Hi Sarah
Totally personal decision. Very scary times, its not pleasant, I took 11 months to recover to a real sense of 'wellness' but I'm pretty good now. 15 months since SCT, in complete remission, on Revlimid maintenance and back to work full time. Recent posts by Vikki and Chris explain the process very well, and Sue describes other things to…[Read more]

Hi Ali
Good news for your mum and the rest of you, and hope side effects are few, I have just completed my first year on Revlimid since my SCT. I'm still improving even now.
Hope all this progress continues and life returns to a more even keel.
Love Helen (still coughing)

Hi Eve
I think they are all correct too, while you've concentrated all your energy on Slim, your body hasn't had a rest. Now that the constant adrenalin rushes are over, your body is trying to regroup. This holiday is what you need, go and enjoy it, I hope you have a magical time with your grandchildren. When do you go?
Love Helen
P.s. next…[Read more]

Hi Vikki
Sounds like he's doing ok, I couldn't walk anywhere when I was in hospital, so going up and down stairs is good. I spent 2 weeks going from bed to loo, and back only!:-( No sitting in a chair, no tv, no reading ,knitting, or magazines. I used my phone and iPad a bit. It took me all my time to shower every day and drink enough to keep…[Read more]

Wow Chris
Doing well, eating and drinking 🙂 make the most of it, back numbers of old Dallas to watch? congrats on getting out.
Love Helen

Hi Vikki
I didn't have much gcsf after SCT 2-3 doses I think but I can't remember and my diary is packed somewhere while our bedroom gets decorated! Anyway, I was on lots of morphine for weeks so the pain was usually under extremely good control (I'm a nurse, I don't do pain 😛 ) However, prior to my Stem cell harvest, my first posting on this…[Read more]

Hi Keith
I really hope this works for you, ironic that you look and feel so well now. So keep us posted and I hope the side effects are small and manageable
Love Helen

Dear Keith
All I can add to what the others have said is to hope tomorrow gives you some positive treatment approaches. Be sure to let us know how you get on, thinking of you
Love Helen

Hi Vikki
Sounds as though its all progress, I had lots of phosphate, it's a bit of a b*****r as they have to give it really slowly so you really have to drink lots, which is really hard when you feel so sick. I'd banished all visitors except hubby by this stage, didn't want anyone to see me in that state! No hair, running to the loo, throwing up…[Read more]

Dear Carol
Very sorry to hear its back, I really hope PAD does the trick for a very long time, look after yourself,
Love Helen

Hi Debs
How did the ball go? And was your trip to china a success? I'm interested to hear how you got on?
Love Helen

Dear Sue
I'm sorry to hear about Michael, it must be so hard for you all. I do hope you have lots of support at home and can make the most of your time. love Helen

Hi Jean and Phil
I'd love to give the cough it's marching orders but its still here, slowly getting better, I think I'm just one of those people who takes longer to get better for some reason, very annoying but nothing I can do about it.
And thanks Phil yes I have had my flu jab, in view of the number of infections I've had there was no choice…[Read more]

Hi Chris
You seem to be quite upbeat now, hope you get out soon. I got out 14 days after the stem cells went back, i still felt dreadful but so much happier as you say, with all my own stuff around me. Carry on in this direction, can't be long now.
Love Helen

Hi Tina
Good to hear you are home at last. Just have to take each day steadily now, lots of rest, gentle exercise and all you can eat and drink. Don't try to push yourself too much, your body has to do some serious mending now.
Love Helen

Dear Vikki
Just hang on in there for a few days more, you will soon get Colin home then he'll be all grumpy and impatient that he's not getting better fast enough for himself.:-P :-/ It can take a long ……. slow……. time as Tina is currently finding.
Love Helen

Dear Jo
Sorry to hear about your relapse, but good that you are still so supportive and still getting your hair done. Hope the velcade works well.
Love Helen

Dear Emma
Taking temp every day when on the chemo is one thing I found vital, you need early warnings as you feel quite rough anyway.
The Newcastle support group meets on Monday, the details are on the web site here, might be of use?
Love Helen

Hi Jo

sorry to hear about your relapse, that must be hard to deal with, but it sounds like your medical team are on it pretty quickly because of the kidney damage. Hope the treatment does the job and take care

Wendy x