Thank you @MazB for the update, what a difference from your first posts.
Firstly I am so glad that you have kept your job.
Yes I bet taking over the looking after your parents garden must bring such a mixture of emotions.
Nobody knows what the future will bring.
Please look after yourself and your wife as well as you do your parents, you are doing so brilliantly and please keep posting.
Hello @MazB
Thank you for taking the time to update us all. We have been thinking of you (and Dad, of course!). It’s good to read his bloods are improving and he’s managed to gain some weight, and more importantly that he is talking positively - that’s fantastic.
I am sure that even the smallest amount of help in his garden is making a big difference to his wellbeing too (even if it’s not gold standard!). As always, it’s the little things that make bigger impact when it comes to caring and kindness - he is so lucky to have you.
It is also really lovely to read that you are feeling better too, and have kept your job, what a huge relief for you.
There will possibly still be good days and bad days, hopefully many more good than bad - but do keep reaching out to your forum friends and the Support Line, should you need us.
Happy Sunday! Best wishes, Heidi.
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Thank you Heidi & @Erica. As always your words are a comfort in the ups and the downs. Means a lot.
Saw dad last night and it’s the strongest I’ve seen him in a long time, and it was great. I know he’ll likely dip again when he restarts chemo but I hope it flies by and he can move onto the transplant with a lot of hope.
Thanks again
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Hi @MazB,
I’m really heartened to read your update so thank you for posting it.
That’s good to hear that your dad is looking much stronger now so hopefully he can proceed into his next cycle of chemo from a good, strong standpoint.
That’s also great news about your job 
: what a relief 
Yes it can be so emotional helping our parents with the jobs they love to do. I laughed about your comment ‘although not to his standards’. It’s a bit like that when I cook for my mum, who wishes she was doing it herself, and keeps up a running commentary of things like ‘do you always peel your carrots from that end?’ 
but then she really enjoys the finished product as I’m sure your dad loves looking at his nicely tended garden.
I hope all will continue well for you as a family.
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Hi all,
Been a very long time since there was an update.
I realised on a previous post I put 100 matches for a donor, this was a typo. It was 10 suitable matches… not 100!
Anyway, Dad had a stem cell transplant back in July for his ALL. He spent 3 weeks in hospital, and they let him home. When he first arrived home he suffered with Graft-versus-host-disease, which was expected. Rashes on his face etc. and the usual stomach and sickness associated problems.
Currently he’s at home and doing good, tired and fatigued but good (day 58 post transplant I believe). He has been into hospital twice due to infections but the team were amazing both times, and helped put him right before he came home. He’s currently got his appetite back, and trying to walk outdoors every day.
It seems like an age since his original diagnosis, and also seems like yesterday.
Personally, my wife and I are due a little girl at the end of November. So I am hoping for a really special family Christmas with our new addition, and Dad hopefully feeling better than last year (he was diagnosed 2 days after Christmas).
Those early days when Dad was diagnosed, my wife’s miscarriage and my job being at risk were so hard but having this forum here to just talk me through everything is something I’ll be forever grateful for - it was my only out to express my feelings and talk to people at a dark time. I read so many amazing and inspiring stories on this forum of people who are battling their own battles, and like me have family member’s doing the same. It’s amazing the strength I see on a daily basis.
Thank you to all of you - you’ve helped me, and so many others. If the world in general had an ounce of kindness shown on this forum, the world would be a better place overall!
Take care xx
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Lovely to hear from you MazB
Time goes by so quickly and here you all are on a more positive journey
Enjoy these precious moments 
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Wonderful to hear from you @MazB yes, what a year it has been for you all.
I was diagnosed just before one Christmas and I know what it is like to have people celebrating all around and I am feeling in an isolated bubble feeling rotten and with my fears, thoughts and feelings.
Perhaps you and your wife need to look after yourselves as well as you have looked after your dad this year.
I bet that fresh air feels good to your dad.
You were and are such a caring son, despite what you and your wife had going on.
Please do keep posting what is going on for you and your family, be very kind to yourselves.
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MazB
I have been reading your story but not commenting as your responses from other Forum folk were spot on. I am so chuffed to see things working out for you all and just wanted to say Happy Christmas for when it comes. It looks like it will be a good one.
Grandma Jo
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Hi Jo, thank you so much for your kind words. Hoping for a happier end to the year!
Sending all the best to you too!
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