And so it begins...

Hi Friends,

Just a quick post tonight to fill you in on last week's events and results- quite a big week for me.

On Tuesday I had my blood tests done (phew) and on Wednesday I went in to have a CT scan to check how I had responded to all of the chemo I had before my bone marrow harvest as well as all of the radiation I had recently. I hadn't had a scan done since December so I was quite excited to see the results. My previous scan was an absolute nightmare as the nurses couldn't find a vein to put in a J-line so that they could administer the contrast dye (the dye highlights metabolically active sites which would expose cancer hotspots) and I ended up having to be sedated and an Anaesthetist had to put in my line.

When I went in on Wednesday the Nurses remembered me and they called a Doctor to help as I wasn't prepared to have hours of unsuccessful and painful poking and prodding, the Doctor eventually took me through to another ward to have an ultrasound done so that he could find a suitable vein and my line was put in near my elbow. The CT is really quick, I lay down on the flat bed part of the machine and waited for the contrast dye to be pushed through the line. I'd completely forgotten what it feels like when the dye hit your bloodstream- metal taste in your mouth, hot flush from the top of your head to the tips of your toes and the best part... the feeling like you've wet your pants!! Luckily these side effects only last for a minute or two! The machine gives instructions on when to hold your breath and when to breathe out. The line is then removed and off you go!

Gav and I flew up to Pretoria on Thursday to meet with the Team so that we would have an idea of what to expect when I have my transplant, we didn't get any surprises as we knew most of the info already. When my bone marrow was harvested we were told that it was a really good harvest but we were told any numbers and had no benchmark so we didn't think much of it, when I saw the Haematologist he said that the minimum amount of stem cells they need in order to do a transplant is roughly 2 million, my harvest blew this number out of the water and I have got 8.5 million little babies waiting to be transplanted! We were also given the results of my blood tests and CT scan... blood tests all clear and the best news we ever could've hoped for- a completely clear CT scan! What does this mean in simple terms? Well, I'm officially in remission! There is no evidence of disease present in my body at the moment which means that my cancer was definitely sensitive to the chemo and radiation. Unfortunately I still have to have my bone transplant as my remission is only temporary, there is a very high chance that without my cancer will return as my current immune system is strong enough to fight it off without any additional help. My new stem cells will hopefully be little super fighters and keep me strong and healthy for many years to come!


Tomorrow I will be admitted at Pretoria East Hospital before lunch and the process begins! Firstly, I'll have another central line put into my neck- it really isn't pleasant but I'm SO happy that I don't have to have any lines put in my arms- I then have chemo everyday for a week (day 0 to day 6). I think this will be the toughest chemo yet and the potential side effects are awful but I'll update you as I go along. I then have a day off to recover (day 7) and then on day 8 I'll have my transplant. Ill be in complete isolation again and on a special low bacteria diet both of which I'm really dreading, and at this point we think I'll be in hospital for about 3 weeks post transplant. Last time I thought I'd feel well enough to blog often but I felt so, so terrible and really battled to even watch TV so I'll just play it by ear this time.

I've had a weekend filled with treats and spoiling and my special friends and family have really been incredible :) Sushi, cocktails, pastry delights -  you name it I've probably had it! My amazing friend, Virgilia, ran her first half marathon on behalf of me on Friday and I am so honoured- you are a gem my friend, well done!

I'm spending my last night of freedom at the Dutton's beautiful home in Pretoria and will getting as much fresh air in my lungs as possible!

Have a good week Friends <3

 

 

 

 

xxx

Radiation: Tick!

Hi Friends!

I have just logged onto Blogspot and seen that I've had more than 15 000 page views! Wow- thank you so much to each of you that read my little blog- I feel so blessed.

Here's a little update on what's been going on on my side of the planet:

I finally finished my 4 weeks of radiation but am still feeling the effects of those powerful rays. I have a beautiful tan from my jawline down to just above my ribcage so most people would assume I've been relaxing on some white sandy beach somewhere with a daiquiri in hand! Sadly my white sandy beach was more like a hard plastic board and the sun was one huge laser pointing down at me. The tan is just about the only positive thing to come out of radiation, the rest has been horrendous! I really suffered with the heartburn and raw throat which made even drinking liquids uncomfortable, it has only subsided in the last week or so even though I finished radiation 10 days ago.

 

Goodbye and god riddance Parklands Radiation Department! Woo hoo!

Random creme soda picture? I was sitting in the waiting room about to go in for a session of radiation and I had my hand on my chest because I had such terrible heartburn and a little old lasy said I should try crème soda if I find myself without gaviscon or and eno. BEST ADVICE EVER. Thank you sweet little lady- I owe you.


I'm still really tired but I'm trying to make the most of my days!

 

I spent 3 days with my Mum, Dad, Sister and Brother in Law (and Niece) at Castleburn in the Berg last week

 



I saw Shane, my Oncologist, last week to catch up, show him wedding pictures and discuss my plan going forward. It really eases my mind knowing that I have such a huge support group here to fall back on, they have so much experience with patients and it helps to know that my anxiety and stress in completely normal. Shane is so relaxed and down to earth and the thing that I like about him most is that he genuinely cares about his patients, he never looks at the clock or his watch while you are in his office and he makes sure he leaves no questions unanswered before you leave. People often ask me why I have treatment in Pietermaritzburg when I have treatment in Durban, I always say it's because everyone feels like family at Hopelands, they are compassionate and so interested in each of their patients, you never, ever feel like a number. This makes the world of difference when you are going through something as traumatic as cancer. At the moment Shane says I'm mostly likely in remission although it's difficult to tell, I have to have a bone marrow transplant to stay in remission and hopefully eventually be cured otherwise the cancer will simply return.

Tomorrow I have to have a whole lot of blood tests- 21 tubes in total- this is to check that I'm in good health before being admitted to hospital for my bone marrow transplant. I also have a CT scan booked for Wednesday morning. Gav and I are flying up to Pretoria on Thursday for the day to meet with Dr Brittain, my Haematologist, and the rest of the team at Pretoria East Hospital that will be taking care of me during my transplant. At this point in time we don't really know too much about the transplant in terms of how long I'll be in isolation for or how long my chemotherapy will last for, feeling a bit anxious as I'm really dreading my time in "jail" but eyes on the prize!

xxx

Reminiscing

Its 05h30 and Gav has just left for work, I’m curled up on my comfy wicker chair outside with my tea and blanket keeping me company. I can see the harbour lights twinkling through the trees in the distance and the world is stretching and waking up.

This time last year I had just had my first chemo session of my first cycle and most of the time I was too sick to even get off the couch but I pushed through, I was stressed about work and wondering how I was going to keep up with life. I remember staying up most nights with wild thoughts racing through my mind – am I going to die? Am I going to ruin my body? Am I going to have a life? Will I get other cancers? How will I cope? I still don’t know the answers too many of these questions but I live in hope that all will be okay. I remember crying in the shower some nights so that no one would see how distraught I was and trying to stay strong when I felt like falling apart-  a smile and bright eyes can hide enormous pain and suffering, and sometimes it’s the only way to keep things together.

I often get asked how I can be so positive and cheerful through all of this chaos, in the beginning I didn’t really know how to answer the question without giving to much away- my family was going through another crisis at the same time I was diagnosed (I won’t go into detail as it’s not my story to tell) and quite simply, I didn’t have a choice whether I wanted to be cheerful or sad, I had to keep swimming. Of course I had a wonderful partner and friends who helped me immensely but it was incredibly challenging. I remember lying in bed staring at the ceiling one night when a though crept into my mind - would it be better if I just died so that I didn’t have to face the tough road ahead? I quickly pushed it out of my mind and decided there and then that I would never, ever think about death again. I was going to rise up to this challenge and push my way through all the hardships- no matter what they may be.

Since then i have hit some pretty amazing milestones and I’m proud of myself for making it this far. I think I sometimes forget the severity of my situation and it really sunk in the other night when I was lying in bed with Gav and we were discussing my will. Not exactly something that young newlyweds should be discussing! Sadly it’s our reality and we are forced to prepare for every outcome, no matter how upsetting it may be. My bone marrow transplant is my golden ticket - screw getting to visit a chocolate factory, that’s of no use when you’re dead! On a serious note, it really is my last chance to be in remission and to stay alive. We all just assume that it will be successful and I have little doubt that it won’t be, but we still have to prepare for the alternative…

I am officially 12 sessions of radiation down and here is a breakdown of how I’m feeling:

Body:  My skin is a bit sensitive but not unbearably sore, no bumps or redness to report! My throat and oesophagus are raw, raw, raw… I am living on Myprodol and anti-inflammatory throat spray to keep the pain away but swallowing is painful.  A piece of toast feels like the equivalent of swallowing a cactus, I’m NOT exaggerating!

When I left Pretoria, after my bone marrow harvest, the Haematologist said that I needed to gain a minimum of 5kgs before I went back to Pretoria at the end of this month otherwise she would not sign me off to receive my transplant. This sounds easy peasy right?! When last did you get told to put on weight, ha! Well let me tell you, it’s A LOT easier said than done, I have been tucking into pizza, pastry, chocolate, bread, cheese, Ensure, double cream yoghurt and ALL the treats, I’ve had Easter for the last 2 months but I just can’t seem to gain weight. I have had to force down the solids as it is so incredibly agonizing to swallow. I am also so exhausted all the time. I wish I would explain exactly what this fatigue is like but I just don’t seem to be able to find the words, all I can say is that it is draining and awful and I can’t wait to have energy and a bit of spirit again! My takkies are squealing and want to come out of retirement (the spiders can find a new home) and my heart can’t wait to get blood pumping speedily through it again.

Mind: I have good days and bad days and I guess that’s normal. I’ve got my positive pants on and I’m trying to find as many fun distractions to do as possible so that my hospital check-in date doesn’t consume my mind and existence. I’m nesting like a crazy person and my Husband isn’t complaining! Lots of gourmet meals are flowing out of our kitchen, I’ve planted a new herb garden, and I’ve been spending a lot of time in home stores finding bits and pieces for our special home, Pinterest is eating all of our data and our spare room looks like a craft shop exploded inside of it.

Grow little herbies! Hoping Gav wont kill these one's while I'm away!

I want to make 2015 my year of “yes”, I’ve already committed myself to being a wife to the most unbelievable man which I’d say is a pretty good start! I want to say yes to as many opportunities as possible and I have the best of friends who will join me on this ride. I really want to push myself, experience new things and go on adventures, I want to laugh, to play, to love and to make sure that I embrace every venture that comes my way.

So friends, I encourage you to SEIZE THE DAY! Life can be gone in an instant – smell those roses, breathe in the fresh air and say yes to those adventures.

xxx

Back to reality

Hi Friends! I can’t believe how time is flying, the past month feels like a whirlwind. Just to fill you in- I had an entire month of pure fun and cancer free– no, sadly I wasn’t miraculously healed for a while but I did get a real break from all things medically related and other than a few admin issues with Discovery, I was lucky enough be and feel normal again! It really made me wish I had appreciated my old life and routine more but it also made me so excited to be in remission. I’ve been cruising downhill but I’ve just started the last (hopefully) mountain climb of this little journey.

In the first week of March I became an Aunt, a Wife and turned 26 – truly the best week of my life! We had the most incredible Wedding day and I would do anything to be able to do it all again, I think the day is so chaotic and goes by so insanely quickly that you don’t get to soak it all in as much as you’d like to. We were so blessed to have our family and friends together celebrating our marriage and we love sitting on the couch in the evenings and chatting about the little moments that really stood out. I can’t wait to get our photographs and wedding video so that we can relive it a little bit! Our Niece didn't want to miss out on the party - Courtney Paige arrived 10 days early and my incredible Sister-in-law, Chermaine, brought her to the wedding just 4 days after having a c-section! We were so grateful <3

Husband and Wife <3

 

 

Our precious Niece, Kourtney Paige Muir

 

After our wedding, Gav whisked me off to Mauritius for the most special honeymoon- you really played out of your boots Babe! We stayed in the most amazing hotel and were treated like royalty. We are very active and not ones to lie and tan all day so we basically did all of the activities that we could, we snorkelled (and got chased by sea snakes), kayaked, parasailed, swam, did a cycle tour to Troux a Biches, went exploring and found some beautiful old ruins and stunning waterfalls, shopped in the markets in Grand Baie and Port Louis, tried almost every cocktail on the menu at our hotel, ate nutella pancakes every morning for breakfast and spent a lot of time in the Spa. We returned bronzed, rested and full of smiles- there is nothing better than travelling with your best friend!

 

 

 

 

Sadly when we got home I knew that reality was waiting for me and I started radiation last Thursday at Parklands Hospital in Durban… I will be having treatment daily for a month which works out to 20 treatments. Luckily it's only a 5 min drive from our house which makes things a bit easier. Radiation is a really fast process compared to having chemo! I’m so used to being hooked up to drips for hours and killing time. On the 2^nd of March is went to be measured and to have a scan which helps the Oncologists and the Lab to plan your treatment. I had a contrast dye injected into me which highlights metabolically active areas in the scan, I also had my radiation mask fitted. The mask starts out as a square, flat piece of plastic mesh which is put under hot water to make it soft, the plastic is then put on the face and neck and moulded, it is then put under cold water to set. Generally only patients receiving treatment to the head and neck area need a mask. Other patients have tiny black dots tattooed on their bodies to help the radiotherapist set them in the same position each time.

 

 

My mask



The mask clips down onto a bed once it is on you, the reason for this is that the same site needs to be treated every time to reduce the risk of damaging more tissue than needed. The mask is SUPER tight and uncomfortable- I have never been claustrophobic but I feel so panicky when my mask is on. Also, when the radiotherapist unclips the mask I am left with tiny dots all over my face because the mesh pushes down so hard against my skin. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is completely painless - the mask is uncomfortable but not sore. You can’t feel anything on your skin while having treatment, not even a warm sensation. When the radiation beam is on, the machine makes funny buzzing and gurgling noises which can be a bit off putting.

 

 

Having treatment

 

There are horrible side effects that generally make an appearance towards the second week of treatment, I’ll try and update you once I feel something. So far I have just been very thirsty and tired. After radiation on Friday morning last week I couldn’t even get out of bed to get myself something to drink- my whole body was heavy and I felt so exhausted. The most annoying part about having radiation is not being able to wet the treated area - this means no showering! Thank goodness I have plenty of lovely perfumes, ha! I’m only teasing, luckily I’m able to bath but I can’t wash my chest or neck, I also can’t swim or allow the area to be exposed to sunlight as the skin becomes incredibly sensitive.

 

I saw this poster on the wall in the room where I have radiation - I think the warning sign list is quite useful and easy to remember

My unbelievable friend, Curtis Huysamen, was the guest speaker at a cancer relay held in PMB last week, his speech is so touching and I think it’s definitely worth a listen, please find the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqAD8cGLauY&list=WL

I feel so emotional at the moment and I think it’s mostly because I know that I have to go back to “jail” in Pretoria in a month’s time to receive my bone marrow transplant. I am absolutely dreading the time in isolation and all of the painful procedures – I feel like I have just got back into a normal routine and I am having such fun with my Husband, Friends and Family. I just have to tell myself that it’s one final hurdle I have to get over so that I can start the rest of my life. I'm filling my time with lots of fun things to keep my mind busy and making the most of this free time!

 

 

 xxx

 

 

 

 

A little update and a helpful list

Hello Friends J

I thought I’d do a quick update about where I am and what’s going on at the moment and then share what I think is a very helpful list of tips for those of you who have friends or family who are battling cancer. I’ve seen a few examples of these lists floating around the internet but none of them have been spot on for me so I decided to make my own. I hope that it will be helpful to some of you and that you are able to understand things from the patient’s side!

Update

Since I returned from Pretoria I have been on leave from all this medical and painful- officially the longest period since last year March that I have not been poked or prodded on a daily basis, and it is GOOD! I now have to recover from my harvesting and avoid germs and bacteria as much as possible. This means constantly washing my hands, not touching my face, and avoiding sick people like the plague. I’m also not allowed to eat any meat, eggs or dairy at restaurants and when I cook, I have to make sure everything is clean and cooked to death. No rare steak or unwashed veggies in our kitchen! Other than that I am living a normal life- it truly is absolute bliss! I have pulled on my Bride pants and am planning up a storm, lists are running my life and I am having wedding nightmares at night… 12 days to go until I have my very own HUSBAND! I won’t be having any treatment until after our honeymoon so I am really enjoying this time off and trying my best to make the most of it. The chemo fatigue is still holding me back a bit but for most of the day I am managing to be active and get things done!

 

List of things a cancer patient wants you to know

1.       My family need friends

There is a saying that “when one family member gets cancer, the whole family gets cancer”. Please call my family members and check if they are ok, the emotional strain is huge and often a phonecall or message is needed just to get them through the day. Often grocery shopping or cooking is impossible for me because of the chemo side effects, but my family still need to eat. I have been so blessed with family and friends who have given us meals or invited Gav for supper when I haven’t been here, we are beyond grateful for this (you all know who you are- we are blessed to have you).  

 

2.       Please don’t ask me how I am

Rather tell me you are thinking of me or send a positive, encouraging message to me! Please don’t be angry if I don’t reply, I might be feeling absolutely terrible and unable to reply but I really do appreciate your thoughts and messages. Sometimes a message saying “I'm thinking of you, no need to reply” is the greatest message you can send. Let’s gossip and chat about things happening in your life rather than putting all the focus on my disease. I want compassion, not pity.

3.       I want you to be healthy

I would never wish this disease on anyone and would like you to reduce your risk as much as possible. Please quit smoking, excessive drinking, do some exercise and eat healthily- try and improve your chances of not getting this disease as much as possible!

 

Another very important part of this is financial wellness. Do you have adequate medical aid or a hospital plan to cover you if you get sick? Do you have dreaded disease cover or disability cover that will provide you with a salary even if you are unable to work? These are questions that most people don't consider important- especially if you are in your twenties and "healthy"!

 

I have always had a good hospital plan with Discovery and I have been incredibly lucky that they have an Oncology Benefit Programme which covers a huge portion of my medical expenses. There is no doubt about it- Cancer is expensive! I can't emphasise this enough. There are always shortfalls and money has to come from somewhere. In the past year, Discovery has paid over R400 000 towards my treatment, scans, tests and medicines. This is excluding the R380 000 for my stem cell harvest.

 

I have also been very fortunate to discover that I had a very good dreaded disease policy through my work , I have received a monthly salary even though I haven't been able to work- unfortunately savings don't last forever!

 

If there is one thing you do this year- please look into getting some sort of cover. It has eased a huge amount of stress and helped to cover so many unplanned expenses. I have the most incredible broker who has really helped me with all of my claims and things, I am so grateful for all of your help Mike! If you want to get some more in formation or a quote, Mike is brilliant and will help you from beginning to end. Contact him via email on mike@growingwealth.co.za

 

4.       I may not look the same but I’m still me

I may have thin hair, no hair, lots of hair, red skin, swollen feet, lose weight or put on weight, but I am still me. Please treat me the same and not like a patient - laughing won’t hurt me and neither will a hug, I need as much normality as possible. On the other hand I am always told that I look great, most of the time I feel absolutely terrible and I am covering it up with a smile and bright eyes.

 

5.       Pampering

Unfortunately, the chemo side effects make you feel truly unattractive and this is so emotionally draining, you feel like people are staring at your bruises, your scars, and your thin hair. Spoil your loved one with a pedicure or manicure, a massage or facial might be too painful as the skin is very sensitive while having chemo or radiation treatment.

 

6.       Spoil me

I have received the most thoughtful little gifts from friends and family when times have been tough and I can honestly say they have pulled me through some dark days. Some of these include: A new pair of pajamas, bubblebath, magazines, and flowers, a special blanket, silk pillowcases (to help with the hairloss process) and headbands.

 

 

Special spoilings from my precious Sister

 

 

7.       I’m trying to stay strong but sometimes I break down

Please let me cry and feel sorry for myself, I’m grieving in a way and trying to deal with the flood of emotions. Some days I will be angry, some days I’ll be happy, some days I’ll be sad. Please forgive me if I lash out at you or treat you badly, it’s not on purpose.

 

8.       Every cancer (and patient) is different

I know you are trying to help me when you offer advice about side effects, treatment or doctors but unless you have been through what I am going through, I would prefer not to hear the advice. This may seem exceptionally harsh but often the advice can be detrimental because you go into a situation expecting one thing and the complete opposite occurs. The best advice comes from your Doctor or Nurse.

 

9.       I don’t want to be labelled as a hero, I’m just doing what I have to do

Unfortunately the other choice is death and I won’t go down without fighting! The thought doesn’t even cross my mind. I will beat this, I will stand tall and take each day as it comes. I will get back up each time I am knocked down even if I need a hand to pull me up.

 

 

10.   Get involved in the cause

 

As someone who will be receiving a bone marrow transplant this April, I am deeply moved by my friends and family who have signed up to become bone marrow donors (a big shout out to Leigh and Brett – true heroes!) or taken the time to learn about my disease. Join the bone marrow registry, give blood, organise a fundraiser (Ashton and I will be climbing Kilimanjaro next year) or donate a sum (no matter how small) to cancer research or an organisation of your choice. It’s a gesture acknowledging that cancer affect communities of strangers as well as people you know.

 

Here is my choice - https://www.givengain.com/activist/113273/

 Curtis has beaten cancer twice and is such an inspiration to me, let's try and help him to reach his goal :)

 

Sadly I wont have time to blog for the next three weeks as our wedding has officially taken over my life but I will be back online when I get back from honeymoon :)

Be safe friends!

 

 

                                                                         xxx

 

 

 

 

 

Harvesting

Hi Friends,

Back online after a HECTIC 7 days! On Saturday last week, the Doctors started doing a blood test called a CD34 which measures the amount of stem cells that are in your blood. This test is obviously very important for me because as soon as the cell count "peaked'' then I needed to be harvested. Also, after 2 entire weeks of preparation (the chemo etc) it was important that the "peak" wasn't missed. I was feeling so exhausted and weak that I would barely lift my head off of the pillow and I was very pale. When we got the results back on Saturday they weren't good, the platelets were very low and so was my stem cell count - a big fat zero! Not the news we needed. I ended up having a triple blood  transfusion but only after a 24 hour wait because there is currently a countrywide blood shortage. I also had to have a platelets but they are not nearly as scarce as blood is. On Sunday and Monday I had more CD34 tests done and my count was still ZERO! Even after FOURTEEN (2 per day)Neupogen injections which are supposed to help your bone marrow to release the stem cells.

The Number Game

On Tuesday when they tested, my count was three. The minimum stem cell count, in order to be harvested, is ten. Unfortunately time was against me so even though my stem cell count was showing improvement, it would have taken me almost 10 days to get to a decent level in order to harvest and by then my mobilization period would have been over. I would have had to start from scratch again. Let me just say that by this stage I was so frustrated and miserable, I had been in isolation for 2 weeks with no fresh air and feeling horrible, I was claustrophobic and so emotional. The Doctors then decided to request and emergency drug called MOBICOL. It is a tiny injection which is given in in the tummy once and costs.... wait for it... R78 000.00 for a single dose! I know. On Wednesday morning at 4am I received my exorbitant injection and at 6am I had two more Neupogens. I had another CD34 test done at 7:30am and my stem cell count was 43! Yes you read that correctly! Yippee!!!

Harvesting

I had had a femoral line put in on Tuesday afternoon (really painful), it was basically identical to the catheter that was in my neck but placed at the top of my thigh/groin as this is where the stem cells would be harvested from.

I went through to the harvesting room at 8am and got started. I was connected to a machine called a Blood Cell Separator which pulls blood through one of the lines in the picture above, separates the stem cells and collects them, and then pushes blood back through the other line.

 

 

The machine

 



 

The stem cells starting to collect

 

 

The harvesting process isn't painful! I was wide awake the entire time and had to lie in one position the entire time but I ate and drank normally and read my book. I only finished at 5pm-  a very LONG, tiring day! If you are a donor you will have a line in each arm and they will harvest through those. Unfortunately my veins are so damaged from chemo and blood tests that my only option was to have a femoral line put in.

 

 

 

360ml of absolute gold - my stem cells at last!

 

 

While I was being harvested, I read the latest version of the Pick 'n Pay Fresh Living magazine and look what I found inside!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My stem cells were then checked for quality and quantity last night to determine whether I needed to be harvested for a second time, I'm ecstatic to say that I had a very, very good first harvest and I was discharged this morning. I can't even begin to tell you how incredible it feels to be free! I had my lines removed which was almost painless and we headed straight to Woolies for tea and treats!

 

 

 

 

I am so proud of my special Sister and her Fiancé, Brett for donating blood this week. To all of you who donate regularly - you are real heroes! rust me, it is the most awful feeling lying in hospital, feeling like death, waiting for blood because there is a shortage. I wish everyone would be proactive and donate- it's the easiest way to save a life and who wouldn't want to claim that! :)

 

 

 

 

 

I have to mention how absolutely incredible my Mum has been during the last 3 weeks- she really is amazing! She has pulled me through the tough times, held my hand when I've been screaming in pain and laughed with me to keep me going. I honestly don't think I would've made it through without her < 3 Love you so much Mum!

 

 

 

 

All packed up and ready to be discharged

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excuse the picture quality- the Nurse wasn't a pro!

 

 

I'm not allowed to travel for 3 days because I had a femoral line and there is a risk of clotting. We are staying with the fabulous Mandy Dutton who has been an absolute pillar of strength for my Mum and I while I have been in Pretoria. Mands, thank you with all my heart- you are such a gem!

 

 

 

The very best welcome in the world!

 

 

Tonight we are having champagne to celebrate and lots of laughs, my heart is SO happy! Not long now until I am home with my special Fiancé < 3 Thank you all for you messages and prayers- without you I wouldn't have made it through. Exciting times ahead!

 

xxx

 

 

 



Thank you

Friends I have to start this post with a massive THANK YOU! Thank you for all your incredible messages of love and support, jokes, life news and good wishes. I feel so blessed to have you all on my side, rooting for me to get well -  I promise I will do all I can to combat this challenge, I’m desperate to get back to normal and hopefully to bump into you while doing everyday activities!

 

 

My mum and I having a cuddle

 



Since my last blog post not much has changed, time is ticking on thank goodness and I am still dealing with the side effects from chemo. I have horrific mucositis (basically a raw mouth, gums and throat) and chemo fatigue, plus my haemoglobin levels are low again so I'm waiting to have another blood transfusion - otherwise I am coping well!

 

 

Playing Uno to pass time



I have been on a  very strict, special, low bacteria diet since I arrived- basically the food I'm given is all either tinned or stewed and most of the time unrecognisable (I wish I was kidding), nothing fresh or tasty. I can't wait to scoff my face with fresh fruit and salad! I'm dreaming of swimming in a huge bowl of cold greek yoghurt and fresh fruit...! I get weighed twice a day for the Doctors to check my fluid retention as well as my weight. Another thing I can't wait to do is change out of pjs and into normal clothes- not that into the slumber look.

The chemotherapy that I’ve been having causes bone marrow suppression, so the bone marrow doesn’t produce as many blood cells as it normally does, this is very important  as blood cells help fight infections and diseases. With increased demand, the body responds by producing more stem cells.

Mobilisation

At the moment my cell counts are very low (hence the mucositis and fatigue) and I am in a phase called mobilisation. Mobilisation is a process whereby stem cells are stimulated out of the bone marrow space (e.g. the hip bones and the chest bone) into the bloodstream, so they are available for collection for future reinfusion. This is done by means of drug called Neupogen which I get two injections of every morning at 6am in my tummy. They are not pleasant!

Every morning I have my bloods taken to check what levels the cell counts are at and to monitor for infections etc. My bone marrow should peak for collection on either Monday or Tuesday next week.

Bone marrow harvesting

*Very important note: If you sign up to be on the bone marrow donor list (by means of a quick and simple FREE blood test) and a patient is lucky enough to get you as their match, the process below explains exactly how donating your stem cells works. It’s barely painful and is quick and easy!

My greatest fear is that all of my terrible stories I have told you will put you off becoming a donor! Please remember that my blog is from a patient’s perspective, my type of transplant is an autologous one (I am my own donor) and that is the reason I have to go through the additional treatments etc.

The harvesting process takes 3–4 hours, depending on the amount of stem cells collected, this process may be repeated daily for 1–2 days to collect enough stem cells for a transplant later on in March.

Here is how the harvesting process works:

• A catheter (thin tube) is placed in a large vein in the donor’s arm.
• Blood travels through the catheter from the body to a special machine. The machine carries out a process called aphaeresis, which separates and collects stem cells from the blood.
• Once the stem cells are removed from the blood, it is returned to the donor (via another catheter in the other arm).

Occasionally donors may have side effects during the collection process. Some people experience chills and light-headedness. Donors may also have numbness around the lips and in the fingers and toes or cramping of the hands. These side effects are due to low blood calcium levels, which is caused by the blood-thinning agent used during harvesting and they go away quickly.

 

The very best news

My very precious fellow cancer soldier, Ashton, finished her final round of chemo today! She is such a hero and we are all so proud of her, finally free yippee!! I could write a whole post about this special girl- she has been so incredibly supportive and understanding throughout our "cancer battle" and I am BEYOND grateful that our paths crossed. We are currently planning to climb Kilimanjaro at the end of 2016 - watch this space :) I can't wait to get back and have tea with you, Bash!

So much love for you! Check out those guns ;)

I am REALLY praying and hoping that my cell count will peak on Monday so that I can then be harvested and sent home- please pray for me friends, getting desperate to get out of here.. it's been a loooong 12 days.

 

My special Mum is going back to KZN tonight and Gav is coming up tomorrow to spend the weekend with me. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and take a few minutes to be grateful for all that you have been blessed with, sometimes life is so busy that you forget just how amazing it truly is!

 

xxx