The new drug is signed off and due to start on Thursday. The side effects are been talked up, but the truth is they have no idea what effect it will have on me. Its only been tried on a handful of people before.. Apart from getting sea sick after taking some anti-sickness tablets I have not had any allergic reactions to any of the other drugs they have given me (fingers crossed this will continue).
Thursday comes quickly and I am in early. They give me various infusions to try limit any reactions I may have to the drug. After the drug is infused I have to wait around for at least 2 hours to see if I react. I have a minor reaction of getting short of breath but nothing serious. As a result I have to stick around a little longer. Now its back again to the waiting game to see if it works? It may take a week or so to see the results.
Thank you for all your messages of support. I received a dozen of them just as I was about to start the new drug. Not only did it make me look incrediably popular in front of the nurses it gave me a very welcome boost.
Iain finally got around to celebrating his 30th birthday in Bristol on Friday night. It got a little messy. The was a good turn out in the Mall and Iain was plied with shots followed by a customary trip to the Corrie Tap for an exhibition cider or 2. We got to Clifton Triangle and Iain was in a little trouble, unfortunately his night ended early and we took him home around 11. Although was not the only person to miss rowing training on Saturday morning.
It got a even more eventful later on that night. Back out in a club called La Rocca we witnessed 2 people get glassed. Normally this club is quite quiet and I have never seen any trouble in there before. One of Iain's mates who was staying at mine had to give a police statement which took a hour or so. We ended up getting a lift home in a Police Van at 5am!
Saturday was also going to be a busy. It was Ollie Boulter's wedding on the Isle Of Wight. That meant the was no lie in for me and it was up early to get there in time. Really should have had an early night on Friday. Timing was perfect... we ran late and were going to miss the ferry, but it was also running late so we got there in time.
The church was fantastic and both Ollie and Cat looked fantastic. The reception was good food, good speechs and some very cheesy music. MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice were played but I still can't do the dancing justice... but I tried. It was a really good day and night. Congratulations to Ollie and Cat & thanks to both their families for the hospitality. Also thanks to Dean & Sarah for getting me there & back.
It was good to have a weekend off hospital, but I have knackered myself out. Joints have seized up again (this is also probably due to an adjustment in my drugs). I am back to some heavy duty painkillers to help me get around. I see the professor on Wednesday to get an update on where things stand and more of the experimental drug on Thursday. But generally blood counts are ok and I am feeling upbeat and postive about how things are going. I am still trying to have a normalish social life outside of hospital. I really want to start been able to do some training.. I have put on a fair bit of weight and am looking a bit chubby, while I need to put on the weight I need to start building up the muscles again. Hopefully I will be able to do this over the next week or so... Otherwise I better cut down on the pies.
Lastly good luck to Wibbles & Emma who are expecting their first child any time now. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to call it (Wibbles: Goliath is unique, but I don't think Emma will let you name your child that).
Cheers
Robbie
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Monday, 22 September 2008
Stop Press... Good News Day
Still in everyday for treatment, still waiting to find out if donor agrees to give me a top up, still waiting to find out if experimental drug gets approval. I would say I’ve settled into a routine this may be true for when I arrive at the hospital but each day I need a different top up so I can either be in 8am until lunchtime or in until 6pm if I need a lot of work done. So I cannot plan anything for the afternoons.
My parents and brother return from the Lake District on Monday. It sounds like everyone had a good time. They did quite a bit of walking so I think I would have held them back if I had gone. At the end of the day treatment had to take priority, Next weekend is Ollie Boulters wedding, I am hoping I will have finished with the daily treatment by then, however this may not happen. I will be quite annoyed if I miss this wedding… but treatment has to take priority! I have already asked the doctors but I think it’s going to come down to what my counts do in the coming week.
With my parents around I have more access to transport. In making use of this we go to Bristol Zoo. Its improved a lot since I last went (probably when I was about 8). I think we picked a bad time of day to visit. The animals had all just been fed and decided to hide and have a sleep. It was like playing where’s Wally to spot a lot of the animals. The seals were quite good as were the gorillas.
On Friday I go in for the standard treatment. I do however get some good news for the weekend. My donor has agreed to give me a top up. I thought they probably would, but its good to get it confirmed. I will never know who the donor is but I owe them so much. The time scales still need worked out but I’d anticipate I’d get the transplant within the next 3-4 weeks now. Fantastic news. Hopefully I’ll get good news on the experimental drug early next week.
To keep myself sane I am trying to get out and about as much as possible. On Friday I go to watch Bristol Rugby vs. Sale. On the previous 2 games and the players on paper Bristol should lose quite heavily. It is a close game ending 9 – 6 to Sale. Bristol should have won they had 60-70% possession but did not take their chances. Dan Ward-Smith showed signs of returning to form, and Neil Brew seemed to sort out the problems in the centres. The is hope for Bristol but they need to get a few results on the board otherwise they could find themselves in trouble at the end of the season. Brizzley bear was still rubbish. Their won’t be much competition when I’m fit again to return. After the rugby we go for a curry at Joy Raj. Was a good night, although the curry was not that good, the company made up for it.
Saturdays plan depended on how much time I had to spend in hospital. I was hoping to make full use of the sunshine and go and watch OB’s play at home vs. Painswick. For this to happen I needed to be out of hospital around lunchtime. If I needed any top ups then this would not happen. Lucky enough my counts were good and I could get out in time. I’m not sure if Painswick were poor or OB’s were good. But we won.
From the rugby I went straight to meet Jack, Dean & Sarah and Charlotte & Andrew. We were heading out for dinner. We ended up heading to the Bentley in Clifton village. It was very good food and was a very good night. I had a few drinks, which I think were well deserved after the last few weeks.
I am back in hospital on Sunday. That is 3 weeks of been in everyday. It is very boring but with the donor agreeing and if I get a decision on the drug soon then the TTP will hopefully be beaten. Then I can get back on track to recovering.
Its now Monday night, I could not post the update last night but have some fantastic news today which makes the delay worthwhile. I have got approval for the new drug, treatment starts this week and will last 4 weeks. After this I will get the top up from the donor. Provided the are no further complications this will sort me out. From experience I'm not going to talk about timescales but this is a massive step forward from where I was 1 week ago.
While I'm not talking about timescales to stopping regular treatment and getting back to normal, I am assuming that I'll be out by the end of January\early February. This will coincide roughly with when I had my initial transplant. I will be booking Racks for a celebration hopefully with Charlie Brooking's band playing. So watch out for a invite.
My parents and brother return from the Lake District on Monday. It sounds like everyone had a good time. They did quite a bit of walking so I think I would have held them back if I had gone. At the end of the day treatment had to take priority, Next weekend is Ollie Boulters wedding, I am hoping I will have finished with the daily treatment by then, however this may not happen. I will be quite annoyed if I miss this wedding… but treatment has to take priority! I have already asked the doctors but I think it’s going to come down to what my counts do in the coming week.
With my parents around I have more access to transport. In making use of this we go to Bristol Zoo. Its improved a lot since I last went (probably when I was about 8). I think we picked a bad time of day to visit. The animals had all just been fed and decided to hide and have a sleep. It was like playing where’s Wally to spot a lot of the animals. The seals were quite good as were the gorillas.
On Friday I go in for the standard treatment. I do however get some good news for the weekend. My donor has agreed to give me a top up. I thought they probably would, but its good to get it confirmed. I will never know who the donor is but I owe them so much. The time scales still need worked out but I’d anticipate I’d get the transplant within the next 3-4 weeks now. Fantastic news. Hopefully I’ll get good news on the experimental drug early next week.
To keep myself sane I am trying to get out and about as much as possible. On Friday I go to watch Bristol Rugby vs. Sale. On the previous 2 games and the players on paper Bristol should lose quite heavily. It is a close game ending 9 – 6 to Sale. Bristol should have won they had 60-70% possession but did not take their chances. Dan Ward-Smith showed signs of returning to form, and Neil Brew seemed to sort out the problems in the centres. The is hope for Bristol but they need to get a few results on the board otherwise they could find themselves in trouble at the end of the season. Brizzley bear was still rubbish. Their won’t be much competition when I’m fit again to return. After the rugby we go for a curry at Joy Raj. Was a good night, although the curry was not that good, the company made up for it.
Saturdays plan depended on how much time I had to spend in hospital. I was hoping to make full use of the sunshine and go and watch OB’s play at home vs. Painswick. For this to happen I needed to be out of hospital around lunchtime. If I needed any top ups then this would not happen. Lucky enough my counts were good and I could get out in time. I’m not sure if Painswick were poor or OB’s were good. But we won.
From the rugby I went straight to meet Jack, Dean & Sarah and Charlotte & Andrew. We were heading out for dinner. We ended up heading to the Bentley in Clifton village. It was very good food and was a very good night. I had a few drinks, which I think were well deserved after the last few weeks.
I am back in hospital on Sunday. That is 3 weeks of been in everyday. It is very boring but with the donor agreeing and if I get a decision on the drug soon then the TTP will hopefully be beaten. Then I can get back on track to recovering.
Its now Monday night, I could not post the update last night but have some fantastic news today which makes the delay worthwhile. I have got approval for the new drug, treatment starts this week and will last 4 weeks. After this I will get the top up from the donor. Provided the are no further complications this will sort me out. From experience I'm not going to talk about timescales but this is a massive step forward from where I was 1 week ago.
While I'm not talking about timescales to stopping regular treatment and getting back to normal, I am assuming that I'll be out by the end of January\early February. This will coincide roughly with when I had my initial transplant. I will be booking Racks for a celebration hopefully with Charlie Brooking's band playing. So watch out for a invite.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Daily Slog
38 people took part in OB's pub golf. It was carnage. My outfit went down very well. Like stag do's pub golf is difficult without drinking\taking part. It was carnage and I left them to it after 9 holes.
Saturday was more civilised but still quite funny. I was in hospital in the morning and had arranged to meet people for breakfast around 12:30. From there we were going to head straight to the ground. People were meant to be going as cheerleaders. The only chance I had to get into my outfit was at the hospital. I had a very tight wonder women outfit. The nurses appreciated this. After turning up at POSH for breakfast I realised no one else had bothered dressing up for it. The outfit confused went down fairly well at the rugby but I was glad to get it off after as it was giving me a huge wedgie.
I had worried my parents describing TTP to them. They come over on Tuesday night. We have a meeting on Wednesday with Professor Marks and he goes through what my issues are again. No real surprises, although they are still not 100% certain what is going on. Despite the seriousness of what Prof Marks is saying it is hard to take him that seriously as the only chair he could find is a toddlers chair. The current treatment I am on is only to maintain my current position, apparently it won't stop the problem. That is up to my own body or the is a experimental drug with a very high success rate which could be tried. This however is not on the NHS approved list and would require additional funding. Fingers crossed I can get this.
My Dad has planned a weekend away in the lake district as it is my Mum's, Brothers (30th) and Sisters birthday. The lake district was a interesting choice as I can't climb hills at the moment. I would have ended up been a burden on everyone else as they would have either had to leave me in the pub or other things to do other than walking. In the end it did not matter as I needed treatment on the weekend so I could not go anyway. While I was not that disappointed to miss out on the lake district I was disappointed not to be able catch up with Helen (my sister).
I have been in hospital everyday including weekends for the last 2 weeks. I am very bored of hospital. I am in on Saturday but hope to be out to watch OB's play rugby in the afternoon. For once the suns out and its a perfect day for rugby. As usual whenever you plan anything something happens to get in the way. It is decided that I need blood top ups and platelets. I end up been in hospital until around 4:30. The first sunny day in 2 months and I'm stuck inside. Its so frustrating.
I'm in hospital right now. Hopefully I will be able to get out for the afternoon. My body does seem to be repairing itself but it looks like I have another 4/5 weeks of treatment. It will take at least this long to get the doner to donate more stem cells. While I was hoping to be back at work and putting my life back on track by now it is now looking unlikely like I'll be back until November\December. My arms and legs are now incredibly skinny. When I was wearing the wonder women outfit I had far to many girls complement me on my legs.
While it is pain been in hospital so much, it is a means to a end. Once I have sorted out this TTP and had a top up of my graft I will hopefully be set free. Apart from my leg the Leukaemia and TTP have left me fairly unscathed. For that I am grateful and once set free from hospital treatments I can set about getting myself back into shape. I am looking forward to been able to push myself in the gym\running and getting back to work. Its just a question of when can I start and trying not to overdo it. Hopefully this is just around the corner? Fingers crossed.
Saturday was more civilised but still quite funny. I was in hospital in the morning and had arranged to meet people for breakfast around 12:30. From there we were going to head straight to the ground. People were meant to be going as cheerleaders. The only chance I had to get into my outfit was at the hospital. I had a very tight wonder women outfit. The nurses appreciated this. After turning up at POSH for breakfast I realised no one else had bothered dressing up for it. The outfit confused went down fairly well at the rugby but I was glad to get it off after as it was giving me a huge wedgie.
I had worried my parents describing TTP to them. They come over on Tuesday night. We have a meeting on Wednesday with Professor Marks and he goes through what my issues are again. No real surprises, although they are still not 100% certain what is going on. Despite the seriousness of what Prof Marks is saying it is hard to take him that seriously as the only chair he could find is a toddlers chair. The current treatment I am on is only to maintain my current position, apparently it won't stop the problem. That is up to my own body or the is a experimental drug with a very high success rate which could be tried. This however is not on the NHS approved list and would require additional funding. Fingers crossed I can get this.
My Dad has planned a weekend away in the lake district as it is my Mum's, Brothers (30th) and Sisters birthday. The lake district was a interesting choice as I can't climb hills at the moment. I would have ended up been a burden on everyone else as they would have either had to leave me in the pub or other things to do other than walking. In the end it did not matter as I needed treatment on the weekend so I could not go anyway. While I was not that disappointed to miss out on the lake district I was disappointed not to be able catch up with Helen (my sister).
I have been in hospital everyday including weekends for the last 2 weeks. I am very bored of hospital. I am in on Saturday but hope to be out to watch OB's play rugby in the afternoon. For once the suns out and its a perfect day for rugby. As usual whenever you plan anything something happens to get in the way. It is decided that I need blood top ups and platelets. I end up been in hospital until around 4:30. The first sunny day in 2 months and I'm stuck inside. Its so frustrating.
I'm in hospital right now. Hopefully I will be able to get out for the afternoon. My body does seem to be repairing itself but it looks like I have another 4/5 weeks of treatment. It will take at least this long to get the doner to donate more stem cells. While I was hoping to be back at work and putting my life back on track by now it is now looking unlikely like I'll be back until November\December. My arms and legs are now incredibly skinny. When I was wearing the wonder women outfit I had far to many girls complement me on my legs.
While it is pain been in hospital so much, it is a means to a end. Once I have sorted out this TTP and had a top up of my graft I will hopefully be set free. Apart from my leg the Leukaemia and TTP have left me fairly unscathed. For that I am grateful and once set free from hospital treatments I can set about getting myself back into shape. I am looking forward to been able to push myself in the gym\running and getting back to work. Its just a question of when can I start and trying not to overdo it. Hopefully this is just around the corner? Fingers crossed.
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Prize Fighter
I had not realised I'd left it so long since I last updated the blog. For that I apologise. I can reassure you that I am still ok, although I have some new challenges to deal with.
First of all Ollie Boulters stag... I was not sure I was going to be able to make it. Counts were bad in the build up and I was in hospital everyday of the week leading up to it. Ollie is one of my close mates from Uni who I defiantly don't catch up with enough. After missing Stokesy wedding I really did not want to miss Ollies stag do as well. But at the end of the day the decision if I could go would depend on Fridays blood counts... I needed a immune system. My doctor was an absolute legend (she thought I was going to Bournemouth for a civilised weekend) and decided that she would give me top ups of all bloods on Friday morning so I would feel\have cover for the weekend and be able to travel to Bournemouth. I'd been talking about it all week with the nurses in the hospital. I'd promised them I would not take part in the paintball or any other dangerous activities. The only person who did not know it was a stag do was the doctor.
In regards to the actual stag do, I'm not sure how much I can say. Simon (Ollies brother) had done us proud and booked us into a hotel run by 2 crack addicts. The activities were good. I actually did manage to take part in everything.. The paintball was with catapults and teams took turns running away while others shot them. I just did the shooting so did not get shot myself. We then did clay pigeon shooting.. I was rubbish.. I blame the drugs. Lastly the was a off road go-kart track. This was brilliant. I could have spent all day racing round in these buggy's. After we negotiated our way back through the gypsy camp it was straight out on the lash (although I was still not drinking). In terms of the nights out I managed to last the night both evenings although it is very wrong doing stag do's without drinking. I don't think I can say much more about the rest of the stag do.
It was bank holiday weekend so it was not until Tuesday that I was back in hospital. I was on a new drug which was hopefully going to cause my blood counts to recover. This treatment finished on Wednesday (27th). On Thursday it was decided that it had no effect. After discussions its decided that I need to up my steroid dosage... I had been tapering down and was on 5mg a day. This was now increased to 140mg a day. Steroids are evil. They effect your mood, co-ordination, sleep and appetite. I can't get any sleep, I start to get down partly due to low blood counts (everything is more effort when you have little oxygen in your blood). Not knowing what is going on with your own body is extremely frustrating, and doctors not been able to give answers is not helping. Having hospital all dayers with little progress is starting to get to me.
The weekend brings the first serious rugby of the season. OB's are competing in a tournament at Bristol Barbarians. OB's on paper were one of the top 4 sides in the tournament. They did not disappoint and got through to the final. I think the team had run out of steam by the final as they were beaten by Aretians. A great effort playing 6, winning 4, drawing 1 and losing in the final. The draw was also against Aretians, we now know what to expect in the league so hopefully we can take revenge during the season.
Professor Marks was back from holidays on Monday. Hopefully he will give some better direction to my treatment and maybe I'll get some answers. I'm booked in for a lengthy look over on Tuesday. He still believes that I have TTP. Even the prof struggles to explain what this is. It is extremely complicated but amounts to my veins turning against me and destroying my own blood. My graft is thin so is not producing enough blood to replace what is been destroyed, hence my blood counts keep collapsing. The are 2 things that need to be done. Fix my veins and try and get my donor to give me a top up of stem cells so my bone marrow can produce more blood. I'm put on another treatment of plasma cells to try and fix my veins. This treatment once again means that I'll be in hospital everyday. Treatment starts Wednesday. Hopefully this will get me back on track.
Whilst I had been down, I have managed to pick myself up again. I've already beaten 5 different types of Leukaemia and a hospital superbug. If I was a boxer on my track record you would have me down to win. I may get knocked down but I'm back up again. As I said earlier I had let the constant treatment get me down. I remind myself of the success of the charity auctions, success of dodgeball all while I was fighting Leukaemia. I need a new challenge, I need to feel like I'm still achieving something. This time I want a personal challenge. Unfortunately fun runs and exercise based challenges are out as they will only promote the destruction of my blood. I had thought of doing a triathlon based challenge (spread the distances over a week rather than do in 1 go), but the doctors would never allow it. Any ideas\challenges welcome! My positive outlook starts to return.
The weekend approaching brings Steves house party, OB's pub golf and Bristol vs Bath. I have another distraction and massive cheerup. Its fancy dress!!!
Only Steves houseparty is not fancy dress. Me, Iain and Vicky pop along Friday night. I introduce them to Shoe Jenga. This is a game where everyone removes their shoes and places in a pile. 1 shoe is then placed in the middle of the room. Everyone takes a turn in trying to balance a shoe on top of the previous shoe. A shoe tower is formed and whomever knocks it over loses. Back home by 11 to rest up for the next day.
Its Saturday. I still have to go to hospital. Its pub golf tonight and my outfit needs a few final touches. I won't be drinking tonight but acting as course photographer. Its should be a great night out. Sunday is Bristol vs Bath. We are going to this in fancy dress as well. When I say we... I really hope I'm not been stitched up. The theme is cheerleaders and I can see me been the only 1. What would make it worse is the outfit I've got is a little to small, it does not leave much to the imagination. Also to make it more interesting, I will be in hospital in the morning and will be pushed for time to get to the arranged breakfast in time. So I need to have my fancy dress ready in hospital. The nurses are going to be treated to me been dressed as a wondergirl cheerleader (with a obscene short skirt) as I leave on Sunday! So the weekend should be entertaining to say the least. Depending on how bad my outfit is I'll put some photos up next week.
So I have plenty to smile about. But what has really made me smile this week is the support of everyone around me. Word spread that I was not doing that well again. People have rallied around me once again. Particularly thank you to Julia, Julie, Phillipa, Katie, Monty, Oly L & Iain.
Lastly... does anyone have any good ideas for Mothers birthdays?
I'll update by blog when I can after the weekend, but when I'm in hospital 8am until 6 it is difficult as I'm fairly run down by the time I get home.
Cheers
Robbie
First of all Ollie Boulters stag... I was not sure I was going to be able to make it. Counts were bad in the build up and I was in hospital everyday of the week leading up to it. Ollie is one of my close mates from Uni who I defiantly don't catch up with enough. After missing Stokesy wedding I really did not want to miss Ollies stag do as well. But at the end of the day the decision if I could go would depend on Fridays blood counts... I needed a immune system. My doctor was an absolute legend (she thought I was going to Bournemouth for a civilised weekend) and decided that she would give me top ups of all bloods on Friday morning so I would feel\have cover for the weekend and be able to travel to Bournemouth. I'd been talking about it all week with the nurses in the hospital. I'd promised them I would not take part in the paintball or any other dangerous activities. The only person who did not know it was a stag do was the doctor.
In regards to the actual stag do, I'm not sure how much I can say. Simon (Ollies brother) had done us proud and booked us into a hotel run by 2 crack addicts. The activities were good. I actually did manage to take part in everything.. The paintball was with catapults and teams took turns running away while others shot them. I just did the shooting so did not get shot myself. We then did clay pigeon shooting.. I was rubbish.. I blame the drugs. Lastly the was a off road go-kart track. This was brilliant. I could have spent all day racing round in these buggy's. After we negotiated our way back through the gypsy camp it was straight out on the lash (although I was still not drinking). In terms of the nights out I managed to last the night both evenings although it is very wrong doing stag do's without drinking. I don't think I can say much more about the rest of the stag do.
It was bank holiday weekend so it was not until Tuesday that I was back in hospital. I was on a new drug which was hopefully going to cause my blood counts to recover. This treatment finished on Wednesday (27th). On Thursday it was decided that it had no effect. After discussions its decided that I need to up my steroid dosage... I had been tapering down and was on 5mg a day. This was now increased to 140mg a day. Steroids are evil. They effect your mood, co-ordination, sleep and appetite. I can't get any sleep, I start to get down partly due to low blood counts (everything is more effort when you have little oxygen in your blood). Not knowing what is going on with your own body is extremely frustrating, and doctors not been able to give answers is not helping. Having hospital all dayers with little progress is starting to get to me.
The weekend brings the first serious rugby of the season. OB's are competing in a tournament at Bristol Barbarians. OB's on paper were one of the top 4 sides in the tournament. They did not disappoint and got through to the final. I think the team had run out of steam by the final as they were beaten by Aretians. A great effort playing 6, winning 4, drawing 1 and losing in the final. The draw was also against Aretians, we now know what to expect in the league so hopefully we can take revenge during the season.
Professor Marks was back from holidays on Monday. Hopefully he will give some better direction to my treatment and maybe I'll get some answers. I'm booked in for a lengthy look over on Tuesday. He still believes that I have TTP. Even the prof struggles to explain what this is. It is extremely complicated but amounts to my veins turning against me and destroying my own blood. My graft is thin so is not producing enough blood to replace what is been destroyed, hence my blood counts keep collapsing. The are 2 things that need to be done. Fix my veins and try and get my donor to give me a top up of stem cells so my bone marrow can produce more blood. I'm put on another treatment of plasma cells to try and fix my veins. This treatment once again means that I'll be in hospital everyday. Treatment starts Wednesday. Hopefully this will get me back on track.
Whilst I had been down, I have managed to pick myself up again. I've already beaten 5 different types of Leukaemia and a hospital superbug. If I was a boxer on my track record you would have me down to win. I may get knocked down but I'm back up again. As I said earlier I had let the constant treatment get me down. I remind myself of the success of the charity auctions, success of dodgeball all while I was fighting Leukaemia. I need a new challenge, I need to feel like I'm still achieving something. This time I want a personal challenge. Unfortunately fun runs and exercise based challenges are out as they will only promote the destruction of my blood. I had thought of doing a triathlon based challenge (spread the distances over a week rather than do in 1 go), but the doctors would never allow it. Any ideas\challenges welcome! My positive outlook starts to return.
The weekend approaching brings Steves house party, OB's pub golf and Bristol vs Bath. I have another distraction and massive cheerup. Its fancy dress!!!
Only Steves houseparty is not fancy dress. Me, Iain and Vicky pop along Friday night. I introduce them to Shoe Jenga. This is a game where everyone removes their shoes and places in a pile. 1 shoe is then placed in the middle of the room. Everyone takes a turn in trying to balance a shoe on top of the previous shoe. A shoe tower is formed and whomever knocks it over loses. Back home by 11 to rest up for the next day.
Its Saturday. I still have to go to hospital. Its pub golf tonight and my outfit needs a few final touches. I won't be drinking tonight but acting as course photographer. Its should be a great night out. Sunday is Bristol vs Bath. We are going to this in fancy dress as well. When I say we... I really hope I'm not been stitched up. The theme is cheerleaders and I can see me been the only 1. What would make it worse is the outfit I've got is a little to small, it does not leave much to the imagination. Also to make it more interesting, I will be in hospital in the morning and will be pushed for time to get to the arranged breakfast in time. So I need to have my fancy dress ready in hospital. The nurses are going to be treated to me been dressed as a wondergirl cheerleader (with a obscene short skirt) as I leave on Sunday! So the weekend should be entertaining to say the least. Depending on how bad my outfit is I'll put some photos up next week.
So I have plenty to smile about. But what has really made me smile this week is the support of everyone around me. Word spread that I was not doing that well again. People have rallied around me once again. Particularly thank you to Julia, Julie, Phillipa, Katie, Monty, Oly L & Iain.
Lastly... does anyone have any good ideas for Mothers birthdays?
I'll update by blog when I can after the weekend, but when I'm in hospital 8am until 6 it is difficult as I'm fairly run down by the time I get home.
Cheers
Robbie
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Fairground Attraction
It turns out that its not just Milk Link who have been missing my regular blog updates. Many thanks for every ones messages.
Continuing from the last blog my blood counts have got even more random. First of all they continued the pattern of either having red blood cells and not having white blood cells. However on Thursday my blood counts completely collapsed. Red Blood cells disappeared and my immune system crashed (white blood cells disappeared) as well as platelets going wondering. Usually you go into to hospital and get blood tests and one of the doctors will come and look you over. You know something is up when you get multiple doctors\professors. Quantity of doctors does not necessarily mean that you get answers. The professor is convinced I have a problem with my veins which could be quite serious. The other 2 doctors are convinced its something else but don't know what. Either way they arrange some fairly hardcore treatment for me on the Monday. I need to have a minimum of a 9 hour drip on Monday and probably every day next week.
The blood count collapse as well as the need to be in hospital 8am Monday morning unfortunately means that heading to Stokesys wedding is not an option. I would have had to get the train across London Monday morning including a trip on the tube, this is to dangerous for my immune system and I doubt I'd make it to the hospital in time. Also with no red blood cells I would get tired very quickly and if I was over active it could be a little dangerous. Bugger I can't go. I don't like missing friends big events but in this case I have to consider my health first.
I did manage to pop out on Saturday night. This was more of a fact that I can't bare to sit in on a Saturday night. Took it easy sitting in the corners of Racks avoiding crowds. Chatted to several people I have not seen for awhile. Was a well needed distraction from the weeks activities and did some good in relieving the annoyance at missing Stokesys wedding.
As long as I know that I have to be in I don't really mind, its all part of the course. The Olympics have provided a brilliant distraction while in hospital anyway. Its been called in unexpected or ending up in hospital longer than you think that becomes annoying. When it happens the other way round its quite good. I'm sure the nurses have started to manage my expectations. Initially I was told that I was going to be in hospital until around 10 - 11ish (pm). With this news I sent round a speculative text to get some visitors in the evening. However I was released around 7ish. As a result instead of an evening in hospital I ended up going for dinner with the Millards, Julia and Will (King of Lao). A nice unexpected turn around. Tuesday I am meant to be be in all day. Again I get released early. I'm still however due in for at least another 2 days.
This weekend is Ollie Boulter's stag. I am hopefully going to be able to make it, but will have to make the call based on Thursdays blood counts. They have improved significantly this week but as has been proved over the last 2 weeks this can change each day. The only thing I can do is take things day by day and hope for the best. I really don't want to miss another big event of the summer but as I said earlier I may need to consider my health first. Fingers crossed.
Cheers for keeping reading, hope bad weather is not getting you down.. Summer is just around the corner.
Continuing from the last blog my blood counts have got even more random. First of all they continued the pattern of either having red blood cells and not having white blood cells. However on Thursday my blood counts completely collapsed. Red Blood cells disappeared and my immune system crashed (white blood cells disappeared) as well as platelets going wondering. Usually you go into to hospital and get blood tests and one of the doctors will come and look you over. You know something is up when you get multiple doctors\professors. Quantity of doctors does not necessarily mean that you get answers. The professor is convinced I have a problem with my veins which could be quite serious. The other 2 doctors are convinced its something else but don't know what. Either way they arrange some fairly hardcore treatment for me on the Monday. I need to have a minimum of a 9 hour drip on Monday and probably every day next week.
The blood count collapse as well as the need to be in hospital 8am Monday morning unfortunately means that heading to Stokesys wedding is not an option. I would have had to get the train across London Monday morning including a trip on the tube, this is to dangerous for my immune system and I doubt I'd make it to the hospital in time. Also with no red blood cells I would get tired very quickly and if I was over active it could be a little dangerous. Bugger I can't go. I don't like missing friends big events but in this case I have to consider my health first.
I did manage to pop out on Saturday night. This was more of a fact that I can't bare to sit in on a Saturday night. Took it easy sitting in the corners of Racks avoiding crowds. Chatted to several people I have not seen for awhile. Was a well needed distraction from the weeks activities and did some good in relieving the annoyance at missing Stokesys wedding.
As long as I know that I have to be in I don't really mind, its all part of the course. The Olympics have provided a brilliant distraction while in hospital anyway. Its been called in unexpected or ending up in hospital longer than you think that becomes annoying. When it happens the other way round its quite good. I'm sure the nurses have started to manage my expectations. Initially I was told that I was going to be in hospital until around 10 - 11ish (pm). With this news I sent round a speculative text to get some visitors in the evening. However I was released around 7ish. As a result instead of an evening in hospital I ended up going for dinner with the Millards, Julia and Will (King of Lao). A nice unexpected turn around. Tuesday I am meant to be be in all day. Again I get released early. I'm still however due in for at least another 2 days.
This weekend is Ollie Boulter's stag. I am hopefully going to be able to make it, but will have to make the call based on Thursdays blood counts. They have improved significantly this week but as has been proved over the last 2 weeks this can change each day. The only thing I can do is take things day by day and hope for the best. I really don't want to miss another big event of the summer but as I said earlier I may need to consider my health first. Fingers crossed.
Cheers for keeping reading, hope bad weather is not getting you down.. Summer is just around the corner.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Back By Popular Demand
Due to demand from Milk Link the blog is back... Hopefully it is up to standard.
This week has seen my blood test results continue a random pattern. While my white blood cells have recovered my red blood cells have started to slide. As well as some of the other counts behaving erratically. I have also developed permanent pins and needles in my toes, but previous joint pains have disappeared. To fix one problem the doctors adjust 1 medication but this seems to have a knock on effect elsewhere. Its like a bit like a game of Kerplunk (I hope its not just me who remembers this game). None of the issues are serious and are not causing me any real difficulties day to day, but it would be nice if the doctors get the balance right and they are sorted. Until then I'm having to spend more time in hospital getting tested and receiving infusions than I'd really like.
On the positive side of medical treatment they repeated the test on my host vs graft %. It came back and confirmed the previous results of 100%, 100% and 100%. I expected this but it was reassuring to get this back. So overall everything is still heading in the right direction the are just a lot of little niggles to get through & none of the niggles are stopping me from doing anything so I have more to be happy with.
This week to start with looked like a quiet relaxing week. But it ended up been fairly busy. I was in hospital until around 6 on Monday. I ended up receiving platelets and having a bone marrow test. While I was waiting I got a call from Monty from the rugby club, they needed someone to help with training. I managed to get a few drills together for it but its difficult when you have not played or trained for a year and have no real idea what has been done to date or what themes have been worked on\towards. Whilst I thought the session was not great feedback was ok. But in all honesty the numbers were made up of 2nd and 3rd team players, the lack of senior players meant standards were not as high as I would expect. Also the was a severe lack of basic kit, not having enough balls to run 2 sets of drills!! As a result I found the entire evening frustrating and tiring. I leave the club quite concerned about the coming season without more of the 1st team we cannot expect to finish any better than last year.. do we really want to get relegated. Concerns are voiced and a meeting is then arranged to try and sort out. I am due to help out again on Wednesday, but end up spending most of the afternoon in hospital and with low red blood counts everything is a little harder work than usual I don't make it up and spend the evening relaxing.
I was hoping to go to Dubai this year. In theory to play in the 7's. I was hoping to be back to work by now. I am signed of until at least mid October.. Dubai is the end of November. First of all I'd expect to be back to work a few months before I was fit to play rugby.. so its unlikely I'll be in a state to play in the 7's. Also it would be taking the piss at work to return part time initially then go and play in a international semi professional rugby tournament. Whilst I hope I can return to work mid October I can't guarantee this. As the previous weeks fun and games with my drugs and the effects you can only take it day by day and I may still be receiving plenty of treatment or require regular testing still in November. I'm gutted I can't go but I have to be realistic and wait another year. The is a meeting on Thursday night to to discuss Dubai. I would have been down as a definite so feel like I need to tell Rob The Tan face to face that I can't make it. Its also a good excuse to get out the flat and socialise a little.
I am meeting my old work for lunch on Friday. It is really good to catch up with everyone, although I did not get the chance to talk to everyone. Anna is leaving.. I think everyone was still in shock at this. I had a nice piece of steak, I could have actually eaten 2 of them. They are about to move offices around again, but whilst the have been a few reshuffles the does not seem to have changed the general atmosphere.
Friday night I meet with a old school\uni friend. After a day of catching up with people I decide I don't like talking about the past experiences of my treatment. Even if you talk about some of the more positive aspects you are still talking about been in hospital been ill. It sounds like your after sympathy. I don't want anyones sympathy I have far more to be grateful for than not and would rather look to the future than back onto the past. However this is difficult when meeting people you don't see very often.
Saturday brings another stag-do. I had been debating whether to go all week. With blood counts been low the was no way I could handle the whole day which would have involved going to London, back out to Ascot, back to London and out in Clapham. Also I'd expect this stag do to be quite heavy drinking event. I am still on a self imposed drinking ban so the evening would be a waste of time anyway. It would still be a long day regardless getting the train to and from Ascot from Bristol. Eventually I make my mind up that its to good an opportunity to see Stokesy get messed up to miss out on. It was also meant to be 80's fancy dress. Ideal for me to use the MC Hammer outfit. I travel up in normal clothes and get changed in a bar in Ascot.. I was expecting everyone else to arrive within 5-10 mins but they turned up around a half hour later. You get some strange looks when your in a bar by yourself dressed as MC Hammer, this set the theme for the day. The others fancy dress (apart from Wibbles and the stags) was pretty poor. Me and Wibbles stood out by a mile. Well we did not get lost in the crowd. The amount of booze been drunk did not disappoint with the golf ball game catching out a few of the group in vicious fashion. The were going to be some early casualties.
I have never come away from the races with any winnings before. I had taken the race guide from the Times. It gave recommendations for each race. I decided to bet according to the guide, it was not just backing the favorites the odds were not bad on the horses. I won on the first race. £30 up. Lost the next 2 but then on the last race I won £110. Overall I ended the day £95 better off than I started. Must be the lucky MC Hammer pants. I had hoped to try some MC Hammer dancing at the 80's event after. It was however open air and the rain was persistent it was not much fun standing round in the rain listening to Belinda Carlisie. We left earlier than planned I had to rush to get the train to reading and could not find anywhere to get changed at Reading. The result was I travelled all the way back to Bristol as MC Hammer.. the train was full of Swansea fans heading back home which made it a little more interesting. I was knackered on my return and quickly fell asleep on the sofa. Unleashing the MC Hammer outfit and dancing will have to wait awhile longer.
What next week will bring I have no idea, see what the doctors change this time and what effect it has on me. Its still a patience game and I just have to take it day by day. I wonder if I can talk the doctors into scheduling appointments around the Olympics??
This week has seen my blood test results continue a random pattern. While my white blood cells have recovered my red blood cells have started to slide. As well as some of the other counts behaving erratically. I have also developed permanent pins and needles in my toes, but previous joint pains have disappeared. To fix one problem the doctors adjust 1 medication but this seems to have a knock on effect elsewhere. Its like a bit like a game of Kerplunk (I hope its not just me who remembers this game). None of the issues are serious and are not causing me any real difficulties day to day, but it would be nice if the doctors get the balance right and they are sorted. Until then I'm having to spend more time in hospital getting tested and receiving infusions than I'd really like.
On the positive side of medical treatment they repeated the test on my host vs graft %. It came back and confirmed the previous results of 100%, 100% and 100%. I expected this but it was reassuring to get this back. So overall everything is still heading in the right direction the are just a lot of little niggles to get through & none of the niggles are stopping me from doing anything so I have more to be happy with.
This week to start with looked like a quiet relaxing week. But it ended up been fairly busy. I was in hospital until around 6 on Monday. I ended up receiving platelets and having a bone marrow test. While I was waiting I got a call from Monty from the rugby club, they needed someone to help with training. I managed to get a few drills together for it but its difficult when you have not played or trained for a year and have no real idea what has been done to date or what themes have been worked on\towards. Whilst I thought the session was not great feedback was ok. But in all honesty the numbers were made up of 2nd and 3rd team players, the lack of senior players meant standards were not as high as I would expect. Also the was a severe lack of basic kit, not having enough balls to run 2 sets of drills!! As a result I found the entire evening frustrating and tiring. I leave the club quite concerned about the coming season without more of the 1st team we cannot expect to finish any better than last year.. do we really want to get relegated. Concerns are voiced and a meeting is then arranged to try and sort out. I am due to help out again on Wednesday, but end up spending most of the afternoon in hospital and with low red blood counts everything is a little harder work than usual I don't make it up and spend the evening relaxing.
I was hoping to go to Dubai this year. In theory to play in the 7's. I was hoping to be back to work by now. I am signed of until at least mid October.. Dubai is the end of November. First of all I'd expect to be back to work a few months before I was fit to play rugby.. so its unlikely I'll be in a state to play in the 7's. Also it would be taking the piss at work to return part time initially then go and play in a international semi professional rugby tournament. Whilst I hope I can return to work mid October I can't guarantee this. As the previous weeks fun and games with my drugs and the effects you can only take it day by day and I may still be receiving plenty of treatment or require regular testing still in November. I'm gutted I can't go but I have to be realistic and wait another year. The is a meeting on Thursday night to to discuss Dubai. I would have been down as a definite so feel like I need to tell Rob The Tan face to face that I can't make it. Its also a good excuse to get out the flat and socialise a little.
I am meeting my old work for lunch on Friday. It is really good to catch up with everyone, although I did not get the chance to talk to everyone. Anna is leaving.. I think everyone was still in shock at this. I had a nice piece of steak, I could have actually eaten 2 of them. They are about to move offices around again, but whilst the have been a few reshuffles the does not seem to have changed the general atmosphere.
Friday night I meet with a old school\uni friend. After a day of catching up with people I decide I don't like talking about the past experiences of my treatment. Even if you talk about some of the more positive aspects you are still talking about been in hospital been ill. It sounds like your after sympathy. I don't want anyones sympathy I have far more to be grateful for than not and would rather look to the future than back onto the past. However this is difficult when meeting people you don't see very often.
Saturday brings another stag-do. I had been debating whether to go all week. With blood counts been low the was no way I could handle the whole day which would have involved going to London, back out to Ascot, back to London and out in Clapham. Also I'd expect this stag do to be quite heavy drinking event. I am still on a self imposed drinking ban so the evening would be a waste of time anyway. It would still be a long day regardless getting the train to and from Ascot from Bristol. Eventually I make my mind up that its to good an opportunity to see Stokesy get messed up to miss out on. It was also meant to be 80's fancy dress. Ideal for me to use the MC Hammer outfit. I travel up in normal clothes and get changed in a bar in Ascot.. I was expecting everyone else to arrive within 5-10 mins but they turned up around a half hour later. You get some strange looks when your in a bar by yourself dressed as MC Hammer, this set the theme for the day. The others fancy dress (apart from Wibbles and the stags) was pretty poor. Me and Wibbles stood out by a mile. Well we did not get lost in the crowd. The amount of booze been drunk did not disappoint with the golf ball game catching out a few of the group in vicious fashion. The were going to be some early casualties.
I have never come away from the races with any winnings before. I had taken the race guide from the Times. It gave recommendations for each race. I decided to bet according to the guide, it was not just backing the favorites the odds were not bad on the horses. I won on the first race. £30 up. Lost the next 2 but then on the last race I won £110. Overall I ended the day £95 better off than I started. Must be the lucky MC Hammer pants. I had hoped to try some MC Hammer dancing at the 80's event after. It was however open air and the rain was persistent it was not much fun standing round in the rain listening to Belinda Carlisie. We left earlier than planned I had to rush to get the train to reading and could not find anywhere to get changed at Reading. The result was I travelled all the way back to Bristol as MC Hammer.. the train was full of Swansea fans heading back home which made it a little more interesting. I was knackered on my return and quickly fell asleep on the sofa. Unleashing the MC Hammer outfit and dancing will have to wait awhile longer.
What next week will bring I have no idea, see what the doctors change this time and what effect it has on me. Its still a patience game and I just have to take it day by day. I wonder if I can talk the doctors into scheduling appointments around the Olympics??
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Mini Hammer
I have a lot planned for this week. Especially Monday. I have been feeling well so should be able to get a lot done. I hope after having blood tests Monday morning to have lunch with the parents, visit physio and rejoin gym and in the evening it is the rugby club AGM. That was my plans...
The hospital had other ideas. I had an hour to spare before having lunch with my parents and had gone down the park. Just as I had made myself comfortable in the sun the hospital get in touch to ask me to come back in for Potassium top ups and a GSF injection. The potassium top up will take all afternoon. Meaning I won't be able to go for lunch, will have to cancel meetings with physio and manager at gym, and may struggle to make AGM. I had a potassium top up a few weeks ago and have a load of tablets in my flat. I'm convinced my potassium is low because of been in too much sun and not drinking water with any minerals in. Somehow I manage to convince the doctors of this so only need have the GSF injection. To my delight this gets done in 5 minutes and I'm able to carry on with my day as planned.
Alex M brings the MC Hammer parachute pants to the rugby club AGM for me. They are brilliant so put them on for the night. Its a little worrying that only 3 people from the rugby club comment on the trousers and everyone else considers it normal for me to be wearing the golden trousers.
I take it easy Tuesday but have been asked to meet some people from just giving on Wednesday night. Its not ideal as I know my immune system is very fragile (GSF injections are to boost white blood cell production, at present my white blood cell production has collapsed? I have no idea why, its very unusual and is the first time this has happened in around 3/4 months). I decide to go to the meeting and be careful of anything that could cause infections. They ask questions about the dodgeball fundraising and how I used just giving as well as some questions on what I thought just giving was. They paid £40 for it and fed me.
I expect the worse on my visit to hospital on Thursday. I've hardly been well behaved considering my immune system is not 100% and expect to have at least a Potassium infusion. I am starting to develop some symptoms of something going wrong. My legs are tired, bruising appearing without reason also I'm getting pins and needles in my toes. For some reason the circulation to my legs has been restricted?? I am reasonably happy to spend most of Thursday in hospital, hopefully this will mean I'll be back to normal for Dean & Sarah's wedding on Saturday. I had planned on going to the Young Professionals Summer Party but it becomes obvious that I will struggle to get out of hospital in time and I probably should not go anyway because of my immune system. Iain takes the ticket and probably needs a good night out more than I do anyway. The time in hospital passes fairly quickly with one of the nurses when not busy keeping me entertained with some magic tricks. Makes me laugh quite a lot I attempt a few without much success, but 1 works very well.
Thursdays test results were worse than Monday's. My legs had got worse on Friday and I'd started to develop headaches as well. While the was no doubt I'd make it to Dean & Sarahs wedding with this happening it would bring into question how much I'd be able to do. We travel up on Saturday and I feel a little rough. The hotel is not as impressive as it looked on the Internet, and the service booking in is not great. We meet Wibbles & Emma (+ a large bump) for lunch. Its overpriced and takes far to long. This causes us to be running behind time and a rush to get there. Considering I'm an usher this is not particularly good.
All however goes smoothly, we are there in time and Dean is not a nervous wreck. He looks brilliant in the full military uniform. Sarah arrives and looks fantastic. Both are have beaming smiles and look incredibly happy. Dean looks a little like Noddy.
The evening do goes just as smoothly. The speech's are good. Dean & Sarah both thank me for been their for them over the years. This seems silly to me as they have both been at my bedside over the last 9 months. Both have seen me at my worse and helped me remain positive and get through everything. I am so lucky to have such great friends.
Food is good and we have a good table. Banter is quite good. It gets to desert and we manage to convince the table to do NHD (a race to eat desert as quickly as possible without using your hands). I win our tables race but Jade is also quick. Even some of the elderly friends join in. It went down very well and 3 other tables followed our lead and did the same. Brilliant.
The DJ and the Cresswell clan have been told about my historic MC Hammer dancing. With my legs been the way they are I'm a little worried about trying to do this. Although I can try and dance without moving my legs it won't be the same. Early doors Vanilla Ice comes on and I end up trying to bodypop on the dance, it goes down very well but I knacker myself out. I can dance for 1 song then need a break. Luckily the DJ does me a favour and every other song is terrible giving me an excuse to sit down.
Deans nephew Kai picks up on the bodypopping and I end up teaching him some dance moves. I teach him one routine and he loves it. Over the night I teach him a few more moves. I've created a mini Robbie\Mini MC Hammer. He mirrors me on the dancefloor it is hilarious. He even does the worm and 1 arm press ups. He attempts the splits and rips his trousers.
My legs loosen up a little and while pacing myself I manage to do more dancing than I thought I would be able to do. Everyone is on fantastic form apart from the DJ who is bordering on been comically bad. It is a great night. As I'm not drinking Iain takes my place as been the drunkest person at the wedding. It is very funny watching people get steadily worse throughout the night. I still manage to have a great time and remain strong in not drinking although have the shakes all night.
My legs are sore the next day but not as bad as I was expecting. The bruising has spread to my arms and I keep getting cramp in my fingers. I don't think the doctors would be too happy with me this week, maybe this week I should listen to them and behave myself. The is a stag do in London next week. Looking at the itinerary I think I might struggle. It will be more important I make the wedding the week after. This will be a shame but going would just be asking for trouble and I would not be drinking anyway and Stokesy stag do will be one of the more vicious in this respect. A week off won't do me any harm.
I'm sure that the test results are just a minor hiccup. But until they clear up looks like I'll be in hospital a little more than I'd like. Generally however things are still good.. I got to enjoy 2 friends getting married and taught a little kid how to breakdance on the weekend. I am lucky to have been able to make it and having such good weekends means I'll be smiling all week.
The hospital had other ideas. I had an hour to spare before having lunch with my parents and had gone down the park. Just as I had made myself comfortable in the sun the hospital get in touch to ask me to come back in for Potassium top ups and a GSF injection. The potassium top up will take all afternoon. Meaning I won't be able to go for lunch, will have to cancel meetings with physio and manager at gym, and may struggle to make AGM. I had a potassium top up a few weeks ago and have a load of tablets in my flat. I'm convinced my potassium is low because of been in too much sun and not drinking water with any minerals in. Somehow I manage to convince the doctors of this so only need have the GSF injection. To my delight this gets done in 5 minutes and I'm able to carry on with my day as planned.
Alex M brings the MC Hammer parachute pants to the rugby club AGM for me. They are brilliant so put them on for the night. Its a little worrying that only 3 people from the rugby club comment on the trousers and everyone else considers it normal for me to be wearing the golden trousers.
I take it easy Tuesday but have been asked to meet some people from just giving on Wednesday night. Its not ideal as I know my immune system is very fragile (GSF injections are to boost white blood cell production, at present my white blood cell production has collapsed? I have no idea why, its very unusual and is the first time this has happened in around 3/4 months). I decide to go to the meeting and be careful of anything that could cause infections. They ask questions about the dodgeball fundraising and how I used just giving as well as some questions on what I thought just giving was. They paid £40 for it and fed me.
I expect the worse on my visit to hospital on Thursday. I've hardly been well behaved considering my immune system is not 100% and expect to have at least a Potassium infusion. I am starting to develop some symptoms of something going wrong. My legs are tired, bruising appearing without reason also I'm getting pins and needles in my toes. For some reason the circulation to my legs has been restricted?? I am reasonably happy to spend most of Thursday in hospital, hopefully this will mean I'll be back to normal for Dean & Sarah's wedding on Saturday. I had planned on going to the Young Professionals Summer Party but it becomes obvious that I will struggle to get out of hospital in time and I probably should not go anyway because of my immune system. Iain takes the ticket and probably needs a good night out more than I do anyway. The time in hospital passes fairly quickly with one of the nurses when not busy keeping me entertained with some magic tricks. Makes me laugh quite a lot I attempt a few without much success, but 1 works very well.
Thursdays test results were worse than Monday's. My legs had got worse on Friday and I'd started to develop headaches as well. While the was no doubt I'd make it to Dean & Sarahs wedding with this happening it would bring into question how much I'd be able to do. We travel up on Saturday and I feel a little rough. The hotel is not as impressive as it looked on the Internet, and the service booking in is not great. We meet Wibbles & Emma (+ a large bump) for lunch. Its overpriced and takes far to long. This causes us to be running behind time and a rush to get there. Considering I'm an usher this is not particularly good.
All however goes smoothly, we are there in time and Dean is not a nervous wreck. He looks brilliant in the full military uniform. Sarah arrives and looks fantastic. Both are have beaming smiles and look incredibly happy. Dean looks a little like Noddy.
The evening do goes just as smoothly. The speech's are good. Dean & Sarah both thank me for been their for them over the years. This seems silly to me as they have both been at my bedside over the last 9 months. Both have seen me at my worse and helped me remain positive and get through everything. I am so lucky to have such great friends.
Food is good and we have a good table. Banter is quite good. It gets to desert and we manage to convince the table to do NHD (a race to eat desert as quickly as possible without using your hands). I win our tables race but Jade is also quick. Even some of the elderly friends join in. It went down very well and 3 other tables followed our lead and did the same. Brilliant.
The DJ and the Cresswell clan have been told about my historic MC Hammer dancing. With my legs been the way they are I'm a little worried about trying to do this. Although I can try and dance without moving my legs it won't be the same. Early doors Vanilla Ice comes on and I end up trying to bodypop on the dance, it goes down very well but I knacker myself out. I can dance for 1 song then need a break. Luckily the DJ does me a favour and every other song is terrible giving me an excuse to sit down.
Deans nephew Kai picks up on the bodypopping and I end up teaching him some dance moves. I teach him one routine and he loves it. Over the night I teach him a few more moves. I've created a mini Robbie\Mini MC Hammer. He mirrors me on the dancefloor it is hilarious. He even does the worm and 1 arm press ups. He attempts the splits and rips his trousers.
My legs loosen up a little and while pacing myself I manage to do more dancing than I thought I would be able to do. Everyone is on fantastic form apart from the DJ who is bordering on been comically bad. It is a great night. As I'm not drinking Iain takes my place as been the drunkest person at the wedding. It is very funny watching people get steadily worse throughout the night. I still manage to have a great time and remain strong in not drinking although have the shakes all night.
My legs are sore the next day but not as bad as I was expecting. The bruising has spread to my arms and I keep getting cramp in my fingers. I don't think the doctors would be too happy with me this week, maybe this week I should listen to them and behave myself. The is a stag do in London next week. Looking at the itinerary I think I might struggle. It will be more important I make the wedding the week after. This will be a shame but going would just be asking for trouble and I would not be drinking anyway and Stokesy stag do will be one of the more vicious in this respect. A week off won't do me any harm.
I'm sure that the test results are just a minor hiccup. But until they clear up looks like I'll be in hospital a little more than I'd like. Generally however things are still good.. I got to enjoy 2 friends getting married and taught a little kid how to breakdance on the weekend. I am lucky to have been able to make it and having such good weekends means I'll be smiling all week.
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