-diagnosing utter rubbish. I have to admit that I have done a little research this time, and the main cause is most likely a tablet I take twice a day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 24, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For many people, the name Stephen Sutton will now mean something to them. He is the 19 year-old from Staffordshire with terminal cancer whose fund-raising total has now surpassed the £2m mark - largely due to Stephen Tweeting earlier this week that he was close to the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm fully appreciative of everybody who has now pledged to support Stephen's chosen charity - the Teenage Cancer Trust. What I wish, is that people would support charities more often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why has Stephen had to get this close to the end before people decide to give and rich celebrities start to join the publicity campaign?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 23, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I would like to dedicate my diary today to Penny Walker who appeared in (Wednesday's/yesterday's) newspaper.<br />I remember sharing the same 'fear' when I was told I needed chemotherapy. I soon found that this fear-factor and worry was worse than the treatment itself.<br />i endured some of the strongest chemotherapy available and had radiotherapy on every part of my body. Yes I had days of sickness and yes I lost my hair, but the light at the end of the tunnel far outweighs the side-effects.<br />Before you know it, the treatment you will endure will be a blur and will be behind you. It's vital that you remain upbeat and don't dwell on the obligatory 'down days'. Stay strong and before you can blink, this 'blip' will be over.<br />My hair is now growing back at a rapid pace and my leukaemia has been kicked out.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/It-has-got-to-happen-to-somebody-so-why-shouldnt-it-be-me-Landlady-speaks-out-over-breast-cancer-diagnosis-20140422123510.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/It-has-got-to-happen-to-somebody-so-why-shouldnt-it-be-me-Landlady-speaks-out-over-breast-cancer-diagnosis-20140422123510.htm</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today it was back to the clinic - this time in Burton rather than Birmingham - for a meeting with a doctor. This meeting was more for others to assess my health and fitness rather than for them to tell me about my current state of health. I have a few of these assessment style appointments in the coming weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is very sad news today about Stephen Sutton (Stephen's Story) as his health worsens. please help him hit his £1m target.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I have to say thanks to the readers of my diary for your kindness and concern. Over the past few days I have spoken about my sore tongue and the issues this creates when using toothpaste. </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">A handful of people have come forward with suggested products, hints, tips and suggestions to help ease the pain - I will be trying some of these in the coming days. Who needs an agony aunt column when I have concerned readers?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Sunday, April 20, 2014</strong></span></span></div>
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</strong>Today was another opportunity for me to give something back to all those people who have supported me, and more importantly, those who supported my charity motorcycle ride last month.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">The day started with a trip to the annual Easter Egg run from the Town Hall to the Queen’s Hospital in Burton and ended with a trip to Solihull to photograph a huge St George’s Day parade featuring hundreds of bikes, cars, 4x4s and vans all flying our national flag.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB">As my tongue is proving to be a problem when it comes to simple tasks such as cleaning my teeth, I switched from normal toothpaste to children’s toothpaste.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB">Unfortunately, even this causes intense stinging and so I think I’ll have to resort to baby toothpaste in the near future.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, April 18, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A recurring side-effect of my transplant and drugs is a very sore tongue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am extremely aware of what foods cause the most pain, but now I am having issues brushing my teeth. The toothpaste is so strong, it is like putting acid on your tongue. i have had to resort to experiment with toothpaste designed for toddlers. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you caught the VirginMoney London Marathon at the weekend, you may have seen a clip of this video during the BBC Sport coverage. This extended version of the film by Anthony Nolan shows just why the charity is so important.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 17, 2014</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The appointment letters have started to drop through the letterbox again.<br />The hidden side to a long-term illness is that you are almost always in demand from one agency or another for different assessments and health tests. I've now got two appointments in as many weeks so that I can be assessed on my health and long-term outlook.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 16, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since my one-year anniversary feature appeared in the newspaper yesterday, I have been overwhelmed by emails of support, encouragement and joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When anyone hears the word leukaemia, or even cancer, there is a tendency to think the worst - and for very good reason as I lost my mum and sister-in-law within five months of each other in 2011.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so this one-year feature of mine has acted as a ray of hope and encouragement for so many people. We need to start taking a positive stand against cancer - a positive mental attitude puts you in a much better fighting mood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 15, 2014 - <span style="color: red;">One year since diagnosis with CML</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel a million times better than I did this time last year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from having the bombshell dropped on me that I had leukaemia, I was also starting my first night in hospital. At the time this was a very scary experience as I had never been admitted to hospital or undergone any form of surgery or tests. Fast forward a year and I'm now a pro when it comes to hospitals and there aren't many tests or procedures which I haven't had done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I have reached my one year milestone, I would like to reiterate my thanks to the people of Burton and the readers of the Burton Mail who have supported me through a difficult journey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started this daily diary of my treatment on Monday, June 24 2013, in the hope that I would raise awareness of blood cancer and hopefully encourage more people to sign up to the blood and bone marrow register. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have achieved both - and more besides - and my diary will continue as there is still a long way to go on my recovery and I'd like to take you on this journey with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read my one year since diagnosis feature in the Burton Mail here: <a href="http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/What-a-difference-a-year-makes-20140415164608.htm" target="_blank">CLICK FOR STORY</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny00FgkN1ejFVlelMNLmA49plijIbtaWEoanNz8fJfxiGc5jTY__kPGnFXs7ijCjDuPcMvvkQ87hccG2xqnEdjsO2PF8dvzkMe74Lj7sU_uGn7Fq4G9UkGtC5etVNKJFJX_PltcYi22w/s1600/15-04-14-014-BM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny00FgkN1ejFVlelMNLmA49plijIbtaWEoanNz8fJfxiGc5jTY__kPGnFXs7ijCjDuPcMvvkQ87hccG2xqnEdjsO2PF8dvzkMe74Lj7sU_uGn7Fq4G9UkGtC5etVNKJFJX_PltcYi22w/s1600/15-04-14-014-BM.jpg" height="640" width="499" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, April 14, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time last year, I was gearing myself up for a visit to the A&E department at the Queen's Hospital the following morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward a year, and I am praying for a better night's sleep, praying that I don't experience another bout of cramp in my toes and hoping to lose the fidgeting feeling I have had all day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But despite these grumbles, I would much rather be where I am today rather than where I was 365 days ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, April 13, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may be Sunday but my care and treatment doesn't stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Today we were back at the hospital in Birmingham for an MRI scan. The purpose is to determine if I am suffering from </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">neuralgia parasitica - a nerve problem which could be behind the 'bee stings' I experience in my legs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bonus f visiting the hospital on a Sunday is that both the traffic and hospital were much quieter meaning the entire experience was quick and easy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, April 12, 2014</b><br />I'm having a few problems with my overall body temperature. I feel cold when everyone else is putting on their shorts and then I have sudden hot flushes which leave me roasting.<br />I've read on a few leukaemia forums that one of the tablets I am taking can cause these hot spells. I'll have to monitor how it progresses over the next few weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><b>Friday, April 11, 2014</b></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">I've been busy trying to think of new ways to support the blood cancer charities which have been instrumental in my care. I have my ongoing stamp collection and we will repeat the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon ride again next year, but I'm after something in the meantime to help keep their funds afloat. Answers on a postcard please as to what I could think about for the summer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 10, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I managed to sleep much better last night. I'm not sure if it was a connection to me changing my tablet and food timings or if it was a result of me being so tired after days of no sleep that I could have slept anywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today i was touched by a YouTube video by 19-year-old Stephen Sutton who despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer, has a tremendous outlook on life. Search for the video yourself and make sure you use every one of the 86,400 seconds in each day to its full potential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See Stephen's video below:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 9, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still surprised by the widespread messages of support and goodwill I receive as a resort of my daily diary. Today a letter arrived just addressed to 'Katherine, Balfour Street' which clearly our post lady recognised as being for me. Inside was a collection of stamps for my campaign for Leukaemia CARE. I've been asked a couple of times recently if the stamp appeal is still running and the simple answer is yes - I plan to permanently keep the campaign open as it raises hundreds for the charity without too much effort or cost to anyone else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 8, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sleeping patterns continue to be disrupted but my body clock must be getting used to the situation as I'm not tired during the day. Just before Christmas I was lucky if I could manage four hours of activity a day followed by 20 hours of sleep. i'm now the opposite - awake for 20 hours a day and asleep (if I'm lucky) for four.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm now just seven days away from my one year anniversary since diagnosis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, April 7, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue having trouble sleeping. We've swapped and changed covers and pillows but nothing appears to be working. It's now been a few weeks since I've managed a full night's sleep and so this gradual build-up of tiredness leaves you feeling rather rough at times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, April 6, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ventured out into Derbyshire today for a change of scenery. Next weekend I am back at the hospital for an MRI scan so I have to take the opportunities when I can come rain or shine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been catching up on some of the work and campaigns the charities I follow are working towards - there are some important projects in the pipeline which I will continue to support.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, April 5, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can safely say that my shingles have now started to fully clear as the hardened scabs are falling out each time I comb my hair. I'm still struggling with my sleeping patterns and I don't appear to be any closer to finding out why or how to solve the problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, April 4, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who objects to supermarkets opening 24-hours a day hasn't had a bone marrow transplant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm eager to try and carry on with normal life as much as possible but I am always wary of visiting crowded places as my risk of infection is far higher than normal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, to allow me to enjoy visiting the supermarket, we have started to shop at rather unsociable hours. You'd be surprised how quiet the aisles are when shopping at 11pm - but at least I remain infection free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, April 3. 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I've been busy sorting out used stamps for my LeukaemiaCARE appeal. It was during this sorting and bagging process that I came across a letter of support and appreciation from a reader - thanks to all those who continue to show me their support.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Letters are quite prominent in today's diary as I have received a letter of thanks from Anthony Nolan for my BONE-shaker MARROW-thon fund-raiser and I have finally discovered who sent me a letter whereby the contents went astray in the posting system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, April 2, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I returned to the hospital today for my regular routine check-up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My blood results continue to look promising and the blood transfusion I had last week has improved my haemoglobin and platelet levels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sample of blood has now been sent off to the laboratory so that the level of leukaemia remaining in my system can be monitored. If you remember, at the last count it was a microscopic amount. We need to make sure this level hasn't increased. Hopefully it is being wiped out by my new bone marrow and the tablets I am taking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, April 1, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sleeping pattern is getting worse - so much so that I wonder if going to bed is worth the effort as I am awake 90 per cent of the night. I can't pinpoint exactly when or why this sleeping issue started - I just want it to end. Sleep deprivation is so depressing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we're heading back to the hospital so this will have to be a topic of conversation.</span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, March 31, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For the past couple of nights I have really struggled to sleep. I don't know why this has suddenly started, but I'm finding that I am still wide-awake at 3 or 4 am</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">in the morning without having had a wink of sleep.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One theory is that I am on two new sets of tablets for my shingles and it could be these reacting with the tablets I continue to take on a daily basis.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, March 30, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather this weekend has been glorious again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I missed all of last summer by spending my days having chemotherapy in a hospital ward, you might think that I would be itching to see the sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, one of the hidden side effects of my treatment means that I now have to avoid the sun. Too much sun can trigger a bad dose of GvHD and so I now have to be careful to cover-up, wear sunscreen and a hat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, March 29, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've now had the appointment through for the MRI scan I need - this is going to take place on a Sunday in the coming weeks. Following my recent stay in hospital, I wouldn't be surprised if more tests and scans of various kinds don't follow in the next few weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm back at the clinic on Wednesday this week for my routine blood tests which make sure there are no signs of leukaemia.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Friday, March 28, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm beginning to get to grips with the side-effects of my shingles. I still experience electric-shock style pains shooting through my scalp but I am learning to handle them better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may be a coincidence, but these shocks are more prevalent when I experience a sudden shock or adrenaline rush. It can be something as simple as a car you're following braking suddenly - most people would get a sudden adrenaline rush as they went for the brakes, whereas I get a shock through my scalp.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Thursday, March 27, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed a good rest today after my late discharge from the hospital last night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since discharge, my tablet tally has increased again with two new batches of medication added to the list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My day ended with the sad news that 27-year-old Ed Fox has died as a result of not finding a bone marrow donor. You have probably seen the 'Match for Ed' campaign which swept the West Midlands on television, radio and in the newspapers. Unfortunately, despite all of this publicity, a match wasn't found. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">News like this leaves me thinking what I can do next to help increase donor numbers further. Too many people are dying unnecessarily. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Wednesday, March 26, 2014</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made it home today - just.<br />It was very close to breaking into <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Thursday morning</a> before I finally made it home, but I got there in the end.<br />The doctors noticed that my haemoglobin levels were slightly low today (more than likely because of the medication I am taking) and therefore I was given the option of having two bags of blood today before I left, or return on Friday.<br />The first option sounded the best but I hadn't bargained on being allowed to take part in a charity cheque presentation we had pre-arranged at the hospital.<br />This cheque presentation threw the schedule out of sync and I ended up having the blood much later than planned resulting in a very late discharge.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Tuesday, March 25, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was moved to my usual haematology ward at around 1am this morning, but
as I've spent so many hours in this ward, I know all of the nurses by
name - this ward has become my second home over the past 12 months.<br />I'm
still holding on to the hope that I can return home tomorrow, The
doctor hinted that this would be the case when he visited today.<br />Tomorrow
also marks the day that my BONE-shaker MARROW-thon fund-raiser hands
over a dummy cheque for a photograph with the charities at the hospital.
Unfortunately, it looks as though I am going to miss this opportunity
as my expected discharge from the hospital won't happen until early
evening.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKsyKUcnrzgxHFkqRwlgPqf-nSn60Lp7_xVqB8y37qDmX7NT9V_rfqeYgd2GiHXI59KlqISqPrAhpVoVgL_m11yCl6PuC52TAzVWYh9U8rvadurtIuRHquZhzOj4G9jA2e69u-_01v-c/s1600/2014-03-25+16.43.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKsyKUcnrzgxHFkqRwlgPqf-nSn60Lp7_xVqB8y37qDmX7NT9V_rfqeYgd2GiHXI59KlqISqPrAhpVoVgL_m11yCl6PuC52TAzVWYh9U8rvadurtIuRHquZhzOj4G9jA2e69u-_01v-c/s1600/2014-03-25+16.43.17.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkzWt1Fb87G9eoDPhcVL9qCjVW3heTp8k6ePkagwdFfCH6VOVJig1dNrfx1404JtxA5IODJf4A66By3wj2u7SeLgtcueTywYzSDlCaYbG3a1zT-8KLl3Z7uNp0njAWd6yJJ_MMH-CAdM/s1600/2014-03-25+16.43.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkzWt1Fb87G9eoDPhcVL9qCjVW3heTp8k6ePkagwdFfCH6VOVJig1dNrfx1404JtxA5IODJf4A66By3wj2u7SeLgtcueTywYzSDlCaYbG3a1zT-8KLl3Z7uNp0njAWd6yJJ_MMH-CAdM/s1600/2014-03-25+16.43.29.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Monday, March 24, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hoped that I would be making my way home
today, but it looks as though I am going to be a resident at the Queen Elizabeth
Hospital in Birmingham for a few more days.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The doctors are concerned about the location
of my vesicles (shingles blisters) as they are apparently in a rare place. The
nerve where my blisters are forming can cause sight or hearing problems and so I
am going to be monitored for a few extra days. They also want to ensure that I
don’t suffer with postherpetic
neuralgia (nerve pain) once the shingles subside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m now hoping that I should be home by
Wednesday.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BONE-shaker MARROW-thon cheque presentation details:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/boneshaker.marrowthon/posts/1419494338302534"><b>https://www.facebook.com/boneshaker.marrowthon/posts/1419494338302534</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, March 23, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marked my first full day back in hospital and
so I’ve been getting used to walking around with drip stands and learning to
ignore the almost continuous warning beeps from the automated drip
machines.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The doctors have now diagnosed my condition as shingles
which is affecting my fifth cranial nerve (a
bundle of nerves that controls areas of sensation
and movement in the face).</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To tackle this problem I am on intravenous antibiotics
which should soon switch to tablet form so that I can continue to recover at
home.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the antibiotics appear to be working, I am
still in quite a lot of pain and need fairly frequent doses of pain relief
medication.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m crossing my fingers that I can return home tomorrow
armed with a box of antibiotics and a box of painkillers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CQClrEdMXi67XRkFpfYK6JG3g7tOf8Koox7yGxgiJBAYzTU1zQNB_KknQh2Wl0D5lUIgqsc4VQqKxiXQvqOGR5hcnBYcK26I0YTzh5e9bSUtdtS-GdBUM87xAU-T2Qo8ZCXZ0UbfX6g/s1600/2014-03-23+17.29.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CQClrEdMXi67XRkFpfYK6JG3g7tOf8Koox7yGxgiJBAYzTU1zQNB_KknQh2Wl0D5lUIgqsc4VQqKxiXQvqOGR5hcnBYcK26I0YTzh5e9bSUtdtS-GdBUM87xAU-T2Qo8ZCXZ0UbfX6g/s1600/2014-03-23+17.29.31.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYYQZmAmRhZ3HYwZk2YuvWu1CPEuAyBzIjsYYsMszuSCTab4YEt1QSsXi90FrnJTmmukdDNYLTjleqZQg1iDWyw-uK0kcGvXuOm_o7QKzTTrLNkz4mkH83BETTXTNdDOM__vqIH3olVk/s1600/2014-03-23+17.30.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYYQZmAmRhZ3HYwZk2YuvWu1CPEuAyBzIjsYYsMszuSCTab4YEt1QSsXi90FrnJTmmukdDNYLTjleqZQg1iDWyw-uK0kcGvXuOm_o7QKzTTrLNkz4mkH83BETTXTNdDOM__vqIH3olVk/s1600/2014-03-23+17.30.15.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>The view from my room at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, March 22, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day started with me having to sort an emergency appointment with the doctor as the electric shock pain running through my scalp was intensifying and I noticed the onset of small blisters beneath my hair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The doctor agreed with my assumption that I had shingles and it was agreed that I would contact my team in Birmingham to discuss how best to proceed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birmingham wanted to see me for themselves and so we made our way over to the hospital - having been told beforehand that I may not return home today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you might guess, I am being kept in for a few days while I start a series of intravenous drugs to halt the spread and progression of the shingles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This marks my first stay in hospital for 2014 - I was hoping to avoid overnight ventures this year as my stint last year was more than enough for anyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, March 21, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to resort to a few pain killers today as this problem with my head hasn't improved and the sharp electric shock style sensation is becoming a little more frequent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel fine in myself - probably the best I have been for months - it's just this problem upstairs which is frustrating me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, March 20, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My head problem continues and so I have had a difficult day dealing with intermittent pain and discomfort. I have a few ideas now myself as to what this could be - neither are particularly pleasant so I'll have to wait to see what transpires over the coming days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, March 19, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still suffering a little with a sore head - and I'm still no further forward in working out why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from this reoccurring soreness in my head (it's not really a headache) and some tiredness, I am feeling okay today. If this head problem continues, we will be forced to have it checked out by my medical team. </span></div>
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<b>Tuesday, March 18, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been suffering with a sore head all day. I did bang it on a cupboard a few days ago but the impact wasn't huge and there are no visible marks, bumps or cuts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pain isn't one I would normally associate with banging my head, so although I could worry that this discomfort is caused by this knock, it could equally be linked to GvHD or even the drugs I am taking. Things aren't always black and white anymore. </span></div>
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<b>Monday, March 17, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More and more people are diagnosed with leukaemia every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I should be resting and taking it easy after my treatment and transplant but I am acutely aware of the continuing need for funding for the charities. Therefore, I am starting to think about my next fund-raiser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time it's a sponsored team walk between Birmingham and Burton using only canal tow paths.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, March 16, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm having to resort to drinking through a straw as the sides of my mouth are beginning to split. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I'm not careful, every sip I take, takes on a taste of blood, therefore, straws are the answer. In addition to this, my taste buds have changed as food and drinks which used to taste normal now taste very different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, March 15, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am starting to have relatively normal days as the days of nausea and tiredness have passed. I'm coping with the tablets I am now taking, although the strict timings and rules mean that when I can eat has to be controlled. One of the tablets requires me not to eat anything for two hours before I take the pill and then nothing for one hour afterwards - giving me a three-hour no-food window both in the morning and at night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, March 14, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's less than two weeks ago since I held the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon motorcycle ride and fun day to raise money for charity, and I am already thinking about next year.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The response from the bikers who took part has been overwhelmingly positive and so plans are being put in place to hold the event again next year.<br />There will be a few changes to the event, and the date is likely to change, but planning early ensures the ride is bigger and better than this year. The number of potential riders has already doubled as interest grows.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, March 13, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the dosage of some of my tablets was reduced yesterday, I have had a much better day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am now taking just one 25mg anti-rejection tablet each day compared to the 250mg twice-a-day dose I was on immediately following my transplant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my tablets are working on a sliding scale, I have now increased the chemotherapy-style tablet - this tablet is making sure the leukaemia doesn't return. As the anti-rejection drug dose is lowered, the dose of this tablet increases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, March 12, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today. My blood results were good and these are the most important element when it comes to assessing my progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My consultant was interested to hear about the stinging in my legs and believes he knows what it is and what's behind it. Before any conclusions are made, I am going to have an MRI scan to double check there is nothing else causing the pain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, March 11, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back to the hospital tomorrow and the first thing on my agenda will be the increasing discomfort in my legs. I've now resorted to prescription-strength painkillers to help ease the sensation at night as I have had a few nights where I've only managed two hours sleep and this is having an impact on my ability to manage a full day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, March 10, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the worst night of all time last night with close to zero hours sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Side-effects common with GvHD are increasing at pace and so I am pretty much continuously in discomfort with either stinging in my legs, itching under my arms, a sore tongue or split lips. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things have certainly changed over the past few days and I'm suffering as a result.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, March 9, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was my opportunity to support some of the bikers who attended my ride last week.<br />We went along to Bassetts Pole and to the National Memorial Arboretum to see the bikers hand over shoeboxes full of donations for troops serving abroad. The weather was fine and the turnout was good and as a result, we have made some new friends in the biking world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, March 8, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may be tired but I am finding it increasingly difficult to have an uninterrupted night. Whether it is aches and pains which keep me awake or just a sense of restlessness, I never achieve more than a few hours continuous sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My tongue is still sore which makes eating what you want to eat a chore. The good news, is that this tongue problem can only be GvHD - when the donor cells start to attack my body. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, March 7, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stinging sensation in my legs is still an annoyance. I read today through an online support group that leg pain is sometimes a side-effect of one of the tablets I am taking, which always leaves me questioning whether I am witnessing side-effects of drugs or GvHD. I want it to be GvHD.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">BONE-shaker MARROW-thon update:</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The official figures for the<b><i> BONE-shaker MARROW-thon</i></b> charity ride and fun
day are:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Total raised: <strong>£2,001-23p</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Total raised including Gift Aid <strong>£2,178-73p</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An equal (33.3%) split between the three charities equates to a share of (approximately) </span><strong style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">£667</strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (or including
Gift Aid) </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">£726 </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">each.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My Virgin MoneyGiving page is still open and active if you would like to help increase this total:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/boneshaker">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/boneshaker</a></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday, March 6, 2014</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was feeling charitable today and decided to repay some of the bikers who attended my ride on Sunday by supporting their ventures. Sunday will see bikers making their way to the National Memorial Arboretum for a shoebox appeal - where goods are packed into a shoebox and sent to troops overseas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a mountain of stock left-over from my fund-raiser on Sunday, I packed up two shoeboxes and took them over to one of the organisers in Halesowen (Birmingham) ready for the ride at the weekend.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday, March 5, 2014</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had an awful day with my leg as symptoms of GvHD start to increase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a feeling of pins and needles inside the muscle of the leg while the skin feels quite tight to touch. As the dosage of my anti-rejection drug continues to lower, I'm expecting the GvHD symptoms to continue to increase. Today has just been awful so it's scary to think of how bad this may get in the coming weeks.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, March 4, 2014</b><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The late nights and chaos of the past few weeks are starting to catch up with me. However, I shouldn't moan too much because two months ago I wouldn't have had the energy levels to do half of what I have achieved recently. More positive feedback keeps flooding in on my charity ride - so far it's been a 100 per cent satisfaction rating - which is extremely rare for a first attempt at such a venture.</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, March 3, 2014</b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day after my fund-raiser has been just as busy as the weeks leading up to the event.<br />Feedback from the bikers who took part has been overwhelmingly positive - therefore, a return of the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon ride in 2015 is looking promising.<br />I'm suffering a little after putting in so much effort for the past weeks - I just need lots of rest to recuperate and re-charge my batteries.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, March 2, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is the day - it was the first <b><i><span style="color: red;">BONE-shaker MARROW-thon</span></i></b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say first, as we haven't ruled out running a similar event next year and maybe turning it into an annual event. The weather impacted on the overall turnout but we were happy with the numbers attending and have already thought of how we could change or alter the event should it return in 2015. This may include running it later in the year to hopefully guarantee warmer (and drier) weather as well as maybe just running the ride as a stand-alone event separate to the linked-in fun day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, March 1, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I thought Friday was hard-work, today has really pushed my now exhausted energy-levels to the limit. Going to bed at 2am for two or three days in a row would have a serious detriment to a fully-fit person, never mind somebody who is still recovering from extensive leukamia treatment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, February 28, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am really pushing my energy levels to the limits as I try to frantically prepare everything for my fund-raiser on Sunday. So much behind-the-scenes work goes into planning such events. Work which nobody ever sees and nobody realises you had to do, but is vital to the smooth running of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, February 27, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm having to juggle visiting the hospital to see my dad with working on my fund-raiser which is taking place this weekend. Thankfully, much of the nausea and tiredness as subsided now as I am having to work late into the evening to keep on top of things. It looks as though it may be a few weeks yet before my dad proves himself fit enough to be allowed home - therefore, hospital visiting will be a major factor for a while yet.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, February 26, 2014</b><br />It was back to the hospital again today - my second appointment in three days.<br />The results show that my body has a leukaemia reading of 0.004 per cent.<br />This is a minuscule figure but clearly, the overall aim is to achieve a reading of 0 per cent.<br />The onset of 'graft versus leukaemia' coupled with the tablets I take should eradicate this 0.004 reading.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also spotted more coverage of my fund-raiser while at the hospital - it's also in the QEHB Charity magazine.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, February 25, 2014</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today has been a day of visiting the Queen's Hospital in Burton as my dad continues to recover from his operation, while tomorrow will be a day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for my routine appointment.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow's check-up should be useful as hopefully the results of my x-ray and ultrasound scans should be ready.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday, February 24, 2014</b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today for my x-ray and ultrasound tests.<br />These were arranged to determine the cause of a pain I sometimes experience in the left side of my body.<br />I'm now a familiar face at the hospital as I am on the front page of the hospital's charity newspaper QEHB which is widely distributed throughout the complex.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BONE-shaker MARROW-thon, Sunday 2nd March</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regular readers of my diary will know about the charity motorcycle ride and family fun day I am holding on Sunday. Hundreds of bikers are expected to leave the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham at around 10am. They will then make the 35-mile journey to Burton-on-Trent.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Burton, the bikers will pass (but not stop) the Queen's Hospital. From here, they will head to the Pirelli Stadium for a family fun day (stalls, raffle, tombola etc). The bikers should arrive back to Burton between 11.15am and noon depending on their speed/ traffic/ departure time etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pirelli Stadium (Burton Albion FC) will open a snack bar for hot/ cold drinks, hot food and an alcoholic beverage bar.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I appreciate many of my diary followers are not from Burton-on-Trent. Therefore, hopefully this map of basic instructions should help if you decide to pop along and support my fund-raiser.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm raising money for Cure Leukaemia, Anthony Nolan and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/f79Cb" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the map</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, February 23, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm gearing up for a busy week ahead. Firstly, we have two visits to Birmingham, secondly, my fund-raiser is now just seven days away and thirdly, all of this now has to slot around visiting times for my dad who is likely to remain in hospital all week.<br />You could guarantee that everything would happen at the same time in what's probably going to be my busiest week of the year. It's my x-ray and ultrasound tests tomorrow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, February 22, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been trying to wean myself off some of the anti-sickness medication I am taking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After suffering an extreme bout of nausea this morning, I have decided to scrap that idea for now. I'd rather take the tablets and feel well rather than leave them out and feel rotten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're now regular visitors to the Queen's Hospital as my dad recovers from his operation.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, February 21, 2014</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad had his operation today for his fractured hip –
instead of trying to repair the damaged ball joint, they have replaced it with
an artificial piece. He is determined to be up and about as soon as he can, as
he is adamant that he will make my charity fund-raiser next weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for me, I’ve had a couple of very good days with just the
occasional nausea. There is so much still to do in preparation for next Sunday’s
event that I cannot afford to feel ill anymore.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If anyone would like to support my charity event - but cannot make it on the day - donations can be made via my Virgin MoneyGiving page:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/boneshaker">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/boneshaker</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, February 20, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How much bad news can one family handle? I’m not talking about my recovery from leukaemia, I’m talking about the other stresses and strains which I have to endure.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today my dad tripped over an extension cable and fractured his hip, so it’s been another day of ambulances and hospitals as he is prepared for surgery in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just when we think we have seen the back of hospital wards for a while, my dad takes up the baton with his 999 admission</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, February 19, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After feeling under the weather yesterday, I am back firing on all cylinders today.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today has very much been a full day on my fund-raiser with lots of miles covered collecting raffle prizes and an afternoon publicity photo-shoot with the Burton MP Andrew Griffiths - who hopes to take part in the fund-raising motorcycle ride himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My appointments have now come through for my x-ray and abdominal ultrasound tests - it looks as if a lot of next week will be spent in Birmingham.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, February 18, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've felt a little under the weather today. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's wrong, but I've felt tired, drained and have suffered from annoying heartburn and indigestion feelings.<br />Part of the problem may be down to over-exertion as I was up and about very early this morning working on my fund-raiser. I have to appreciate that I don't have the energy levels I once enjoyed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, February 17, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stinging in my legs which plagued me yesterday has been much better.<br />On the one hand, this is good news - but on the other, these hit-and-miss side effects which come and go make it very difficult to judge if it is GvHD or just an issue caused by one of my tablets.<br />I am still being contacted by people in the UK and abroad who have read about my leukaemia and my diary and want to get in touch. There are some truly good people in the World who care so much for others.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, February 16, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stinging sensation in my legs has really started to intensify. It's not a continuous feeling, it comes on in spells throughout the day - it's just that today, these spells have been more frequent with greater discomfort.<br />I'm fairly certain that it must be a sign of Graft versus Host Disease. Unfortunately, there are no physical markers which anyone can inspect to give a definitive diagnosis.</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, February 15, 2014 - Entry Number 2</b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My remission news is proving very popular with lots of messages on Twitter, Facebook and via email. Just as the storm was settling from the Burton Mail front page story, the Daily Mail Online published the story and the publicity tornado continued.<br />With just two weeks and one day to go until my charity event, we have been trying to work on the preparations - but today even Stephen was finding avoiding the spotlight difficult.<br />When your face is on the front page of the newspaper, you cannot really go anywhere or do anything without complete strangers wanting to speak to you.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2560025/The-champagne-fridge-Woman-daily-leukaemia-diary-inspired-thousands-gone-remission.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail Online Story</a></span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, February 15, 2014 - Entry Number 1</b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to say a little 'sorry' to my loyal followers.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of you will have been checking my diary on a regular basis to discover news of my clinic visit on Wednesday. The news was exceptionally pleasing - I am in remission.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I continue to be the face of leukaemia and stem cell donor campaigns across much of Staffordshire and Derbyshire, we agreed with the newspaper not to reveal the news until today.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've spent the past couple of days sorting photographs and quotes for the newspaper story which appears in today's Burton Mail on the front page - as well as on most of the town's billboards.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, February 14, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was out and about early this morning as I try to drum up support for my charity fund-raiser on March 2. This continuing bad weather is a worry, but my optimistic theory is that this storm will have cleared by then and we will be enjoying beautiful sunshine with cloud-free days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, February 13, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With just a couple of weeks to go until my fund-raising motorcycle ride, I am having to dedicate as much time as I can manage to the project.<br />I still suffer with the occasional bouts of fatigue and nausea, but I try my best to keep as active as possible.<br />My aim was to raise £1,000 for each of the three charities I am supporting.<br />I think I should easily surpass this target as so far through online donations and raffle ticket sales, I have already raised around £1,000.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, February 12, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This freak weather is starting to cause a headache when it comes to heading over to Birmingham for routine appointments. Some of the roads were resembling small rivers and the high winds threw up their own obstacles with flying signs and branches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm waiting for the forecasters to warn you not to venture out unless vitally necessary - as my hospital appointments are always vital, we will have to venture out regardless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, February 11, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is D-Day as I discover the success so far of my stem cell transplant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The result is impossible to predict which makes my clinic appointment tomorrow more worrying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the positive side, recent blood tests revealed very promising results. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But on the negative side, I haven't had many confirmed signs of Graft Versus host Disease. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had side-effects which could be GVhD, but the condition hasn't been officially diagnosed by a doctor which always leaves me in doubt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, February 10, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had some good news today from one of the many charities I am keen to support.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found out today that the latest batch of stamps sent to Leukaemia CARE is expected to raise in the region of £350 for the charity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of those doubters who questioned how much they thought I expected to raise by saving used stamps can now hopefully see that every little bit does help. I know that my loyal supporters continue to drop stamps off at the Burton Mail so another delivery will be made to Leukaemia CARE in the coming weeks. Thank you, and please keep saving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, February 9, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the ongoing awful weather, I enjoyed a change of scenery and drive through Derbyshire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My somewhat rapid hair regrowth following my chemotherapy means that I no longer have to leave the house dressed like an Eskimo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, February 8, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's still so far so good following my 100 day marker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm starting to get slightly nervous about hearing the results of my latest bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday. Yet at the same time, I am eager to know the success of the transplant I had in October.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Friday, February 7, 2014</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You shouldn't be too surprised to learn that day 101 was no different to day 100, 99 or 98.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the next few weeks, my tablet ritual should become slightly easier as many of the tablets you have to take following transplant stop from day 100 onwards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My anti-rejection drug dosage will also continue to lower. As for pills such as penicillin, I will be on a daily dose of this for life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today I have been busy making preparations for my fund-raiser on Sunday, March 2nd. Please help spread the word if you can so that we attract a huge crowd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">More people = more life-saving money for Anthony Nolan, Cure Leukaemia and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-76502760120956291212014-01-02T13:20:00.002+00:002014-02-08T09:47:40.495+00:00New Year - new outlook<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>To view more of my diary (dating back to April 2013) click on the 'older post' link</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, February 6, 2014 (100 days)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I marked my 100th day today since I received the donor cells from a mystery lady in Germany.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is still a long road ahead but the 100 day marker is a major hurdle to clear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hitting 100 days gives me a renewed sense of determination to make sure that everybody who needs life-saving donor cells receives them. I want them to have a second chance like I have had. This can only happen if we have a thriving and growing donor programme. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, as I grow stronger, I am determined to continue to raise awareness of the importance of signing the donor register. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been suffering a little today with post-transplant side-effects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been very tired following a rather busy Tuesday and my tongue feels more sensitive than usual. Foods which most people would consider bland and mild are the equivalent to a hot Vindaloo for me at the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was nice today to receive messages of support through social media from my followers who had remembered it was my 100 day marker approaching without being reminded.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, February 4, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My 100 day marker is drawing nearer - Thursday is the day when I reach the milestone.<br />Nothing spectacular happens on this day, it is purely a benchmark used by doctors when assessing Graft versus Host Disease (GVhD) side effects - side effects before day 100 are classed as acute whereas side effects post day 100 are classed as chronic.<br />For me, I will still be battling the same nausea on day 100 as I am today on day 98.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, February 3, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My energy levels have been very good today but I'm back to battling nausea and trying to accurately time my meals and tablets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have to make the most of the days when I am feeling energised and so I've been trying to catch up on some of the correspondence i receive through email and social media. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My ever-increasing follower list on Twitter proves that people must be interested in my condition and charity efforts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow me on Twitter @Leukaemia_and_K</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, February 2, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right on cue, my Sunday ended with the return of nausea.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 90 per cent of the day, I have felt great which has enabled me to continue work on my fund-raiser which is now less than a month away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This nausea will now be a common occurrence until we can find a way to manage the tablets which are clearly responsible for this feeling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, February 1, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> the most of my 'tablet holiday' and absence of nausea by taking a trip to the shops.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, this just involves me waiting in the car as my immune system is still very low, but at least it is a change of scenery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I'm back on the chemo therapy sty,e tablets and so my nausea will probably return. The other downside to these tablets is that they lower your white blood count meaning that my immunity is also kept suppressed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 31, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 'drug holiday' continues as we try to establish what is behind my nausea.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've felt really good today which must now prove without doubt that the majority of my nausea was caused between the chemotherapy drug mixing with the anti-rejection drug.<br />I've got to make the most of tomorrow as my 'drug holiday' comes to an end on Sunday.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, January 30, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">At my hospital appointment yesterday, we discussed my ongoing nausea. The theory that it is down to the tablets mixing together is being investigated. I am now on a four-day break from one of my tablets to see if the nausea improves. Day one, and the nausea has cleared proving it must be a tablet problem rather than anything else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, January 29, 2014</b></span><br />
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It was back to the hospital again today for a routine appointment.</div>
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We don't have the results from yesterday's bone marrow biopsy yet, but additional blood samples taken about three weeks ago look promising.</div>
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The highlight of today's clinic was bumping into one of the ladies we got to know through the Cure Leukaemia charity dinner last year. She had her transplant nearly five years ago and now just visits the clinic every six or 12 months. Meeting a 'success story' patient really gives your confidence a boost.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, January 28, 2014</b></span><br />
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Next week, I will mark 100 days since my bone marrow transplant.</div>
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The only way to to see if my transplant is working as hoped, is to have a bone marrow aspiration and so that was on the cards for today.</div>
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Today's test would be my eighth bone marrow biopsy since April and so although I am now all too familiar with the procedure, nothing prepares you for the discomfort.</div>
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Thankfully, the procedure went smoothly and now we just cross our fingers for the results.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, January 27, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I spent the latter part of today battling nausea. I thought I had cracked the tablet and food timings to prevent such miserable occurrences but clearly not. Today's episode might have something to do with my anxiety leading up to my bone marrow biopsy in the morning.<br />Not only have I the worry of the biopsy, I have to be there for <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">9am</a> which means an extremely early start, traffic jams and rush hour hell through Birmingham city centre.</span></span><br />
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<b>Sunday, January 26, 2014</b></div>
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As the week draws to a close, I'm starting to get anxious about my appointments this coming week at the hospital.</div>
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On Tuesday I have my bone marrow aspiration. Apart from being one of the most uncomfortable and painful experiences you can imagine, the results from this test will give the first true impression of whether my transplant in October was a success.</div>
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If you remember, I had a bone marrow test done before the transplant. The results from my test on Tuesday will be compared to those results and what the doctors are looking for, are German donor cells rather than my own cells.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, January 25, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Saturday I felt on top of the world but then this feeling quickly diminished throughout the week. Today, again, I have felt really well and so have spent many hours trying to plan my fund-raiser on March 2. I just hope that this feeling today doesn't diminish as fast as it did last week.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.katherines-story.com/boneshaker%20main%20page.htm#.UuWJuX-QGSM" target="_blank">Click HERE for more details on my fund-raiser</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 24, 2014</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has taken a few weeks, but I think I have found a way to beat the worst of the nausea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intricate timings between my various tablets and food appear to be the answer. Altering the times I eat or take the tablets is proving a success so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not perfect as taking some of the tablets causes nausea anyway, but things are improving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, January 23, 2014</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had a slightly better day today but it's still been one where I am battling bouts of nausea.<br />I've experimented with lots of different tablet timings but I still cannot find one whereby I don't feel nauseous after taking the chemotherapy drug Nilotinib.<br />I also thought my tongue was on the mend until I ate something slightly spicy - I had to dangle my tongue in a glass of water to ease the pain. I've learned my lesson - my tongue is still sensitive.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, January 22, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we rewind to the weekend, I felt on top of the world on Saturday.<br />Whereas today I feel awful. I woke up with a headache and nausea, and even after the anti-sickness tablets and painkillers started to work, I still didn't feel 100 per cent.<br />Today has probably been my worst day for a while.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, January 21, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a couple of weeks I have been getting a strange sensation in my legs. I describe it at home as a 'bee sting' as my legs tingle from the inside as if I am being stung.<br />This sensation tended to come and go for an hour each day, making me assume that it must be tablet related. That was until today when the feeling has been almost constant throughout the day - maybe it's a sign of GvHD?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, January 20, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still struggling to have a proper night's sleep and so I have resorted to digging out new pillows in the hope that these make a difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new problem today has been my balance when standing. It's not a major worry, but it's a new issue which has started to develop today. I'm hoping it's just a 24-hour glitch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news today is that I am sending a cheque to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research totalling £63 for the sale of their 'Beat Blood Cancer' pin badges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, January 19, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After feeling great yesterday, my Sunday hasn't been quite so good.<br />It's hard to pinpoint exactly why or how I feel different today, it's just that I don't feel 100 per cent. Over the past few days I have had real difficulty sleeping. I've been unable to get comfortable and find myself alert and awake for much of the night - maybe it's this broken sleep which is making me restless in the day?<br />This weekend is a prime example of how my health changes day to day without rhyme or reason. Yesterday I could have conquered the world, while today I feel deflated.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, January 18, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a change, I felt rather energised today and so threw myself into organising my fund-raiser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The riding aspect of the event means that it requires very detailed liaisons with police, councils and the Highways Authority. Thankfully, they are all supportive of the event and nobody is objecting to a snake of bikers making their way from Birmingham to Burton.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 17, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everybody keeps telling me that the weather so far this month is very mild.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ventured out today for around 5 minutes and almost froze to the spot - for me, this weather is perishing. It probably doesn't help that I have lost my blanket of hair, but I am pleased to report that it is growing back rapidly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, January 16, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yesterday at the hospital, we stocked up on anti-sickness medication and It's so far so good.<br />Last week, I ran out of my favourite anti-sickness remedy - a tablet called Ondansetron - and I struggled for a few days on two alternative pills which didn't work too well.<br />Now because I am fully stocked on Ondansetron while still taking one of the other anti-sickness remedies, I am managing to control my nausea better. The downside, is that I have noticed that since I have been back on Ondansetron, I am tired again.<br />It's a very difficult balancing act - I either have more energy and nausea or no energy and control the nausea.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, January 15, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today. Thankfully, my blood counts are pleasing my consultant and the many annoying problems I am currently experiencing (nausea, sore tongue, pains in my leg, tiredness and low energy) are all very common side-effects of having a transplant after extensive chemo and radiotherapy.<br />The clinic was exceptionally busy with more than 100 post-transplant patients having appointments. Listening to some other patient's stories, my side-effects are relatively mild - hopefully mine stay like this and don't escalate any further.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, January 14, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my nausea continues, I now have another problem.<br />My tongue is starting to shed skin and crack which makes eating extremely painful.<br />Despite the discomfort, this is a side-effect I cherish.<br />A blistered tongue is a common symptom of Graft Versus Host Disease (GvHD) which happens when new donor cells begin fighting with your body.<br />Getting tell-tale signs of GvHD is a welcome early indication that the transplant has been a success as this can lead to a scenario known as Graft Versus Leukaemia whereby the new donor cells attack any remaining leukaemia cells in the body.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, January 13, 2014</b><br />Nausea is still causing me problems. I'm convinced it's caused by the anti-GVhD medicine I am taking mixing with the chemotherapy style tablet I am also taking - not forgetting the preventative antibiotics and magnesium supplements.<br />Timing the tablets so that I leave adequate time between each dose is also tricky as some require an empty stomach while others need to be taken with food.<br />The mornings are currently my most stomach-wrenching time as the tablets have had a few hours to ferment in my stomach overnight. Getting up without needing to rush to the bathroom is proving more challenging each day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stamps we posted on Thursday have now arrived at Leukaemia CARE, and it was nice to receive a thank you message from the charity who are thrilled with the donation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, January 12, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pleased to say that my chronic tiredness faze has lifted as quickly as it arrived.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gone are the days when I could only keep awake for three or four hours a day.<br />Unfortunately, this tiredness spell has been replaced with an almost continuous feeling of nausea. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going to bed is now a problem as I know that I am likely to be kept awake with the worry and feeling of sickness. I'm on two types of anti-sickness tablet but neither appears to be working. I'm beginning to think that the tiredness spell was far more pleasant than this nausea.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, January 11, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have suffered with nausea all day today. I have been able to eat but have had a constant feeling of sickness. This makes taking tablets - which themselves cause nausea - a very difficult process. Today has probably been one of my worst days so far since the transplant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this continuous nausea comes on one of the busiest days so far for my fund-raising plans with raffle prizes arriving and a sudden spike in interest following extensive publicity on motorcycle websites.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://motorcycleindustry.co.uk/bone-shaker-marrow-thon/">http://motorcycleindustry.co.uk/bone-shaker-marrow-thon/</a><br /><a href="http://www.adventurebikerider.com/news/999-the-bone-shaker-marrow-thon.html">http://www.adventurebikerider.com/news/999-the-bone-shaker-marrow-thon.html</a><br /><a href="http://overlandmag.com/features/bone-shaker-marrow-thon/">http://overlandmag.com/features/bone-shaker-marrow-thon/</a><br /><a href="http://www.mslmagazine.co.uk/news/take-part-in-bone-shaker-marrow-thon">http://www.mslmagazine.co.uk/news/take-part-in-bone-shaker-marrow-thon</a><br /><a href="http://www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk/news/join-the-bone-shaker-marrow-thon-charity-ride">http://www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk/news/join-the-bone-shaker-marrow-thon-charity-ride</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, January 10, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite being exceptionally tired, I struggled today to get much rest. I couldn't sleep when I wanted to and felt very irritable. I managed to leave the house for a short drive-out to give me a change of scenery other than the hospital, but I'm still restricted to where I can go and who I can see because of my decreased immunity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, January 9, 2014</b></span><br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1389343659007_5209" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">
I may be low on energy, but there are certain things which give me a sudden upsurge of enthusiasm and today it was used postage stamps.</div>
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The response to my appeal in the newspaper has been amazing and although the house was covered in thousands upon thousands of tiny pieces of paper, it was worthwhile to know that the 25kg haul was going to benefit the charity Leukaemia CARE.</div>
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I’d like to hope that even after the packaging and excess paper has been discounted from this total, that Leukaemia CARE has somewhere between 18 and 20kg of stamps to weigh in to sell. Which by my rough calculations and estimations should hopefully raise between £150 and £200 for the charity.</div>
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The charity’s work continues and without any form of Government funding whatsoever, my stamp appeal continues – keep collecting please.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1389343659007_5215" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">
For information on how you can collect for Leukaemia CARE, click the link below:</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1389343659007_5215" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">
<a href="https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/assets/0000/7499/Recycle.pdf" target="_blank">CLICK HERE - Leukaemia CARE</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, January 8, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today. The main news is
that my consultant is happy with my results and my tablet doses are
being adjusted to suit.<br />I am gradually starting to take less of the
drug which prevents the side-effect GVHD while I am taking a slightly
higher dose of the chemo-style drug which I am taking to prevent the
leukaemia returning.<br />I also have a date for my next bone marrow biopsy which is later this month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, January 7, 2014</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's back to the hospital again tomorrow for the weekly check-up and blood tests. The <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">9.10am</a> appointment will make life busy in the morning - have you tried driving from one side of Birmingham to the other in rush-hour traffic recently?<br />Meanwhile, today, has been a day filled with insurance headaches for the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon, you wouldn't believe the amount of planning and expense needed to host an event of this scale.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, January 6, 2014</b><br />I'm struggling to keep warm and it's apparently quite mild for January.<br />I
don't know whether it's because I have a distinct lack of hair or just
another of the many side-effects I am learning to overcome.<br />With an
open fire roaring and the heating piping, I am still freezing while my
husband is walking around roasting as if it is a heatwave.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, January 5, 2014</b><br />
My energy levels are still very low, but in the hours I have been
awake, I have been busy working on my fund-raiser planned for March 2 -
the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon.<br />
There is still a long way to go in terms of planning and
preparation but support for the charity event has been overwhelming with
support coming from many parts of the UK.<br />
Unfortunately, my energy levels don't allow me to do as planning and preparation as I would like.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, January 4, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hair appears to be growing back at a rapid pace. It's hard to tell what colour or style it will end up, but at the moment, I am just happy that the regrowth has started. I've heard it can take many months before it reaches a reasonable length - you only have to look at Jessie J to see how long it's likely to take.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong></strong><b>Friday, January 3, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Judging by the freakish weather we have experienced over the past couple of days, I am beginning to think January may bring with it some problems.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />Come sun, rain, snow or wind - my hospital appointments will continue.<br />Me not making one if these vital appointments because of the weather is not an option, the problem lies in that it isn't just a drive around the corner, it's a 70 mile round trip each time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, January 2, 2014</b><br />As many people returned to work today for the
first time since Christmas, my routine remained relatively unchanged.
Vast quantities of sleep inter-mixed with dozens of tablets.<br />The main
change now that many of the charity staff have returned to their
offices was a return to the projects I started before Christmas -
mainly Anthony Nolan's 'Roadmap for Recovery' and my own BONE-shaker
MARROW-thon charity ride plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roadmap for Recovery web lin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.katherines-story.com/boneshaker%20main%20page.htm">BONE-shaker MARROW-thon web link</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Wednesday, January 1, 2014</strong><br />The new year hasn't delivered me a new lease of energy as I am still extremely tired.<br />On the positive side, I am seeing the first signs of new hair growth appearing and so it won't be long before I have hair again. Being bald certainly makes you appreciate the insulation factor of hair as my head really feels the cold - I wear hats all the time, even inside.<br />Thankfully Santa delivered me quite a range of styles and designs to suit all weathers and occasions.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-60654610134236814962013-11-24T15:55:00.000+00:002014-01-01T15:23:44.912+00:00Treatment and transplant - October 2013 onwards<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tuesday, December 31,
2013 – New Year’s Eve<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
today marks the end of another year, it fills me with optimism for the year to
come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
past year hasn’t been particularly joyous – with the bombshell of discovering I
had leukaemia being dropped in April.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’d
probably been suffering with my CML for months or even years, but it was April
when the news was confirmed and the whirlwind of tests, treatments, tablets and
hospital stays commenced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
have spent exactly 100 days in hospital this year which when coupled with my
dozens of outpatient appointments, equates to a third of 2013 in hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
today marks day 63 of my donor cells, everyone is hopeful that life can return
to some form of normality in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Many
people make New Year’s resolutions for the year ahead. Mine exactly isn’t a
resolution as these ideas have been in the pipeline for a few months, but 2014
will certainly be the year when we do all we can to help the charities which
have supported me in one way or another through a troublesome 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, December 30, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was back to the hospital today.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the early start, the day went well as the roads and hospital were much quieter than normal.<br />My results were okay, and therefore, I am going to restart taking one of the chemotherapy-style drugs I used to take before my transplant - but in a lower dose.<br />There is always a risk - even after a transplant - that the leukaemia can return, and therefore taking this low dose medication helps to trim the chances of any potential relapse even further.<br />Dates are now being pencilled in for my next bone marrow aspiration and my blood is being analysed for certain genes for an early indication of how successful my transplant has been.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, December 29, 2013</b><br />It's back to the hospital tomorrow for a routine check-up.<br />Leaving my fatigue to one side, I generally feel okay and my cough has almost cleared now. The skin wound on my back is also close to fully healing and I don't think it will be long before we can pack away the need for creams and dressings.<br />Having said all this, the key thing is my blood cell count so you can never predict what will happen until I'm at the hospital. If my blood is good, I'm good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, December 28, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">My tiredness spell continues. I am now spending far more hours each day asleep than awake.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">And in the hours I am awake, Stephen is frantically trying to get me to eat, drink and take rounds of medication as he knows that I could nod off again at any time - for hours.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">It's only in the past couple of days that this chronic tiredness has hit me so I am hoping it goes away as quick as it arrived.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, December 27,
2013<br />
</b>My
day today consisted of sleep, sleep and a bit more sleep.<br />
The festivities of the past couple of days have caught up with me and I have
not had the energy to do anything. I've spent vast amounts of today asleep and
so this causes problems when trying to stick to a medication timetable or when
trying to conjure up the enthusiasm to eat.<br />
Hopefully I will feel a little more refreshed tomorrow as today has been a bit
of a write-off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, December 26, 2013 - Boxing Day</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As expected, the Christmas festivities have drained my energy.<br />By 6pm today, I was ready for bed and desperately longed for a rest.<br />It's this lack of energy which is the greatest drawback so far to my transplant as I take tablets to solve the nausea and creams to clear any rashes but there isn't an easy cure for low energy levels.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, December 25, 2013 - Christmas Day</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Queen's Speech this year was very much about reflection.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Her Royal Highness spoke about the ritual of keeping a diary each day as this allows you to look back and 'reflect' while at the same time, the act of writing can be a healing process.<br />I've never kept a diary before to the scale I am currently, and I have to agree that this reflection period is rather healing. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However tired I am now, it is healing to know that the weeks I spent in hospital undergoing chemotherapy are now behind me. I can look back at those bad days and heal the worries and tiredness I may be experiencing today.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, December 24, 2013 - Christmas Eve</b><br />My low energy levels mean that we are still running short on time and to the last minute.<br />Apart from wrapping the last few presents, I have been busy catching up with the Anthony Nolan 'Roadmap to Recovery' campaign. It's not every day that you receive personal letters from your MP, the chief executive of the NHS and the Department of Health.<br />I had a surprise call from my consultant in the afternoon. He was telephoning to check everything was okay before Christmas. I can't think of many consultants or hospitals that would go to that effort on Christmas Eve - it's just another example of how great a team I am under at Birmingham.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, December 23, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">As the Christmas cards continue to arrive, I am deeply touched by the messages of support I am receiving. My leukaemia journey has touched many people who are intrigued with me, my condition and what the treatment involves. May I wish all my followers a very Happy Christmas.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #454545;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Today marks day 55 of my post-transplant journey, so I am just over half way to the important 100 day marker.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, December 22, 2013</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas cannot come soon enough for me. It's not that I am excited about presents, it's because every day which we have to wait poses more risk of me falling ill. Today I had a temperature reading of 37.8 which causes the heart to flutter. If it hits 38 then I will be spending Christmas on the ward.<br />It's like living your life on a knife edge, every day brings risks and things can change in a matter of hours.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, December 21, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a busy morning delivering a Christmas wreath to my sister-in-law's gravestone, I was left shattered. It's not as though I had to do much as Stephen does the driving and we were able to park near the memorial. It must just be the fresh air and the change of scenery which zaps my energy. I'm going to have another day like this in the coming days as we have a wreath for my mum's grave too. <br />If you don't have these jobs to do at Christmas, then you should think yourself very lucky that cancer hasn't struck your family the same as it has ours.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, December 20, 2013</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was discharged from the dermatology clinic today which is a big milestone to achieve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avid readers of my diary will remember that in June/ July, I suffered with a rash on my legs and feet, and a bone marrow aspiration I had taken went funny following an infection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has taken until now for these problems to clear up to a standard where the dermatology clinic feel they can discharge me from their care.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a leukaemia patient is a patient for life, I will never get this discharge feeling from the haematology clinic, I'll be returning there on a regular basis forever.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, December 19, 2013</b><br />Every Thursday we wait by the telephone ready for the hospital to call.<br />One of the tests they carry out on a Wednesday at my appointment is to check the Ciclosporin levels in my blood. Ciclosporin is as an anti-rejection drug and whether you have a bone marrow transplant or a kidney transplant, the chances are you will take Ciclosporin.<br />The results take 24 hours and process and so we wait to hear if my dosage needs increasing or decreasing. Unfortunately for me, my dose needs increasing. I hate this drug as it has a lingering smell which is enough to make you gag and it brings with it nauseous feelings. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Wednesday, December 18, 2013</strong><br />It was back to the hospital today for routine blood tests and a check-up.<br />The results showed that some of my blood elements (platelets, white cells etc) have fallen since last week. Apparently, this is quite common when your body is fighting an infection which I clearly am with this cough.<br />Overall, my progress is good and I am due back for more blood tests in between Christmas and New Year. We are of course back to the hospital on Friday this week to see the skin specialist about the wound on my back.<br />As usual, I had a wish list of presents I wanted to wrap once I got home. But yet again, I arrived home shattered and so didn't achieve anything other than sleeping after my appointment.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Tuesday, December 17, 2013</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The district nurse came today to check and re-dress the wound on my back - everything is doing well.<br />I had good intentions of spending most of the afternoon wrapping Christmas presents but found myself asleep for hours. My energy level today has been very low and I have struggled to keep warm. My cough which has been steadily improving over the past couple of days is back with a vengeance too.<br />It's a good job I caught up on my rest today, as tomorrow we have to be out early for my hospital appointment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><b>Monday, December 16, 2013</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">The busy
weekend always catches up with me on Monday and leaves me needing
extra rest. I woke up this morning with a slight rash on my feet -
although this quickly disappears, I would like to think it is a sign
of Graft versus Host Disease.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd also urge everyone to keep an eye out for the new Anthony Nolan Christmas advert featuring 'Chloe'. Donating £3 would help give somebody like me, a life-saving transplant.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tpets4M9XIjM_81aJKkB43KPrliA-OTDEaV_hyW7adECKpmOyN7zQRox9kQIX6a-DGY9ZoCRlY5PSHfH1edvuz9HbmrFFq7necfaSGx0sBL1ervUxYWg1I-Ai42HmjITGcbwp05nIeI/s1600/Chloe+Anthony+Nolan+advert+screen+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tpets4M9XIjM_81aJKkB43KPrliA-OTDEaV_hyW7adECKpmOyN7zQRox9kQIX6a-DGY9ZoCRlY5PSHfH1edvuz9HbmrFFq7necfaSGx0sBL1ervUxYWg1I-Ai42HmjITGcbwp05nIeI/s320/Chloe+Anthony+Nolan+advert+screen+shot.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, December 15, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My energy levels are starting to improve a little - I am now
managing without needing an afternoon rest. I am however still suffering
with bouts of nausea which leave you feeling anxious as you never know
if sickness will follow. I had a couple of
situations today when I was left feeling extremely ill.<br />
I'm thankful that I had my transplant when I did as anybody going
into hospital now will be in for Christmas and the New Year. It looks so
far as if my last session at the hospital before Christmas will be
Monday, December 23.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, December 14, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I managed to venture out of the house to go shopping for the first time.<br />Don't
get too excited as 'shopping' means me waiting in the car while I send
Stephen into various shops and supermarkets. As my immunity is still so
low, I cannot mix with large crowds and so my shopping trips consist of
me sat listening to the radio. I may not be able to fully take part in
the activities, but just getting out the house and seeing a change of
scenery is entertaining.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday, December 13, 2013</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I was awake, I felt energised today and so hit the Christmas cards. I have been wanting to write them for days but have never felt that I had the energy until today.<br />My cough appears to be slowly clearing on these new tablets and so I am sleeping a little better at night which helps with my daytime energy levels.<br />More hospital appointment letters arrived in the post today, we are in Birmingham two days next week as I am booked in to see the skin specialists too.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, December 12, 2013</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As usual, my visit to the hospital yesterday, has left me absolutely shattered today. My energy levels are very low and despite having the best intentions, I am just not physically able to do everything I plan to do.<br />I am finding that social media is proving a useful tool as I am speaking to people on Twitter who have been through the same process as me. What I am experiencing now is not uncommon - what's worrying is that I may still have some other nasty side-effects to come.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, December 11, 2013</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today it was back to the hospital clinic for a routine check-up. This cough I am still battling with and the subsequent pain it is causing, is still a concern for the doctors and so I was issued with new antibiotics and sent for a chest x-ray. The x-ray results were clear.<br />My left eye is also bloodshot and so I was given an eye swab to check for underlying infection - no it wasn't pleasant, imagine sticking a cotton bud in your eye - twice.<br />Today was also a case of being in the right place at the right time as we returned to the clinic from the x-ray just as the entire Warwickshire Cricket Club team were being given a guided tour of the facilities.<br />I was asked by my consultant if I would mind speaking to the players about my leukaemia and bone marrow transplant and so this was filmed by the charity Cure Leukaemia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Watch the video here:<a href="http://youtu.be/B1kJn9vTknQ">http://youtu.be/B1kJn9vTknQ</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, December 10, 2013</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The district nurse came today to remove the stitches which held together the flesh where I once had a Hickman Line. Removing the stitches was a walk in the park compared to some of the procedures I have endured and thankfully, the resulting scar is only around half an inch long.<br />The nurse also checked the wound on my back which has been an ongoing worry and annoyance since the summer. Thankfully, now that my cell count and platelet levels are rising, this wound is now healing quite well. I'm hopeful that within a couple of weeks that we can suffice with just a simple dressing rather than the ritual of creams and silver-infused dressings.<br />It's back to the hospital tomorrow. This process gives me the same feeling as waiting for exam results - if I fail, I will end up in hospital again for days or even weeks.<br />Every week I need to pass this blood test exam.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, December 9, 2013</b><br />The antibiotics and pain-killers must be working as I am feeling the best I have felt for days.<br />However,
although I have lost some of the pain and my cough is subsiding, my
nausea levels appear to be increasing. Some of the anti-rejection drugs
leave me gagging - you wouldn't believe how bad they smell. Sometimes, I
think the feeling of sickness is worse than the actual event, and
today, I have had those feelings on and off frequently.<br />I conquer one problem and find another.</span><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday, December 8,
2013</strong><br />I had one of my best night's sleep since June, meaning that
something must be working. Either the painkillers are knocking me out, or they
are helping to ensure I am pain-free. My cough is slightly better and things are
certainly starting to loosen up on my chest. We're back at the hospital on
Wednesday, so at least I can have everything double checked to make sure my pain
and cough is nothing more than a discomfort and annoyance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, December 7, 2013</strong><br />My new pain killers are starting to relieve some of the pain and discomfort I have been suffering. Unfortunately, these coupled with my new antibiotics just add to the daily tablet tally which is already a challenge.<br />My energy levels have been zapped and therefore, I am struggling to do things which I plan myself mentally. I have great intentions, just not the energy levels.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday, December 6, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through all of my coughing, I must have pulled a muscle as I could hardly move on Thursday night. After a night's rest, things hadn't improved and so we telephoned Birmingham for advice on what painkillers to take.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the painkillers they suggested were prescription only and as my pains were getting worse, we had to resort to an emergency doctor. I was seen within 10 minutes of making the phone call and left with a prescription for strong painkillers and some different antibiotics. My GP agreed that the pain was most likely muscular from the coughing but it was a reassurance to have it checked by a professional.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The speed, concern and efficiency of my team at Birmingham and my GP is proof of a superb health system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, December 5, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday's early clinic appointment has taken its toll. I am extremely tired yet my continually blocked nose and cough means I don't put together too many hours of rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have developed an agonising pain in my left shoulder and chest bone. I am hoping that it is just a pulled muscle or a trapped nerve from one of my coughing bouts. If it's still bad tomorrow, it will be time for some medical advice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
December 4, 2013</b><br />It was back to the hospital today. The 8.30am
appointment was a nightmare in rush-hour traffic but we made
it. My blood counts are impressive and things are looking good. The
doctors still want to keep an eye on my cough, especially as my
antibiotics have now finished.<br />I have developed a rash on my arm
and so evidence is needed to determine if this is a reaction to
certain drugs or early evidence of the donor cells fighting with my
body - GVHD.<br />To determine this, I had to have a skin biopsy taken
- a punch takes a sample of skin for testing.<br />I had anaesthetic
for the procedure which made it pain-free. I just have another battle
scar to add to my increasing collection of marks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, December 3, 2013</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we are back to the clinic for a bright and early appointment.<br />Although
it is good to have blood tests taken and to speak to the doctors, it
also fills me with fear as you never know what the results will say. You
can turn up for clinic in the morning and find yourself back on the
ward by the afternoon.<br />I've got to come to terms with these fears as I
won't just be coming to clinic for a few weeks or months, we will be
regular visitors for years to come. Birmingham really is now our second
home.</span><br />
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<b>Monday, December 2, 2013</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Arial;">
A blocked nose and chesty cough is causing me a few problems. Whereas a
healthy person would shake this off within a day or two, I experience everything
two or three times worse and two or three times longer.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial;">
And as I am on so many medications, I cannot pop to the pharmacy and buy
over-the-counter remedies to ease the situation either. I’ll be glad when I have
managed to shake off this annoyance as at the moment it is keeping me awake at
night and I have completely lost my sense of taste.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday, December 1, 2013</b><br />Today is the day when we would
normally decorate the house in preparation for Christmas.<br />We
have a few decorations in place, but nothing to the scale as it usually is
because I do not have the energy and there is only so much one person can do on
their own.<br />Instead of 'decking the halls' in a single day, I
think it will be done over several days or even weeks. Fatigue coupled with a
very bad cough is a very difficult combination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, November 30, 2013</strong></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My energy levels appear to be improving - I managed to last the entire day
without having to have a nap.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the doses of my tablets have changed since I came out of hospital
which is making medication time easier. Although the quantity of tablets hasn’t
particularly changed, the strength has, and therefore I am keeping nauseous
feelings under control. Despite taking a total of six anti-sickness tablets each
day, these struggled to keep my nausea at bay prior to my last stint in
hospital.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’re back at the hospital on Wednesday for an 8.30am appointment meaning
we will have to leave home at 6.30am to get there on time.</span></span><br />
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<strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday, November 29, 2013</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was discharged from hospital today – armed with a
supply of potent antibiotics to help clear my infection.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My temperature is now under control, but I still have
a chesty cough which is unpleasant and annoying. I</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t’s been said to me that at the moment, I am like a
new-born baby. I have literally zero immunity against anything and so whereas
you would shake off this cough in a day or two, the same cough will take me a
week or two to shift. For that reason, I won’t be venturing out of the house
for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday, November 28, 2013</b><br />I was hopeful of a discharge from hospital today, but I am still here.<br />Instead
of a move home, I was moved from my private side-room into one of the
wards. I have now lost my nice view over Birmingham.<br />I'm due another CT scan before I can go home and so I am hoping this happens first thing on Friday.<br />Finally,
we heard that my BBC Midlands Today appearance was shown on the
Wednesday lunch time slot. We hope that this was just a filler as the
scheduled broadcast date should be Sunday when the two rowers involved
officially start their challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday, November 27, 2013</b><br />My temperature is now under control, I am now hitting figures of 36.5 rather than 39.5.<br />Unfortunately,
what goes in must come out, and so to rule out the possibility that my
Hickman Line may be infected, I had it removed.<br />This plastic tube has been used extensively since June to deliver drugs as it removes the need for cannulas and needles.<br />My line was connected in my neck and was threaded beneath the skin before protruded through my chest.<br />The
way a line is held in place is with a special collar beneath the skin.
This collar is made of a different material and encourages your skin and
flesh to bond around it.<br />And so, to remove my line, the doctors had
to slice into my skin to find this collar before they had to then dig
and cut around this until the entire line could be pulled out.<br />Feeling squeamish? Thank your lucky stars that you didn't have to endure this procedure - while you are awake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday, November 26, 2013</b><br />My temperature has been on a yo-yo cycle today, so it is hard to judge how well I am or how soon I will be out of hospital.<br />I
have recorded a very pleasing 37.3 but also a sky-high 39.4, so only
time will tell. I am also on a regular batch of antibiotics and
paracetamols which have been keeping my fever in check.<br />I was sent for a chest x-ray late in the day, so the results from that will probably determine what happens tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Monday, November 25, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a day - and it ends with me back
in hospital.<br />If we rewind, Sunday night was awful, as I was awake
for 90 per cent of the night with a chesty cough.<br />To make matters
worse, we had to leave the house by 7.30am this morning to get to
Birmingham for an out-patient appointment.<br />The day on the
out-patient ward went okay and I had a bag of platelets as arranged.
I mentioned to the doctor about the sudden onset of a cough and he
prescribed a dose of antibiotics after checking me over. I would be
returning to the hospital on Wednesday for another assessment
anyway.<br />However, by early evening, we noticed that I looked and
felt hot. We soon got checking my temperature using a multitude of
digital thermometers - they ranged from 38 to 39.5 and so we were
forced to dial the ward's emergency number. Anything over 38 is
considered serious for someone in my position.<br />We were advised to
make our way to A&E and so by 9.30pm we were on the road again
arriving in Birmingham in record time.<br />The A&E department at
Birmingham was busy but we were whisked through within minutes and I
was soon having bloods taken, lines fitted and antibiotics pumped
into my system. The speed and efficiency was superb - I had
kickstarted an emergency plan and it was impressive to see it put
into action.<br />By midnight, a bed was being arranged in my usual
ward. After all of this drama it was somewhat of a relief to find my
temperature was still high at 38.4 degrees. It would have been
embarrassing if A&E had tested it and it was only 37. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
November 24, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Again,
fatigue is the worst side-effect I am currently suffering. I could
sleep 24-hours a day given the opportunity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
whites of my eyes turned a shade of yellow earlier in the day causing
us worry that my jaundice may be returning. Thankfully, this cleared
over a few hours and was probably the side-effect of one of the
tablets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
need to be in Birmingham for just after nine tomorrow, meaning that I
will have to be up and about extremely early to allow time for
tablets and traffic.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
November 23, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
could easily sleep for most of the day. I am trying to keep as active
as possible, but even the slightest tasks leaves me exhausted and my
concentration level is very low. I can probably only manage a couple
of pages of the newspaper before I either feel tired or feel bored.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We've
developed a better system for the tablets and Stephen is chopping
some of the larger tablets into smaller chunks to make them easier to
swallow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
November 22, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
full reality of taking 34 tablets a day is hitting home. It's
difficult trying to juggle the timings so that I am not taking
handfuls of medicines all at the same time. Even with a timetable to
follow, this isn't an easy task.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Towards
the end of the day I started to feel extremely nauseous – the
mistake of taking two of the most potent tablets together and then
eating afterwards.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-GB"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-GB"><b>Thursday,
November 21, 2013</b></span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
home. I was discharged from hospital today marking a total stay of
33-days - and 23-days since my transplant.<br />Of course, a leukaemia
patient is a patient for life and so I will be coming back to
Birmingham twice next week for routine check-ups.<br />For the next
month or so our visits to Birmingham will be a twice-weekly affair.<br />I
left hospital today with a huge bag of tablets. On my busiest days I
will be taking 34 tablets - and although this reduces to around 30
tablets on a quiet day - I will be popping pills pretty much
constantly.<br />Some of the tablets - penicillin
(Phenoxymethylpenicillin) - for instance, I will be taking twice
daily for the rest of my life.<br />What I noticed most when I walked
out of the hospital, is that the temperature has dropped since I was
admitted. If you remember, I was admitted on the evening after the
BUPA Great Birmingham Run on October 20.<br />The next hurdle to
overcome is the 'day 100' marker. My day 100 is Thursday February 6,
2014.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
November 20, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
doctors are really pleased with my progress as my white blood cell
count has suddenly jumped to 2.4.<br />I should have been heading home
today but the bad news is that I feel awful and was sick first
thing.<br />I have therefore taken the decision to stay for an extra
night to be on the safe side. It's a long way back should I get home
and continue to feel ill.<br />If I wake up tomorrow feeling fine then
I should be home for sure on my 33rd day in hospital.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
November 19, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
good news is that the bone marrow aspiration I had taken last week is
showing signs of new cells.<br />The bad news is that these cells are
not showing up as well in my blood, and so I am going to be in
hospital another day or two.<br />The pharmacist came to see me today
so that my drugs can be ordered ready for discharge. As he needs to
come again to explain what to take and when, I suspect my bag of
drugs from the hospital will be huge. I'm expecting my daily tablet
dosage to run into double figures. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
November 18, 2013</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
looks as if I may be home in the next few days. The doctors are
pleased with my progress and so steps are being taken for my
discharge. <br />Many of the drugs I have been having intravenously
through my Hickman Line have now been converted into tablet form -
the downside to this is that I will probably have a dozen or so
tablets to take each day.<br />Once home I am going to confined indoors
for most of the time as my cell count will still be extremely low -
plus I have lost all of the vaccines I had as a child.<br />I'm no
longer protected against TB, polio, mumps, measles, chicken pox or
any of the other vaccines you receive as you are growing up. And it's
going to be a full 12 months before I can have any of the vaccines
again so I'm going to be quite exposed.<br />Plus we'll still be
returning to the hospital twice a week for the next few months for
frequent check-ups. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicd_Dssg-sjJwyC2ZcpWIvfiJ3napxG_bl8PSZksGbkDh_3clZEWbHQtpkBduShthrsGnNDS-pmd2JHWIX8dgApOnhbjhwTjKDLFZG5XeksVYEQXLaIPotn1oBpqrGfghE5cDY0uefUo/s1600/Queen+Elizabeth+Hospital6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicd_Dssg-sjJwyC2ZcpWIvfiJ3napxG_bl8PSZksGbkDh_3clZEWbHQtpkBduShthrsGnNDS-pmd2JHWIX8dgApOnhbjhwTjKDLFZG5XeksVYEQXLaIPotn1oBpqrGfghE5cDY0uefUo/s1600/Queen+Elizabeth+Hospital6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
November 17, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
cell count is still just above zero at 0.1 They are now fluctuating
in numbers as they rise and fall but hopefully when I can show
continued growth and stability in numbers I will be allowed home.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
marks my 29th day in hospital so I’m now ready for a change of
scenery. Steps are already being taken to prepare me for departure as
many of my drugs which were administered intravenously are now being
converted into tablet form. Fingers crossed, I should be home this
week.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
November 16, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
may be microscopic in size, but the doctors believe they are seeing
the first tiny flickers of new cell growth – meaning my donated
German cells have hopefully engrafted and are starting to produce new
white blood cells. I am really starting to see signs of fatigue which
is a common side-effect of a transplant. After a few hours of sitting
in my chair I’m ready for another sleep.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I experienced excruciating pain in my legs and lower back and had to
have my first dose of liquid morphine, I’ve always tried to avoid
hitting the morphine but today the pain was too much to tolerate and
I needed relief – fast. I had a similar pain yesterday and I’m
beginning to link it with one of the drugs I am taking.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
November 15, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
has been a worrying few days. Earlier in the week I had a jaundice
complexion and was starting to show signs of serious liver problems.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully,
although I am still waiting for the results of today’s CT scan, the
liver biopsy has returned clear results and my colour is returning to
normal. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
doctors believe it may have been a reaction to one of the drugs I
have to take each day to help my new cells.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
had a welcome surprise today in that BBC Midlands Today were filming
at the hospital. The news team were here to film Alex Bland and Harry
Martin-Dreyer, two men who plan to row across the atlantic to raise
money for Cure Leukaemia and a diabetes charity.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
news team thought it would be good if the two spent a bit of time in
a ward full of leukaemia patients and I was asked by the doctor if I
would be willing to take part. I was interviewed by health
correspondent Michele Paduano and was filmed walking around with Alex
and Harry. It was a scary experience but I’m thrilled I was asked
to take part.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
November 14, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Things
aren’t running quite as smoothly as everyone had hoped. As I’m
now on my 26th day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, I
should be preparing to come home.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However,
my donor cells aren’t showing any sign of engraftment to form new
bone marrow – a worrying prospect for me and the doctors.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To
be certain as to what exactly is happening, I had to endure another
bone marrow biopsy today. As this takes a sample of bone and marrow,
it will allow the doctors to analyse the inner workings of my body.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If
you remember in the summer, it took nearly eight weeks for my cells
to reach a level when I was well enough to come home. I’m hoping
that the answer to this current problem is the same – my body just
takes a long time to recover and regrow cells.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
if the news couldn’t get any worse, there is still concern about my
liver. My visitors assure me that my jaundice is fading compared to
Tuesday when I was very yellow. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
liver problem means that I have also got to undergo extensive scans
and tests tomorrow.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
November 13, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Concern
over the increased size of my spleen, fluid retention and my jaundice
complexion meant that I was sent for a liver biopsy today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
process sounds scary but the wonders of modern medicine means that I
was conscious throughout as an incision was made in my neck near to
where my Hickman Line is connected and a cable was threaded down to
my liver so that it could slice off a slither for testing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
worst part of the test was having to lie down for six hours
afterwards and my blood pressure and temperature monitored every few
minutes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
don’t know the results of the tests yet so hopefully Thursday will
bring some positive news for once.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
November 12, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
enlarged spleen is still a slight worry. My day continued as normal
with lots of rest until I discovered that tomorrow I have got to have
a liver biopsy. I will be nil-by-mouth from 6am tomorrow. As one
hurdle is overcome, one slightly higher takes its place.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
November 11, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was my worst day so far. It started at 3am when I had to call for the
doctor as I had severe abdominal pain. This then sparked off a busy
day of blood tests, ultra-sound tests and extra vigilance as it was
discovered my spleen was slightly enlarged.<br />Being in such
discomfort meant that I ate very little and it was hard to rest
properly as I couldn't lie on my left side.<br />This is another of the
many side-effects of a transplant either caused by the new cells
themselves or from one of the many drugs I am taking on a daily
basis.<br />I finished off the day needing three bags of blood and a
bag of platelets which would run into the night. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
November 10, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
the first time in weeks, I spent quite a few hours disconnected from
what has been an almost continual run of drips. This allowed me to
have a nice leisurely shower without having to worry about my Hickman
Line, the drips or the very expensive electronic pumps which
administer the correct dosage.<br />The doctors are happy with my
progress and the only change in my health today is the yellowness of
my eyes. This could be one of two things - a side-effect of one of
the drugs I am taking or an early indication of Graft versus Host
Disease (GvHD). I'm sure we will discover which one for sure early
next week. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
November 9, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
nose bleeds are finally starting to subside thanks to a mixture of
platelets and clotting drugs. My mouth sores are also greatly
improved and although eating is still difficult, I am managing to
keep well-nourished which is important if I am to keep strong while
my body is under great strain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
November 8, 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
is my 20th day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.<br />I'm
currently in 'limbo land' as I wait patiently for my new cells to
grow. I am currently neutropenic which means I have zero white blood
cells - making me extremely prone to infection as I have no cells to
fight off any nasties.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
November 7, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
now on since my transplant and I'm starting to feel very tired.
Little tasks now require a lot of effort.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
also in quite a bit of discomfort with my mouth as I have sores and
ulcers inside coupled with extremely dry and cracked lips. This has
made eating increasingly difficult. Jacket potatoes which I can smash
into a pulp coupled with cold jelly are my main menu until things
improve.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To
help boost my fluid levels I was given a 1-litre bag of saline over
many hours and to stop my nose bleeds, I was given more platelets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
November 6, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood levels are still recovering after the mixture of chemotherapy,
radiotherapy and various other drugs. Hence today my platelet count
was quite low and so I didn't really have much to clot my blood. This
was evident in the form of an almost continual nosebleed.<br />As it is
now day eight post transplant, it was also time for another bag of
chemotherapy style drug designed to help my new donor cells engraft
better. I have one more dose of this drug on day 12.<br />The late
side-effects of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy are starting to
show as my hair - which was growing back - is now falling out again. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
November 5, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've
had another good day with controllable side effects. I am managing to
live with the sores in my mouth and so I am able to eat
normally.<br />However, I am still on pain relief for pretty severe
stomach cramps but luckily I am able to control these with standard
pain killers without the need for morphine. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
November 4, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
side-effects are slowly easing. However, the worrying thought is that
these side-effects may just be the result of some of the drugs I am
taking and the late symptoms of my chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I'm
sure when my cells fully kick into force, I will see more rough days
in the future.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
doctors visit me every day and they are happy, so am I.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
November 3, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Saturday
night into Sunday morning was awful with my temperature hitting 38.5
degrees.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Having
such a spike kicks in place lots of procedures so blood cultures were
taken, I was swabbed for infection and sent for a chest x-ray.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully,
as Sunday went on, my temperature level dropped back to normal but I
was left with a headache which wouldn't shift.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood levels also needed adjustment so I was prescribed three bags of
blood and a bag of platelets - these would take place through the
night so I wouldn't be getting much rest Sunday night either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
November 2, 2013</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />The
side-effects have arrived. My mouth is extremely sore and eating is
getting more challenging with every meal which passes. On top of
that, I am suffering bouts of stomach ache and my temperature is
beginning to climb again.<br />To round off what has been a difficult
day, I also needed another dose of the new chemotherapy-style drug
which I had for the first time on Thursday. I have this new drug on
days two, four, eight and 12 after transplant, so I have two more
doses left.<br />One of the main side-effects of this drug is a sore
mouth, so i am in for some troublesome days ahead. I have already
been advised that I may need morphine for the pain and liquid
food.<br />Not forgetting that my platelet level is low and so I needed
a transfusion.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
November 1, 2013</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />My
temperature behaved itself today, although I did feel cold in myself
and needed to wrap up more than usual. As the expected side-effects
slowly develop, I am beginning to feel more lethargic than I have
before.<br />During one of my rest periods, Stephen went to visit
another Burton patient who is being treated in another ward. It's
amazing the bond you can create with other families who are going
through extended periods in hospital themselves - especially when
they come from the same town as you. We wish them all the best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
October 31, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
still so far so good following my transplant. The nurses are keeping
a close eye on my temperature as they are predicting s spike at some
point but so far this hasn't happened. My temperature did steadily
climb for a while but then it corrected itself.<br />I have started a
new drug today which helps the new cells engraft to my bones to form
new marrow. It's potent stuff which not every patient can handle.
Unfortunately, it is another form of chemotherapy which brings with
it the same side-effects.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
October 30, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
so far so good with my new cells.<br />There was a noticeable
difference today in that I am no longer permanently connected to
various drips and drugs. I've had a couple of bags of fluid, but
nothing like on the scale of the previous week. It is just a waiting
game now. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
October 29, 2013 – Day Zero</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day has come – the day when I am going to receive my stem cell
transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s
funny in life how certain dates attract a lot of activity and October
29 is one of those dates for us.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not
only is October 29 the day I am due to receive my cells, it would
also be my late mother’s birthday, my late brother-in-law’s
birthday, and was also the day when one of my aunts died.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
so we waited, and waited . . . and waited for the cells to arrive. My
visitors arrived at the hospital before 11am so that they didn’t
miss the magic bag of cells. Unfortunately, storm St Jude had made
its way over to Germany and was playing havoc with the flights. My
cells did arrive in the ward on October 29 – at around 11pm - but
it was just after midnight when they were finally up on the drip
stand.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m
still always going to class October 29 as the day when I had my
transplant as this was the day when I first caught a glimpse of them
in giant red cool box.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BPD4Qk1mCm8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
October 28, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I was able to imagine that this time tomorrow, I should hopefully of
had my donor cells. My German donor can go home proud in the
knowledge that he or she has helped a complete stranger in a
different country who speaks a different language.<br />Did you go home
today with that sense of achievement? If not, sign up today and help
someone like me.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
October 27, 2013</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was the last phase of my chemotherapy. In theory, my body should be
almost fully ‘conditioned’ now for the transplant on Tuesday.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
the difference between me and you, is that you have a healthy bone
marrow producing infection-fighting white cells, whereas I don’t
have any bone marrow whatsoever.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
fact, the treatment I have received to ‘condition’ my body means
that my bone marrow would probably never recover on its own and a
transplant is now essential.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m
on a one-way street now with no turning back. So for all of you
hoping these storms give you a day off work or a day off school,
spare a thought that somehow through all of this chaos, a bag of stem
cells has got to make its way from Germany to Birmingham.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
October 26, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
radiotherapy over, it was time to start my weekend of chemotherapy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully,
I have coped with the side-effects of the drugs very well – the
biggest drawback has just been the vast quantity of liquid.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
chemotherapy this time has to be flushed through with saline, so you
can imagine with a litre of chemotherapy followed by a litre of
saline running alongside my usual array of liquid drugs, I am taking
in vast quantities of fluid.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Overall,
I am coping with the treatment so far very well. I am still eating my
meals and fully mobile. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
mystery donor will have probably been admitted to hospital by now as
they undergo further fitness tests and medical checks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
October 25, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was my last day of radiotherapy. When you're told that you will need
four days of radiotherapy with sessions twice a day, it sounds
daunting, but the process was actually much easier than I expected.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fingers
crossed, I haven't experienced any ill-effects from the radiotherapy
and I quite enjoyed my trips from my ward in the new part of the
hospital across the link bride to the old cancer department.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
I start my chemotherapy – I doubt if this will leave me feeling
quite as well.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
October 24, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
ended my Wednesday diary by saying that I was being started on a new
drip which commonly causes a fever. I can confirm that it does - I
felt awful.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
the drip lasted six hours, it was the early hours of the morning
before it finished, and then I needed a bag of platelets afterwards
too - meaning my bed time was closer to 3am.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully,
although extremely tired, by the morning the fever had passed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
day today has been fairly standard with two rounds of radiotherapy
and various bags of drugs. Unfortunately, by 6pm, I was due for
another dose of the fever-inducing drip. But this time, it was fine.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
October 23, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
sounds like a cliché, but today has been a day of two halves.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
the vast majority of the day, I have felt fine and I am coping well
with the total body irradiation. I have now had four sessions out of
eight, so I am half way there and to date, I haven’t suffered any
ill-effects.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
change in the day came around 6.30pm when I had my first dose of a
new drug. The common side-effect of this drug is a fever and so the
medical team did everything they could to minimise the discomfort. I
had steroids, paracetamol and an antihistamine before the drip and
the half-litre bag was delivered very slowly over six hours to help
my body cope better.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
drug helps to minimise rejection of a transplant – in my case a
bone marrow transplant – but I suppose it is also used for
preparing patients for organ transplants. You may therefore find it
strange to learn that this drug is commonly derived from horse or
rabbit antibodies.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
so my day ended with me getting the chills and turning very tired,
very quickly.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
October 22, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
treatment started in full swing today. I had my first dose of
radiotherapy in the morning and then another early evening.<br />As I
am having total body irradiation, this involved me sitting in a giant
chair with my knees tied together while I listened to music.<br />After
around 10 minutes, the radiotherapy machine was stopped and I was
spun around so that my complete body was targeted.<br />In between this
radiotherapy, I was started on a couple of different drips via my
Hickman Line.<br />Just before my visitors left for the day, I was
moved to a single side room with en-suite bathroom. Just as I had
wished for, it has a nice view over the city. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
October 21, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been a very quiet day in hospital today. As I arrived last night,
most of the pre-admission procedures had already been completed and
so there was very little activity today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
in a ward of four beds but I should move to my own private room very
soon.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
the process starts for real as I will have my first session of
radiotherapy just after 8am with another session late afternoon. This
will be the routine then until Friday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
October 20, 2013 – Return to hospital</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been an extremely busy day today - and I'm ending the day back in
hospital.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
had only been at Birmingham's half marathon for 20 minutes when we
got a call from the hospital to say a bed had become available today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
so although we had the best intentions of cheering on Burton Mail
reporter Rob Smyth and the rest of the Cure Leukaemia team, I had to
dash home to pack my suitcase so that we could drive all the way back
to Birmingham again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
made the day busier is that we started the day in Warwickshire as we
stayed over for the wedding yesterday.</span><br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-81440423229177346802013-11-24T15:52:00.000+00:002013-11-24T18:18:45.029+00:00Time at home - August to October 2013<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
October 19, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
last weekend before I return to hospital and there was just time to
squeeze in another wedding - this time in Warwickshire.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
preparations for this wedding have been on a knife edge for some time
as the date fell so close to my admission date, but thankfully
everything is running to schedule and we were able to attend. As my
hair is growing back now following my last batch of chemotherapy, I
was able to ditch the wig and escape with just a hat.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
October 18, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I posted my first batch of used stamps to charity. After struggling
to stuff the envelope into a post box we estimate there was just
under a kilo of mixed franked stamps. They haven't cost anything to
donate except a bit of time on our part trimming them from the
envelopes but hopefully they will raise just a few pounds for
Leukaemia Care.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You
don't need to pledge tens of pounds to help a charity. Collecting
used stamps or just using search engines such as everyclick.com
raises cash without it costing you a penny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
October 17, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
have been busy packing my suitcase today. Unfortunately, I am not off
to sunnier climes - however, I am likely to receive a sun tan on my
visit.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
I'm sure you've guessed, I'm starting to pack my bags ready for my
next stay in hospital and my sun tan will be the result of total body
irradiation.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my next hospital stay draws closer, my days are getting busier as I
am frantically trying to pull in lots of jobs I am likely to miss in
the next month when I am out of action. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By
the time I emerge from the hospital, Christmas will be just a couple
of weeks away so I am doing my preparations much earlier than usual.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
October 16, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
the postman delivered my confirmation letter, so Monday is still
D-Day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
letter confirmed that I needed to return to my old ward at the Queen
Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by 10am on Monday for some
pre-admission tests.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By
the afternoon I should have been swabbed for MRSA and other nasties
and my bloods will have been taken and tested.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Monday
is going to be very much like the day when you first check-in to a
hotel. You do all the preliminaries and unpack ready to hit the
ground running on Tuesday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
October 15, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the week before I return to hospital for more chemotherapy and
radiotherapy, my hair has started to grow back.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
brings with it a new period of itching, but at least I have hair
growth. As it is growing so well, I no longer bother with a hat in
public either.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
public perception of hair loss has changed in recent years. If I had
walked around with very little hair five or 10 years ago, somebody
would have made a comment. Nowadays, because hair loss is accepted as
the norm, nobody appears to notice never-mind make any form of
derogatory comment. Over time, the public has learned that one of the
most visible side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is hair
loss.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
October 14, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was back to Birmingham again today for a routine blood test and
check-up.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Everything
is going to plan and my blood results are looking good. As this was
my last check-up before I return to the ward, it was also a good
opportunity for us to ask any outstanding questions about the
transplant itself.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
October 13, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
countdown has started. This time next week, I will only be hours away
from returning to my ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in
Birmingham. As I have spent so much time in the ward before, I know
how the ward is split into non-transplant and transplant sections. I
also know that this time I will have my own private room with
en-suite bathroom. All I ask for is a window room so that I can look
out over the city, Internal rooms overlooking hospital corridors and
other wards are not as appealing. A city-view room will make bonfire
night far more entertaining.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
October 12, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
is easy to underestimate the impact my daily newspaper diary has on
readers.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not
a week goes by without a reader sending me a card, a letter, an email
or a donation to pass on to a charity. My thank you messages today go
to Mrs P Spencer and a reader identified only as 'J'.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">These
cards are truly touching, thank you for taking the effort to write to
me. Also, Mrs Spencer, I have sent your donation to a charity close
to my heart - Cure Leukaemia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
October 11, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was back to the hospital again today but only for a quick visit.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
dermatology team wanted to check the progress of the wound on my
back. Everything is healing okay, it's just a slow process.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was one of those visits when the journey to the hospital took longer
than the actual appointment, but that's okay as we would rather have
lots of these short check-up visits rather than no appointments at
all.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our
evenings are now spent cutting used stamps off envelopes - thank you
to everyone who has donated. They may not look much, but they are
worth pounds to the charities Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia &
Lymphoma Research.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbJ7kxc2GhjeAPnawEB16IMwfxGuTmj0hZMHSZiSZlAc6do6htXemv6M7ZX47FskcVTZTuIQM0s1eL4UbrGcGk3ZKa9LGMRPzAmWOV8mV8JptKKBsBFbaS5_dQz9jqnTI-zY6mtIutBo/s1600/Postbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbJ7kxc2GhjeAPnawEB16IMwfxGuTmj0hZMHSZiSZlAc6do6htXemv6M7ZX47FskcVTZTuIQM0s1eL4UbrGcGk3ZKa9LGMRPzAmWOV8mV8JptKKBsBFbaS5_dQz9jqnTI-zY6mtIutBo/s1600/Postbox.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday
October 10, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
expected, today was a busy day with numerous appointments for many
different tests at various departments of the Queen Elizabeth
Hospital in Birmingham.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
first lesson of the day was to never underestimate the potential
congestion you are likely to face when travelling 35 miles to
England's second city.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
made it on time - just - and went straight in for a lung function
test - simplified as blowing into a big machine. Next was nuclear
medicine where a radioactive dye was added to my bloodstream and then
it was off to cardiology for an ECG and ECHO test.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
all of these tests complete it was a waiting game as I needed to have
my bloods tested at hourly intervals. Tomorrow we're back at the
hospital again - this time for the dermatologist, and then we're back
again on Monday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
October 9, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
had a day off from the hospital today, but I will certainly make up
for it tomorrow and Friday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
will be the hardest and longest day to date as I need to have lung,
kidney and heart tests. As the kidney tests involve a dye being added
to my bloodstream, I will have to wait for repeat blood tests two,
three and four hours after the initial kidney test.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
bone marrow test from yesterday has healed well which is pleasing as
the last thing I need this close to transplant is a new infection or
a wound which refuses to heal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
October 8, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was back to the hospital again today for a bone marrow aspiration.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
test comes in two parts but patients don't always need both sections
to be completed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One
section involves a needle piercing your pelvic bone and withdrawing
some of the liquid bone marrow for testing. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
second, and most painful part, is when a tiny sample of pelvic bone
is extracted using a sharp cutting needle which is slowly turned by
the consultant. Imagine a cork being drilled by a corkscrew being
ever-so-slowly twisted.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately
for me, I needed both sections and although the consultant carrying
out the test was extremely understanding and sympathetic, there is
always going to be an element of discomfort with this procedure.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
bone marrow test today will be used as a baseline score. Around 100
days after my transplant, the results will be compared against these
results - the post-transplant results will hopefully show that my
cells are all of the donor variety and none of my own,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
October 7, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
marked the start of a very busy week of hospital appointments.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">First
on the agenda was a meeting with the radiologist who explained about
the total body irradiation I will be having the week before my
transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Patients
with cancer in a very specific area usually have radiotherapy aimed
only at that set part of their body, mine requires me to be zapped
head to toe, twice a day for four days. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
most common side-effects associated with radiotherapy are hair loss,
nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, lack of saliva, a sunburnt
complexion, fatigue and maybe a higher chance of developing
cataracts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was shown the giant chair I will be sat in for the process as I was
measured by a radiographer. Body measurements along with your height
and weight enable the doctors to precisely calculate the amount of
radiotherapy needed. The sessions themselves will be pain-free and
the state-of-the-art machines will allow me to listen to music during
the process.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Next
on today's agenda was a routine blood test at the clinic. All is
looking good on that front.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
October 6, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
promised, we are back into the swing of supporting various charities
again today and so we headed over to St George's Park for the Cure
Leukaemia football trophy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
match was between Glascote Swifts and EnglandFans FC and ended 7-3.
The teams or score didn't matter, we were there to support the
charity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been a busy weekend with Aston Villa on Friday night, Ride to the
Wall on Saturday and this charity football game today, but as I will
spend four of the next five days at the hospital, you might say this
weekend was my last big blow-out before my transplant.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
October 5, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hundreds
of people have supported my journey with leukaemia as they continue
to religiously read my diary in the newspaper and online or they
follow me on Twitter. Today was my day to show my own support.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately,
cancer has been a large part of my life for a few years. Leaving my
blood cancer to one side, we have had family members succumb to
pancreatic, breast, skin and lung cancer in the past years.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
today I left my vigorous cancer campaigning and awareness-raising to
one side as I attended the Ride to the Wall event at the National
Memorial Arboretum.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Surrounded
by an estimated crowd of 20,000 people, it was a moving experience to
watch the Military Wives choir perform and the Red Devils parachute
into the grounds. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was a day for remembrance, tomorrow I will be back making sure we
reach goals for earlier diagnosis, greater awareness and the eventual
aim of a cancer cure.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
October 4, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Friday
was a special day in my calendar as it was Cure Leukaemia's 10th
birthday and the charity had invited me to help them celebrate at
Villa Park.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
evening was superb with food cooked up by Michelin-starred chef Glynn
Purnell which paid tribute to Birmingham's heritage - with a menu
consisting of custard, chocolate and a special HP-inspired brown
sauce renamed GP sauce.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
Birmingham charity hosting their birthday party at a Birmingham
football club with a Birmingham chef meant there was a need a for
Birmingham host and this was charity supporter Adrian Chiles,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
did I achieve from the party? I spent the evening chatting to former
patients who are now cured following successful bone marrow
transplants. When you speak to people who are 26 years
post-transplant, you know you are in safe hands - the team at
Birmingham are in fact some the best hands in the world for leukaemia
care.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
October 3, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
large part of the day has been spent trying to find a pharmacy able
to prescribe some of the items on a prescription I now have for my
Hickman Line maintenance.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
the items are not medicines as such - more medical style equipment -
this has resulted in us trying three pharmacies in town. The third
pharmacy on the list is still looking into the possibility of
ordering in the items - but this too could result in a red light
first thing tomorrow. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hickman
Line bungs and pre-filled saline syringes are not exactly everyday
items for most people - they just happen to be important in our
household.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
October 2, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
telephone is far more active in our house since my leukaemia - and
many of these calls are various nurses or health workers.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today's
telephone calls brought mixed news. The good news in that a
prescription I have been trying to sort has been arranged while the
news I am not looking forward to is that I need to have another bone
marrow test.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
bone marrow test will take place next Tuesday meaning that we will be
at the hospital for four out of five days next week. Monday is the
visit to see the radiologist, Tuesday is the bone marrow, Wednesday
is free so far, Thursday is my busy day of various tests and Friday
is another trip to the dermatologist.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
October 1, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day started with the nurse coming to check the dressing on my back
and to flush my Hickman Line. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
need to be as fit and active as I can be before my transplant and so
regular walks of around a mile each time now have to be scheduled
into each day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lunch
was spent watching the DVD we were given at clinic yesterday on stem
cell transplants</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some
bits we knew but it was interesting to learn about the
post-transplant support and education meetings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
DVD heard from patients and nurses as well as many of the doctors who
I have seen over the months at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in
Birmingham. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Armed
with booklets, DVDs and a never-ending source of useful and useless
information on the internet, I am heading for my transplant knowing
pretty much everything there is is to know - both good and bad.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
September 30, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was back to the hospital again today for another routine blood test.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All
my results are fine and everything appears to be running like
clockwork with regards to the timing for my transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
dose of my medication has been increased slightly from 300mg twice
daily to 400mg twice daily which meant another trip to pharmacy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
bad news is that before my transplant I have got to have another bone
marrow test taken. I hate these tests but sadly they are very much a
common occurrence with my leukaemia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
left clinic today with some evening viewing for when there is nothing
on television (which is more often than not) - a DVD explaining the
transplant process.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
September 29, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
exactly a month to the date (29th) until I receive my donated stem
cells.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
week before this date I will be in hospital undergoing chemotherapy
and radiotherapy, so I have just three weeks to go.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
these three weeks are going to be busy as the hospital tests and
appointments crank up a gear as everything has to run like clockwork.
While I am going through my various tests, my donor - be it a man or
woman - in a city in Europe will be undergoing their own range of
blood tests and fitness tests. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Planning
such an operation takes immense teamwork between the NHS and Anthony
Nolan charity in this country and the equivalent counterparts in
another country. The factors of distance and language are just the
tip of the iceberg.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
September 28, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
letter I have been waiting for arrived with the postman today. It's
the details of an intensive day of tests I must complete before
transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day - on October 10 - will kick-off with a lung function test
followed by a kidney test whereby dye will be added to my
bloodstream. After this, it's down to cardiology for an ECG and ECHO
heart test. Not forgetting that I will have to have blood tests taken
two, three and four hours after the dye has been added to my body.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
promises to be a long and tiring day but one which is necessary
before transplant.</span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
September 27, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was hospital day again today as I had a CT scan booked for the
afternoon.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If
you remember from my days back in the ward, the doctors discovered
some nodules on my lungs. These have almost cleared up thanks to the
medicine I take daily, and so this CT scan is just another routine
check to make sure they are still vanishing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was the Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning today and it was
good to see a mobile trolley of tea and cake being wheeled around the
huge open spaces at the hospital.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
the weekend off, it's back to hospital on Monday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
September 26, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
back to the hospital again tomorrow for another CT Scan. Most people
are 'lucky' if they get to journey inside one of these giant
doughnuts once in their lifetime - this will be my second visit in
the past month and that's not counting the multiple occasions while I
was a patient in the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
new creams, lotions and face wash prescribed by the dermatologist
appears to be making a difference to the rash and dry skin on my
face. It had started to improve by itself as my body accustomed
itself to my tablets and now this added boost from these medicines
has made it near perfect. I'm also pleased to say that my back
appears to be healing well just lately - hopefully it will be almost
healed by the time I return to hospital for the transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
September 25, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now
the news is public about my transplant, I have been able to
kick-start a lot of charity and fund-raising work - my way of saying
thanks for the help I have already received and the help I may need
one day in the future.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
we collected another bag of medicines from the pharmacy - these are
bits the dermatologist on Friday requested. I now have a special face
wash to help the rash and dry skin on my face and I have another tube
of ointment. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thanks
to everyone who follows me on Twitter - this is a great way to help
promote various charities. My followers are increasing all the time
as I now reach close to the 90 mark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
September 24, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
we broke the news of my transplant on Monday, my diary for that day
was very much focussed on that news too.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
we did on Monday is spend the afternoon in Birmingham meeting with my
super team of consultant and transplant nurse. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
is so far so good as everything is running to plan with both my
results and the various hurdles my donor has to overcome. We're back
at the hospital again on Friday for another CT scan.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
today, the district nurse visited to check my back and to flush my
Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
reaction to my donor news continues to grow with lots of support and
messages of congratulations.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
September 23, 2013 – Breaking the news</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
big secret is now out in the open. You all now know that I have a
donor match and that I will be going in for the transplant (fingers
crossed) in late October.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over
the past couple of weeks it became increasingly difficult to keep the
news under wraps especially when I'm writing a daily diary. How do I
explain the reason why I suddenly need a dental check-up, a CT scan
or extra clinic appointments without revealing the reason why?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hopefully
you understand the reasons why the news had to be kept quiet for a
few weeks - as there are so many hurdles to overcome, we needed to
make sure we were on the home straight before revealing the finishing
post.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
I now need you to do is sign up to the bone marrow register yourself.
I have a donor, but does your neighbour, your relative or your friend
in need have one?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/n_RwDkcEDyE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/n_RwDkcEDyE&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/n_RwDkcEDyE&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
September 22, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was World CML Day. This probably means nothing to most of you, but
CML is the type of leukaemia I have - Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">World
CML Day is held on 22/9 for a reason. Here comes the scientific bit -
CML is the result of chromosomes 22 and nine mutating to create the
BCR-ABL gene, hence 22/9 is the perfect day to hold such a day. And
09.22 is a very special time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">World
CML Day is an important day when top physicians join forces to
discuss everything there is to know about CML, it is also a day when
people with CML celebrate life and show their appreciation for all
the wonderful work leukaemia doctors complete on a daily basis.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F9sYx4uVlKSKiCYjh080AoShzI7LHH1YQ0a-ScK6cBbO1ggHEPuuCsyhs8nkKMzXirY8sfXxTti3v5lT5KQS_Dt4fv9x3tn4zYWkBIYtVyoN_We-GQG_4aCic5ImOhgLca_VqSJ-qgM/s1600/CML+Day+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F9sYx4uVlKSKiCYjh080AoShzI7LHH1YQ0a-ScK6cBbO1ggHEPuuCsyhs8nkKMzXirY8sfXxTti3v5lT5KQS_Dt4fv9x3tn4zYWkBIYtVyoN_We-GQG_4aCic5ImOhgLca_VqSJ-qgM/s1600/CML+Day+logo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
September 21, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am continuing to itch - both from my scalp and my eyebrows.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You
would think with less hair that life becomes easier but it's really
quite the opposite. I am finding I am having to wash the minimal hair
I have more often as it becomes greasy much quicker than when you
have a full head of hair.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
Twitter account is only a week or so old and I am pleased that I am
already clocking up close to 50 followers - from all over the country
and abroad. Love it or hate it, social media is a very effective way
of getting a message across to a lot of people, fast, free and with
minimum effort.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
September 20, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
campaign to save used postage stamps for charity hit the headlines
today and it was encouraging to hear that within hours of the story
breaking, they had donations arriving at the office. We should soon
be able to raise a few pounds for some vital leukaemia charities
without it costing us anything.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was back to Birmingham for me today. My blood results were fine and I
am due to return on Monday for another meeting. Meanwhile, we spent a
few hours with the dermatologists who examined my back, the remnants
of the rash on my feet and the dry skin on my face.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was a long but very productive day at the hospital, finished as
usual, with a trip to the pharmacy for more cream. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
September 19, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
marks the start of a busy week with lots of day visits to the Queen
Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over
the next seven days I have at least four appointments booked - all on
separate days - and the results of any of them could mean extra
appointments on top as well.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
kick off tomorrow with a routine blood test in the clinic followed by
an appointment at the dermatology ward. These skin experts will want
to check on the progress of the skin biopsy on my back as well as
checking the remnants of the skin rash I had when I was an inpatient
on the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Next
week we have another CT scan plus a few appointments with various
consultants and specialists who need to chat about the next stages of
my care.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
campaign for used postage stamps has now started. Please save them
and drop them off at the newspaper office so that we can help
Leukaemia Care and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
September 18, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
have a strange phenomenon - itchy eyebrows.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Before
my hair started to fall out from the chemotherapy, I used to suffer
with a very itchy scalp. I am wondering if my eyebrows are now going
through a delayed version of the same process or if this itching is a
side-effect of my new tablets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Quite
a few hours today was spent dealing with charities as I plan to
launch a used stamp collecting scheme to raise money for charities. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
kilo of used stamps may only return about a fiver for the charity,
but it is five pounds more than if these used stamps went off to the
recycling plant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
more letters continue to arrive from the hospital - another CT scan
is booked for next Friday.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY5srhsfgZlDRK4tbuICJlLzpuPJHBpdvKyODeYq8zIzwosTG2NHLRMop_D9q1gwZjB2QehBfb8v5tHqjmRtg-Z8AddCi1ElbnofpLWCqizO9Cjbc0uqbYVm4hOzGN0eTvtnNnYCz20g/s1600/K+Sinfield+Images+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY5srhsfgZlDRK4tbuICJlLzpuPJHBpdvKyODeYq8zIzwosTG2NHLRMop_D9q1gwZjB2QehBfb8v5tHqjmRtg-Z8AddCi1ElbnofpLWCqizO9Cjbc0uqbYVm4hOzGN0eTvtnNnYCz20g/s1600/K+Sinfield+Images+(10).JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
September 17, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Leukaemia
coupled with the side-effects of various tablets, can make you very
tired and so I am still recovering from the weekend.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Add
to that the recurrent problem of an itchy scalp and the rash on my
face.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
a bid to ease my discomfort, Stephen piled the E45 cream onto my face
as if he was icing a cake - which relieves the itching but makes you
feel that you are smeared in grease.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
nurse also came today to change the dressing on my back and to flush
my Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
Friday we have an appointment with the dermatology team who carried
out the original skin biopsy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
September 16, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
busy weekend in London has taken its toll on me.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
have been extremely tired today as I slowly try to recover from late
nights and lots of walking. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
reduced energy levels mean that I am fine during all of these events,
I just have to pay a higher price for longer afterwards. A busy
weekend knocks me back for a couple of days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
also difficult to plan extended hours of rest when you have to be
aware of tablet and food timings so as not to mess up my ongoing
treatment. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
will be back to normal after a couple of days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
September 15, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Times
may be tough, but it is good to see so many people doing great things
for charity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday
while in London I saw lots of riders from the Bikeathon ride held to
raise funds for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity. While in
Newcastle, the Great North Run would have helped raise funds for
hundreds of different charities.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
will soon be time for our own charity fund-raisers to get pedalling
and get running for Cure Leukaemia. Please dig deep and sponsor Rob
Smyth and Geoff Merryweather on the Just Giving site.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
September 14, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was a very rare change for me - we went off to London for a wedding.
The Houses of Parliament to be precise.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of
course I had to be armed with a bag full of medicines and my
emergency medical card just in case I was taken ill, but we made it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Choosing
what to wear is now made increasingly tricky because of my Hickman
Line - anything too low-cut and you can see the dressing over where
the tubes protrude.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
new technique of hair nets and hair clips also meant that I managed
to wear my wig and a hat all day - and until I told them, nobody even
knew it was a wig.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
comes a time when people ask you where you had your hair done, that
you have to break it to them that it came out of a box.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQrcxhBkeW1k9oF9Ldkft0gx_Xsuv1da925ypRNa2yKTFLPEij632gZwCIuBa7J0J-sdSGQGXlnaa0Y52Xn3Oabege_HCTN4oy7GVaRcY5sjf0eezJmKZo-8hdTv4agBFqaVo0oVd3t4/s1600/Big+Ben1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQrcxhBkeW1k9oF9Ldkft0gx_Xsuv1da925ypRNa2yKTFLPEij632gZwCIuBa7J0J-sdSGQGXlnaa0Y52Xn3Oabege_HCTN4oy7GVaRcY5sjf0eezJmKZo-8hdTv4agBFqaVo0oVd3t4/s1600/Big+Ben1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
September 13, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
pleased to say that with copious amounts of E45 cream, my rash is
behaving - even though I am on higher dose medication.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've
also been experimenting more with my wig and after lots of trial and
error, I'm beginning to get used to wearing it - hair nets and hair
clips are the answer along with a lot of patience.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday
I mentioned I had set up a Twitter page @Leukaemia_and_K. I'm new to
this world of social media and so I am gradually getting to grips
with it and I'm slowly building followers. Thank you if you are one
of those.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
September 12, 2013 – Making it on to Twitter</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was back to Birmingham for another routine clinic appointment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
white cell count is now climbing steadily back to what is a normal
level and so the dosage of my new tablets has been increased. As
these tablets have caused me a few side-effects, I just hope this
increased dose doesn't mean more or worse effects.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
skin specialist also checked the wound on my back and it looks as
though everything is heading in the right direction - helped in part
by my increased white cells.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
the social media lovers, I have also set up a Twitter account. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
diary will continue as always, the aim of the Twitter feed is to
raise greater awareness of blood cancers and the charities battling
to combat the disease - principally, useful information I cannot fit
into these updates. You can follow me at @Leukaemia_and_K.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-cXJ6GEcKB8prb0JY6ndFdsIZsZj1wyk63ZJuyeK82dtQDvXi4tuD54Mt6rdi23Fqql3TJrZpaJ2nas3rFD0TarlQh-5pTra7G6Tl6mH_TUK6SCUotY6tW4BzSw85UVrPhZnOuYYSVs/s1600/Twitter+Profile+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-cXJ6GEcKB8prb0JY6ndFdsIZsZj1wyk63ZJuyeK82dtQDvXi4tuD54Mt6rdi23Fqql3TJrZpaJ2nas3rFD0TarlQh-5pTra7G6Tl6mH_TUK6SCUotY6tW4BzSw85UVrPhZnOuYYSVs/s1600/Twitter+Profile+image.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
September 11, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
involvement with so many health services means that life can be
pretty chaotic and unpredictable. Take for example a telephone call
at 12.45 today telling me that a space at the emergency dental clinic
had become available - and so we needed to be at the Stockland Green
Health Centre in the Erdington region of Birmingham by 3.30pm.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Admittedly,
events like this would be frantic for most people but we have become
more accustomed to these unpredictable days - we do of course have to
drive around with a hospital bag in the boot of the car at all times
just in case I take a funny turn.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
for the dentist . . . Everything went fine. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday
September 10</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If
I could get my hands on a big vat of Calamine lotion, I would dip my
head straight in.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
a few days now, my scalp has been itching. I have suffered from this
irritation once before when undergoing chemotherapy and put it down
to my hair follicles being killed off by the chemicals.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my hair follicles are already dead, the problem cannot be attributed
to the same cause this time. So after a little research on the
internet, I discover it is another common complaint caused by my new
tablets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Apart
from washing my head in bicarbonate of soda as one patient advises, I
am going to stick it out. According to these 'web experts', the
itching and my rash should disappear as my body gets used to the
tablets - we hope.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
September 9, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
the days progress, I am beginning to discover the true scale of the
side-effects of my new tablets - the main one being a rash.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To
help ease the redness and itching of this, we have turned to a tub of
E45 cream as recommended by the pharmacist.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my hair continues to thin, it's becoming increasingly necessary to
wear my hat. Although we have a very nice wig from the hospital, I
fear it will take some getting used to as it has s tendency to make
my scalp itch and so far I have only worn it for minutes at a time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
think I am going to be more of a hat and bandanna person rather than
a wig wearer.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
September 8, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
don't class myself as a hardcore football fan, but today there was a
match played which every club, fan and player should be proud of.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Former
Aston Villa and Celtic player Stiliyan Petrov hosted a charity match
in front of 60,000 fans to raise money for a new leukaemia charity he
is launching. The support of fans and the stellar line-up of players
was an amazing tribute to the former captain.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stan
as he is known to his fans, admits his leukaemia has been the darkest
and most frightening times of his life - as his tears at the end of
the match showed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Until
you have been through this hell yourself, you can't imagine how Stan
feels. It's unfortunate I know exactly how Stan feels.</span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
September 7, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
daily tablet ritual is now getting easier as my consultant on
Thursday stopped a few of the pills I was taking and my antibiotics
have now finished their course too.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
instead of taking an average of 14 tablets plus four spoonfuls of
medicine and two doses of foot cream each day, I am now down to a
mere four tablets plus my medicine and cream.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
the accountants reading this, I'm sure it must fill you with fear
that some of my tablets are rumoured to cost around £22 each.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
September 6, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Each
day the postman delivers letters from the hospital detailing more
appointments with different departments. Today's letter was to
confirm my visit to see the radiologist at the dedicated cancer
centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
meeting will allow the radiologist to plan his radiotherapy so that
it will have the best impact while it will allow us to ask questions
about the process. So far I already know that it is going to be two
sessions a day for four days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've
read that radiotherapy can give you a slight sun tan - as my
treatment is full body radiotherapy, I should be bronzed head to toe
afterwards.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
September 5, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We're
becoming a familiar and popular couple in the haematology clinic as
every consultant, pharmacist and nurse makes an effort to speak to us
on first name terms. I suppose they only see some people once every
couple of months for a check-up while they are seeing us twice a week
at the moment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was another very busy and productive day in clinic - and I was
checked over head to toe.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood counts have remained fairly stable and therefore I am sticking
to my current dose of two of the potent anti-cancer drugs each day.
As time goes on, I am noticing more blemishes on my skin and
suffering a few more headaches but these are common side-effects of
these tablets,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
consultant is arranging for me to see a specialist soft tissue
consultant next week so that they can assess my back. He also wants
me to have my teeth checked fairly soon and so instead of trying to
battle for a routine appointment at my usual dentist, I am booked in
to see the hospital dental team.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
CT Scan last week showed a slight improvement with whatever nodules
are on my lungs but as these haven't fully cleared, I am booked in
for another CT scan also.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've
also got kidney, liver and heart tests lined up over the next month.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
glad I'm not a hospital accountant as my shopping list of scans,
tests and specialists from today alone must cost tens of thousands of
pounds - not forgetting we left the hospital again with bags brimming
with repeat prescriptions and equipment to flush my Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
September 4, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
back to Birmingham again tomorrow, but what's significant about this
appointment is that it was booked in early May. This appointment was
booked before everything kicked into overdrive and is an example of
how simple life could have been.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Instead
of having months of freedom between visits, I am barely having two
days go by without either a return visit to hospital or a visit at
home from a health worker.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Instead
of having weeks of glorious sunshine at home or abroad throughout
June, July and August, I spent most of my time confined to a hospital
bed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
pleased with the stage I am now at with my treatment, but it has been
a hard process to get to this point and I would have preferred not to
have seen Birmingham at all between May 7 when the appointment was
booked and September 5.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
September 3, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
side-effects from my new tablets are now developing. Thankfully, the
headache I suffered for a few hours on Sunday hasn't returned but I
am developing slight skin rashes and blemishes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
nurses came today to flush my Hickman line and check my skin biopsy
site - as I am likely to need these two intrusive silicon tubes
poking out of my chest until the middle of next year, I am gradually
learning new ways of showering and dressing myself without getting
them wet or without ripping them out of the main vein they connect to
inside.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
September 2, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
we headed back to Birmingham for some precautionary blood tests
because of the new tablets I am taking.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
white cell count continues to rise meaning that I am now able to
double my dose of these new pills. The bad news is that my
haemoglobin - my red cell count - has fallen again and so I am
expecting a blood transfusion when next in Birmingham on Thursday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">More
good news today is that the A38 tunnels which have been closed for
six months have reopened - shaving a good 20 minutes off the journey
time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
September 1, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
back to Birmingham again tomorrow for another check-up as my doctors
see how well I have taken to my new potent anti-cancer drugs called
Nilotinib.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One
of the common side-effects alongside tiredness and nausea is a
headache and that's what I've suffered with for a few hours today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
far I appear to be coping okay with these new tablets, I'm just keen
to see what impact they have had on my body - the white cell count
and platelet levels we have been waiting for to increase will now
have taken a knock backwards.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
August 31, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
hair continues to fall out by the handful - especially after it has
been washed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
surprised I still have as much left as I do because it has been
falling out on a daily basis since I started the Flag/Ida
chemotherapy at the end of June.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
the wound on my back was checked and dressed by a specialist nurse
and I've now fallen into a routine with the many tablets I now take
on a daily basis.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
August 30, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
so far so good with my new regime of tablets - in terms of
side-effects anyway.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
downside is that I am struggling to know when to eat because of the
strict timings. I'm hoping that once I have ironed out a strict
timetable, this will become easier.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
tablets stipulate I cannot eat two hours before taking them or an
hour after taking them - which is fine, unless you are taking
multiple pills which share the same rules and ideally shouldn't be
taken at the same time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
return to Birmingham on Monday to see how these tablets are
performing - if the consultant is happy, they will double my dose
meaning tablets in the morning and evening.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
skin biopsy wound on my back is still a worry especially as it is now
quite painful.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
August 29, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been a long, busy and productive day in Birmingham and so there's
plenty of news.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
cell count has now increased to 2.4 which means I am now able to
start taking some new anti-cancer tablets which I will continue to
take until transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Before
my leukaemia escalated, I was able to control my condition with six
daily Imatinib (Glivec) tablets. These new tablets are a more potent
and advanced variety of these called Nilotinib.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
these new tablets are so potent - bringing with them a new batch of
side-effects - I am due back in Birmingham on Monday for another
check-up.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some
trivia for you - patients taking my medication cannot eat grapefruit
or Seville oranges.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
spoke in detail today with one of the specialist transplant nurses
who explained that because of my age, I am also going to have to have
radiotherapy as well as more chemotherapy prior to transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He
also explained how the process works in tandem with any potential
donor who has his/her own set of hurdles to overcome as they are
tested for matching as well as being screened for hepatitis and HIV. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lots
of nurses took an interest in the wound on my back today and so we
also had to make a visit to my old ward to collect some specialist
dressings for my daily district nurses. A swab was taken to check for
infection and as a precaution, I have been prescribed a new batch of
antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Not
forgetting of course that today I also had to have a CT scan - the
results of which will be revealed on Thursday when we return to
Birmingham for the second visit of the week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my treatment starts to escalate, it looks as though I will be
gradually increasing my visits to Birmingham week on week until I am
admitted again for transplant which will be an intensive four or five
week stint in ward 625.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
left today's five-hour visit to Birmingham with a carrier bag
brimming with new tablets and booklets to read on preparing for
transplant. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Things
are certainly moving in the right direction and plenty of work is
going on behind the scenes to find and match a donor.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
August 28, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
is D-Day again and it's hard not to feel anxious before my next
session of tests in Birmingham.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We're
expecting the visit to be lengthy as I have got to have a CT scan as
well as my regular blood tests.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
nurses came today to check my wound and as it's now quite painful,
they share the same concerns as me. It's almost six weeks since this
wound started to cause me problems but my lack of platelets means my
healing time is far slower than normal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
a positive note, my dad was discharged from Glenfield Hospital in
Leicester today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
August 27, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
the rare occasion when I managed to watch some television in-between
our trips to Leicester, I caught the new Anthony Nolan charity
advert.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yes
it is hard-hitting and as is typical today, many go online and vent
their disappointment at how the advert is the same old 'sob story'.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Living
with leukaemia is not a sob story, it is very real. It is a killer
condition which doesn't care whether you are young or old, fit or
unhealthy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Only
one in three people find the life-saving bone marrow donor they
desperately need. One survives, two won't - how do you make this
message into anything but a sob story?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
August 26, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
may be a bank holiday but my routine remains the same.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
nurse came to check my skin biopsy dressings while I followed the
strict timetable of tablets and medicines while Stephen kept a check
on my temperature.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
well as visiting my dad in Leicester I spent a few hours trying to
drum up sponsorship support for Rob and Geoff from the Mail who have
put themselves forward to raise cash for a charity close to my heart
- Cure Leukaemia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
August 25, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am getting a little compulsive when it comes to alcohol cleansing
hand gel.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While
my cell count is low, I have to be careful not to subject myself to
infection risks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
while my dad is recovering in hospital, this is harder said than done
and so I am compulsively cleaning my hand with gel while Stephen bans
me from touching door handles or hand rails and we now always take
the stairs rather than risking confined lifts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
well as having a low cell count, I also have low platelet levels
which means I am still not allowed to drive - I haven't driven since
the weekend before I was diagnosed in April.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
August 24, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
celebrating as I have white half-moon shapes on the base of each of
my nails.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Most
of you probably think I am mad as everyone has these shapes known
medically as lunula.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
did have them, but then earlier this year before I was diagnosed,
mine vanished completely.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
thought the obvious that it was maybe a calcium or protein deficiency
but never investigated further as you can't really go to your doctor
just to ask why your half-moons have vanished.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
believe mine was another sign of the serious illness taking hold
within my body. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Leukaemia
messes up your blood as it kicks into overdrive producing endless
white cells and with so many white cells to support, I probably was
calcium and protein deficient as well as being anaemic.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
are finding lots of niggles which we discounted as being significant
on their own, when added up together, form the common side-effects of
leukaemia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
August 23, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was a worrying day as my dad went for a 'cabbage'.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
correct medical term is 'CABG' (coronary artery bypass graft surgery)
- better known to me and you as a heart bypass.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
packed up my Mary Poppins' bag of medicines to last me for a few
hours and anxiously waited in the intensive care department for my
dad to exit following four-and-a-half hours of surgery.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully,
everything went to plan and although unconscious, his progress is
good.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You
know you have spent far too many hours in hospital when you can chat
to nurses in technical language about various bits of apparatus and
drugs.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
August 22, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
thousands of teenagers awaited their GCSE results, I waited anxiously
for my latest blood results.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
bad news is that the latest super-strength medication I have been
taking for my lung infection has the known side-effect of lowering
certain blood cell levels - and this is what has happened.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
cell count has dropped from 1.2 white cells last week to 1.1 today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
doctors need my count to rise so that we can start some new
anti-cancer tablets before any possible transplant can take place.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
looks as though I will soon be making two trips each week to the
clinic in Birmingham as we slowly move towards the next stage in my
treatment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
my dad undergoes a quadruple heart bypass tomorrow in Leicester.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
August 21, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
return to Birmingham tomorrow for my weekly check-up.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
we are really hoping for is news on when I will be returning to ward
625 for my transplant.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
love my time away from the hospital but what we all know is that I
have at least another month or two of treatment to come and therefore
I want to get these necessities over and finished sooner rather than
later.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
is nearly September now and clearly with a month or two of treatment
to come, I certainly don't want to be residing in ward 625 close to,
or worse still, over Christmas.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
has been my usual routine of a nurse visit and then over to Leicester
for visiting.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Finally,
it was a shame to hear fellow-leukaemia sufferer and former ward 625
patient, Stiliyan Petrov, (former Aston Villa captain) has had to
take a break from his new job following his remission from the
condition. I wish him well.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
August 20, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I had three nurses arrive to flush my Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Remember
my Hickman Line consists of two white plastic tubes which dangle from
my chest, they then burrow beneath my skin and are connected to a
main artery in my neck.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At
the end of these tubes are rubber connectors which can be screwed
onto syringes for the quick and easy administration of drugs or for
blood to be taken for testing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
unfortunate part about these tubes is that they are prone to
infection and so the nurses came to flush the tubes and change the
nozzles. This is going to be a regular task as I have these tubes in
place for up to 18 months.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've
had my CT scan confirmation letter for next Thursday in Birmingham
and my dad is still waiting in Leicester for what we now believe to
be a quadruple heart bypass. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
August 19, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
skin biopsy site has been quite painful over the weekend and so I was
pleased when the district nurse arrived this morning to give it a
thorough check.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
still continues to weep and needs regular re-dressing but it is
starting to heal. The dermatology clinic at Birmingham has also sent
me a an appointment to have it checked over again in September.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
dad's had news about his condition, and it looks as though he will be
having a triple heart by-pass on Friday. Thankfully, the timing has
worked so that I am out of hospital while he is in hospital.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
August 18, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
continue to play visitor rather than patient as my dad remains in
hospital.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since
being discharged myself, we are now coping well with the endless
timetable of tablets, medicines and creams and Stephen does a good
job in between the nurse visits to make sure the dressings on my back
and around my Hickman Line are clean and tidy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We're
expecting a busy week with my usual clinic check-up on Thursday plus
the potential for a visit to the dermatology ward and maybe a chat
with the bone marrow transplant nurses also due any day. Plus between
all of those slots in Birmingham, we will be visiting my dad in
Leicester as well.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
August 17, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my dad remains in hospital in Leicester, I had to contact my ward in
Birmingham to check on visiting advice.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Because
my low white cell count leaves me prone to infection, I was allowed
to visit but it had to be kept short and sterile.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
enjoying my freedom away from hospital but until my counts improve, I
have to be extremely careful as to where I go and who I see. I am
also getting used to completing daily tasks without catching the two
dangling tubes from my Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stephen
is being a good nurse keeping my temperature monitored - 36.9 was
the figure today. If it hits 38 or above, I am back in Birmingham
within the hour.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
August 16, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
may be home but I am also extremely busy. The morning started with a
visit from my district nurse and then before lunch I had spoken to
specialist nurses in Birmingham on the telephone three times,
collected a prescription from my GP and then travelled around Burton
searching for a pharmacy which stocked the required medicine,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
reason behind this adventure is that my bronchoscopy results from
last week now show an infection on my lungs and the tablets needed to
treat this condition are so rare it took us to four different
pharmacies in the town to track down the medication.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
would have been the day we flew to Venice ready to board a cruise
ship for our holiday - a lesson for everyone to make sure they have
good travel insurance.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
August 15, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
a day at home, it was back to the hospital again today - but this
time as an outpatient at the haematology clinic.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood count is still recovering - the current cell count is just 1.2.
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
good news is that there is growing optimism that I may not have to
undergo a second round of the Flag/Ida chemotherapy I have just been
through, instead, we may move straight to a bone marrow transplant -
if a donor can be matched.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
as I enjoy time at home, my dad is now in hospital at Leicester. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
a never-ending cycle of trauma and hospitals in our household.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
August 14, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
was has been my first full day at home since June 24.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
despite being home, my medical treatment continues. The district
nurse arrived to check and change my dressings first thing and then
my day revolved around a timetable of tablets, creams and medicines.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
managed to venture outdoors to the convenience store but this was
quite a challenge - I'm not used to walking more than 50 metres at
any one time. It's going to take a while before my energy levels
return to normal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
also immensely aware of being too close to people who I haven't been
in regular contact with in the past few weeks for fear of infection -
my regular band of visitors have spent so many hours confined to the
same hospital ward as me, they are unlikely to be carrying any new
infections.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
also marked the day that I was able to open all of my cards and
presents as I didn't get chance to open any yesterday.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238536269970317704.post-4776339773756687822013-11-06T22:25:00.001+00:002013-11-24T18:16:10.302+00:00Chemotherapy - June to August 2013 - Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham<div lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
August 13, 2013 – Discharged from hospital</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Good
news, apart from being my birthday, today I was also allowed home.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Before
you pull the party-poppers, the reality is that it was gone 9pm
before I managed to set foot out of the ward and so not getting home
to Burton until 10.20pm meant my cards and presents have remained
unopened.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
leaving presents from the hospital included a bag of dressings to
give to the district nurses for my back and a bag of new nozzles,
clamps and cleaning fluid for my Hickman Line which remains in place.
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
pharmacy team also equipped me with endless different tablets,
medicines and a bottle of that awful anti-fungal fluid. So many that
I need a timetable to ensure I remember them all.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Leaving
was difficult because after more than seven weeks in hospital, you
accumulate a lot of stuff and so Stephen's present from me was two
trips to the car with two small suitcases, two holdalls and endless
carrier bags - I don't travel light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRO2ASZ2-yark_p_INdVSoFuhYpv2-cxIfPJJL5r8uetvohvjV2VgmwPC7tVsM6icht_AqT9sE-V-NECyFWG5sYHFAW1begv6o8uQC1c-pphbsKPKWJ0UH9PrxBdcWsLN87dnp-2QfOo/s1600/Katherine+Hospital+6Aug13+Img1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRO2ASZ2-yark_p_INdVSoFuhYpv2-cxIfPJJL5r8uetvohvjV2VgmwPC7tVsM6icht_AqT9sE-V-NECyFWG5sYHFAW1begv6o8uQC1c-pphbsKPKWJ0UH9PrxBdcWsLN87dnp-2QfOo/s1600/Katherine+Hospital+6Aug13+Img1.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
August 12, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
the first time I made an entire day without having to be connected to
some form of drip.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
as I start my eighth week in hospital today, it is only fitting that
eight doctors should come to visit me.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Progress
is good. Hopefully home this week and there is talk of finding some
tablets to keep my condition under control for the days I am at home.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
for the fungus on my lungs, a team in London are taking a closer look
at that problem.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
my birthday tomorrow and it looks as though I will be spending at
least part of the day in the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
August 11, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
started the morning with a refreshing shower which really helps to
revitalise your mind and body. It does have one drawback in that it
means all of my dressings need to be redone.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
doctors continue to be pleased with my progress but it looks as
though I will still be in the ward as we start my eighth week in
hospital.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
new anti-fungal drip I have started may have side-effects on my
kidneys and so I spent most of the afternoon hooked up to a giant bag
of saline.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
downside to this is that it tied me to the ward for hours on end -
thankfully, the doctors agreed to pause the drip so that I could
spend some time out of the ward at the hospital restaurant. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
August 10, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Day
48 for me in Birmingham was relatively quiet. The haematology
department rotates doctors on a fairly frequent basis to keep the
team fresh and on their toes, and so today was my first meeting with
the new batch of doctors.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
progress is good and everybody is hopeful that I can spend some time
away from the hospital for my birthday on Tuesday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
skin biopsy site is still healing and so I had three doctors and two
nurses take a look at it today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
medication list is now minimal with just a new style anti-fungal drip
and some additional foul-tasting fungus liquid.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
August 9, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I've
reverted back to being a patient again today after enjoying a few
hours off the ward in the past couple of days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
preparation for my lung inspection - a bronchoscopy - I was given
three bags of platelets. I was also nil-by-mouth which meant I would
miss out on breakfast and lunch.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was taken down for the procedure at around 1.15pm and was given a
dose of sedation through a cannula in my arm and an anaesthetic spray
- but as usual with sedation, it didn't really work and I felt every
movement.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am pleased that I wasn't 'knocked out' for the procedure as I was
able to view every movement as the camera went from lung to lung
until we found the mass in question.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was still smiling when I returned to the ward as the procedure went
far better than I anticipated.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
skin doctors visited again in the afternoon and I was hooked up to a
new custard-coloured anti-fungal drip in the evening.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
August 8, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been a busy day for me today but I still managed to grab a bit of
time out of the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">First
was the visit by two foot doctors followed by my four specialist
doctors.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then
we had another CT scan, the four stitches removed from my skin biopsy
and then another bone marrow biopsy. All intermingled with a couple
of drips and a handful of tablets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
didn't venture far on my outing from the ward today - but just a trip
to the hospital restaurant is still an adventure.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
I got back to the ward at 9pm I was given some unexpected news by the
specialists. The CT scan is still showing up a lung nodule and so I
am placed on another custard-coloured anti-fungal drip and put on a
nil-by-mouth regime again as I have got to have a camera placed into
my lungs tomorrow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
August 7, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
did it again. My cell count on Tuesday was the magic 0.5 figure which
was my key to getting out of the ward.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And today, I am climbing
fast at 1.1.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My medication list is now fairly minimal with the
anti-fungal drip switching to every two days instead of every day and
many of my antibiotics have now completed their course.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As I was
out of the ward much earlier today, it gave me time to make the
journey home to Burton before returning to the ward at 10pm.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A lot
depends now on how they opt to progress with my treatment as to
whether I will soon be home for a few days or weeks or if the next
phase starts now.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday
August 6, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
made it, at last. My first sight of the outside world and fresh air
in the past 44 days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bit
before I could venture into the outside world I had my usual range of
drips and the dressings on my skin biopsy wound changed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
doctors reminded me again about the need for a fresh bone marrow
biopsy and so I suspect this procedure is getting closer.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By
the time all of this treatment for the day was complete, it was
around 5pm and I was told to be back on the ward by 10pm.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was pleased in that I managed to walk the entire distance from the
ward to the car park - which considering the size of the hospital -
is an extremely long way when you haven't really moved much in seven
weeks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
had a nice evening out before arriving back at the ward at just
before 10pm. Now I have done this once, hopefully more outings can
follow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
August 5, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
daily game of cell count yo-yo continues as I have dropped again from
0.4 to 0.3.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Always
so close but not quite close enough to hit the magic 0.5.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
marked the start of my seventh week at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
in Birmingham and aside from my ping-pong cell counts, the doctors
are pleased with my progress.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
skin doctor visited again today to examine my feet and it looks as if
his next job will be to take some sample clippings of my toe nails,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
it looks as though I have another CT scan and maybe another bone
marrow biopsy on the cards sometime this week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
consisted of my usual batch of anti-fungal and antibiotic drips as
well as two bags of blood.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
August 4, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Another
quiet day on the ward without too much news to share with regards to
cell counts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My temperature and blood pressure remains stable
while I continue to have endless bags of antibiotics connected to my
Hickman Line along with my usual anti-fungal drip and a bag of
platelets.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow marks the start of my seventh week in
Birmingham and hopefully my last for a little while as my ambition is
to be home this week as it's our fifth wedding anniversary on Friday
and my 33rd birthday next Tuesday and I want to celebrate both at
home.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
August 3, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">More
good news was on the cards today as my neutrophil cell count is now
0.4.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Remember
the magic number I have to hit on two consecutive days before I am
allowed home is 0.5.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yes
it's close, but it's too early to get the bunting out as there's also
a lot riding on my temperature and blood pressure remaining stable,
and me being able to have the many medicines I take in drip form
being available in tablet form.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
future treatment is still undecided and so nobody knows yet if I will
need to repeat this intensive course of super-strong Flag/Ida
chemotherapy or if we take a different approach - the results will
hinge on yet another bone marrow biopsy. At the moment, my main
ambition is just to be able to go home after this first round which
has so far taken 41 days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
August 2, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Another
busy day on the drip front but with only one of my two Hickman Line
inputs being used today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day was fairly mundane compared to some of the hectic days I have had
recently. My only specialist visitor today other than my usual team
of doctors was a skin consultant. She took another look at this
biopsy wound on my back and gave the ward nurses directions on how to
apply a new steroid-based cream I have been diagnosed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Overall,
both the rash on my feet and the skin biopsy site are healing very
well. There has been a vast improvement in both over the past couple
of days - the pain has also subsided a little although I continue to
take my daily dose of codeine. Today was also the first time in a few
days I have been able to contemplate walking along the ward corridor
for some gentle exercise.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over
the past couple of days the menu on the ward has altered giving me
fresh enthusiasm at mealtimes. When I first arrived at Birmingham I
thought the menu was superb, but even the best menus start to feel
repetitive when you clock up six weeks on the ward. This redesign is
a much-needed boost in the fight to keep me enthused.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
said on Monday that I was optimistic of coming home for a few days
this week. Clearly things didn't quite go to plan as I am still here.
Let's run the same optimism again and say I hope to be home one day
next week - which will be the start of my seventh week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
magic number for my neutrophil count today was 0.3, so things are
certainly heading in the right direction for an escape next week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
August 1, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
has been another busy day with lots of medical activity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood cell count continues to ping-pong between 0.1 and 0.2 - today I
am back down to 0.1 after celebrating 0.2 yesterday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At
around lunchtime I was taken for an ultrasound on my spleen. A common
side effect of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia is an enlarged spleen and
although mine has reduced quite a bit over the weeks, the doctors
want to make sure it returns to normal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Soon
after returning from this I was visited by a specialist wound nurse
who wanted to check the skin biopsy site on my back. The medical term
for the rare condition causing pain and inflammation around my wound
is pyoderma gangrenosum - a form of skin ulcer often associated with
certain blood disorders and surgical procedures.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
afternoon was then just a mass of drips with both Hickman Lines
continually on the go and two automatic drip pumps bleeping at random
intervals. My intake today was the usual anti fungal treatment, many
different antibiotics and potassium.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
are six weeks into my daily diary and the Burton Mail's campaign and
I continue to receive messages of praise and encouragement. It
pleases me when people realise that this isn't just a campaign about
me - it is a campaign to help every sufferer of leukaemia, whether
they have CML like myself, AML, CLL, ALL or even the rare 'hairy
cell' leukaemia. (I bet you didn't realise until now quite how many
disguises 'leukaemia' has - each having completely different symptoms
and requiring different treatments).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am just the focal point of the campaign because through Stephen, I
have strong links to the media and I am willing to share details
about my route to recovery if it encourages more blood and bone
marrow donors, and if it helps to raise awareness of the condition
while hopefully helping the dedicated leukaemia charities such as
Cure Leukaemia and the Anthony Nolan Trust raise much-needed funds.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
July 31, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What
links Birmingham to Bristol? Yes there is the M5 but my blood is now
also linking top specialists at these two centres of excellence.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Readers
will be aware that it is fairly common for me to need at least two
and sometimes three bags of blood a day. You would expect with this
much new blood being pumped into my system that my daily blood tests
would show big improvements.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However,
it is suspected that my body isn't a fan of this new blood and often
starts destroying it almost as soon as it is administered - on the
plus side, today's results did show an improved haemoglobin level and
my magic number today for my cell count is 0.2.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While
the medical experts take a closer look at my blood, I have spent my
day having the usual antibiotic and anti-fungal drips as well as the
additional extras of a bag of potassium and that new chewable calcium
tablet.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meanwhile,
the nurses took a closer look at the skin biopsy wound on my back to
make sure it was clean and healing to plan. My form of leukaemia can
spread to the skin and clearly this has been a concern of the
specialists - thankfully, mine is just a nasty infection rather than
anything cancerous.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Despite
the weather being awful in Birmingham again today, it would have been
nice to have been allowed out of the ward as the hospital hosts a
monthly farmers' market in its grounds. If you haven't visited the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, you will be amazed at the
size and scale of the site - it's the only hospital I know with a
permanent fruit and veg stall by the main entrance and its own WH
Smith and Costa Coffee - not that I have had any opportunity to visit
them in the past 38 days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
July 30, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was desperately hoping that I would be home by today as it's my dad's
birthday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
instead of the usual cards, cake and presents, the celebrations have
been put on hold until I am allowed home for a few days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
cell count is still yo-yoing and is back to 0.1 again today. I need
at least two consecutive daily counts of 0.5 or above to be allowed
out of the ward or home.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
daily schedule of treatment is now pretty intensive as almost every
drug I take is administered intravenously through my Hickman line.
This means the day and most of the night is a constant cycle of drip
changes, line flushes and warning bleeps on the automated pumps.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
pain from the skin biopsy site is subsiding a little. Tomorrow it
will be seven days since the procedure and so I will soon have to
have the four external stitches removed. The eight dis-solvable
stitches inside the wound will probably also start to disappear.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
new medication to my ritual today was the addition of a chalky
strawberry-flavoured calcium capsule. I'm not sure if this was a
one-off booster tablet or if this will become a regular feature.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
haven't spoken about my diminishing hair for a few days. It continues
to fall out but at a much slower rate. As my hair was very thick
originally, it continues to look normal but just much thinner.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
hair loss may gradually subside as the chemotherapy works its way out
of my system - only to take a further battering when I repeat the
chemotherapy process for stage two of my treatment. Apparently the
good weather returns later in the week - hopefully just in time fir
my exit from the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
July 29, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
marks the start of my sixth week at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in
Birmingham, and despite my health taking on a yo-yo effect over the
past couple of days, I now feel I am on the upward bounce rather than
heading downwards.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since
my new antibiotics have been switched to intravenous rather than
tablet form, I haven't experienced the awful nausea I suffered
yesterday and my temperature is now well under control.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am back on food and drink after being nil by mouth overnight
following my sickness bout yesterday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
scientists in the lab have also worked their magic and have
discovered exactly what is causing the infection around my skin
biopsy site. As is usually the case with my conditions, this too is
an extremely rare bacteria known by the name serratia.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
treatment continued late into the night with yet more antibiotics and
a few bags of blood.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
continue to be touched by the words of encouragement and support, and
my latest round of appreciation goes to the team at Brownz Hair Salon
in Horninglow who have offered their assistance with any future
fund-raising events.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
diary is as much about helping others with leukaemia as helping
myself, and if we can pull off a fund-raiser later in the year for a
dedicated leukaemia charity such as Cure Leukaemia, then we
accomplish that goal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
July 28, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'M
a little bit like a yo-yo as one day my health is good and then the
next it takes a tumble.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
same can be said for my cell counts, they are rising, but again they
are taking on a yo-yo formula with my counts over the past 24 hours
bouncing between 0.2 and 0.1.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
sore on my back is getting worse with now a red inflamed area
stretching beyond the realms of the dressing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
doctors prescribed me two more antibiotics to help combat this
infection (taking my daily antibiotic tally up to five) and it was
one of these which caused the yo-yoing of my health today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Less
than an hour after taking this new tablet I felt nauseous and was
finally sick.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am constantly impressed by the staff and doctors on my ward and today
was no exception - within minutes I had two doctors and a team of
nurses by my bed. Nothing is left to chance and the misguided belief
that doctors only work Monday to Friday is certainly not the case in
this ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">New
drugs were immediately ordered (intravenous this time rather than
tablet form) and I was put on a nil-by-mouth regime until Monday
morning. Further blood tests were taken and I was given a dose of
anti-sickness medication through my Hickman Line. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
soon recovered from my nausea and then had the frustration of not
being allowed anything to eat or drink.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
celebration that me cell count has started to rise to short-lived as
something else comes along to set me back a little. But I'm
determined and by tomorrow I will have yo-yoed forward again. To aid
my recovery I was also given two bags of platelets and a drip of
tranexamic acid which is used to help clot the blood.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
July 27, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday
was a Champagne celebration while today is back to reality.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
were warned by the doctors yesterday that my neutrophil count was
susceptible to going down as well as rising and therefore, my count
today is back to zero. At least it stayed at 0.1 for a few hours
proving that it can be done.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Leaving
the figures aside, the most important aspect is the bone marrow
sample which is being monitored as it sits on a Petri dish in the
lab. What the scientists are searching for is evidence of remaining
bad cells which have escaped the chemotherapy - thankfully, no bad
cells have been found.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
have been extremely tired today - I think it is the culmination of
weeks without proper sleep, a few nights of feverish temperatures and
a build-up of worry and anxiety. Not forgetting the ongoing pain
caused from the skin biopsy. The codeine doesn't appear to be making
a difference so I may have to opt for something stronger. I am trying
to avoid the likes of morphine for as long as possible in the hope
that the pain should subside on its own once the wound begins to
heal.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Until
this happens, my back feels like it is being branded with a red hot
poker continuously making it uncomfortable to sit, lie, walk or
stand.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood levels need a boost and so I needed a bag of platelets and two
bags of blood as well as my staple diet of anti-fungal treatments,
antibiotics and a bag or two of normal saline.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJAxp8rFEw0nNsS3q_rk2Bj1iKJlViaAzp-ezU6kPScNOnSBSFB0C09NoA6Q2huSiylRx9ukMLgeShuqEdWEgNskNCqgF3DmbOtqMZ-uG_Dwgb7B51VBJJQ0bCiFmd30fxZOHUCdPLjI/s1600/Queen+Elizabeth+Hospital6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJAxp8rFEw0nNsS3q_rk2Bj1iKJlViaAzp-ezU6kPScNOnSBSFB0C09NoA6Q2huSiylRx9ukMLgeShuqEdWEgNskNCqgF3DmbOtqMZ-uG_Dwgb7B51VBJJQ0bCiFmd30fxZOHUCdPLjI/s1600/Queen+Elizabeth+Hospital6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
July 26, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Day
33 in hospital and it's time to pop the champagne corks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
the past few days I have been working myself into a frenzy with
worry.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Readers
of my diary will know that on Wednesday, I was sent for a fresh bone
marrow biopsy. What readers didn't know is that the results were
likely to be one of three scenarios:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Scenario
one would indicate that the chemotherapy had worked as hoped but my
body was just taking a while to recover. Scenario two would indicate
that the chemotherapy had killed everything and a bone marrow
transplant would be more urgent. And the third scenario would require
the doctors to sit down with me to 'discuss the way forward'.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clearly
scenario one is the most desirable, scenario two is acceptable but
not ideal, and the third scenario doesn't warrant discussion.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You
can probably guess with the popping of Champagne corks that I fall
into the first and most desirable scenario. My neutrophil count (a
type of white cell) is now 0.1. After weeks of hitting zero every
time, that one decimal point is equal to six lottery numbers.
Furthermore, the bone marrow test failed to detect any remaining bad
cells but the doctors will keep an eye on it as it is grown in Petri
dish the lab.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
good news puts my other bad news in the shade - but last night I had
the worst night imaginable. I was practically cooking with a
temperature of 39.4 and a pulse of 140bpm.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
pain from the skin biopsy which needed 12 stitches was excruciating
and my blood pressure and temperature results were so dire, the
intensive care nurses were buzzed to give a second opinion.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
suspected that this skin biopsy site may be infected leading to my
high pulse and high temperature. As a result, I am now on a cocktail
of antibiotic drips along with endless bags of blood - three today.
Not forgetting pain relief, anti-fungal drips and cell boosting
drugs.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
July 25, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Another
day of anxiety as I wait for the results of yesterday's bone marrow
biopsy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
anxiety is further compounded today as I wait for news on my dad who
is undergoing heart tests at the Queen's Hospital in Burton.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
was unique in that Stephen was my only visitor and he arrived earlier
than normal as he tested the journey on the train to alleviate
Birmingham's many road and tunnel closures.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was nice to spend six or more hours together even if it was just on
the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
anxiety soon turned to pain and agony as the skin biopsy site from
yesterday fired into life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
pain was horrendous and after paracetamols failed to make any mark
whatsoever, I was put on codeine tablets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
temperature also took on an upward spiral of 38.5 rising to 39
degrees by 10.30pm and 39.4 in the night. My blood pressure and pulse
also climbed but these thankfully stabilised. My pulse at one stage
was a throbbing 126bpm.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Alongside
a bag of platelets, two bags of potassium and the anti-fungal drip, I
also went back onto some antibiotics which we stopped a few days ago
- it is hoped these will sort out my sudden fever.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
haemoglobin levels were better than usual today and so the two bags
of blood I was allocated are on hold until tomorrow. Pain coupled
with endless worry has left me drained today. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Final
thanks again go to the fellow Burtonian who visited me last week as
today they posted a nice card to the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
July 24, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was extremely worried about what was in store for me today and so I'm
glad it is behind me now. A constant feeling of nervousness is not
pleasant and so now I am able to calm down and relax - a little.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day started with two bags of platelets and the cell-boosting drip
ready for the multiple procedures I was going to have to endue.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
a morning of anxiety I was collected by a porter around lunchtime to
go for my biopsy. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was decided that the biopsy wouldn't be taken from the rash on my
feet but instead from the swelling around my last bone marrow test
site, as this swelling is suspected to be caused by the same fungus/
bacteria which is responsible for the foot rash.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully
I didn't feel too much discomfort despite needing eight internal
dis-solvable stitches and four normal stitches. There's little to see
now of my 'battle scar' just a small dressing until the stitches are
removed next week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
didn't return to the ward until about 3.15pm where my visitors were
waiting patiently for my return. I hadn't been back more than 10
minutes when the ward doctor came to do a fresh bone marrow biopsy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
went extremely smoothly and was pain-free apart from a tingling
sensation in my legs. Today, the doctor only needed to take a sample
of bone marrow fluid rather than having to take a tissue sample.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
with the biopsy on my right hand side and the bone marrow test on my
left hand side, I spent most of the day resting on the bed - having
the usual anti-fungal and potassium drips.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
July 23, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
didn't sleep particularly well due to the general hustle and bustle
of the ward coupled with the horrendous thunder storms and the fact
that I had to have a potassium drip through the night.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
looks as if it is going to be the day from hell. Not only do I have a
skin biopsy on my foot to endure, the doctor also told me this
morning that they want to take another bone marrow sample to see
what's happening with my cells.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bone
marrow biopsies are very uncomfortable and I found my last one
particularly painful even after a local anaesthetic.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
those of you keen to learn what this procedure involves, it is
basically two needles in your pelvic bone. One needle pierces the
bone and extracts bone marrow fluid while the second needle is
twisted so that a sample of tissue can be taken - a bit like using
one of those coring tools on an apple.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I've had a fairly busy day of treatments with a bag of platelets and
two bags of blood along with my usual anti-fungal drip. I'm keeping
active by walking up and down the ward corridor - mostly pushing
along a drip stand and pump which my visitors jokingly refer to as
'my friend'.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
July 22, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
marked the start of my fifth week in Birmingham and although I long
for some good news on my cells, I am going to have to wait a little
longer.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
started a new drip last night which is designed to kick-start my
cells following the Flag/Ida cocktail of chemotherapy drugs - this
chemical mixture must have really knocked my cells for six.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
good news is that the doctors hope my cells should have grown enough
to allow me off the ward by the weekend or maybe at the start of the
following week - either way, it means I have at least another five
days in the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
looks as though I am going to have to have a skin biopsy taken on
Wednesday from the rash on my feet. Although the rash has nearly
cleared, the doctors still want to take a few slithers of skin to see
what it is. Apparently the injection given to numb the area before
they take their samples can be quite painful so I'm not looking
forward to Wednesday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
haven't been given a time, so I cannot sit watching the clock. I only
get to find out its imminent when a porter arrives with a wheelchair.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
for my other treatments, I have been on my usual potassium and anti
fungal drips along with my antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
July 21, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully
my thirst for blood has subsided and today's medication has just been
the usual anti-fungal drip, antibiotics, potassium and a single bag
of platelets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
temperature is now also stable at 37.5 which is a vast improvement on
events earlier in the week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Boredom
and frustration continue to be the largest obstacles I face, as I
hope each day will bring good news about my cell count so that I can
venture out of the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Just
the hope that one day I can make a trip to the hospital shop gives me
the same levels of anticipation and excitement I would normally get
when preparing to go on holiday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
visitors are also now having to endure their own daily set of
problems as the closure of Birmingham's A38 tunnel network means
lengthy diversion routes and extended journey times.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
always hoped that I would be home before the start of these roadworks
to avoid this added daily hassle.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
July 20, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Blood
is the subject for today as I appear to be getting through more of it
than Dracula.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Last
night I got through two bags and by 9am I was on my third bag with a
fourth and even fifth due later in the day. To all those people who
have taken the time to give blood since the launch of the Burton
Mail's 'Take Five Minutes' campaign, thank you. I am certainly
getting through my fair share of A Positive bags.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
is my 27th day at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which means
that come Monday, I will be entering my fifth week on the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stephen
will have soon clocked up more than 2,000 miles making the daily
commute to visit and we will have spent more than £100 on television
cards for my bedside unit.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
publicity is working as my first head teacher sent me a nice
'thinking of you' card. She knew I had leukaemia but assumed I was
managing the condition at home with tablets. It was the Sunday
Express article last weekend which gave her a shock with regards to
my current situation.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stephen's
dad also received some phone calls this week from people who had seen
various bits of coverage - there's apparently some coverage in some
of the free Derby papers this week.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
for my health, my temperature is stable, I'm still on the antibiotics
and the anti fungal drip and my hair continues to leave a trail
everywhere I go as it falls out by the handful.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
July 19, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully
my temperature is now under control - this morning it was 36.4
compared to yesterday's 38.8. It did creep up slightly to 37.8 but
overall everything is running smoother.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stephen
spent part of visiting with one of those sticky clothes rollers
filling sheet after sheet with discarded strands of hair. It is
falling out at a regular rate but still there is little evidence to
the outside world that I am losing it by the handful daily.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Both
of my Hickman lines were infusing at the same time today as I had
platelets followed by potassium and anti-fungal infusing together.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
evening then gradually got busier as I had to have two bags of blood
through the night - finishing at 5am Saturday.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
July 18, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
been a hot one today - I'm not talking about the weather outside you
are all enjoying but my body temperature.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
knew I was in for a rocky day when my temperature check in the night
spiked to 38.2, but some paracetamols at 6am helped to settle things
temporarily.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately,
by lunchtime my temperature had rocketed, it was now 38.8. Normal
body temperature is considered to be between the 36.1 to 37.2 region
so I certainly had a slight fever and I felt the worst I have felt
for a few weeks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was hooked up to a potassium drip and given some giant soluble
paracetamols followed by my normal anti-fungal drip. A day of feeling
hot, tired and suffering a headache means I haven't been firing on
all cylinders today. Add to that news that my cell count remains
unchanged and you don't have the best of days. Hopefully, tomorrow
will be better.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u8PiqC4Cyfru-0fdzqdMiTcHVAva2hroA87QnuPooIQxs_Oo5VZNO-cRbNAYdka3d5p3eopavzU8fZWNdt7Hvc3kEh9By6x0cN2d9Q-dPI-ijZ4ukVxTAvS5fkpX-urJt7uKq7vlAtA/s1600/QE+in+background1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u8PiqC4Cyfru-0fdzqdMiTcHVAva2hroA87QnuPooIQxs_Oo5VZNO-cRbNAYdka3d5p3eopavzU8fZWNdt7Hvc3kEh9By6x0cN2d9Q-dPI-ijZ4ukVxTAvS5fkpX-urJt7uKq7vlAtA/s1600/QE+in+background1.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
July 17, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I realised for certain that the column I write for the Burton Mail
has a loyal following and is making a difference.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While
resting in the ward, a fellow Burtonian arrived clutching a card,
balloon and a small Paddington Bear. This in itself is exceptionally
kind and compassionate, but what made the visit really special is
when the visitor told me they had also looked into becoming a donor.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
would be insensitive for me to reveal how and why my visitor had
reason to be at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital today, but their kind
words showed strength and encouragement. They too are very familiar
with the daily commute my visitors have to endure and it's true that
this commitment and dedication makes your bond stronger.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately,
my visitor arrived as Stephen was busy buying me an iced lemonade
from the coffee shop - at least I can pretend I am enjoying the sunny
weather even if I am cooped up in the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
receive a handful of emails every day from readers of either the
Burton, Ashbourne or national newspaper articles and we are eternally
grateful to all the people who take time out to write with offers of
support.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
for my health today, my cell count remains unchanged but my
temperature and blood pressures are fine. I needed a bag of blood
platelets in the afternoon to give my levels a helping hand along
with my usual anti-fungal drip and antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To
prevent my legs and feet swelling up from a lack of movement and
exercise, I now do a couple of tours of the ward corridor each day.
It's good to have a change of scenery and I even get the odd wave
from fellow patients.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
July 16, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Another
sunny day and another day where the only glimpse of this fine weather
I get is through the ward window.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
white cell counts are still low meaning I am still confined to the
ward for the time being.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Boredom
is the hardest obstacle to overcome in hospital - although I am
equipped with a television, magazines, newspapers, electronic games
and constant internet access for my iPad, I struggle to maintain
interest and long for a change of scenery.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
still needed a potassium tablet in the morning but I should soon be
able to stop this medication.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
afternoon medication involved my usual anti-fungal drip and a bag of
blood. I have now stopped taking an anti-sickness tablet which I have
been using since my first diagnosis back in April.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
July 15, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my hair continues to shed by the handful, there is now no denying
that I am losing my locks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
as I have a plentiful supply, it is still going to be at least
another week before the results are noticeable to the outside world.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
blood cell count hasn't increased since yesterday and so I'm no
closer to being allowed out in the sun - but at least the doctors are
pleased with my progress overall.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
morning was fairly quiet and so It gave me time to sort out bits and
pieces and have a leisurely shower without having the need to rush
for medicines,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
started my anti-fungal drip after lunch and this was followed by a
bag of platelets. Both of these made me very tired, but on the plus
side, the fungal drip and cream has worked wonders on the rash on my
feet.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
temperature and pulse were slightly high when tested at 6pm but this
is probably down to the drug and blood infusions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
also received good news late into the evening when I was told I can
probably stop taking the potassium supplements from tomorrow as those
levels are now good.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
July 14, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
taken a while, but I am now fairly confident that my hair is starting
to fall out.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
not falling out by the hand full, but loose strands of my long locks
are starting to depart at fairly frequent intervals. I may be lucky
and it may just gradually start to thin, or it may fall out
altogether - either way, I have wigs, a bandanna and hats at the
ready. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
started as usual with my 6am wake-up call followed by the daily
doctors' visits. My white cell count is now 0.2 so my body is
gradually recovering from the chemotherapy and the counts are rising
which is good news for me soon being allowed to venture out of the
ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
July 13, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Whereas
yesterday started busy, today looked as though it would end busy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
the usual 6am blood tests and observations it wasn't long before the
doctors arrived.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
rash is starting to clear and my temperature is now staying at normal
levels. I am still waiting for my blood cells to rise so that I can
venture out. Anywhere would be nice, even the main hospital foyer
would be an adventure after 20 days in the same ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To
keep active and to give me a little exercise I have started to walk
up and down the ward corridor.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
lunch I was given my daily drip of anti-fungal along with
antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my blood counts need a little boost, I ended the day with two bags of
blood.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
July 12, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day started busy and remained busy for most of the morning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Almost
as soon as the 6am blood test was over, I was connected to my first
bag of the day of A Positive blood and given a dose of
antibiotics.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As soon as breakfast was over, I was given a second
blood test before it was time for the doctors' visit. Progress is
good but I am still neutropenic with zero white cells meaning that I
am going to be a resident at the Queen's Hospital in Birmingham for a
little while yet.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The doctors explained how I can expect to be on
the fungal drip through my Hickman Line for maybe another seven days
as this deals with a nodule discovered on my lung and the rash on my
feet.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By 10am I was on my second bag of blood and my feet had been
creamed with the new ointment and bandaged.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just after lunch I was
given more antibiotics and connected to my second fungal drip of the
day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stephen and my father requested a visit with the doctor in
charge of my care on the ward and they were brought up to speed with
progress and treatment plans.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The doctor explained that as soon as
my cell counts start to rise, I will be allowed home for periods of
time before returning for my second round of chemotherapy which is
similar in duration to the first.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is then a waiting game again
for my cells to rebuild for a second time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once a bone marrow
match is found - they are still looking - I will return for a short
but intensive week of chemotherapy to ensure I am completely clear of
all bad cells before the transplant begins. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As my potassium
levels are quite low, I am having to take large dis-solvable tablets
- believe me, they taste disgusting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No sooner had I finished tea
before it was time to have more antibiotics, more cream and bandages
on my ankles and the usual temperature and blood pressure checks -
37.5 degrees today which is nice to hear.</div>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
July 11, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
usual 6am blood tests and antibiotic injections went to plan and I
managed to grab another hour or so of sleep waking again at 7.30am
for breakfast.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Four
doctors were on ward rounds today and they revealed that my white
blood cells still haven't started to regrow following the
chemotherapy. I need a healthy level of white cells before they will
allow me off the ward or home for a few days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They
mentioned that I appear to need quite a lot of blood - so all of you
A Positive blood group donors, thank you.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Following
the doctors' visit I was seen by two dermatology doctors who came to
examine my feet and bring me a new brand of cream to try.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
my omelette for lunch it was time for more antibiotic infusions
through my Hickman Line and another bag of that lemon-coloured
anti-fungal drip. In the evening I was cross-matched ready for a
blood transfusion tomorrow and was given a bag of platelets. My
temperature is under control today with no unexpected spikes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
July 10, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Following
the early morning blood test and observations, I rested until my
breakfast arrived at 7.30am.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Two
doctors came to visit mid-morning and spoke to me about the fungal
drip I have been having and confirmed that this would clear up the
rash on my feet and deal with a small nodule on my lungs illustrated
at Monday's CT scan.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
had my first blood transfusion of the day at around 11am followed by
a chat with the nurse about my general health and well-being.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
sure the mornings are getting longer as the minutes feel like hours
as I wait for lunch and then visiting time.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
lunchtime over we started on the antibiotic syringes pumped into my
Hickman Line followed by my first lemon-coloured anti-fungal drip of
the day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
few more antibiotic syringes and my usual round of tablets finished
off the day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
July 9, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
usual, the morning started with blood being taken for testing at 6am
and an antibiotic infusion through my Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was then visited by two doctors who said that my haemoglobin levels
were low and that I may need to have blood transfusions at some point
throughout the day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
specialist dermatologist visited to reassess the rash on my feet and
he decided that I should receive a fungal drip through my Hickman
Line and a new tube of cream. One of the pharmacy team came to chat
to me about the new cream which is on order - I think it must be
super-strength,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
nurse also took swabs of my feet and the swelling on my back.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By
the middle of the afternoon I was on an antibiotic drip and later I
was placed on the fungal drip - a lemon-coloured liquid which would
infuse for three-and-a-half hours.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
temperature spiked at 6.30pm to 38.1 degrees but a subsequent retest
was more promising at 37.9. The new fungal drip was suspected as
being the cause of the spike.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
couple more blood culture tests were taken before I had more
antibiotics through the second of my Hickman Line tubes while the
fungal drip continued. The evening ended with a bag of blood and more
antibiotics. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I'm
hoping the weather's still hot by the time I am allowed home for a
few days.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
July 8, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day started with a visit from a team of doctors keen to investigate
the rash on my feet and a swelling which has developed on my back
near to the area where I had my last bone marrow sample taken. Over
the next few hours I received two lots of antibiotics through my
Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
nurse came later in the day to take swabs of my feet and in the
middle of the afternoon, I was sent for a CT scan after my
temperature spiked to its highest ever - 38.2 degrees.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
evening involved a bag of platelets and more antibiotics but
thankfully my temperature fell to 37.4 degrees.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
doctor from the dermatology ward came in the evening to examine my
feet. I should hear more tomorrow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
July 7, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
doctor concerned about the rash on my feet tries to take some skin
flakes to test. Unfortunately, he couldn't get enough skin to sample
so we stick to the cream and I have two lots of antibiotics. My
temperature again spikes to 38 degrees but nobody knows why. I am
visited by the doctor at 11pm who wants to find out the reason for
the temperature rise. Four more blood culture tests are taken - these
should hopefully some answers but they take five days to cultivate in
the lab. The doctor tells me I am 'doing well' which is good to hear.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
July 6, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
weather looks hot outside and as I am expecting more visitors than
usual today, I enquire about venturing out of the ward.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
I am still neutropenic the risk is too great to venture out of the
ward and so the only sun I see today is that shining through my sixth
floor window.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am given two bags of blood and a bag of platelets as well as my usual
antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Two
culture tests are also taken to check for any bacteria in my blood
which isn't catered for by my current antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thankfully,
my head itching has started to subside and I haven't noticed any
signs of hair loss yet.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
July 5, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am given a drip of platelets to help increase my levels. I am no
longer having to take blood thinning injections, instead I am taking
blood thickeners.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Platelets
are a strange substance, it looks like a thick orange paste but
strangely it still manages to pass through the drip with ease. To
help control my temperature and to fight infection as I am still
neutropenic, I am given antibiotics.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
rash has developed on my feet and so I am given some cream to help
take away the inflammation and the itch. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
July 4, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
my temperature keeps fluctuating I am given more antibiotics through
the Hickman Line. A quieter day today allows me to rest.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
July 3, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am sent for an X-ray to check my lungs are fine as my high
temperature could be a sign of water building up. Thankfully,
everything is clear.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today,
Stephen and I meet a lady who specialises in wigs for cancer
patients. Armed with two mirrors and a suitcase full of headpieces we
spend the next hour going through various styles, colours and
lengths. The quality of the products is superb and we opt for a
design not too dissimilar from that which I normally have following a
trip to the hairdressers. My temperature today is down to 37.8
degrees.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's
probably the first sign of my hair being killed off by the
chemotherapy as today my head has been itching me to distraction.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
July 2, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
had been warned that one of the effects following chemotherapy is a
temperature spike and today that happened. Hitting 38 degrees on the
thermometer, I am given antibiotics through my Hickman Line.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Blood
tests also highlight some levels need to improve and so I am given
two bags of blood. I didn't know my blood group until now, I'm A
Positive.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
am now officially neutropenic which means my white cells - the ones
which help fight bacteria - are down to zero meaning I am now very
prone to infection.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
July 1, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Life
returns to some normality today as I am clear of the bleeping drip
machine. I'm hoping to catch up on some rest today.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sunday,
June 30, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day I have been looking forward to, the final day of my chemotherapy.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Again
I am having all three drugs interspersed with bags of saline.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With
my body now pumped full of chemicals, it's now a waiting game for the
drugs to kick-in. Thankfully I have been eating and drinking as
normal with my only side-effect being lack of sleep.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Saturday,
June 29, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
timetable for today is the same again with three drips of
chemotherapy drugs interspersed with bags of ordinary saline.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Side-effects
have been minimal so far, the biggest drawback is when the automatic
drip machine starts bleeping at 3am in the morning to signal the end
of another bag.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Friday,
June 28, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
intensity of the chemotherapy increases today as we introduce a third
drug to the mix - Idarubicin. This fast-running 10-minute drip is
bright orange and is the only one which lists discoloured urine as a
possible side effect. The side effects for the Cytarabine and
Fludarabine include tiredness, nausea, fever, taste changes,
headaches, confusion a sore mouth and diarrhoea. Thankfully I have
escaped all of these so far. Not forgetting hair loss which usually
starts two to three weeks after treatment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday,
June 27, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
chemotherapy today follows exactly the same timetable as yesterday.
Again I haven't suffered any major side-effects yet, I am just having
to drink loads of water and take eye drops to prevent my eyes drying
out through the chemotherapy. Alongside the chemotherapy, I am still
having daily stomach injections for my pulmonary embolism. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday,
June 26, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Before
my chemotherapy could get under-way I had to go for an echo
cardiogram - a heart test to make sure my body was strong enough to
handle the treatment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
had already been given lots of literature from the nurses about the
Flag/Ida chemotherapy course I was about to start.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
drugs are to be administered through the Hickman Line which rules out
the need for a cannula and injections. The Flag/Ida course follows a
timetable and so I know what drugs I will be having, how long the
process will take and how much of each drug I will receive.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
intensity of the chemotherapy is set to increase as the week
progresses but we start off nice and easy with a four-hour bag of
normal saline followed by 30 minutes of the drug Fludarabine. Then
follows another three-and-a-half hour bag of saline followed by four
hours of the drug Cytarabine.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
worst part of the treatment so far is the timings, as I am on a drip
for 12 hours a day, it's inevitable that the bags run out and need
changing just as I fall to sleep.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL7s7iaelW0U72ewpZHNU7_6IXIG5E01_cFKI8mpn2_YkS8YlPywQo1EaJA2VmoBDnJ1mS1dCN62kA5g__CZ9ahF04RdV1-IFFONQF3K5v5qSRt-WZvWjaoZN67Pw-rzbPjEMh1eVrdA/s1600/QElizQV(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL7s7iaelW0U72ewpZHNU7_6IXIG5E01_cFKI8mpn2_YkS8YlPywQo1EaJA2VmoBDnJ1mS1dCN62kA5g__CZ9ahF04RdV1-IFFONQF3K5v5qSRt-WZvWjaoZN67Pw-rzbPjEMh1eVrdA/s1600/QElizQV(1).jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday,
June 25, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
I was moved out of my private side room to the main ward - a ward
with just four beds and a window overlooking the unique shape of the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital which is built as a series of three figure
of eights.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was taken to theatre to have my Hickman Line inserted. For this I had
to be sedated but I could still feel every pull and tug as a plastic
pipe was threaded from my rib cage under the skin and is then
connected to a vein in my neck.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
blood clots on my lungs which I am also being treated for mean that I
take blood thinning agents. To prevent uncontrollable bleeding during
the procedure I am given a drip of platelets to help thicken and clot
my blood. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc7kOuIa-CimjlNFx1N3V5Upapuzsf1pu4v1y_QmECRXaNVNGnMxEfqTaw5i6yxvGixgutpBVDjmrDQG7JBIuN5uOk15PXWToxM8FslmOj6d8BluJ4_lSA3YrvvxDl0O2PIR1Zjam7yU/s1600/Katherine+hospital+July+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc7kOuIa-CimjlNFx1N3V5Upapuzsf1pu4v1y_QmECRXaNVNGnMxEfqTaw5i6yxvGixgutpBVDjmrDQG7JBIuN5uOk15PXWToxM8FslmOj6d8BluJ4_lSA3YrvvxDl0O2PIR1Zjam7yU/s1600/Katherine+hospital+July+2013.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVgTMCsbwmx-I9SplIck8C6Npi02hqiA7UBeHy7CoBD59CnjXtl6q4Yme8dYwJeFBVc2Y5t2pDpozAS3T21v7Z59cTkwPU6b3ZgwtySAKBtKJpiceSMXs7V6hm6Gv-4s88jzaq_LBixE/s1600/Katherine+hospital+July+2013+pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVgTMCsbwmx-I9SplIck8C6Npi02hqiA7UBeHy7CoBD59CnjXtl6q4Yme8dYwJeFBVc2Y5t2pDpozAS3T21v7Z59cTkwPU6b3ZgwtySAKBtKJpiceSMXs7V6hm6Gv-4s88jzaq_LBixE/s1600/Katherine+hospital+July+2013+pic2.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
I have never had an operation before, this was a completely new
experience for me. The entire process was quite quick and easy and
completed within 20 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Monday,
June 24, 2013 – Admitted to hospital</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Following
my appointment with Professor Craddock last Wednesday, I was told to
arrive today with my overnight bag packed. At my appointment today,
Professor Craddock told me that the results from the bone marrow test
showed I was in blast crisis phase and so I was admitted to ward 625.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
was assigned to a private room and was given a tour of the ward and
visited by the doctor. Tests were taken for MRSA and HIV.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00837051038792165047noreply@blogger.com0Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TH, UK52.451563440545769 -1.941232681274414152.446724940545771 -1.951317681274414 52.456401940545767 -1.9311476812744142