T Day plus 7 (17th January)

John wrote:

Today is the day they are expecting things to start happening. So it’s rock bottom day today and from now on the blood counts should start going up.
I am starting to feel a bit better in myself. Another cyclosporine drip and platelets are on the menu this afternoon.

Sue wrote:

John seems in better spirits today, and is certainly looking better to me, and has more colour in his face than he has had for many months.

T Day plus 6 (16th January)

John wrote:

The consultant visited and says all going according to plan. He gives me something to look forwards to 7 to 10 days after the transplant there should be an indication that the transplant has started to get to work.  I need to trust that the Germans will be scoring lots of goals in the World Transplant Cup (aka Mike Winterbottom). So over the next 3 or 4 days  they expect my blood counts to start rising. And for me the first external evidence of this will be when they stop the cyclosporine drip and can give me the drug in tablet form. Once that step is taken they will let me go home.

So today for me is a psychological watershed. I should be able to go home between 21 and 28 days after admission. I am over half way there.

Some more platelets transfused – this is what they look like

 And they have my new blood group.

 

T Day plus 5 (15th January)

John wrote:

This morning, the doctor tells me everything is going as expected, but I get extra blood tests at lunch time. Perhaps I will be spared another transfusion this evening when they see the results.  But I am quite used, by now, to trailing the drip stand behind me.

I can eat a bit now (my nurse recommends nibbling a ginger biscuit!) and have not been sick again.

The hospital chaplain called and cheered me up, Margaret Maclachlan, who is a mutual acquaintance of Rachel Christophers a member of our congregation at Temple Balsall.  Just space enough for a plug - have a look at  St Mary the Virgin Temple Balsall  

It is good to feel connected in this way.

T Day plus 4 (14th January)

John wrote:

This morning is the first time I have actually been sick. Up to I have now only been feeling nauseous. Even the small pills I was given as drugs wouldn’t stay down. So at 2pm I am put on a saline drip which will last for 8 hours to stop the sickness and also keep me hydrated. I am now able to cope with my afternoon pills.
Later in the evening,they add the cyclosporine – so you might say I am double dripped.
The consultant, on his rounds is not concerned about the sickness.
 “Quite normal, just last week’s chemo, it still has a kick in it “

I am really touched by the cards and good wishes that have been sent. Although I can receive Text’s and E-mails., nothing seems to be getting out when I try to send it. Do please keep them coming.
And by the way, you should be thanking Sue for being my amanuensis on the blog.

My double identity is now presenting a challenge for some people -  I am usually called Anthony here – A.J.Dilworth. I always considered it too insignificant to make a fuss about.
The card addressed to John Dilworth, Ward 19 reached me safe and sound – result happiness.