Archive for July, 2008
Final stem cell treatment went well, although I had an headache…It’s ironic that after my last treatment I encounted my first side effect.
On the final day we said our goodbyes, its a shame we didnt meet some of the people earlier because they semt really friendly. Set off for the airport at 9am. Very quick check-in process…. thats when things started to go wrong. We went over our baggage limit, a bottle smashed in the case (52% & very stinky!). Then borded the flight from hell! It was a local flight to Hongkong, the seats were very cramped & it was very warm. I felt abit rough anyway & when I borded the flight I had a banging headache and started vomiting. The airline staff were very good and lowered the cabin temperature, brought cold water ect. On arrival to Hongkong I soon realised that bording a 14 flight may not be a good idea. Informed cathay pathific staff and they advised me to reschedule the flight. The staff booked us into the airport hotel for the night. The next morning the airport staff met us from the hotel and escorted us to the medical office… I had picked up a virus. I was issued with a fit to fly letter and some medication. The airline then booked us onto the next flight and allocated us 2 extra seats which meant we had a full row to ourselfs which made the journey alot more comfortable.
Arrived safely in the UK. I just need to rest and take it steady. Hopefully a month down the line the stem cells will have kicked in!
July 25th, 2008
We will soon be on our way back home, although the thought of flying 14 hours is abit daunting. Taken video footage of physio today, as I want to keep up a routine when I get back home… I believe this is a major part of the stem cell process.
I had a stem cell injection today, which went well. Just one more to go and thats on Friday. Planning on keeping off the cigarettes, so far it’s been 20 days without one! Hopefully my appetite will increase as I would like to gain some weight.
Overall I am happy with the treatment. I believe it is very important to remain positive and be open minded and try potential treatments/therapys.
We will next update on Saturday (Our last day…yaaay! )
July 16th, 2008
Had stem cell on wednesday, all went ok. It wasn’t as bad lieing flat for 6 hours this time, I think the sleeping medicine they gave me was stonger than last time. It’s a rest day today and Me & Nikki have just had a chinese massage. It was very relaxing and only cost £6 each for 1 hour! As it is a rest day we are both going to go the the park, going to soke up the scenary along with a few corona’s and bacardi breezers : ) …adding our little bit of culture!
Still not smoking, it’s been 15 days! I havn’t noticed any improvements in my arms, but my legs and neck definatly feel stronger and headaches are a thing of the past. The Dr’s said they hope there are still more improvements to come.
July 11th, 2008
Can’t believe 2 weeks have gone already (although Nikki can!) I had my 3rd stemcell Friday. Which was ok becuase I had the weekend off. Fortunatly I haven’t had many side effects compared to other people. Here’s a picture of me having the stemcells injected into my spine: Stemcell photo
It was red hot this weekend. The chinese have umbrella’s to block the sun! Had a good day on Sunday, we went to west lake again and found a nice spot in the shade to relax with an ice cream. We went to a night market last night…. packed solid, not the place to go if your clostraphobic.
I have had my treatment timetable and have a futher 3 stemcells over the next 2 weeks…. The next one being Wednesday. Feeling ok in myself and find the physio/acupuncture is very motivational. I feel quite relaxed and positive about the treatment. I feel like im doing quite well, especially as I haven’t had a cigarette for 10 days! I have realised that smoking could be damaging my lungs and impair the treatment process.
My appetite has improved since I have been here. I have fallen into a good routine of going to bed early, getting up early and having food instead of a cigarette for breakfast!
Will next update after stemcell on Wednesday.
July 7th, 2008
The stem cells went well on Monday, although a little bit tiring. Working hard on physio and my legs seem to be getting stronger…. good news!
Today I was a bit dissappointed – was told that I could not have a bone marrow transplant as it would be too dangerous (my lung capacity is too low)…. bad news!
The bone marrow transplant helps the stem cells to work at a faster rate, but not necessarily essential. In place of the bone marrow transplant I will be having 2 additional stem cell injections bringing the total to 6. Hopefully, the extra stem cells will do the trick!
Off now for a well deserved corona… and lime! : )
July 2nd, 2008
