update from downunder

Well, since I last wrote I've been getting stronger, and getting accustomed to being 'in remission'! So I'm no longer faintly downcast (?!!) and half-wishing I was still going to the hospital! (Did I really feel that? Saying/writing it makes it seem even more ridiculous!!)

It seems this feeling runs in the family! Another of my half-sisters who also had cancer apparently had to stop after the 4th of 6 treatments for the same reason I did (ie. low white blood cell count), and felt like she'd failed the course! Even though she's now well over the 5 years remission ('clean'?!!) mark. And a friend in London sent me an email saying I had to stop being institutionalised!! I laughed, because it struck a chord! She (you!) will be glad to know I'm well on the way to being de-institutionalised!!!

Yesterday I went to the hospital to have another CT scan, and then to have my monthly treatment of mabthera. Had a good chat to the doctor. Apparently my WBC (white blood cells) are improving, but still taking a long time - ie. not there yet!!

I asked him whether he thought I'd be able have the stem cell collection procedure at the end of this treatment (February). He kind of sidestepped that and said he no longer felt it was a useful treatment for my type of lymphoma. He said he used to do it and transplant the stem cells at the end of treatment, but research had shown it didn't make much difference one way or the other.

Anyway, things still looking good, although my haemaglobin is a bit down at the moment. I'm taking folic acid, but I think I'll look out for B12 too - not being a meat-eater means one's options are more limited (broccoli, spinach or supplements as far as I can tell!!)

I've started going back to the gym (Curves) to build up some strength. I still can't stand up from sitting on the floor without using my hands, but my strength (such as it was!) is definitely on the way back.

For whatever reason (I can think of a few but don't know how valid they are!!) I've decided to wait to start back at yoga till after Christmas and Woodford. Too many interruptions as far as I can see between now and January. I will keep doing some sun salutes etc. but a proper practice will have to wait till then.

And I'm going back to work on the 21st January! So I'll have to fit in everything I want to do (mostly getting stronger and better!) before then ... :)