Hey Folks
I am seriously touched by you all remembering - in fact gobsmacked - thank you.
Yes I do seem to be doing OK so far - in fact yesterday was my 2 year post bone marrow transplant anniversary (PBSCT to any Docs out there).
The story following on from my last update on 11 June 06 is that the transplant went well - in fact it went so well I even avoided any of the infections or complications that normally occur - I was in isolation for just over 5 weeks - totally white environment with minimal visitors etc - it was pretty odd coming out into the crowded hospital corridors, seeing bright outdoor colours and the traffic after that long I can tell you.
Went through loads of post transplant tests and wierd diet stuff whilst I was neutropeinic (no immune system initially) - if someone as much as sneezed near me I ran a mile !!
I am now disease free though the Docs don't call it "remission" in my case as there is no known cure - just hopefully a very long stay of execution. They decribed the prognosis as "if you survive 2 yrs you are doing OK", "if you get to 5 yrs you are doing great" and the classic one "if you survive for 10 yrs there is a good chance you will die of something else" ... hey - nothing like looking on the bright side - I've just reached the 2 yr ribbon
The NHS (Southampton General and QAH Portsmouth) have honestly been fantastic throughout the whole process - but you do need to enter into it all as a very educated patient (self researched via web etc) to ensure you are not fobbed off with lame info or not given all the options that do exist as opposed to those recommended by the bean counters etc.
I am now back at work full time (Project Engineer for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) who were also fantastic in my time of need - full pay and job held open for the 9 months I was off in total - can't ever ask for better than that ... B)
The support I have received from all friends and family has been overwhelming - and I include all you guys in that - it has all been very much appreciated and I can honestly say - having seen it from the other side as it were - that it does make the world of difference hearing some words of support. :D
Perhaps the biggest effort throughout the whole experience so far has been the continual aim to remain positive and drive myself through the crappy times with the end goal of proving to myself that I can be a survivor - so far so good - just another 8 yrs to hit my next target.
Although the Lexus has gone I am still kinda in the fold with an 04 RAV4 and 06 MR2 - hence my recent contact with Dave - you guys got me into modding on the Lexus now I just can't stop - lol.
Be good one and all and live life to the full - you just never know what is round the corner.
Will keep an eye on the next southern meets - would be great to see you all again - even if I will trail in a slower car !
Once again - thank you so much for all your support - and long memories :P