Gosh @Chrispy, that is shocking they still went ahead. I’m really glad to hear your manager is understanding and respectful of your circumstances.
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Having fought to get the 3rd primary vaccine, and being less optimistic about getting called for the booster, I was delighted to receive an NHS email this morning about being sent a PCR test to keep at home and being eligible for the new Covid treatments. With no antibodies from any of the 3 vaccine doses this latest news does feel like my Freedom Day. I think, for once, we might actually be being heard.
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Thank you for sharing this @MountainGirl! Just in case you’re interested, a few others are talking about this right now on this thread too Access to nMAbs & Antivirals - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Blood Cancer UK Forum 
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OMG, time to look for a new job, some people are clueless. The government have said to WFH where possible but the parties can still go ahead is because of last year’s shenanigans. My company cancelled all Xmas parties. To be honest I think I am one of the lucky ones because they take their duty of care seriously. I think your manager needs to be a bit more direct with your boss and spell out the implications of covid on you. After all, we would rather not have to do this or be the ‘special case’ but the consequences of covid is something none of us are prepared to take a chance with.
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Oh @Billy1mate yes, I think you are lucky that your company take their duty of care seriously.
The main thing is that you look after yourself, because you are ‘special’, but not a ‘special case’.
I’m 50/50 over whether I should let my nephew and his wife come to see me for a few hours on Thursday and also take me out whilst they’re here. I haven’t seen any family since the start of the pandemic and would EMOTIONALLY benefit enormously from them coming BUT as my haemotologist said that despite being in remission she considers my immune system is still compromised so to get the third primary dose which I did on 18 November (and my GP said I will get my booster in Feb 21). But I don’t know if I have improved virus protection or not. As my nephew and his wife have readily agreed to do a lateral flow test and wear a mask AND as I’m desperate to see them after all this time especially knowing that I will otherwise be on my own again over Christmas AND I haven’t had a hug since March 2020 either - I’m strongly wanting them to come BUT getting more anxious by the day!
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Of course, there are many factors to consider, @Strad, but if I were in your position, I wouldn’t take that risk. I know more people personally this week who have Covid than throughout the whole pandemic - it’s the prevalence which is most worrying now.
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Hi @Lababe, I have had a letter from my consultant giving instructions for receiving anti-viral treatment, should I contract Covid. However, I do not intend to do so and will spend my second Christmas alone. I am absolutely fine with this, I’d rather my loved ones have fun together without having to be on tenterhooks and compromising their own enjoyment for my sake. As my late mum used to say, “it’s just another day”! I’m not religious and don’t believe Xmas is anything more than a commercial construct and an excuse for gluttony; so, apart from the opportunity to spend time with family, it holds little significance and we can be with family when it’s safer to do so the other 364 days of the year!
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Hi @GillB , it is really a dilemma deciding what to do over Christmas. Your nephew and his wife sound so lovely and seem to want to do all they can to support and protect you. I think in this situation it’s a matter of everyone doing what they feel is best for them. If you do feel understandably anxious in view of the current situation and decide to cancel their visit, could you maybe all have a what’s app video call or a phone call at the time when they would have come.I know it’s not the same but I know that for me phone calls with understanding friends have helped me. Take care
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The last update i had was 6 positive cases they decided to close the office. I am glad I am not part of it as i am working from home. I think it may be the final nail in the coffin and i will probably tell them I will not be working next year. I am so disappointed in their attitude. I thought they would be better. We do all need to make our own decisions and decide on the level of risk we are prepared to take. I have kept myself away from most people for the last 2 years. I have had one visit to a local restaurant in October for my daughters birthday and that was spaced well. I am hoping for a better time next year.
Thank you to everyone on this forum for their support and information and I hope you all have a lovely Christmas in whatever form you manage to take it.
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Hi @GillB yes a complete dilemma for you and you definitely need to balance up the emotional benefit to yourself, we have been isolating for so long and your uncertainty, compromised immune system and safety from Covid.
Whatever you decide you also have your forum family to support you over the festive season.
Please let us know what you decide to do.
Many thanks for this. I’m still leaning towards going ahead with my lovely nephew and his wife visiting me on Thursday as I’ll have no other family/friends visits over Christmas and New Year. Whilst I thank God every day for remission (3 years now after 3 years being frightengly VERY ill with sepsis 5 times) I’m also struggling with chronic back pain following a poorly healed back fracture when I was in rehab and so it’s far from easy to struggle on with living alone in comparison to being strong, positive and independent all my adult life. So I sense I need a few hours of love and laughter to regain my positivity for another year of uncertainty ahead for all of us. THAT need feels stronger than letting my anxiety overwhelm me. I will let you know the outcome and many thanks again. xxx
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Hi @GillB we will be about over the bank holidays as every day and life is about a quality of life.
Look after yourself and be kind to yourself
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Hi @SpaceAngel, I agree with you 100% here. Your caring attitude to your family is the best gift they can receive this year. We can be here for each other on this forum over the Christmas period and look forward to seeing friends and family in 2022 when it’s safe for everyone. That day will come. Keep safe.
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Hi Erica
Finally found the link to update you on my nephew and wife’s visit to me on 23/12. It went ahead and was BRILLIANT! They were very careful around me and protected me from the crowds that were around us for part of our time out and about. Then they came back to my house for a few hours and we enjoyed a takeaway meal together and generally catching up with family news with plenty of laughter. Wearing their masks as I did we finally stood outside my front door as they were leaving so I could enjoy my first HUGE hug since March 2020! And the whole experience has been such a continuing tonic to me as I also struggle with chronic pain from a poorly healed back fracture which made Christmas cooking a joke but I’m now back to my “soldiering on” attitude because I am emotionally strong and positive. Many thanks for your support. xxx
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Well @GillB, I am so glad that your nephew and his wife’s visit went so well and it seems more than a tonic to me, more like a double gin and tonic.
You don’t have to soldiering on by yourself, you have us to support you and interact with.
Look after yourself.
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This post was such a joy to read and I could feel your happiness coming through in bundles! How lovely that you had such a nice time and you felt comfortable because of the precautions in placeI hope you can do it again soon.
As @Erica said, soldier on but with us by your side 
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