Blimey - that first time round was a walk in the park compared to what lies ahead. I had a straight talking meeting with my haematology consultant today. I will make this short and sweet (sweet! ha).
A brief account of my treatment plan - it goes in stages - First: Two lots of chemo - stronger than before - (that'll be nice then) starting in a couple of weeks time. Date to be confirmed. I need to go into remission. No remission - no get out of jail card. So thats the first hurdle to jump. While chemo courses round my system, a world-wide data base search will be undertaken for a 10:10 donor match (lets hear it for a 10:10 donor match please). Next: late September, will have bone marrow transplant at Kings and will be hermetically sealed into isolation unit (see, Ripley all over) for about 3/4 weeks while, we hope, the new donor cells settle into place. Clearly this will be a testing time - and I will do battle with a host of aliens - infections and something called Graft Host Disease (GHD) whereby by my body will reject new cells - though apparently, providing you don't get too ill, this is a good thing - as it shows stuff is working. Once through with all that, I get out of my pod - then minimum of 6 months recovery time. Just in time for world cup qualifiers.
This is terror. Hard core. But I have no other choice. Sometimes life really deals a bum hand.
However, still well enough to fly to Venezia this weekend (two fingers up to you Luek.) and spend some precious time with Luigi in what he calls "our new flat". Its Redentore on Saturday night (firework festival) and there is a gondola race on Guidecca canal on Sunday. It's Venice's best weekend. The sun will shine and I will be in my favourite city with my favourite man. So couldn't ask for much more - well I could, that would be a lie. But in the circumstances...
Back next week. Ciao tutti. (sound familiar?)
15 comments:
This is full on hardcore Tess but know you can do it.
Have a brilliant time in Venice this weekend!
Much love xx
Have a great weekend. Such a beautiful city.
Tough times ahead but you're made of tough stuff.
xxx K&J
Have a great time in Venice. You will beat this.
Nigel xx
Hi T
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this again and at such a terrifying level of intensity this time. Your friends are here for you, whatever you need, just ask.
In the meantime have a great weekend in Venice and see you when you get back.
Jan xxx
Tessa
Our son had AML June 2003, bone marrow transplant from his sister Sept 2003. He developed BOOP which is the good GHD.
Nearly 9 yrs on he is fine and fit.
He is 17 next week.
We now live in France and he sees Dr yearly and has to have growth hormones also due to the TBI he has cateracts in both eyes which will be sorted next year.
What I saying to you is Stay strong and possitive.
Jackie
We all feel like life deals a bum hand to us at one point or another- it's how we deal with it that's important! You have a great attitude about it, keep it up. Thanks for sharing your blog with me, I'll be keeping up on it!
Praying for all the best!
Tessa
You are strong we are right here for you x
You are strong Tess and you have many friends who are thinking positive thoughts. It is not going to be easy, but you'll get there. Have a wonderful weekend it sounds as if it will be wonderful. Anyone in the family a good match?
Lots of love P
see you when you get back. lots of love Luisa xxx
first time to do a blog comment here or anywhere. i love the picture at the top there :):):) and it's a great blog Tessa
hope you are with your uomo right now. i haven't really anything to say except that am and have been thinking of you. and i am of course sending you newfoundfriendship sundaysadmoment love xxx
on another note: if you are back and want a visitor, let me know. am around next Friday and over the weekend. Mandy.
Hi Tessa
Well - you are obviously going for the big time - don't you ever do things by halves? Lets hope the Venetian sun works its magic.
Lots of love Pip & Chrisxx
Damn! And the hair was looking mighty fine too. Crazier than ever. God only knows after this next set of treatment you might be all hair. I'll try and work up some new material for this blog. Went to a symposium on the graphics for Munich 72. Am writing up at the mo and will send you a link. Fave TV channel at the mo is the food network – all about food, non stop. Very fast paced. My fave is Diners, Drive-ins and Dives or triple d as they call it. I think Gordon Ramsey has been too hard on the yanks – their food looks delicious and there's loads of it! I've got ear ache at the moment but I think you have me beat hands down on the illness front! Best of luck with the treatment and we're all thinking of you.
How was your weekend in Venice? Hope you had great weather and a great time, and will keep checking in with you! x monica
Will be following your journey Tess and yes you are upbeat and tough enough to stare this down
Steve
You are quite the writer Tess. I shudder reading the account of what you are going through and marvel at your strength and good humour.
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