I have another meeting with Prof Marks. I still am having problems with my joints and still concerned about my kidneys. With my mojo back I'm keen for him to tell me I'm close to getting back to normal.. he nearly has the magic combination to get me back to work and normality. His answer is unfortunately disappointing and unhelpful. He says I'm still quite a way from been able to get back to normality and to get my bone marrow and immune system working will be about another 3 months... so I'm signed off for a further 3 months. Sh!t! Was not expecting that, was hoping for more like 3 weeks (I am ever the optimist).
Well I obviously need to update work. Despite seeing the majority of people at Dodgeball I felt I needed to show my face. After talking to Constellation I popped, timed to see a trading update as well. It was far more useful than talking on the phone and I was more relieved that everyone still knew who I was! It also proved another thing.. I am not ready to start work again. After half a day I was knackered. After heading home I fell asleep on the sofa, woke up for a hour or so and then had an early night. Prof Marks might actually be right (that's not to say I don't intend to try and prove him wrong and get back quicker). I do however feel a little guilty. I'm probably running at around 70% (with my Mojo) this is enough for me to socialise, go to weddings and stag do's (not drinking) do minor jobs but is not enough for me to return to work. I have enough to enjoy myself but not to do the work to pay for it. I should not complain too much. But everything feels so close, yet as proven by how half a day in the office effected me I am also so far away.
The big event of July is Chaz & Lexy's wedding. Both have been fantastic to me throughout my treatment. One of my most treasured possessions while in isolation was a photo album of various drunken nights in Bristol. Whenever I was feeling "isolated" I would get the photo album out to remind myself of what great friends I had outside the hospital and what I had to look forward to when I got out.
Every wedding I have ever been to reflects the couples character. Chaz & Lexys was no different. The church service was small and the Chaplin was unintentionally very funny (although this could have been me getting easily amused again). Lexy looked fantastic, Chaz was average thought he could have at least made an effort. The reception marque was decked out in ivy and in a classical theme (I don't think Laura will read the blog but I did promise to point it out to everyone and say what I fantastic job she had done). I ate enough food for around 4 people. It was strange not drinking.. but it meant everything seemed surprisingly civilised for awhile. I had to take my drugs around 8ish. They all make you drowsy, while not enough to make you fall asleep, enough to make you a bit sluggish and lose form quite quickly. I did not really want to sit around and watch the rest of the night so a solution was required as I was fading quickly. Most people who know me will know I don't usually drink any caffeine, this is not deliberate but I've never developed a taste for tea or coffee and I don't drink coca cola very often. The result is if I do drink it I go a little hyperactive. 3 cups of strong black coffee in 10 minutes and I was doing some break-bopping beats at double time on the dance floor. I think 3 cups was too much as I had the shakes and literally could not stay still for more than a few seconds. But I was having a lot of fun.. until I slipped on some spilt wine and ended up on my arse. The rest of the night was brilliant with Oly Gaudion providing some of the best entertainment in his dancing. He had the crowd eating out of his hand. Loved it.
My little fall had not hurt at the time. However I paid for it the next week. My hip completely seized up. I could barely move my left hand side of my body. I must have hit a nerve as it would effect every joint from knuckles to my ankle. Strangely my right hand side was completely unaffected. Sunday was bad, Monday was uncomfortable, Tuesday was torture, I barely made it out of bed. Been sods law by the time I saw the doctors on Wednesday it seemed to start to clear up only to return on Thursday. To sleep I was now having to take a combination of painkillers and sleeping tablets, to be honest they did not work. I have returned to the world of the ever awake (this actually might just be the 3 black coffees taking their time clearing from my system).
My parents were down the next week. It will be good to see them and it will give me transport to go do some more interesting things (head outside Westbury On Trym and Henleaze!). Turns out their timing to hear good news is perfect. They arrive Tuesday night and I have an appointment with Prof Marks on the Wednesday. The results of my bone marrow retest are back. This is the test that had proved inconclusive a few weeks before. They have 4 tests. 1 for leukaemia and 3 more testing the % of your bone marrow \ blood that is host or graft. The results were leukaemia: No Trace, test 1: 100% graft, test 2: 100% graft, test 3: 100% graft. I could jump over the moon. This is huge news. My old bone marrow can't be found. I now have a new system which is just settling in. Of course things can still go very wrong but this is massive step forward.
Wednesday night me, Iain and my Dad decided to do the local pub poker night. It was a perfect way to spend the evening. Sat outside playing poker, eventually by the light of a oil lantern. Also somehow I ended up winning the tournament?? It was only £3 to enter so I only won £13 back. But a win is a win and considering we thought the would be a local hustler it was very funny.
Thursday we went to Bath races, I was not so successful. My best result was my horse falling over before the start so I got a refund of my bet. But it was a very funny day out in the sun. Later on Thursday night I went out for dinner with a few friends it was turning out to be a busy but fun week.
Saturday was a scorcher. Managed to get a good group up on the downs and enjoyed a day in the sun. After was Spottys birthday. I managed to convince 1 person to turn up in fancy dress. It was priceless seeing their face when they realised no one else had dressed up. Had great night not drinking again. Really did not bother me, I went a little crazy on the dance floor, leg is starting to free itself up the break-bopping beats are getting better, a few basic Brizzley moves even came out. Still no worm, splits or cartwheels. Only problem is that I have now only had about 3 hours sleep in the last 3\4 days. Its getting a little silly now, although nice sunrise today!
Good luck to Ian & Matt who are still cycling the tour de france. The is a link to their blog on the right. What they are doing is insane so please support them.
Robbie
Next event: Sarah & Deans Wedding. Should be very good.
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