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!

 

 

 

 

Not Just a Pretty Face!

Thursday 19^th December 2012

The week following my discharge from hospital after my first session of chemotherapy was an interesting one. For a few days my back ached (Mum said I was walking like a Lego man, I told her at least my hair cut didn’t look like one!), my mouth was dry and pale and I was lethargic – felt a bit like jet lag, shame it wasn’t from a holiday!

As the week went on I thought I was getting better, however, looking back I was really going downhill from Day 1. The weekend following I was re-admitted to hospital after having a high temperature – Florence had to drive me to A&E at 5am Sunday morning. I take one of my many hats off to her – she’s a good nurse on occasions! A bed became free at 11am and I was back on the Young Persons ward once again. I was lucky to have a private side room, this one even had a better view than the previous and it was more cheery, painted in a bright sunny yellow. It had a dog and I heart NY wall stickers, like it had been done out specifically for me – wanting a dog and to travel to America at some point.

After a course of antibiotics I felt a lot better and finally managed to persuade them to let me out on day release on the Tuesday, with the understanding I would come back the following morning to have my blood samples taken and tested again. My immune system had gone down to zero but was now back up, however my platelet count had dropped. Thankfully the next day the platelets were back to normal and I was discharged once again, feeling like my usual self.

Also on Tuesday last week, I saw the plastic surgeons understudy for a check up on my head. He said all was looking well and told me I could now wash my hair – well what was left of it! The best news ever, as I hadn’t washed in since my operation in October! I’ve only managed to wash it once, as it’s now started to fall out anyway. My lint roller has replaced my hats as my best friend as I find I’m malting everywhere – perhaps this is good practice for my dog!

I have also been for my wig fitting at a salon in Bromsgrove. I thought I fancied a change of hair style, maybe long. However, the Morticia Addams look didn’t do a lot for me and neither did the one with the sideburns – as I wasn’t keen to look like my Uncle ‘Brother David’! So I reverted back to what I know best and got one which pretty much resembles the hair style I once had, although in a darker shade. I was told to be careful with it though, as it’s synthetic and not to cook in it, otherwise I might be cooked to a cinder myself if I venture to open the oven door! Lucky for me I’ve got Rosemary Shrager at my side.

I will at some point when my head’s healed, take a trip to Nicky Clarke’s in Manchester to get my real hair wig made. I’m fancied something dip dyed perhaps, love this one done by Kelz Cutz!

My eyebrows have not fallen out yet, but I think they’re planning to make a departure soon! So in preparation I’ve purchased myself some eyebrow stencils, sealer and eyebrow ‘cake’. Wish me luck with this one!

The Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support Coordinator Sarah, also organised a Body Shop pamper afternoon last week, which I attended. It was lovely to have an afternoon free from Florence and I’m sure she’d say the same, being able to escape from me! I got to meet some of the other young girls undergoing cancer treatment on the ward and their families. I also got to have my make-up done and nails manicured, which was a lovely little treat.

Pick Me Up/Chat Magazine have been in touch – my story will probably be published in the New Year! I’ll be receiving £200, which I’m planning to donate to Ewing’s Sarcoma Research. So be sure to look out for me!

Back in hospital yesterday – in a day earlier than planned to start second session of chemo, to ensure I’ll be out in good time to hopefully enjoy Christmas. I had a busy morning baking with some of the other patients and got to sample my delights including gingerbread men in the afternoon. Rosemary was of course in her element! We even got Christmas gifts including a nail art kit, which was really lovely.

 

I’ve been told that Rod Stewart might also call by – just an average day for me now as a celebrity! He’s released a single in partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust and wants to talk to people on the Young Persons Unit, who are in around the Christmas period. Hopefully I can persuade him to let me stay at his Beverley Hills pad when I visit America! Or maybe he’d like to do a home exchange?! Builth would certainly be different to Hollywood!

So as you can see, Mum and I are enjoying the simple life here in Birmingham! Apart from mingling with the celebs there’s always the daily chores to be done – i.e. cleaning, cooking and washing. Mum now has the title ‘Florence and the Washing Machine’! Shame her singing skills aren’t quite on par with Florence Welch – don’t think she’ll be duetting with Rod anytime soon anyway!

I have also been asking about Complementary Therapies. I have been told I can have a massage. Definitely taking up that perk, especially since the physio is a bit dishy! ;)

Better go now, I’m being asked for a few autographs….shame it’s just some consent forms from the nursing staff! Merry Christmas all!

 

 

 

Have We Arrived at Our Destination?

Wednesday 5^th Dec 2012

For those of you who have never been to the new QE Hospital in Birmingham, it is not a small building by any means. Upon going through the large revolving doors, you’re met by an even larger Information Desk, WHSmith and Costa Coffee. And in the words of Libby Adams, ‘It’s like an airport terminal!’ Unfortunately that’s where the similarities end and the only place I was jetting off to that morning was the Young Persons Unit on the 6^th Floor! My accommodation was pleasant though, even having the word ‘CAKE’ on one of my walls – think this might have been selected purposefully for me?! Looking at the two beds within my room, I opted for the larger and more comfortable unfortunately for Mum! Mum’s was a slimmer affair, not appropriate for her Rosemary Shrager style body! Arriving at 9.30am and thinking I was off to a good start I was ready to get going with the first chemotherapy session. However, a chest x-ray showed my PICC line was in the incorrect place so had to be adjusted. Bloods also had to be taken to check my blood cell count.

An ultrasound on my liver also had to be carried out, after the CT scan I had last week showed up what were thought to be cysts. I was taken down in a wheelchair by a porter, but felt a bit of a fraud as could potentially have walked and didn’t dare get out once down at the clinic waiting room! I felt a bit like we were Lou and Andy ‘I want that one!’ I commented to the porter that the hospital was very big. He replied that yes he used to be 19 stone when he first started! I think he was joking....The results from the scan said different, they are like birthmarks but think they are benign. However, an MRI scan will be carried out for confirmation in about 6 week’s time.

Finally started chemo Friday at 4pm – the weekend that followed was an intensive, hard and emotional one. Being pumped full of fluid and drugs continually definitely drains you. Needing the loo every hour was also a continual pain – although Libby again followed with some wise words that all that drinking and weeing was surely the sign of a good night out?! Each time a new drug is administered two nurses check your identity wrist band, felt like I was in Passport Control; unfortunately I was going no-where! Since being discharged I have also felt quite lethargic and a bit nauseous, but have been out for two walks today and eating well thanks to Rosemary’s homemade cooking skills! Mum, Dad, friends and family have all been supportive as usual – Mum staying with me every night, Mum & Dad both sitting with me during the long days, cousin Lou and partner Dave visiting from London broke up an afternoon and other family and friends sending kind messages.

Spoke to my sister Becca and boyfriend Luke also today from Cambodia. It was lovely to hear their voices and to catch up with them on both sides as to what's been going on, even having a few jokes (mostly at Little Diane's expensive as usual)!

The doctors, nurses and all the staff have been fantastic on the ward and I know they’ll endeavour to make my next stay as easy and pleasant as possible. I even received a luxury bag of cosmetics from the ‘Look Good Feel Better’ day I was unable to attend last week due to sickness.

I have a heart scan next week as some of the chemotherapy drugs can affect it, along with a check up on head with my plastic surgeon. My head is healing very nicely though. When showing one of the nurses a photo she exclaimed “Ooh lovely!” – I told her it was the best reaction I’d had to it that’s for sure!

My next chemo session commences on the 20^th Dec, hopefully I’ll be out in time for Xmas. Hoping to make it a good one, even if it is just me and Flo in Birmingham J Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and New Year! If you’re happy and healthy that’s all you need...and do me proud on Boxing Night Builth – I would have liked to bust a few moves in Jimmies and sampled a few too many cocktails in Bengos!

I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here!

Wednesday 28^th Nov 12

Another busy week at Camp Thomas – Mum and I have to have a morning meeting to discuss the days plans!

Since featuring in the B&R paper last week, I’ve been approached by other media sources and have today appeared on a few national online papers, including The Sun and Daily Mail Online. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2239704/Topshop-assistant-24-discovers-harmless-lump-actually-rare-cancer-30-cases-world.html 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4670244/Girls-golf-ball-sized-lump-on-head-is-rare-bone-cancer.html#comment-rig 

I might be in print form tomorrow! Glad to say it won’t be page 3! I’ve agreed to do this as I hope to receive some money for any magazines who wish to run my story and donate it to a cancer charity.

Mum has been a bit worried at the prospect of becoming a celebrity. The morning after being photographed for the paper there was a knock at the door. Not expecting anybody and still in her dressing gown, she answered the door anxiously, expecting the paparazzi! Luckily for her, it was only the gas workman wanting her to move the car due to works outside!

I have now completed my fertility treatment. Glad to say the injections are over, think Florence has been getting worse not better at giving them, even jabbing me twice on one occasion! On Monday I had a small operation under general anaesthetic to collect my eggs. They got 9 in total which they said was great!

Had the PICC line put in last Thursday, my arm’s starting to get used to it now. I have purchased a lovely shower sleeve to protect it when washing. The hospital has said that I can’t play golf or tennis, a shame really I was hoping to take part in the Ryder Cup! Whilst waiting to have my line put it, I met a guy called Adam who comes onto the ward twice a week to give guitar lessons. Whilst waiting for my appointment he persuaded me to have a go! Britain’s Got Talent here I come!

I also had a CT scan last night, results to follow next week. Mum and friend Libby came with me for support, Libby was the most supportive chanting ‘down in one’ as I proceeded to drink a large jug of fluid containing dye (to show up the scan more clearly) the staff had fetched me! It wasn’t too pleasant, felt a bit like a bush tucker trial! It was really the second trial I’d done that week - Mum had already produced a baked banana for my pudding one evening. It’s fair to say it looked like a giant maggot and I couldn’t get it down! I think I might be the Helen Flanagan of the camp! Mum was a much better candidate, wolfing it down! Being the one doing most of the cooking, having a bossy nature and the way she looks in a swimming costume, perhaps she deserves a new nickname of Rosemary Shrager?! She’s already halfway there with her middle name being Rosemary!

Afterwards I was instructed to change into a hospital gown and had to place my clothes in a shopping basket. Emerging from the cubicle still with hat on and basket in hand, I looked like I was on the strangest Asda shop ever! Was planning on going to a make-over day at the Young Persons Unit today (where I’m going to have my treatment), however I was a bit unwell this afternoon and couldn’t attend. I think it could be from the scan injections, although Mum thinks it could be all that Milk Tray we scoffed last night!

Friends have been as great as ever – met Char in town last Saturday for a coffee, had flowers sent from an old friend Lucy and both Libby and Dani have called over. Libby brought me a lovely ‘travel box’ – ready for our adventures when we’ve actually managed to save enough money!

Starting chemotherapy treatment tomorrow – not a day I’ve been particularly looking forward to, although the sooner I start the sooner it will all be over. I’ll be in for three nights and hope to be out Sunday. Hopefully I’ll react ok and I can update you on here as to how it’s going.

Thanks everyone for your continued support throughout this journey so far. I’ve found writing this blog has been a great way to reach everyone and keep a record of everything I’ve been going through. Sometimes it’s been tough, but with your support I know I’ll get there in the end. If I’m lucky perhaps I’ll be crowned Queen of the Jungle!