...By my reckoning it’s been over four years since I last updated this blog. It seems that people still read it, unless of course it is plagued by robots (quite possible). So incase anyone is out there reading this, I am writing to say that I am still here. Very much alive and kicking! Since I last wrote my recovery from transplant has gone from strength to strength. There will always be blips and blood tests and things that make me stress and worry - but this is my new normal - so I deal with it. I still struggle with my EBV levels, which, on occasion have gone so high I have been set smartly off for a PET scan, but despite fears, everything seems to be ok. I have a theory that if I get ill or run down my new immune system is unable to 'multitask' and that when the EBV muscles in and makes its presence felt - not that I necessarily feel ill or have symptoms, but my levels shoot up - log copy 6:2 was the highest I think.... I get tired quickly - or at least don’t have much 'spare battery'. A very busy day (or long journey) can take 48 hours to recover from!
Not going to write much more - I just wanted to indicate that I am very much waving, not drowning. Life is good. I still have my caravan. Still working in my studio. And loving everyday. Thrilled to bits to still be kicking around on this planet.
I remember when I was first diagnosed I was desperately searching the internet for information (dangerous) and reading endless blogs (helpful). They gave me great strength and comfort....but then they would just stop. And I never knew why, which was always concerning and upsetting on many levels. I guess I did the same. And maybe that could be distressing for any reader of this blog. My apologies if so.
So far, I, like many others, am proof that leukaemia can be overcome. SCT's work. The NHS is a brilliant health system. I owe my life to it.
Good luck if you too are on this journey. It’s a roller coaster. Hold tight, roll with it. It can be done.
For more info please contact me at etch@tessaholmes.com
February 2019
