Stem Cell Transplant - Day 14 (or 12 days after actual transplant)

Home !!!!
Today has been a great day. I am home and as they say there is no place like home. I really dont know what to say, such a pot pouri of emotions. Relief, joy, happiness, surprise but above all so thankful.
To my incredible medical team thank you. A team of true professionals, so talented and always full of support and encouragement not to mention ready to laugh and keep the mood 'light'. To my gorgeous wife at my side throughout I love you with all my heart. To my friends, family and work collegues thank you for your support and best wishes throughout. You all provided such comfort and inspiration not to mention the messages I received on this blog. Thank you.
So now it is time to recuperate. I'm not sure how long that will take. I was told 4-8 weeks initially but I am seeing my Doctor (I should say Professor) tomorrow so will know more then. Given my dream and very fortunate run so far who knows. I may have another transfusion of plasma cells tomorrow but that will depend on my count in the morning. I feel great but also still very tired and of course the ongoing waves of nausea etc.... a small price to pay for life. Thank you all!
I will continue to update my blog with progress etc

Stem Cell Transplant - Days 11-13

I have have had a very successful few days culminating with the great news that I will be able to go home tomorrow but more of that later.

Day eleven (Friday) once again had me feeling well. My counts had grown again steadily which was good news and came with the promise that I maybe able able to go out on 'day release' Saturday if they continued. The nausea whilst still there was only mild and came in waves which coincided with when the drugs were wearing off and the next set were due. My appetite gradully was returning which funnily enough also coincided with a visit from the catering manager to do a survey. I found that amusing given 1) I was still in isolation and 2) I had been living off virtually nothing for days and if I did eat it was the soup Sara had brought in.

So Friday night I just lived in hope that I could get out for the day to 'smell the roses' and see my family. I wondered if little Jack would remember me.

Fortunately I was allowed out and I have enjoyed two great day visits home. I am still very very tired and as of today bald. My hair continued to fall out at a rate and the patches had started appearing so there was nothing left to do but get it shaved off. I am OK about it but it is a very weird feeling. Jack did recognise me even with a bald head so that was a relief. Sara says I look hot (I think I scare small children and crack mirrors) which was representative of her loving support for me. I couldnt live without her or have gone through this without her by my side. She is amazing.

On the medical front I had a tranfusion of plasma cells on Saturday as my counts were down. They come in a bag and can best be described as looking like chicken soup. They were infused through my Hickman line. I have never had 'someone elses' blood before which brought a mixture of emotions ranging from being incredibly thankful (and thinking people who do that are so brave and wonderful) to feeling a little uncomfortable if I am to be honest. The whole exercise anyway was made 'light' as there was good banter with my nurse that morning Grant who was South African and we watched SA lose numerous wickets in the Test. I managed to get some good sledges in!

I also have a very painful shoulder which is a result of an injection to get the stem cell manufacture working overtime. That was and is unexpected for me and has caused discomfort. I am not complaining however as I still see and hear others around me less fortunate and who have struggled terribly through this process.

So tomorrow is the big day I hope. I will post the 'after' shot of me .... if for nothing else just to prove I am not hot! Also above is my room sign showing my various 'badges'.

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Ten

The light at the end of the tunnel is not a train... it is the end of the tunnel!

That is how I have felt today. What a contrast and what a difference from the last few days.

Also I had wonderful news this morning... my white cell count is now 0.3 which means I am starting to produce my own white cells. The transplant has worked. That is such a relief as my remaining concerns were that either the transplant would not be successful and my stem cells would not take up residence again (which they obvioussly have) or the risk of infection (which is still there but will reduce with each day as my counts rise).

The nausea is also under control and I have been able to keep down foods. A real treat was my gorgeous Sara who delivered 3 lamb chops with mash for lunch. I was able to eat a fair portion, enjoy it and no after effects.

My friend the drip is still hydrating me and there are still plenty of drugs to take but it seems everyone is very happy with my progress. I have more energy today and am so pleased the last few days are behind me.

Was told today also they will take another sample of my bone marrow. I will not make the same mistake again when presented with option of local vs sedation! For anyone who reads this and is presented with the option trust me, go sedation!

I am not sure how much longer I will be here. My doctor (the 'Thursday' doctor as they rotate on daily rosters) said he didnt think he would see me next week. My 'main' doctors have intimated perhaps next Tues/Wed.... I am hoping for Sun/Mon. I guess it will all depend on the counts and some luck to not get an infection. Just hope the count increases rapidly. It is measured daily.

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Eight/Nine

Count is zero. Sorry for the lack of posts over the last two days but it has been a real struggle. Three words come to mind namely sick sick sick.

Yesterday in particular was a tough one. Extreme nausea meant I could virtually not lift my head off the pillow. Foods were definitely out of the question plus even a glass of water. There was also a fever and really just feeling unwell.

The day was really lying in bed... lights out, tv off just bunking in and hanging on.

My anti nausea drugs were changed and infused later in the day, that helped.

Sara was by my side as always and the head massages were a great relief ... thank you darling. She is amazing.

This morning (day ten) I feel so much better. Slight nausea etc but compared to the last two days hooray! Hopefully tonight when I do my blog I can reprot good progress.

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Seven

I need to start by admitting a mistake. Whilst my title is 'day seven' (which for me is the 7th day in hospital) it is really 'day five' (based on the date of the stem cell transplant). So to any fellow 'transplantees' who may read this and wonder if and why I am out of sync with the treatment that is why.

Today has been a real mixed bag. My 'count' this morning was 0.2 which now classifies me as neutropenic. I hadn't heard of this term until today but it means I get get a new badge on the door of my room stating this. That is now added to the 'irradiated blood product sign'. I am disappointed not to have had the 'isolation' tag added like others (even though I have been told I am now officially in isolation).

I looked up the term neutropenic which ... quote .. is ... 'Neutropenia (adjective neutropenic), from Latin prefix neutro- and Greek suffix -πενία (deficiency) is a hematological disorder characterized by an abnormally low number of a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. Neutrophils usually make up 50-70% of circulating white blood cells and serve as the primary defense against infections by destroying bacteria in the blood. Hence, patients with neutropenia are more susceptible to bacterial infections and, without prompt medical attention, the condition may become life-threatening (neutropenic sepsis).'

Whilst that all sounds dramatic the staff here have it all under control and monitor me regularly for temperature rises etc. I am also on antibiotics to fight any suckers that may be attacking me.

Now that I have entered this stage a few changes have occurred. The first and most obvious is that I cannot go out anymore. Sara also has to wear an apron when she visits (and despite the fact it is a disposable plastic apron she still looks like a total spunk!). She is such a strength to me, not just now but always! My diet is also monitored far more closely (despite the fact I cannot stand to look at food at present and am eating less than a mouse). All foods must be fresh which meant the dinner order of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich was cancelled. The good news however was that Sara's magical and delicious soup which she brought to the hospital was OK to eat.

Today has really been characterised by just feeling like crap .... I cant put it more articulately than that. I did receive an intravenous shot of something to help and that did kick in. I am feeling better at present which is such a relief after the day so thought I would type this whilst I have the chance. Dinner will be here soon ... the thought makes my stomach turn but I know I have to force some down no matter how difficult to keep up my strength. I weighed this morning 5 kilos less than check in incidentally.

Is my Mother's birthday today so I will call her this evening. Happy Birthday Mum xxx

Eeeek dinner has arrived... bleck....until tomorrow ... all up a tough day but ok... sorry for the typos as always but I need to focus on the job at hand now.

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Six

Another Leave Pass!

Another good day today as I was given a leave pass to go home again. That is the good news, the bad news is my doctor tells me this will be my last visit home until my treatment is complete as my white cell count dropped from six (I think) to two so I will not be able to leave the hospital anymore for risk of infection.

It was great to relax at home! Sara cooked a beautiful Sunday Roast (chicken my favourite) however three mouthfuls in I'm afraid I had to pass as I really am having trouble with nausea now. Dinner was half a bowl of Sara's beautiful chicken soup and quite frankly I think that is about all I will be able to face from here on in. Sara is going to bring this in tomorrow when she visits thank goodness.

I believe I can expect five 'interesting' days now as the count goes to zero and the inevitable infection (hopefully small as I 'm sure it will be) will come to visit.

So a very relaxing day at home. I am feeling very tired now and as mentioned the last thing on my mind is food!

I love my family and being at home and had a wonderful chat with my children in Australia this morning via skype. Cant wait until Juliet is finally here permanently! Also had a nice chat to Mum & Dad also in Aust.

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Five

There is No Place Like Home !!!!

A great day today! Anti nausea drugs are working well and my Doctor told me my blood counts were still high enough to go out again. So at 10am it was off home to be with my family, what a treat!!

What a difference it makes to be home and with loved ones. Whilst I have a nice room at the hosptital and really cant fault them an anything, they are all truly wonderful, there is no place like home!

Having lost close to another 3 kilos yesterday (its sounds just unbelievable but true) and having eaten virtually nothing due to the nausea the day before my darling Sara's chicken soup was just the thing. A bowl for lunch and dinner was perfect. To spend time just relaxing and chatting and to not be attached to the mobile drip was heaven.

So I am feeling very buoyed and recharged having spent quality time at home. Little Jack (just six months old) remembered his Dad which was nice. I was a little concerned having been away for a week but he welcomed me with a lovely smile and a good scratch to the nose which drew blood just for good measure!

Going back was difficult and I so wanted to stay but was thankful for the time I had. I gave the cabbie a good tip (no it wasnt be kind to your mother and dont talk to strangers) to which he responded 'thanks mate I that will buy my maccers tonight.'

Hopefully I will be able to go home again tomorrow (perhaps even be up for a small serving of a Sunday Roast .. I love that) but guess it will all come down to how I am feeling and my blood count. But feeling very positive and optimistic.

So day five... best day yet!

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Three/Four

Pleased to say that I am still doing well albeit feeling quite sick today.

It is now a waiting game. My white cells are gradually dying from the effects of the chemo and at some point will be zero during the next few days (not sure how many). In the meantime my stem cells are hopefully settling themselves back in. The next few days I believe are quite crucial and hopefully I will not pick up a flu or virus whilst the counts are down.

Yesterday however there was a treat. I was given a leave pass so Sara and I were able to go out for a couple of hours and browse the local shops and have a bite to eat. That was a real surprise and very enjoyable. We could pretty much do as we liked but had to avoid crowds (ie tube, buses cinema etc). It was great to get some fresh air and wander the streets hand in hand with my gogeous wife.

Mr nausea came to visit in the afternoon and has pretty much stayed ever since. A couple of sleeping tablets last night were a great relief!!!

Today has been pretty much the same. Poor Sara was not well and quite sensibly thought best not to come in given the risk of infection. Campbell was also off school with similar. I have spent most of the day lying on the bed listening to the cricket on TV. At present I feel like I have a bad flu and just bunking in waiting for it to pass. Good to see both the Aussies and England are getting some runs!

I was allowed out again .. I wandered around for about forty minutes but went back as wasnt feeling great. It was great however to bump into Gordon one of our Pavilion Stewards outside the hospital.

Have noticed my hair is still falling out but I still have enough to get by. Thanks Mum and Dad or is it Grandparents who hand dwon the 'hair gene'. Thanks anyway.

Not much else to write. Hanging in there for the ride!!

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Two

Another positive day thankfully although Mr Nausea did come and pay a visit.

After such a dream run yesterday, following the chemo, last night was not such a breeze. Felt quite sick and it was very difficult to sleep at all. Also no matter how good the hickman line is it still gets caught at times during the night given it is (or should I say I am) attached to the mobile drip, the intermittent pain from a it tugging or pulling tends to wake from time to time and feels like it is being torn from your chest. That all sounds like I am moaning ... its not that bad but just annoying and in tandem with the nausea and lack of sleep didnt make for a great night. I was told the gentleman next to me (who from the sound of things is not having as easy run as I am) has had his in for close to a year ... I am hopeful of getting the bloody thing out as soon as it can be removed! ... but for now it is a integral part of the treatment so mr hickman you are welcome to stay a little longer.

The stem cell transplant was scheduled for 1:30pm today. This morning was quiet ... I couldnt face breakfast or lunch ... half a crumpet was all I could eat and when my grilled haddock arrived for lunch (my stomach is turning now as I think about it ... I am sure it was nice but I just wasnt up to it) Sara removed it from the room. The way I feel right now it will be a little while before I can face fish again.

The pre treatment for the actual transplant included a shot of paracetemol and some more anti nausea drugs which helped enormously. The transplant itself was very successful as far as I could tell and painless etc. The frozen stem cells arrived in a nitic oxide container (like just out of the movies) ... frozen.... and are then placed in what looked like a combination of a slow cooker and casserole dish (to be defrosted)... aluminium ... be a great gadget for the kitchen! I love gadgets.

So with all the checks and balances done and my brilliant nurse Michael aided by a student nurse and another who performed the various checks... three bags of my stem cells (taken from me nearly ten days ago) were 'tranplanted'. The stem cells are in a clear plastic bag ... light red in colour (duh its blood of course Keith) and fed intravenously through the hickman line. The only uncomfortable part of this (aside from the unknown ... Michael was taking my blood pressure and heartrate every 5 minutes) was a need to go to the bathroom. Dont laugh and dont be grossed out reading this .. just stating the facts... reason... this morning when weighed I had put on nearly 3 kilos since arriving !! Fluid retention ... the diretics I was given late morning had kicked in ... but they work! Boy do they work .. Ok enough of that but I am trying to put down exactly what happens in case it is of some use to a fellow myeloma 'buddy'. I was always under the impression I would lose heaps of weight and I guess I probably will but to put on so much so quickly was a shock.

The last fact is the sweet corn factor. The preservatives mixed with the stem cells give off a strong sweet corn odour... apparently I also now smell of sweet corn as does my room. Michael just told me the smell has got to the student nurse who had a headache and hasnt come back since. Also my room now stinks of sweet corn.. Sorry.

So there it is for today... sorry for the typos etc.. will fix them later. I am tired ... happy to have made it past the next step ... I have made it again with my beautiful wife Sara by my side who is such a mountain of support... just incredible and awesome. I was the worst company this morning... just really couldnt have a conversation etc as was hit by the visit from Mr Nausea etc. Thank you darling for being there... and I am not talking to you Mr Nausea!

Stem Cell Transplant - Day One

Thankfully I continue to be in the minority and have had another good day. Today I received a high dose of chemo plus any number of drugs designed to be address the side effects. Fortunately for me they have worked and my 'dream' run through this illness continues.

I am very comfortable with minimal nausea etc and can look to tomorrow when my stem cells are returned.... at precisely 1:30pm ... 24 hours after the chemo.

I thought that perhaps today had been jinxed. After being 'prepped' (both tablet and infused through my hickman line which I must say is working a treat!) various reports came in that 'they' were having trouble mixing the chemo. Apparently it kept crystalising and after the third batch was pronounced a dud I thought this is all turning out bad. Finally it arrived (just after I had eaten lunch which I also thought was bad timing and would end up in disaster as Mr Nausea was due to arrive shortly after) and away we went. I passed the time watching another episode of 24 with Sara by my side and by sucking on ice blocks. This is designed to assist with the mouth ... I hadnt read about this procedure before in other blogs.... was it just to keep me quiet :)

Sara left shortly after concerned that perhaps the side effects would kick in just after she left however some 5-6 hours later I am doing fine and looking to tomorrow. I can detect a sore throat approaching but perhaps I am imagining it. Not much else to report. A quiet uneventful day and hey some great quality time again with Sara. I was 'skyped' into the family dinner tonight and it was great to share that with the aid of modern technology.

I have continued to read the latest press particularly with respect to the cricket of course. I won't mention the current fiasco ... as much as I would like to. I have also just re-read the wonderful cards presented to me from the MCC staff which the ever thoughtful Rachel coordinated and had laminated. I am so lucky in so many ways.

Stem Cell Transplant - Day Zero

The 'dreaded' day has finally arrived, 23rd February and time for the hardest part of this journey to begin. I say dreaded which to be quite honest is not the case, I am pleased the day has finally arrived and we can crack on and get it done!

Today is an easy day also. In terms of the medical side today is all about hydration. I am attached to my new best mate (actually he's not new, we've spent a quite a deal of time together in recent weeks) the mobile 'drip' (pictured above). I hate photos of myself but thought let's do a before and after. Also today I have had a briefing from my medical team on what to expect which is ... chemo tomorrow... big dose followed for a few days with nausea and diarrhoea. I am told also to expect a very sore mouth and throat and how important mouth wash etc will be. I must say I have read about this in all the other blogs I have read and not looking forward to that. My stem cells will be returned day three. By this weekend I will probably feel OK but then as the blood count drops I can expect fever and some infection next week.... from there (given I have been so well thus far) it is uphill from there.

It will be interesting to see how closely this all matches. I was given the reality check that I have had a good run thus far and I am entering the unknown with respect to how sick I will feel. OK .. I have been warned so will just hang on, grin and bear it.

The rest of my day has been spent finishing some work, filling out the lunch dinner and breakfast menu and spending some quality time with my goegeous wife Sara. We have a 'doola' (yes doola) looking after Jack each day for a few hours so Sara can come to the hospital and be with me. It was actually a really nice time just hanging out. As parents you so rarely get to spend that quality time. We did manage to have lunch two days in a row late last week which was unheard of so when I get out of here and recover that will be a concerted effort. I love it. We also managed two episodes of the series '24' as we are recent converts. I am sure the box sets will get a caning whilst in hospital. I also have 'Only fools and horses' courtesy of my great mate Kingy, Band Of Brothers on the recommendation of 'Uncle Dave' and have been so grateful of DVD's and books from Nigel and Andy.

As for Lionel/Gillian.. you are both legends... thank you also.

So I am settled in, unpacked and as ready as I will ever be for the next stage. Skype works which is a relief so I can keep in touch with home of an evening plus spend some time speaking with and seeing my darling children in Australia. So far so good.

"I get by with a little help from my friends"

As the song goes never have truer words been spoken. We live just off Abbey Rd so even more appropriate ... as an aside I still get a laugh a recalling the story of Sir Paul McCartney who also lives close by and walks his dog being told by tourists (who did not recognise him) to wait whilst they posed on the zebra crossing!

From the moment I was diagnosed I have had overwhelming and incredible support from my friends, work colllegues, family, MCC and cricket fraternity. I will come to my darling wife in a moment but the support I have received cannot be done justice in words. None so more for example than Geoffrey Boycott the famous English opening batsman. Geoffrey is famous for hisw determined and forthright manner and I am proud tgo say Geoffery has been a great friend from the day I arrived. Geoffery himself was given 5 months to live with cancer and I am pleased to say has beaten it .... (to be honest if anyone can it is Geoffrey). He and Rachel have been a mountain of support. Aside from the regular calls which I can never place a value on Geoffrey put me in touch with Chris Woollams. Chris tragically lost his daughter to cancer and has devoted his life now to research and helping others. Chris helped Geoffrey and also developed a personal prescription for me. Included in this is a diet which I have followed to the letter. I have to say that I attribute how well I feel (and the fact I have lost weight despite being on steroids) , not to mention my gorgeous wife who has also prepared meals and our whole family diet accordingly. Anyone in a similar situation, I can only say look up canceractive.com ... I can only say it has helped me enormously. Chris will do a personal prescription for everyone and his small fee goes into further research and development. As for the diet ... you do seriously get used to soya butter and milk believe me.

My wife Sara, children (both here and in Australia) and family have also been awesome. Our 'cancer free' meals prepared by Sara each and every day have meant it has been a pleasure not a chore to follow the diet. Also my employers (MCC ... I hate to use that term as they are so much more than that) and my friends not to mention those in the cricket family both here, in India and Australia in particular have given me untold strength. The offers to travel with me to other parts of the world (and bring them here) to seek assistance if required and to all those who have offered help based on their own experiences and those oif their family members has been just simply overwhelming.

My good mate (as the children call him Uncle Dave) and the calls and texts from so many people have just lifted and inspired me. The warm hug from the Pavilion Steward Saturday wishing me luck as I finished tidying my office brings tears to my eyes. I have refrained from naming people ... I love you all dearly... I can however name my wife who has been just unbelievable. And to my children I love you more than life itself.

Ooops I almost forgot ... not really.. my amazing medical team. They are always upbeat and ready to laugh but above all professional and the best there is. Thanks guys for the KFC by the way during my last peiod of hospitalization ... after a few days in hospital sneaking a KFC at the 'nurses staition' with you was just as they say 'what the doctor ordered'. After all that chat re the diet one piece didnt hurt I'm sure so to everyone... at the expense of being 'gushy' .. thank you! As Jeff Fenech once said 'I love yous all'

So I do get by with a little help from friends and although I will be in isolation for the next few weeks I look forward to the emails to keep me going.

Discovery - Multiple Myeloma

Having read so many blogs for other people with multiple myeloma it seems most have a story as to how it was discovered. My discovery is no different and fate played a hand for which I will be forever grateful. There is a saying afterall that fate is God's way of staying anonymous.

I remember my 'discovery' very clearly. The previous evening had been one of such joy, the birth of our son Jack Michael at 11:48pm. Nothing compares with the strength and courage that I saw from my beautiful Sara that day!

Having returned home sometime after 3am that evening after the birth I woke early and shot off to play a semi final of real tennis (a very addictive game which I was getting into and the fact that Lord's has a court makes it so convenient). My partner Mike Griffith and I had not played together for that long but to date had not lost a match, more his skills than mine I'm sure. I had a slight 'strain' in the top of the thigh/pelvis area and warmed up carefully however on the first point stretched and was in agony for the rest of the match. I effectively stood in a corner hardly able to move, making painful and feeble attempts to return shots, whilst Mike darted all over the court. His efforts took us to a final point decider which in many ways was fortunate that we lost as there was no way I could have competed in the final. I apologised profusely and in hindsight should have stopped trying to play but the words of David Boon, from decades ago, still rang in my ears.

When I played cricket with Boonie his philosphy was to never give up, if struck by a bouncer in the head, do not go down. He reasoned that if you go down you never get up. That has always been instilled in me and have therefore always continued to play on no matter the problem (broken ribs courtesy of Geoff Lawson was one painful occasion).

At the end of the semi final I hobbled home, showered and went off to the hospital with Maddy and Campbell to collect Sara and Jack. What a pathetic sight I was, hobbling in and out of the hospital, they must have thought I was the patient. To make matters worse I could hardly get into or out of bed during those sleepless nights that accompany a new baby. I had promised Sara faithfully that I would do my share and wanted to do so but I simply could not help.

After two months of pain and hobbling pathetically around (having seen physios etc) the doctor suggested I have a scan as I may require, what was thought to be a muscle tear, sewn. This is where my cancer story begins.

One Friday morning I went for a MRI scan. Early that afternoon my GP called and asked to see me before close of business (or close of play as we say at MCC). Hmm I thought, must be a bad tear, perhaps I need to get it sewn straight away... thought it bloody hurt. As coincidence would have it, as I took the call walking around the ground, Sara just happened to be coming the other way. She sensed I am sure that all was not well and decided to visit the GP with me.

That afternoon my GP (who is a terrific guy by the way) informed me that I severe bone deterioration in my right leg (upper), pelvis and lower spine. That was what was causing the pain. He said this would be one of three things either a secondary cancer, bone cancer (one in a million!) or something else that was not too serious. Sara and I ruled out bone cancer as a one in a million shot is just not on, secondary cancer was a worry as that meant I had cancer somewhere else but the likelihood was still that all was fine.

The next Tuesday I had a PET scan and heaps of blood tests. The PET scan was interesting and amazing. Radioactive sugar is injected into the blood. Cells 'consume' the sugar and this shows up on the scan. The cancer cells are larger and therefore consume more sugar. These show as a brighter green. The are some really clever people in the world. As an aside one thing that doesnt help is when they give you a CD to take home and view. When we placed it in the PC my body lit up like a chrismas tree. There was green everywhere! I thought at that moment I was gone!! Fortunately that was not the case and the cancer cells were in the pelvis, leg and spine but more of that later.

I rang my GP the following afternoon (as I had notheard anything), once again Sara by my side. He said all the results were not in but it was clear for the secondary cancer (ie the scan had not detected and cancer of major organs). 'Phew! The bones we talked about are still a 'little dodgy' he said and I am waiting for the blood tests.

The next afternoon we visited my GP. Sara waited at recepton with Jack and my GP proceeded to give me the news. You have multiple myeloma, bone cancer. I will never forget that moment, nor will I forget Sara's face as I came out of his office. She can read me like a book. I wanted to just get out of the surgey and tell her outside which I did but she knew before I told her. I, like Sara was shocked and also to be honest in a daze. This doesnt seem right. How can this happen to me. Having said that, as I type this I have a hickman line (tube coming out of my chest), have done 4 months of chemo, my hair is falling out and my stem cell transplant is scheduled for tomorrow and I STILL in some ways just cant believe it.

From that moment however I consider myself lucky. I may have been one in a million shot to get it at my age but I am young enough to take the treatment, they caught it early so it had not spread everywhere. I have also had the most incredible support from everyone and to be honest feel quite well despite all the treatment etc.