HI Vicky,
So glad to hear that all is looking good for Colin for this week, I am sure it will do him the world of good to be at home with you, and away from the Hospital.
My NP's still only 0.42, but they are on their way up, and I am back there on Friday for a monitoring checkup. Got the all clear today though,and home for good, so I am sure Colin will be snapping at my heels!
Love Chris and Lena xx
Hi Megan,
Thank you, and I am really pleased that my ramblings have been of help to you and Phil! I really shouldn't worry about beating records, Tom is obviously a superhero with his 16 days! I was only given my proper discharge today, and my NP's are still 0.42, so a bit under the 0.5, and that has been 28 days since I went in. I feel really good today, and yes, more beer with dinner 🙂
There were really only about 5 days when I felt bad, and my mouth was uncomfortable, and the rest was no worse than I have been through before, so don't worry too much (easy to say I know).
Now the wait to see how successful things have turned out….
Our very best wishes to you and Phil for your SCT which I am sure will be successful. Did you see that thing on the news today about the stem cells from dog's noses being used to cure paralysis? just incredible!
Chris and Lena x
Hi Tom,
I agree, I went back into the Ward today for a last blood test and to get the 'all clear' which I did, so brilliant. But all the smells, and noises on the ward suddenly come back to you, and the fact that you are being watched over all the time.
I am taking it carefully, happy to potter around, but Lena is cooking some wonderful food, and it is all helping, which together with cuddles 😉 should have me right as rain in no time! Definitely Onwards and Upwards!
Best wishes,
Chris and Lena.
HI Ali, thanks and yes it's terrific to be at home, so much to do, but I am just enjoying being here with the family.
The end of Dallas was just great, I just LOL'd when old Cliff Barnes appeared, really wasn't expecting that one, and the next series should be just as good from the look of it! One of the hospital staff was into it, and we couldn't wait to talk about it the following day, she even delayed seeing Skyfall to see the final episode 😀
Now catching up on the whole last series of Downton Abbey which is on the Sky+ 🙂 .
Hope you are well, thanks for keeping in touch,
Chris and Lena x
HI Katie,
Glad to help, and yes I'm doing fine. Get your Dad to start a new blog, and we will all chip in to keep his spirits up! It sounds like he is an active bloke, and it really helps to look ahead and plan what you're going to do once you are better again.
Chris
HI Katie,
I said I would give more thought to what your Dad may do during his stay. Everone reacts differently to the treatment, and he will be very tired and not feeling much like eating. I found I could do a few e-mails or see a visitor, and then most afternoons I slept a bit, and I found I didn't sleep well at night as the nurses do wake you every 4 hours for obs. I ended up asking for breakfast at 10.00, as I kept falling back to sleep and it was going cold! Then I could watch Homes under the hammer and the news!
I was well enough to have visitors,which brightened up the days even if they didn't stay too long! and it was nicer once I was in my own room and I could get more organized. I made a lot of phone calls to friends, and my wife came in with ready meals, better than the hospital food.
The Laptop was a godsend, so make sure there is WiFi, as there isn't always.
It was nice putting posts on facebook and this site, and I am into antiques, so I did some bidding at auction, and eBay (wife threatened to confiscate Laptop!).
I managed to do a bit of work too, a few e-mails and phone calls, and signed a few things, as I am self employed, and still have to keep things going.
Watched a couple of DVD's but to be honest prefered TV which is a bit more company, and got into a few serials. I also read a couple of good books which I rarely have the time to do which is good if you can't sleep!
I hope that's some help, time passes faster than you would think,the staff are always fantastic and tend to chat to you, and I wish him the very best with his treatment,
Chris
HI team and thanks for all your kind words, it is so thoughtful of you!
It has been one of my best days of this year being back home, I lit a fire in the sitting room, and have been keeping warm in from of the cosy flames messing about with coal and wood – the doctors would love me!
It was very strange going out into the fresh air today – cap firmly on my (once again) bald head, although my son kindly said that it suited me ok! Bless him!
NP's still only 0.3 today, so I have to go back on Monday for a blood test and to give me the once over. Because I am still low, I am not allowed outside, shame because there is loads to do in the garden, so I have been giving Lena jobs instead! 😀
I have some shooting arm pain like Colin, in the upper arms too, and I have to be careful not to suddenly reach out for things (chocolates, beer etc!).
Things taste so much better at home, I stopped the anti sick tabs yesterday, and have had tea coffee, lovely chicken dinner which Lena cooked, and even a glass of beer, so far so good!
Katie, I will reply tomorrow when I have a bit more time, but I have lots of ideas for your Dad, depending on how sociable he is!
Pete, get room 7, it's a lucky one, and Barry Sheene's riding number too!! 🙂
God Bless everyone,
Chris (looking forward to own bed and cuddling up with Lena – apologies if 'too much information 😉 !)
HI Phil,
I hope your results were encouraging this week, I only had my SCT 3 1/2 weeks ago, and it's early days for my neutros only 0.35, but they are letting me home tomorrow. I have no idea about pp's but mine were at a steady 18-20 before my Transplant, so it will be interesting to see what they are now.
Can I butt into your blog as my Lena want to ask [b]Marie[/b] how Steve is recovering now, as he was suffering with his blood levels? I have been lucky with mine with only one bag of platelets after the transplant.
Good luck everyone,
Chris
Hi Team Myeloma!
Well, I have had the news I have been waiting for – the consultant has said that I can go home tomorrow, as long as nothing drastic happens overnight of course! 😀
My neutro's are up to 0.35, not quite 0.5, but I am otherwise well, and feeling good.
At Musgrove they haven't given me GCSF after the transplant as they prefer to let the aptient recover on their own, so I havn't had the pain that Colin is going through, but my back and arms have been tender. That is why my np's have been slower I expect.
Antway, one more night in my 'luxury' little room,which has been home for 4 weeks, and back home at last, can't wait, but I know I will have to take it easy…. Lena is very excited too to have me home, and I hope the list of chores not too long! 😐 She promises me not!
Love and best wishes to everyone
Chris and Lena
HI Vicky,
Good news about Colin, I had the rash too on my back which drove me mad for a while, but much better now. Good luck with the sickness, it's the worst thing.
The race is on then to see who can get out first!!! 🙂 On your marks…..
Best wishes from us both,
Chris and Lena x
HI All,
Thanks for the post Vicky, and for the update on Colin, great to hear that his readings are on the up, and I am sure his tummy will recover soon.
I had a resting day today, and felt a bit off, but my bloods are improving except my neutrophils which remain stubbornly static at 0.015. At this rate I will still be here at Christmas!
At least I had my neck line out today, so that is a big improvement except the vampires will be sticking needles in me again! and my tummy is a bit better than it was.
Lena has been bringing me my favourite things, and has been her this afternoon cheering me up, but I will be so pleased to be back home to look after her and the family again. She would love to post these messages herself, but her English writing and spelling is a bit slow, but she loves reading all your news and encourages me to keep up, so keep posting everyone! 🙂
At least I can still enjoy my morning dose of Homes Under the Hammer, even if Dallas will have to wait until next year!
Keep your peckers up everyone!
Chris and Lena x
Ooops 0.12 n phils. Chemobrain.
Hope more tomorrow……
Cheers everone!
Chris
HI Tina, glad to hear that you have managed to get home again, well done!
I am waiting for my release, but am longing to be at home with my own 'stuff'!
I am really fussy about my food at present, but I would say stick with the things you fancy, a bit at a time. I love coke which seems to help the sickness, I can't taste much else, and I used find it helped with a hangover! (I wish!).
Hang in there and I am sure you will be feeling soon,
Regards,
Chris C:
Hi Vicky,
I hope that Colin in feeling better.
I am much better now, Day 19, and my neutrophils and blood levels are rising fast! I am on 1.2 np now after 0.01 lowest, so pretty hot! Also my infection is gone so I am off the antibiotics which may help the tummy.
I am aiming for home after 0.5, but likely to be end of the week yet, but something to look forward to!
Thanks for the encouragement Tom, it's always a great boost!
Chris
HI Vicky,
Sorry that Colin is so rough, as Tom says, it is so hard when we go in feeling fine and fit, but quickly become so rough, but we have to focus on the larger picture, and it will be worth it to have a normal life again.
Every little step is a positive, whether a small meal, or a shower, or a visitor, and I am just tackling one day at a time, with Lena giving me a link with home.
I havn't really encouraged visitors either, unless people have made a special effort, there will be time when I feel better.
Keep going, and our very best wishes,
Chris and Lena x
