Well the week has finally come when on Thursday I start my conditioning, ready for my BM Transplant on the 11th. To say I am full of trepidation/worry is an understatement, as I know I have some bad days to come, but the overpowering feeling of hope and positivity takes charge. I put my faith and trust in my brilliant medical team and their expertise in such matters. Humbled too, that an anonymous donor is giving me the chance of a life extension. I will hopefully post again in a few weeks when I will, fingers crossed, be on the road to recovery. Thank you all on this forum for sharing your experiences and your support.
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Good morning @SCcoop .
Thank you for taking time to send on your post to the forum.
Its lovely to hear from you.
May i take the opportunity to send my kindest wishes to you and your family as you prepare to take this next step in your journey.
I can’t imagine what emotions you’re feeling at the moment, beyond those you have described, but i want to assure you that this community is always here for you, and i do hope you let us know how you get on.
Don’t forget, if you prefer, you can always call us for free on [0808 2080 888](tel:0808 2080 888) (Option 1) to speak to one of our Support Service Nurses in confidence.
Our phone lines are open:
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Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am – 4pm
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Tuesday: 10am – 7pm
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Saturday: 10am – 1pm
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Sunday: Closed
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Alternatively, call us anytime and leave a message and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
Take good care
Mike
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Thank you for your kind words.
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Hi @SCcoop
Big week for you and I am hoping your Bone Marrow Transplant Conditioning and the Transplant itself on 11 June goes as smoothly as possible.
I know I found my Transplant to be the biggest health challenge I’ve had to deal with in my life.
What helped me was staying motivated and resilient even when things weren’t going so well.
The team both clinical and non clinical were excellent at my hospital and hope it’s a similar experience for you.
Update us when you feel ready to do so but don’t put any pressure on yourself.
The energy you have needs to be used wisely.
Take care and know that I and others are all hoping for a positive outcome 
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Thank you so much for your kind words and we’ll wishes @DuncanB
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I hope everything goes well with the transplant and your back home soon.
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Thank you @Happy2019. Its all very real now!
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Hello there @SCcoop, may I also wish you well for the treatment ahead and say the forum is here for you should you want to share how you get on, progress, setbacks… Thinking of you.
Like dear @GenesisDevice suggests, do consider giving the Blood Cancer UK nurses a call about any of this, they can only add to your tolerance of these next steps.
Take care and I’ll keep an eye out to see how you’re doing.
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Thank you @Duncan When I can and feel up to it, I will post my progress.
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Just stumbled on this thread and wanted to wish you all the very best @SCcoop , it’s an emotional rollercoaster but we are all here to provide whatever virtual support we can xx
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Thankyou @Spangleystar. Admitted today for the fun and games to begin.
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@SCcoop May it be comfortable and with good wifi 
I’m sure you’ll be well looked after.
I started a thread yesterday asking for inspirational quotes- there’s a lovely lot building - feel free to drop in Inspiration Station :)
Sending all the good wishes xx
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Hope all goes well this week. We’re all here for you.
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Thank you @ Happy2019. Your good wishes are much appreciated.
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Hi @SCcoop I will be thinking of you and sending you loving vibes xxxx
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Hi @Erica thank you 
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Hiya. How’s things going with the treatment?
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Hi @DuncanB Well I am now into my 3rd week back home after discharge. Apart from a slight hiccup of G v H disease, that thankfully steroid ointment has sorted. I am enjoying being back at home.
I spent 5 weeks in hospital and you were not wrong when you said my resilience would be tested! It was, and more. But, we have come through it and all indicators are looking good and positive. 
I know there is still a long road to travel as it will be next year before we find out if it has worked
Without the love and support of my husband who was beside me from 8am to 8pm every day and our 2 daughters, the whole journey would have been so much harder.
I continue to go to Clinic weekly for blood tests and Consultant review. My medical team from Conultants, Dr’s, Nurses and ward staff were amazing. From cleaners to HCA’S they raised my spirits with a smile and words of encouragement when I felt down.
Of course a HUGE thankyou to my Donor too. Without her help I wouldn’t have had this chance of life.
Hope you are still keeping well.
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Oh @SCcoop I’m so pleased to read your post. It’s made my day.
Sorry to hear about Graft-versus-host-disease ('GVHD') and glad it got sorted.
I’ve avoided Graft-versus-host-disease ('GVHD') but seemed to have just about every complication they mentioned when in for transplant.
Yes resilience is tested and great to hear that indicators at this point looking positive.
My wife was amazing when I was in and through the recovery phase. Excellent that your husband and daughters were the same.
Clinical staff and non clinical staff are truly amazing. They see us all at our lowest and are always there to to lift spirits and encourage no matter what.
Yes those who donate stem cells are amazing. I’m on a bit of a mission to raise awareness of this and also blood and platelet donation using LinkedIn primarily.
I’m doing well. Clinic appointments less frequent. I’m still having Venesections (blood taken out) every three weeks or so as I have too much iron in my blood due to all the blood transfusions.
Just grateful that I’ve got this second chance at life.
Hope the recovery phase is going okay so far. It’s a long journey as you say and what I found helpful was to just take things a day at a time and listen to my body.
Do let us know how you’re progressing when you have the energy to post on the forum.
We are all rooting for you through this next phase of your journey.
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@DuncanB yes, I learnt very quickly once home that I must listen to my body. In my head I could climb Everest, but my body told me otherwise! 
Little steps mean so much, like this morning, I actually took a shower standing up and not having to sit down half way through. A huge milestone achieved for me! It was Potassium and Magnesium infusions I had to keep having whilst in hospital, with the occasional blood and platelets transfusion thrown in too. Thankfully, once my Neutrophil count started to increase, things got a lot better. I will keep you posted on progress. I have my 1st of 4 BM biopsies in September.
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