Hi Guys,
I posted the following on another forum earlier this week which is purely for Hodgkin’s but thought I would share it here as it sums up my emotions perfectly at the moment so sorry if you’ve already seen it.
Really enjoyed what will probably be my last run for a while this morning as later this week (6th) I will be admitted to Plymouth hospital for my Allo stem cell transplant in the hope that we can finally get on top of this horrible disease. I’m really going to miss it and not just the fitness aspect but also the social side and especially the many wonderful friends I’ve made who have supported me in my battle over the past year or two.
It’s hard to believe that not the long ago I was diagnosed with the relatively rare blood cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma but can remember the consultant telling me it was very treatable with a cure rate at nearly 90% but yet here I am nearly two years and 6 failed treatments later literally still fighting for my life but yet still feeling truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, the ones that have kept me believing throughout all this, my amazing family & wonderful friends.
Thursday I start my conditioning chemo before I receive my completely new stem cell and immune system from my donor in Germany who has kindly agreed to do this. The cells are a 9/10 match which isn’t perfect so I’m fully aware it comes with increased and life threatening risks but I will be forever grateful to this person for potentially saving my life and giving me a chance.
I’m not going to lie and act all brave so I will just be honest and tell you how scared I am. I’m scared I won’t be there to watch my daughter Jaime graduate university and get her dream job as a nurse or walk her down the aisle, I’m scared I won’t be there to watch Oliver my eldest boy become a mechanic, pass his driving test or take him for a pint, I’m scared I won’t be there to watch Charlie my 8 year old become an aircraft engineer or even better score the winning goal for Leeds Utd in the Champions League final. I’m scared I won’t be able to grow old with Marissa, the woman I love with all my heart and the fantastic mother of our three children but mostly importantly I’m scared I won’t be there to tell them all just how much I love them and how proud I am of them all. The past 2 years have been horrible for me but it’s even harder on these four and especially the children. This should be the happiest and most care free times of their lives but it’s not and even though it’s not my fault, I am responsible and that really upsets me.
The past few months I’ve spent chatting with some amazing people online including this forum who’ve gone through this and come through the other side, offering me comfort and advice and even though I try to focus on the positive stories the fact is for other people it goes horribly wrong and it’s only human to reflect on these stories also but unfortunately this is my only realistic chance left for cure so it’s a risk I’m prepared to take.
The next year or so is going to be extremely tough and at times scary with a roller coaster of emotions along the way with good and bad days but with the continued love, support and understanding of all the people around me and just a little bit of luck for a change, I believe I can see this through. Wish me luck. 
️
Regards
Mark
Hey guys, not been on for a while but just thought I would check in.
I’m still in hospital following my Allo but I am generally feeling good. I keep spiking a temp which they simply cannot trace but won’t let me home until it stops or they can find the cause. They have tested absolutely everything including a camera into my lungs and even down to my heart but everything is clear.
They’re now sending some samples to a specialist microbiologists lab in Swansea to see if there is anything they can find as they really have exhausted everything.
Although it’s very frustrating I appreciate they need to clear it before I leave so I’m just sitting tight.
My appetite is completely back and I’m drinking as normal and generally feel ok.
At the back of the hospital is a lovely shaded nature reserve so I spend a hour or two a day just walking around there. There are wild deer in there and we even spotted a big male the other day which delighted the kids.
Anyway just wanted to let you know that things are good with the exception of the temperature but hopefully we can get this sorted soon.
All my counts are back to normal so hopefully my new donor immune system is doing the business. xx
Great to hear from you Mark, love the area you can walk it.
Fantastic you are home and that temp has settled for now! Nothing like your own bed.
I am feeling almost back to mornal thanks. Chemo brain and fatigue still a bit of an issue but I'm learning to navigate the 'new normal'
Enjoy the beach! We are off on holiday next week (only an hour from home!) for a few days. The children are so excited as I spent most of last summer in bed/feeling crap and we didn't do anything really, so they can't wait..! I think I can only manage a few days though really - especially as the butlins type holiday park does my head in  
- and a bit gutted I've been told to avoid swimming pools/hot tubs so I'll be sitting on the side lines. But so over the moon I am here this summer to enjoy it - as I am sure you are.
Have a lovely summer with your family (and brilliant friends!) Mark.
Xx
HopefulMummy123 x
Sounds great Mark, so slow sure steps taking r wry day as it comes.
