Peter's Hospital Diary

I wasn’t going to post today, as the radiotherapy was much like the other days, and my throat and mouth are about the same too, but on my way back to the flat I saw Tower Bridge opening to let a French warship through – unfortunately I was a bit late getting back to the flat to get the warship in the picture!

This morning passed very pleasantly – coffee with a former work colleague (now working in London) and the first mince pie of the season, followed by a stroll round the shops before heading back to ‘head office’ to catch up on work related e-mails, and then off to St Thomas’s.

Only two more doses to go – I am seeing one of the radiologists on Friday, then it’s home and start recovering from the side effects!

O&U!

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Another dose of rays this afternoon – the ninth in the series. Unfortunately the fast track of yesterday wasn’t repeated – appointments were running 45 minutes late today!

The side effects continue – although the sore throat didn’t seem any worse this morning, perhaps helped by the Difflam (the oral anaesthetic). I am sure I will cope!

It is a shame about the sense of taste as I went out for lunch with Nicky – one of the City Hospital production team. We had a chinese meal, that I am sure was lovely, but it had chilli in it, which was all I could taste, and after a while it started irritating my throat, so I couldn’t eat all of it. The waiter was most concerned! Still, it was a nice break in the day.

And that is it for today… O&U!

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I’m back in London after a weekend at home. I had my Friday treatment then got on the train to get home by about 5:30. Just as well as we were round to some friends for dinner. Lucky it was on Friday as I still had some vestiges of taste left (although my mouth was quite sore). By the time Sunday dinner was served, I couldn’t taste anything. However I have found some analgaesic mouth wash (that I had during the second transplant) which has helped the sore throat and mouth. Still, the loss of taste didn’t stop me doing a bit of plumbing in the bathroom – new taps to replace some leaking ones (that were beyond repair – even by grinding the seats and replacing the washers, already done that!) I had a welcome visit from Mark (fellow blogmaster) and we had a ‘boy’s afternoon’ at B&Q and PC World!

There were lots of fireworks about on Saturday night – we didn’t need to go to firework party – just standing in the garden was enough! Funny to think that this time last year I was in hospital having chemo before the transplant.

I travelled back to London this afternoon, and arrived at the radiotherapy unit 15 minutes early. To my surprise I went straight in and I am now back at the flat. I suppose I had better think about cooking something, although the thought doesn’t appeal!

Still, onwards and upwards!

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Yes, six sessions of radiotherapy completed! The swelling is definitely subsiding, and I think my speech is getting clearer, although the very dry mouth I have also makes my speech sound a bit strange. I was warned that one of the side effects would be a dry mouth – my salivary glands are getting full ‘benefit’ from the rays!

And it is nearly nine calendar months since I was receiving the stem cells from my anaonymous donor, which brings me neatly to my next topic.

You may recall that a couple of weeks ago (25th October to be precise) I mentioned another patient, Sarah, who was about to go for a transplant. Well Sarah posted a comment here last night, and also posted a link to her own website, like2like. (I have also included a link on the right). You may remember that when an unrelated donor transplant was suggested for me, there initially 80 potential matches, which were whittled down to six, one of whom was selected. Well Sarah wasn’t as fortunate, and if you look at Sarah’s story you will see that she is of mixed race, and her website highlights the problem that Afro-Carribean and mixed race populations have in that they are severely under-represented on the various bone marrow registers. I urge you to look at her site – it is very moving.

Fortunately a donor has been found for Sarah, and I’m sure you will all want to join me in wishing her well in the weeks to come, and the following months as she starts getting her life back.

Onwards and Upwards, Sarah, we’re with you all the way! (And I see lots of support for you on your website too!)

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And not much else to add to that – today was the 5th dose of radiation – 7 to go. However in the time honoured tradition of filling in space with a photograph, I have included the views from the flat where I am staying – which you will recognise as Tower Bridge by day and night!
There was one other event of the day – I called in to see my friends at “City Hospital” and met up with Nicky. I have mentioned Nicky (and Rachel) before, but to recap, Nicky was the researcher for the first ever series and I was one of the first patients she researched in 2002 when I had the first transplant. She is now a producer! Rachel was also a producer but hasn’t been involved with the current series. It was good to catch up again (and a good cup of tea – thank you Nicky – just what I needed after the radiotherapy!)

So onwards and upwards!

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