Good Reason to Celebrate

On the 18th July 2012, I was discharged from the haematology ward at Bristol's BHOC. I had just received High Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant. Now three years on I have just attended my monthly consultant's clinic where my blood tests remain most positive and I was prescribed cycle 36 maintenance therapy. I have every reason the celebrate!

In the last three years my health and quality of life has gradually improved to the point that I feel better than I did before I was even diagnosed. Yes I have some back ache, yes I can get a little tired. Neither condition stops me leading a full and rewarding life.

Of course it's also summer! Blue skies and warmer weather make us all feel more cheerful, and it's the season for air displays! With three good friends I journeyed up to the RAF Cosford air day. The weather wasn't perfect but we were treated to a wide range of flying including visits by the Red Arrow (who put on a magnificent show despite the limited cloud base), and from Avro Vulcan HX558 piloted by Bill Ramsey and Martin Withers. It was Martin Withers who piloted XM607 all the way to the Falkland Islands. HX558 is the only flying example of this cold war bomber and sadly will be retired at the end of this season never to fly again.

The following weekend saw many of the same aircraft display at Weston-super-Mare. I have certainly "overdosed" on the Vulcan!

Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold;

the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul

(Democritus)

Keep well and YOLO

Stephen

Phew !

Margaret has had her procedure and seems to be coping well. It's early days but we're both very encouraged by the care she received at the BHI. She has her stitches out next week and has a review appointment in six weeks time. By then I believe we will know if this has been successful.

Two weeks ago I had my neck ultrasound scanned. I had reported a neck ache to my haematology consultant. Secretly I feared that the medication I'm on might have caused another cancer - lymphoma. My consultant probably had the same concern. It was with considerable relief to be given the all clear. My monthly consultant's appointment again contained excellent news that my paraprotein remains undetectable and my Lites are most encouraging. It had been a complicated day: Margaret's day surgery appointment, my consultant's clinic and my two monthly treatment appointment. Complicated but satisfying ! The day also exemplified the high quality of care that both Margaret and I receive from our NHS.

Looking for a suitable thought about "fear" I came across this:

Always do what you are afraid to do

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

There seems to be a strange truth in that, which I can't quite explain.

Keep well and YOLO

Stephen

In Sickness and in Health

This week I have again seen my consultant and, again, my results remain stable and not giving any cause for concern.

So why the title? Well Margaret and I travelled to Cyprus again and had the satisfaction of meeting with several of our friends. That was wonderful but Margaret's health was giving us some considerable cause for concern. Reluctantly we decided to cut our trip short and returned to the UK after only one week. The airline and airports provided Special Assistance which we very much appreciated.

Now perhaps, you will see the reason for this month's title. For so long Margaret has supported me whilst I went through treatment for myeloma. She has attended some of my appointments with me, acted as taxi driver, visited me in hospital and, yes, probably worried about me. Right now the roles are reversed. It is me that is healthy, and it is Margaret who now needs my support. Strange how nature(?) makes such things possible. Hopefully the treatment she is about to receive will have a marked effect on her well being.

Health is not valued until sickness comes

(Thomas Fuller)

Keep well and YOLO

Stephen

Dawn Chorus

I make no apology for introducing this month's post with a collage of spring flowers. After all, they signal the return of life after winter.

The majestic magnolia has excelled itself this year, the perfume of the flowering currant is truly wonderful in the evenings. The grape hyacinth can push through anything (including our drive !). The Chinese (or is it Japanese?) quince is a welcome splash of red whilst the daffodil is surely the best indicator of spring.


The title of Dawn Chorus refers to the other noteworthy feature of spring. We are fortunate to live in a rural environment. For us the chorus starts at about 5 am and seems to last until beyond sunset in the evening!

This month has also been a time of learning for me. I've continued to sit as a Magistrate and discovered much about justice. It is, of course, our role to interpret Sentencing Guidelines. We must protect society and especially victims, but we must also seek to reform offenders. One of my fellow JPs explained much about the consideration of compassion. Another demonstrated the concept of offering hope to offenders whose lives are often so chaotic and seemingly dominated by evil. I have so much to learn.

Tell me and I forget,

Teach me and I remember,

Involve me and I learn.

(Benjamin Franklin)

I attended clinic today, and again, good news. My paraprotein remains undetectable and my Kappa remains at a very satisfactory low level.I have thus been prescribed for cycle 33 - amazing !

I've just been out to bring in the laundry from the line. The birds are singing their sunset chorus and certainly know its spring - amazing !

Keep well and YOLO

Stephen