The Final Installment

21^st October 2013

I’ve now moved back home and I’m enjoying being back in Builth. Thanks to all those involved, packing and moving is never easy, especially with 7 boxes of clothes and a few too many shoes! Flo and I packed everything with military precision, every box labelled either ‘Home’ or ‘Dennis’ (my Mum’s uncle) who was the unfortunate recipient of half of my belongings to store! Flo and I had a lovely welcome home from the rest of the family – flowers, card and a welcome home banner were awaiting our arrival. On the weekend we popped down to see my goddaughter Lexy (who’s eight) and she told her sister Ebony (my cousin) that ‘the funny one’ and ‘one with two hair styles’ were on their way! Think she meant Flo and me! She has also told me how she prefers me with my wig on!

I had my first lot of scans at the beginning of the month – a CT chest scan and both a CT and MRI head scan. Whilst waiting for me to come out from the scans, a woman struck up a conversation with Flo. It was rather one sided though and Flo couldn’t get a word in edgeways! Even when I came out she didn’t stop talking, it was only when the nurse came along and told her off for not drinking her juice quick enough (in readiness for the scan), that she ended the conversation and Flo was finally able to ask me how it had all gone! Flo said she hardly had time to drink it as she was so busy telling her life story!

The results were back last week and I met with my oncology consultant Dr Spooner in Birmingham to discuss them. After a tense wait my name was called and I went in. Thankfully it was good news, they were all clear and I go back in 3 months for my next check up. I plan to try my best to enjoy life in between and not worry about what might or might not be. For now I want to focus on moving forward, first and foremost with my health and happiness.

The week of the move I met up with my work colleagues for lunch, in Lutterworth. It was lovely to see everyone and catch up with them all. A big congrats to those that took part in the 16 mile ‘Test Way’ walk a couple of weeks ago - a huge challenge, in which they raised money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

The weekend after moving home, on October 6^th, my family and I attended a presentation at the Rugby Club in Builth, hosted by the ‘Music on the Meadows’ volunteers. They kindly raised money for my family and I, along with Wales Air Ambulance and Naina Fundraising. The ‘Tractor Boys’ also generously donated some money, which was totally unexpected. It was a fantastic evening and I hope to support the event next year.

This will probably be my last blog post, as I’m sure nobody wants to continually hear my life story either! Thanks all for following my progress and I hope I continue on the road to full health. As for Flo, I think I’ve about finished her off, oh well you can’t win them all...

 

Blondes Have More Fun?

Upon arriving for my final chemotherapy treatment, all the nursing staff on the unit cheered and congratulated me, which was a lovely gesture and made me feel elated that my treatment was going to finally be over! The week went as well as usual and there were even a few funny incidences! Late the first night Mum went to the car to fetch her sleeping bag, which was in a bin bag and got stopped by security, asking her what was in the bag, if she was a visitor and where she was going!

Later on we finally set up camp for the night; I plugged in my electric toothbrush, phone charger and iPad – all the essentials! Meaning there almost wasn’t a spare one for my chemotherapy pump!

We had a few issues with the camp bed in terms of putting it up. Mike the male nurse eventually assisted us and promptly lay on it to test it out as it was a new model he’d never seen before. So I asked him if he was coming to the sleepover, to which he replied he’d get his pyjamas! 
 
I was on a four bed bay this time and felt like I was in a goldfish bowl one day, with a mass amount of visitors appearing on the unit, who were even taking photographs! They were obviously on some guided tour!
Leaving the ward after my final stay, I felt a mixed bag of emotions – relief and elation but combined with sadness for those other patients I was leaving there, who have become friends in this last year. A week later I was back though to deliver cards and cakes as a special thank you to the hospital team who have supported and cared for me over this past year. I will be back at hospital for my first scans in October and I have an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr Spooner two weeks later to discuss the results and plans for scans hereafter.

I went to collect my new wig a couple of weeks ago too! It’s completely different to the first one I had – people aren’t recognising me! A honey blonde colour, very long and a side fringe – only having a side fringe is definitely taking some getting used to, but I’m extremely happy with it and feel so lucky to have been offered another one.

Now treatment has finished it’s finally time to start packing up and making tracks back to Wales, until I get back on my feet - I’m definitely ready for a dose of normality. Packing has commenced at the Brummy pad and we plan to move at the beginning of October. Florence says she’s winding down her duties and must hastily hit the shops before rural life suppresses her addiction! Dad tells us there’s going to be some new rules when she gets back home, but he’s yet to inform us what they actually are!

The Final Countdown...

Sunday 1^st September 2013

It was Mum’s birthday a few weeks back and with some of the money she received, we decided to treat ourselves to some sightseeing, courtesy of the Big Brum Open Top Bus Tour! Although an enjoyable and interesting experience, it was quite windy and there were a few low trees, meaning I did have to hold onto my wig a few times! Still, we decided that if it did get stuck in the branches, we’d just have to do the tour again to retrieve it!

 
Talking of hair, I was fortunate enough to be offered another wig through Teenage Cancer Trust a few weeks ago! So on Saturday, Mum and I travelled to a salon called Aesthetics near Solihull, for an appointment with the owner called Adrian. He was a nice guy and between us I decided to opt for a blonde/brown mix in a long length, which I’ll have cut and styled in a few weeks time when it arrives. Watch out for the pictures!  

But eventually I hope to have my own hair back in some form. I had an appointment with my surgeon, Mr Peart on the 20^th August to discuss any operations he could do to sort my hair out. I hadn’t seen him personally since last year and since the radiotherapy, so was unsure about what he’d say he could do for me, if anything at all. Luckily he didn’t seem fazed by the procedure he’d have to undertake to give me back my hair. He said he could do an operation in about a year’s time, once my hair’s grown back fully on the one side of my head and I’ve recovered from all the treatment. He said he would do something called tissue expansion to stretch the skin and hair follicles across my head. I’m pleased by what he’s said he can do and happy it’ll be in a year’s time, giving me a chance to get back on my feet, to full health and normality for a while.

I was asked during my last chemotherapy session, whether I’d like to be on the interview panel, to interview for a new teacher on the Young Person’s Unit. As the ward is primarily for 16-24 year olds, many are at school, college or University and require support and tutoring so they are able to continue with their studies alongside treatment. I was thrilled to be asked and spent a day helping to question potential candidates, before contributing to the discussion about who we thought should be selected for the post! Hopefully I was of some help to the rest of the panel!

Rachel and Hannah (friends from home) visited last week to present a cheque for £1,482.25 to Teenage Cancer Trust, following Rachel’s amazing achievement of completing the London Marathon earlier this year. Mum and I had a lovely day with them both, dining out at Red Peppers for lunch and then onto a few shops...well we did have to show them the sites of Birmingham! ;)

 

I go in for my last session of chemotherapy tomorrow. I can’t believe I’ve actually made it to the end of treatment. Remembering back to that very first session, I broke down in tears after what was an extremely tough week, struggling to see how I could cope with any more. Thankfully with the support of many people, I have actually done it! I’m looking to the future now, although many scans and results await me for at least the next five years, which is a scary prospect. Although I know I’ve got amazing support to help me through it.

Music on the Meadow

Saturday 10^th August 2013

On Friday 2^nd August my family and I attended Music on the Meadow – an event held every year at Muttley and Jean’s barn, Builth Wells, to raise money for different charities and people through musical performances. This year was the events 10 year anniversary and I was very kindly asked if they could raise money for me, alongside the Wales Air Ambulance and Naina Fundraising. The night was a huge success with a great turn out and fantastic performances from Owen Morgan, Tri Tenor and Tony Royale.

On the 7^th August it was one year since I was diagnosed. To think it’s been a whole year is crazy, looking back it seems to have gone fast, although there have been days it was difficult to see when the treatment would come to an end. I have now completed my twelfth session of chemotherapy and I’m back in on Monday for my thirteenth of fourteen. Not too many more to go! I also have an appointment with my surgeon from The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham on the 20^th August to discuss potential operations on my head to sort my hair out, after my treatment finishes.

 

I’ve been up to a few nice things whilst being out of hospital these last couple of weeks, to cheer myself up, including afternoon tea at Netherstowe House, which was delicious and a fabulous experience! I’ve also caught up with friends, family and an old school teacher (Wendy) who’s had a baby since we last saw each other - he’s so cute! And it’s Mum’s birthday today so it was shopping in Solihull yesterday for the pair of us! I think a chilled weekend is in order now, ready for Monday’s session.

 

 

A Little Ditty...

Friday 12^th July 2013

For my latest blog post I have decided to write a poem, something different to sum up my time on the Young Person’s Unit at the QE Hospital and describe the nursing staff.

 

This is a poem about the nursing staff,

A lovely lot who make me laugh,

Professional yet caring, they sure are a busy clan,

They make my time there the best that they can.

 

Calm and composed, Dr Sarah is head,

Once checked in, I’m shown to my bed,

She gives me the once over, looking at my body,

An expert is her field, her work is never shoddy.

Del the staff nurse is forever on the go,

But she always finds time for a chat when you’re feeling low,

I find her entertaining; her stories are the best,

I have her running ragged, she never gets a rest!

The lone male nurse is Scottish Mike,

He always walks to work, doesn’t own a bike,

Continually super efficient, never running late,

I’d like to see him in a kilt; I think he’d look great!

 

Then there’s Sarah Turley, the organiser of fun,

Tuesday is the breakfast club and she goes on the coffee run,

Her personality is bubbly; she has everything under control,

We’ve even got a juke box, so everything’s rock n roll!

There’s also Laura and Elizabeth,

Charlotte and Maddy too,

Really too many to mention,

So those were just a few!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little ditty,

About how good the staff are at the QE,

I think Florence should take note,

And make me a cup of tea!

I’m Too Sexy for My Shirt

Sunday 23^rd June 2013

I’ve finally managed to get my iPad back from Flo (an extremely difficult feat it has to be said), so able to take back the reins on my blog this week! It’s been another busy few weeks at the Thomas HQ since the last post and as most of you will know, has included two trips back home to Wales.

I was back for a fashion show event, ‘Fun, Frocks and Fizz’ hosted by local businesses at The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. It was such an overwhelming afternoon, with the local community coming together to support my family and I, for which we are so very grateful for. On behalf of my family and I, we’d like to thank everyone involved, those who attended and/or sent donations. There was such a lot of people there, we can only apologise for not having a chance to properly catch up with all that we wanted to. Everyone worked so hard to make it a success and it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. A complete mix of emotions really, from the laughter at the boys on the catwalk, through to pulling of the heart strings from Aunty Sue’s speech and to seeing my sister Becca in a wedding dress!

On Monday morning we left Builth to head back to Birmingham Hospital, for my tenth session of chemo. We dashed in the house with our bags, quickly repacked and were once again on our merry way to the QE! Whilst settling in during the afternoon, Flo exclaimed “Who’s that shouting all the time?” and began playing detective, investigating out of the window. She couldn’t decide where it was coming from or see anybody, so decided it must be workmen. This went on into the evening and after a night’s sleep, began once again. The next day my friend Libby came to visit me and Mum quizzed her as to whether she could hear it! They both listened intently, telling me to be quiet on several occasions! In true Libby style she watched and listened, head out the window, ear prised against the wall and finally the pair both got on the floor! By this time they had decided it was a cry for help and were scared that somebody may be trapped! The voice was calling, “Let me out, you’ve got to help me!”

Sherlock and Dr Watson couldn’t contain their worry any longer and made their concerns known to the nursing staff. They however, dismissed the idea that anyone could be trapped in the air vents, but the undeterred detectives were not convinced and set off donning tweed coats, pipe and magnifying glass – ok well not quite that farfetched, but you get the picture, taking the lift to the lower hospital floor to probe further into the mystery. That night the noise appeared to stop and it was finally decided that the victim had either escaped or was dead; either way at least we were in for an undisturbed sleep!

Around a week later Flo and I headed back to Builth once again for the Presentation evening. A gobsmacking £2,850 was presented to the family and I, which will genuinely make a huge difference. Libby made a speech on my behalf to thank the committee and I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank her and all involved once again.

This weekend it was my turn to return the favour and support Libby with her 24 hour Bike Challenge. I attended Rockingham Speedway, Corby, where she had to ride around the track with three other colleagues from the M&S Kingsditch store in Cheltenham, to raise money for a number of cancer charities. Over 1,000 employees took part and the day was a great success, with Libby having risen over £600 currently. If you’d like to donate money her link is still active and can be found at:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Kingsditch&isTeam=true I know she’d really appreciate anything you can give, however big or small and I’m so proud of her amazing achievement. Well done Libby!

My other friend Sarah has also recently completed the ‘Race for Life’, back home in Wales. I’d like to give her a mention to say a BIG well done, an amazing achievement also!!

I’m back in hospital 1^st July for my 11^th session of chemotherapy – counting down now, only four to go!

From Flo’s Perspective

Tuesday 28^th May 2013

Well, we’re nearly at the end of May. Can’t believe how far we’ve come on this journey and there is light at the end of the tunnel - although I thought somebody had turned it off at some point to save electric! Only five sessions of chemotherapy left out of the fourteen, each one another step nearer for my return home. I suspect a ‘good bottoming’ will be required after leaving Gary in charge of the feather duster! (For those who don’t know, this means a good clean and nothing rude!)

Since moving to Birmingham back in November, we have said numerous times it was the best thing we could have done under the circumstances. A swift count up adds up to fifty nights in hospital and we’ve lost count of how many outpatient appointments there’s been so far. On occasions we’ve been at the hospital until late and thank god there’s no two hour trek back to Wales, fifteen minutes and we’re home and dry.

Watching your daughter go through such gruelling treatment requires an inner strength and commitment I didn’t know I had - (although having been married to Gary for 35 years has given me good practice!) However, out of the two of us I think Rhi is the stronger. She never grumbles or moans about any of the treatment she has to endure. I won’t say she hasn’t shed a tear, because we both have. Sometimes the days have been long and dark (and the nights too when sleep evades you and your mind starts to wander and worry what the future will bring). But morning comes and I think of Builth High School’s motto of ‘Carpe Diem’ meaning ‘Seize the Day’ and get up and face whatever the day has in store.

Looking back at some of the lowest points it’s been hard to always stay strong and positive. Standing by the bed when they took off her bandages after her major operation, I didn’t know what to expect and neither did she. Things were worse than I thought but with time and care things have improved greatly in that area. Radiotherapy was also particularly heart-wrenching. Sitting there while she was left alone in that room when the radiation was being delivered, I often found myself to be quite emotional. Her hair loss has probably hit me harder than it has her. Thinking back to all the times she used to love doing her hair – whether it be blonde or red, she never left the house without it being immaculate. Her fertility, well I try not to think about it. She’s done what she can in terms of freezing her eggs and hopefully one day I’ll be a Nan! But from a selfish point of view I think as long as Rhi’s alive it doesn’t matter whether she has any children or not.

The Young Persons Unit at the QE has become our second home. I have met many mothers and fathers, who like me, have a story to tell about their child. We all agree that although life is tough, they seem to have such courage and determination, enduring any treatment that’s thrown at them, facing life with great optimism and hope for the future.

Before I leave you, I’d just like to say that it’s not been all doom and gloom. I think most days we have found something to laugh about – whether it’s been her new nickname ‘Argos’ (because she says she looks like the aliens in the advert and there’s now the added Olly Murs reference!), the many bush tucker eating trials she says I make her endure or wondering whether we’re in the right clinic for radiotherapy when we see two men walking around with women’s handbags and thought perhaps we were in the gender change department?! They say laughter is the best medicine and I’m sure they’re right, whoever they are! It’s certainly helping in Rhi’s journey, that’s for sure.

 

Keep Your Hair On!

Sunday 28^th April 2013

The last time I wrote a blog post, I was about to go into hospital for my seventh chemo session. I’m pleased to say the session went ok, with best friend Libby there to support me while Flo went back to Builth for a night. During the time in I also started my radiotherapy. I’m taken down to the department in a wheelchair by a porter, with Mum having to scuttle alongside to keep up with his fast pace of around 90mph! On the second day of treatment one of the Radiographers said “Oh I see you’ve bought a friend with you today?” (Meaning my drip) To which I replied “Oh no that’s just my Mum!”

I have now completed fifteen sessions out of twenty eight. The process of having the radiotherapy is fairly simple, with me wearing the mask (which I explained about in my last blog post) while the radiotherapy is given and it only lasts a couple of minutes. I have had to use aqueous cream on my head a few times a day to prevent it from becoming sore, which is a common side effect of radiotherapy. Another possible side effect can be short –term memory loss....now then what was I saying?!

Whilst recovering after the chemotherapy, both Flo and I nearly ended up back in hospital at A&E! One morning whilst taking a shower (which is positioned over the bath) and lathering up, I slipped and fell hitting my head in the process! Upon hearing the commotion Flo called upstairs to check I was ok, but there was no answer as I couldn’t hear her because of the sound of the shower. She dashed upstairs in a panic, thinking I must have fainted, nearly having a cardiac arrest on the way! Luckily I was ok apart from a sore head and perhaps now a red face from admitting I’m a bit of a clumsy fool!

Last week I had my wig cut and styled and I know a lot of you have seen it via Facebook. I was overwhelmed by the amount of ‘likes’ my picture got and it gives me confidence to know it looks good! I was advised by Nicky (the hairdresser) to keep the length long and he suggested I looked more of a ‘structured’ type of person, so to go with a Jessie J style blunt fringe. I told him she’d already copied my style by having it all shaved off! I was happy to go with his advice as he said it’s quite different cutting a wig to normal hair. I’m really pleased with the outcome and it makes it so much nicer and easier to go out, especially in the evening time. With this in mind I decided a celebratory night out was in order and my Uni friends Lisa and Dani came down to Birmingham for the night. We headed to Brindley Place for a meal at Piccolino’s and to Pitcher and Piano and Walkabout for a few drinks and a boogie! The night was really good; especially as it was the first proper night out I’d had since September!

Lisa and I also went pottery painting last week, as we fancied trying something a bit different. It was actually really good fun and very therapeutic! You could choose from an array of items to paint including plates, bowls, trinket boxes and cups and saucers. We decided to both select plates and used floral stencils to create Cath Kidson style designs. I’m picking them up next week when they’ve been glazed and fired and would love to try this again in the future! Flo took this opportunity to escape once again and headed into town on the 99 bus! I’m always laughing at her fascination with buses here in Birmingham; I guess she’s never seen so many as it’s quite different to Builth where you only have one every two hours!
 

In the last couple of weeks my sister Becca and her boyfriend Luke have visited, along with my Dad which has been lovely. Mum’s friend Sandra also came up for the weekend and we all enjoyed a canal boat trip over Brindley Place on a lovely sunny day. My former boss Matt (from George) and his wife Josie also called to see me last Sunday and we spent a lovely few hours catching up.

 

The London Marathon has also taken place since I last posted, so I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rachel Williams on her fantastic achievement, completing the race in five hours (with an injured hip) and raising over a £1250 (+ gift aid) for Teenage Cancer Trust and the same for her Mum’s chosen charity Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Thank you to all those who provided sponsorship, I know the money will be greatly appreciated.

 

I can’t believe it’s nearly May and I’ll have been living in Birmingham for around six months! Although we’ve made friends with a few of the locals, our neighbours clearly don’t think too much of us. The occupants of the two houses opposite have up sticks and left and the neighbours next door are moving to Australia as soon as they sell! Think it must be something to do with Flo’s singing or perhaps it’s her neighbourhood watch tendencies?!

Flo and I are glad the winter is over and the nights are getting lighter, which makes going through all of this so much easier. Tomorrow I’ll be going back into hospital for my eighth chemo session. That’ll be eight down, six more to go.

 

Easter: The Only Time of Year It’s Safe to Put All Your Eggs in One Basket!

Sunday 7^th April 2013

Unfortunately I started writing this blog post from my hospital bed! The week before last I had to be re-admitted following a high temperature. It all started a week last Monday - my temperature was high that morning and when I came into hospital to get checked out, bloods were taken and analysed, revealing my hb levels were low so I required a blood transfusion. The next evening I was at home feeling fine, when I checked my temperature (which I have to do twice daily) and it was up once again. Into hospital Flo and I dashed as having a high temperature can be a sign that you’re neutropenic (when your immune system is at rock bottom) and can be life threatening. Fortunately this wasn’t the case for me this time, although I had to have fluids, antibiotics and paracetamol to bring my temperature down as I may have had an infection. A chest scan I had had a few weeks previous had revealed that there was something showing on my lungs, which may have been the beginning of an infection. Prior to having tablets to clear this up, the doctors were unsure as to the cause of my temperature and decided that I should have my PICC line out incase this was the source. It turned out it wasn’t and I once again had the pleasure of having another PICC line put back in my arm. However, this is much better than all the cannulas I had to have put in over the 10 nights I was in hospital and all the prodding of needles to take blood at 5am each morning!

I’m back home now on weekend release, as temperature has finally come down. I’m due back in tomorrow for my seventh session of chemotherapy. I was hoping to go back to Builth Easter weekend to catch up with friends and family, however plans for this had to sadly be cancelled.

While I was in for my sixth session of chemotherapy, I went down to the radiotherapy department to be measured and fitted for my mask. The mask is something I have to wear during the sessions to protect my face from the rays. My oncology consultant has now decided that I need to have ‘electron’ radiotherapy, which will be twenty eight sessions in length, beginning 8^th April. This was supposed to start on the 2^nd April, however couldn’t commence until my temperature had stabilised. Using electrons means there’s less chance of the rays penetrating my brain, whilst still being effective on the areas of skin on my head that it needs to. I also had some positive news whilst I was in - my head and chest scans have come back all clear of cancer, which was a big relief.

Becca, Dad and Luke came up for her Graduation on the 15^th March and although I couldn’t attend, they all came to visit me in hospital, along with her friend Jazz. Becca had a great day and it was lovely to catch up with them all.

Flo and I attended Crufts a few weeks back. We had a great time, watching some of the agility events in the main ring and meeting some of the French Bulldogs and their owners. I want a dog more than ever now!

My friend Dani and I went to the Olly Murs concert on the 12^th March. We had a fantastic time, as he put on a great show! He was supported by The Loveable Rogues who were on Britain’s Got Talent and a girl called Titch who were both really good.

 

I was booked into the Manchester hair salon last week to have my final wig fitting. I was hoping to get it sorted before my radiotherapy. Again, this had to be cancelled because of my high temperature so will have to re-book for after the radiotherapy now, which looks like it will be May time.

Hope everyone has a lovely Easter and received lots of eggs! I’ve already received some from my lovely friend Sarah! I can also reveal that Sarah was the mystery person behind the anonymous package I received in the post around Christmas time! This came to light a few weeks ago when I was using my notebook and telling her the story of how I didn’t know who it was from!! For Easter I was also treated to a few lovely cards and presents from my Aunty Sue (Pooky to us). She bought me lots of lovely pamper gifts and lottery ticket and scratch card. I won £5 on the scratch card and have promised her half the winnings!! Haha

Can I just also take this opportunity to thank Rachel Williams for running the London Marathon, to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust. The marathon takes place in two weeks time and I’d like to wish her all the best! If you’d like to make a donation here’s the link: http://www.justgiving.com/Rachel-Williams20 or alternatively if you’re in Builth then my sister and Rachel both have sponsorship forms. Thanks all.

 

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going

Tuesday 5^th March 2013

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted last and a lot has been going on! The trip home to Wales was a great success! Ebony’s 18^th birthday party was so much fun - catching up with family was lovely and mine and Mum’s fancy dress outfits went down well. Wanting a costume which required a wig, I opted for Lady Gaga (outfit based on the Telephone video). Mum went as the Queen, corgi in tow – I think you’ll agree the mask wasn’t even needed! Mum could definitely be a look-a-like – new career maybe?! The rest of the weekend was also a lot of fun, catching up with friends over lunch and in town.

I had a meeting with Mr Spooner the Monday following. I’ve been told that 14 doses of chemotherapy along with 25 sessions of radiotherapy are required. Not a pleasant thought, but one that I’ve accepted – if I need it to get through to the other side of this then I’ve got no choice but to go for it. I have a fitting for my radiotherapy mask next week and the treatment for this will commence a few weeks later. As for the chemotherapy, my 6^th dose is a week Wednesday. After this the doses lower so hopefully they’ll be a little easier. I was in hospital again last week having 2 bags of blood as my levels had dropped, hopefully that won’t happen as often when the doses are adjusted.

My CT head scan went well on Monday – I got to the clinic and sat down in the busy waiting area, before promptly being escorted through to another area. This was much quieter; I presume it was the VIP lounge!! Results from the scan are to follow shortly. I’m also waiting on an appointment for a CT chest scan.

On a lighter note, I’ve had lots of visits from friends and family these past few weeks, which has been lovely. A few family friends came from home including one of Dad’s work colleagues, who even bought me the local paper to catch up on the news of Billy Wells! My auntie and uncle also came down from Leeds to spend the day with Mum and I, a lovely chance for a family catch up J

My friends have continued to be supportive – a few came over last weekend and we all had a great time visiting The Custard Factory’s vintage fair! We all enjoyed having our nails done and shopping for some great vintage clothing. We also enjoyed seeing Safe Haven at the cinema – a lovely rom com I recommend to all the girls out there! I also dip dyed my friend’s hair successfully - a new career in the beauty industry for me maybe?!

More pampering happened yesterday at the ward when the Body Shop team visited! Since I’d already had my nails done it was time for a foot scrub and pedicure – pure bliss! A few days rest and chill at home now until Friday when Mum and I have decided to visit the NEC to see Crufts! Look out Dad a new French bulldog could be arriving at a home near you sooner than you think ;)

This weekend I will be heading to New Street, having lunch out and scouring the shops for Lonely Planet guides courtesy of my cousin Lou! Bring on the travels! Can’t wait J Then Mother’s Day....well can’t say too much but card and gift all sorted! Then Olly Murs concert on 12^th March and finally back in for the next round of chemo on the 13^th March. Over and out for now folks!

Chip Off the Old Block

Friday 15^th February 2013

I went in for my 4^th session of chemotherapy on 30^th January. It started off with my usual checks, including having my weight taken. This time the nurse came to get me whilst Florence and I were stuffing our faces with cream cakes! This session was once again demanding, not just for me but for Flo too, even the machines were calling for her attention! But a visit from Jimmy Carr brightened up one of the 5 days. I even managed to put on some make-up to meet him, although the pyjamas remained, which didn’t seem to bother him! He was a nice guy and made us all laugh; he even commented that he liked my personalised phone cover!

A few days after my discharge, we decided to attend the yoga class after recently joining the gym. The class was enjoyable except for the part where I felt sick! I let Flo think it was the chemotherapy, although I secretly thought it was more likely her quiche! I made a mental note to find out where the toilet was for next time! However, there was to be no next time as the following day when we returned for our induction, I was told that because of the treatment I was receiving I wasn’t allowed to exercise. I was disappointed but understood their reasons; Mum was pleased that her ‘Just Do It’ t-shirt was to never see the light of day again! Upon leaving the premises an ambulance promptly pulled up outside and Paramedics went it. We thought perhaps it was a bad omen. I decided that if the gym wouldn’t have me, my old friend Toby Carvery certainly would, and promptly went and had a full roast dinner and ice cream dessert!

As the week went on I continued to feel poorly, even feeling quite weepy one of the days. Mum and I went for a walk but I was out of breath and also had a nose bleed. Reporting this to the nurse last Monday afternoon, (whilst at the hospital for my PICC line) he suggested a blood sample be taken to check my platelet count. After several hours he returned with the news that they were down to 7, with the usual count being in the 100’s! It was no wonder I hadn’t felt well and meant I required a bag of platelets through my line to carry me over 24 hours, plus two bags of blood the next day. Following this I felt a lot better and was allowed home.

The follow up article has been published in the B&R and the story in Pick Me Up entitled ‘My Patchwork Scalp!’ has also been in print. I have been in contact with a lady who raises money for Ewing’s Sarcoma research at Leeds University Hospital, following her son’s diagnosis 12 years ago. Once the money from the article is sent through, I plan to donate the money to this charity.

I had a visit from two of the girls from work today, Sarah and Lindsay. It was lovely to catch up with them; they even bought me some beautiful flowers, chocolates, cakes, fruit and a photo frame with ‘RHI’ in it. I think they were pleased to see how I was doing but perhaps more pleased to finally meet the famous Florence who even told them that I was definitely back to my old self today bossing her around to tidy up before their visit! I honestly don’t know what she means......!

Tomorrow I plan to make a visit back home to Wales! I can’t wait as this will be the first time I’ve been home since my operation last October - it will be a good chance to catch up with friends and family. I’m also assuming all my valentine’s day cards and gifts will be there, as I only had one delivered to Birmingham (all be it from Olly Murs aka Libby Adams!) and that was a day late! The real reason I’m going home is to celebrate my cousin’s 18^th birthday, at her fancy dress party. Florence and I have been busy preparing our outfits and I’ve carefully selected a costume which requires a wig! I don’t want to reveal who I’m going as yet, but look out for the next blog where I’m sure I’ll have lots of photos!

On Monday I have an appointment with Dr Spooner to discuss my treatment and whether more than 6 sessions of chemotherapy will be needed. My next session of chemotherapy starts next Wednesday. I also have an appointment in March for a CT scan of my head – I’m not quite sure what they need to do this for, but Flo says it’s probably to see whether Mrs Potato Head has any filling! I told her there probably is no filling because I’m a chip off the old block! On that note I’m off to pack my bags ready for the weekend! Hope you all have a good one J

The Grape Escape

Tuesday 29^th January 2013

Hi All,

Just a quick update of everything that’s been going on since my last post, before I go into hospital for my next dose of chemo...

So, I was gutted to have missed out on seeing David Beckham last week, when he visited the Young Persons Unit at the QE hospital. Of all the times I’ve been there, it seemed typical that I should have been discharged only a few days before! However, even though the week started with some disappointment I ended up receiving a phone call, telling me I’d won a ticket to see Olly Murs! The concert’s in March at the LG Arena and I can’t wait to see him, as dedicated followers of my blog will know I’m quite a fan to say the least!

Becca and Luke returned home from India last week. It was so lovely to have them back, we even had another Christmas Day to celebrate as we’d missed being together the first time around. Think they were pleased to be back but happier to finally be receiving their presents and filling up on some good home cooking courtesy of myself and Flo! A shopping trip to Birmingham the next day to spend some of Dad’s money also made Becca happy! I wasn’t so happy when I slipped over in M&S though! Two employees rushed to my aid to check if I was ok, which I was. But Mum however suggested I should sue them, telling them my hair had all fallen out a week later from the shock of it!

Yesterday Flo and I set off on the train to Manchester to a salon run by Nicky Oliver, hairdresser to the stars! I was having a wig fitting and have chosen a red/brown style, medium length, which I’ll have cut and styled once it’s ready in a few weeks time. He was telling us that they’re made in India, I thought if I had gone a few weeks earlier, Becca and Luke might have been able to collect it for me!

A follow up article is planned to be published in the local B&R paper in the next week or so, catching up on my progress since the last article was written a number weeks back. I guess I’ve produced enough material for the reporter to steal once again and make the article sound decent! ;)

I had another check up on my head last week too. The doctor was happy with how it was looking, so much so that he doesn’t want to see me again until my treatment finishes and I’m ready to have the Wayne Rooney style treatment to sort my hair out (hopefully!).

To keep myself busy, I have been reading books. The latest being by Katie Piper – the young British girl who survived a horrendous ordeal of rape and acid attack in 2008. She’s such an inspiration, having been so brave and by turning something negative into a positive, setting up a charity to help other burns survivors. Her books are brilliant and if you get a chance to read them do. It puts things into perspective, there’s always someone worse off than yourself and it teaches you to be grateful for the little things in life and not take things for granted.

Florence and I have been trying to eat and drink healthily. We have decided we eat well in terms of having enough vegetables in our diet; however our fruit intake has a lot to be desired! Especially for me and the nightmares I have regarding the baked banana incident!! So we decided we must increase our intake through the next best thing, fruit juices! We already had a routine of drinking orange juice each morning; however Flo now makes me have an apple and mango in the afternoon and grape in the evening! There’s no escaping it!

I decided that we should try and increase our fitness levels too, I haven’t really done much exercise expect walking since my second operation in October and although Flo owns a t-shirt saying ‘Just Do It’, really she says ‘Just Don’t Bother!’ I attended a Hip-Hop dance class the other night and Flo and I went to a Ballroom/Latin class last night, which were great fun! Strictly Come Dancing eat your heart out! It took me a lot of effort to persuade Mum to go, as I make her take the lead role and pretend to be the man! She wanted me to ask the local butcher, who she jokes she’s going to fix me up with. I told her, well I am partial to meat and two veg, as long as he doesn’t have two left trotters! On that note I think I should probably go and get myself ready for my fourth session of chemo tomorrow morning...thanks for reading J

 

 

“I Get Knocked Down, But I Get Up Again!”

Wednesday 16^th January 2013

I have just come out from hospital following my third lot of chemotherapy. The staff can’t do enough for you there, always greet you upon arrival as if we’re checking in for a weekend break! Judging by my cases you’d think we were! In true Thomas style, Mum and I rock up with sleeping bag, pillow and even a toaster in hand and Mum has to make a few trips back and forth to the car! I don’t do travelling light as my Dad only knows too well! Even for Beach Break festival, lasting a few days I managed to fill Becca’s rucksack, which she’s using currently for four months of travelling!

It was a very tiring five days and unfortunately this time there was more sickness and I also required a blood transfusion. Flo tried to be her supportive self but also ended up feeling queasy and had to have a lie down! Even when I fancy a cup of tea or it's time for a meal I need to put in a request about an hour before, as she’ll always find someone to talk to down the kitchen! Met a nice couple from Bridgenorth, Shropshire called Mel and Dan – Dan has been receiving treatment on the unit around the same time as myself and Mel is due to give birth in a couple of weeks. Flo said she’d step in as birthing partner if required, should she go into labour whilst there! I think it was anything to get out of looking after me personally!

Everything ok now though and have been taking it easy since being discharged. I also found out whilst in hospital that Ewing’s Sarcoma is usually treated with 14 sessions of chemotherapy – they’ll review my case at treatment four (the highest doses being the first six). Also the radiotherapy could be for five days at a time lasting for six weeks. But whatever they decide, I know my best interests will be at heart and I’ll go with the Flo ;) Next session of chemotherapy is booked in for 30^th January.

I’ve had the liver scan results back now and they’re showing benign blood vessels, which have probably been there since birth, so a weight off my mind. Results from the heart scan are also all ok, happy days.

I’d also like to put some thanks out for all the lovely cards, messages and presents I’ve received over the last few months. It’s kept me going, knowing I have fantastic support from family and friends. I still don’t know who my mystery parcel was off though, so if the sender reads this please let me know! It contained a lovely notebook, selection boxes and nail polishes. One of the cutest gifts has to be this little pup,  sent from one of Mum's friends. Flo get on the case though please, remember I’m expecting a real one when we’re home!

As mentioned in my last post, a family friend Rachel is running the London Marathon this April, raising money for a charity of my choice, which is Teenage Cancer Trust. Here's the link,

http://www.justgiving.com/Rachel-Williams20 Please let’s all support her and this fantastic charity! My interview for Pick Me Up magazine is also due to be published 31^st January. Look out for me!

Becca and Luke are due back soon, can’t wait to see them! I know they’re looking forward to their Christmas gifts (including a few surprises!!) and plenty of nice food! Will be great to have them back, although I think we’ve spoke more since they’ve been away than when they’re actually in the UK! Gotta love a bit of Skype J

I’ve also been told that I should write a book about my journey...thoughts and comments please!!

 

 

“To Christmas, and beyond!”

Friday 4th January 2013

So I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year’s Eve? My Christmas was lovely – a very quiet one to previous years and different spending it away from home in Birmingham. But I was with Mum & Dad and Skyped Becca & Luke and other family members, which made it a great day. Unfortunately Florence had forgotten to buy the crackers, so we were left hatless. Luckily I was able to save the day and Dad sported a furry trapper number!

To pick up where I left off, which was from my hospital bed during my second session of chemo – all went well and my body seemed to recover a lot quicker this time. I stayed in my usual side room, although was moved on the last day to a four bed ward; however I was on my own. Florence stayed overnight throughout my time in hospital – on this night she decided to undress for bed behind my curtain, instead of going to the bathroom down the corridor as usual. Getting down to her bra and grots, we heard footsteps quickly approaching the curtain. “It’s only me”, a male voice called out and to Mum’s horror speedily drew back the curtain! Being a true professional the male nurse began speaking to me and acted like he never noticed. By this time Mum had sat down on her camp bed trying to hide her modesty with her nighty. For devilment I made sure to engage her in the conversation! To this day we can’t remember what we even spoke about, but he was obviously happy and went on his merry way, leaving us chuckling!

I was sent home with my usual mixed bag of drugs including additional antibiotics to ward off any infections before they started. Into my second recovery week now and although feeling well, I still find myself tired on occasions and requiring a nap. This usually happens when Florence wants me to help her with the chores!

Whilst in hospital, Mum received a lovely phone call from a friend, Rachel Williams – her daughter, Hannah, is a friend of mine, we’ve known each other since we were six. She told us that she’s running in the London Marathon in April 13 and wanted to ask if she could raise money for a charity of my choice. I thought this was a lovely gesture and I have chosen Teenage Cancer Trust, which supports the ward I’m on at the QE Hospital. I will provide the link to the donation page as soon as it's up.

My hair has gone very thin; I’m pretty much a baldy! I’ve got some photos of the scars my head now has, along with the skin graft. In one of pictures I think my head looks like an uncooked baked potato – telling Mum she laughed and said “Ok Mrs Potato Head!” I think she’s trying to get her own back with the various nicknames I’ve given her! It might look pretty shocking to you, but the graft is actually healing up nicely and each day improving in appearance.

On New Year’s Eve the party started with an MRI scan, at the Imaging Department of the QE Hospital. I arrived early but was not even offered a drink (I’m glad to say) as last time I’d had one there it was a fluid containing dye that made me poorly! I went straight in for the scan and always one to enjoy posing for the camera; I’d made an extra special effort with my make-up. Unfortunately they were only after a lot of pictures of my liver! At least I hope that’s what the snaps were of as thinking about it they made me remove my bra! The scan lasted around 30 minutes and I hope to receive the results shortly. Upon returning to the waiting room, the party seemed to be in full swing with numerous jugs of fluid, paper cups and people! However, I decided it wasn’t the party for me and to head to another, namely the YPU ward on the 6^th floor.

I have to visit the ward to have my PICC line flushed and re-dressed on a weekly basis, to prevent blocking when it’s not in use and ensure it’s clean. I’ve taken a picture of this to show you what it looks like. I remember when I first had it in I thought I’d never get used to it, but you do, you just have to be careful with it.

2012 ended in a quiet affair, seeing in the New Year only with Florence. Actually neither of us made it to 12am and were in bed by 11.15pm, although we did enjoy Alan Carr’s show. Perhaps 2013 will be a little better and I’ll be spending it with Woody, Buzz, Rex, Hamm, Slinky and the rest of the gang and hopefully of course my Mr Potato Head!