On Tuesday I attended consultant's clinic and, again, my test results were good with no detectable paraprotein and stable free light chains. This meant, as hinted last month, that I was prescribed for maintenance cycle number 50. It is now a clear 4 years since I was discharged from having high dose therapy and stem cell transplant.
The significance of my 50th cycle did not go unnoticed My trials nurse had provided a cake which was shared with my consultant and no doubt others later. For my part I decided to distribute a thank you card to those doctors, nurses and ancillary staff who have contributed to my current happy situation.
It is difficult to express just how privileged I feel to have come this far. In the last four years I have been so incredibly fortunate. In 2013 our grandson, Finley was born. I have been able to watch him grow ever since.
Later that in 2013, we travelled to Italy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of my uncle's death in World War II. This was such a significant event which is recorded on my web site at www.hf694.org.uk
In October 2014 I had the honour to be appointed as a Magistrate. This had been a long-held wish and one which gives me so much fulfilment.
In November 2015 Margaret and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary (which I even remembered!).
In May this year we travelled to Scotland to witness the marriage of our younger son Chris to the love of his life, Becks: A truly joyous occasion.
Finally, as anyone who knows us will tell you, we have enjoyed so may holidays, especially in Cyprus.
Through all this and most importantly I have enjoyed the love and support of my wife Margaret.
When you arise in the morning, think what a precious privilege
it is to be alive - to breath, to think, to enjoy, to love
Marcus Aurelius
I am truly privileged. Keep well, and remember, YOLO
Stephen
