Peter’s Hospital Diary

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!)