Hi All

Welcome to my blog, as most of you know I was diagnosed with Bone Marrow Cancer in July 2008, after 6 months of treatment with Chemo and Steroids my cancer has reduced tremendously, I have now had a stem cell transplant which will keep the cancer dormant for longer, my stem cell treatment started on January 5th with Chemo and I had the transplant in March. I am now home but having to take life very slowly while my cells build up, I will be back to hospital several times over the next few months for blood tests and treatment.
Please feel free to pass this address to anyone and to add comments and join in to help keep me sane (or is it too late for that).
Thanks to all at Royal Liverpool Hospital who have made this year possible, and to all the staff who have worked so hard to eventually harvest the cells and the wonderful staff on the transplant unit, A special thanks to Jamie who is as daft as me when I need humour but an absolutely fantastic support from day one (shame he and most of the staff support LFC but I can't hold that against them).

Ivan 07957361356
ivan.thomason@ntlworld.com

29 September 2009

Walk and Swim

Avi and I went to the zoo for a walk on Sunday, Its hard walking but the zoo is great because you can easily stop for a rest just using the animals as an excuse. I walk with my trusty walking stick, couldn't manage very well without it but if it means getting around it's worth it.
I still continue to swim because it's a lot easier on the joints, it's still hard but getting there.
My next trip to the hospital is next Wednesday for blood tests followed by clinic on Friday 9th for results.

24 September 2009

Out at The Stag

Thanks to all who came to The Stag tonight, it was good to see you.
It was also good for those wanting to put faces to names.
Shame we missed the Jazz band, they were taking so long setting up, I think it will be last orders before they start.

Past, Present & Future (posted by Mick)

I haven't written in this blog for a while - I must get back into the habit of regular postings. I would welcome some feedback - so if you are reading this please comment.

I recently saw this sign outside a Church:
'Yesterday is the past,
Tomorrow is the future, and
Today is the present - a gift from God'

How many of us spend too much time worrying about something that we have done and wishing we could turn the clock back and do it differently, or spend hours planning what we are going to do tomorrow, or the next day, or next week - when we don't really know what tomorrow is going to throw at us. This, quite often, gives us very little time to enjoy the present - the things that we actually have some control over.

So when you wake up in the morning say to yourself - "This is the first day of the rest of my life, I am going to make the most of it." Enjoy the day, with all of it's pleasures & opportunities, and take things slowly - make the most of the present - that gift from God.

20 September 2009

Bloggers Night Out

Just a reminder to anyone interested. An open invitation to anyone wishing to join us for a meal and / or a drink at The Stag on Thursday evening. We are meeting at about 6.30 for those who fancy a meal or anytime later if you just fancy joining us for a drink.
WOULD BE GOOD TO SEE YOU

14 September 2009

Camping Weekend

We went camping at the weekend, staying at a great camp site in Ormskirk. The nights were cold but the daytime weather made up for it.
There is something special about relaxing outside by a camp fire. I am tired today but it was worth it.

9 September 2009

From Diane (race for Life)

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know I had a letter from Cancer Research UK (some of you will also have had something similar) thanking me for taking part in the 2009 Race For Life and that they are hoping the 230 events that have taken place throughout the country will have raised £60 MILLION!!! So reach around and give yourselves a big pat on the back, you deserve it!

Diane xxx

7 September 2009

Village

As some of you know I am having difficulty walking much of a distance without pain, today I have rejoined the Village Health club, they were great and said if I have problems they will put the membership on hold again without me breaking the contract and having to see the year out.
I did my first swim today, I struggled to 8 lengths but pushed to 10 (maybe should have stopped at 8) glad I have been, swimming is much more forgiving than walking and at least I am getting some exercise again. Drugs can only do so much for you, sometimes you have to turn to self help.

4 September 2009

Blood results

Have been to hospital today for my blood results. All were ok apart from the protein result that was up to 5, that isn't high in itself but it is the highest it has been for about ten months, it can be a result of many things but a test in 6 weeks time will show us what the trend is, it has been up to 4 since my transplant but please pray for down next time.

2 September 2009

Hospital Again

I have been back to hospital today for blood tests, I will get the results at Fridays Clinic.
Its been 5 weeks since my last blood test, the longest I have been away from hospital for 12 months.

1 September 2009

Back from South Africa

We had a fantastic time in South Africa. I spent 3 days with my sister in law Renee and my neice and nephew before Averil and Jess arrived and we drove North to Kruger Park to meet up with Averil's mum, dad, brother and family.
We spent 2 weeks in Kruger and then the rest of our time in Sandton near Johannesburg.
The holiday was a great tonic, I am really pleased that I got the clear to travel from the hospital.
I go to hospital tomorrow to have blood taken and then on Friday to get the results. Lets hope they continue being possitve.
See South Africa Photos on the right.