Went back to the hospital today for a routine checkup. Nothing new to report - which is great. I have now been moved to a checkup every three months.
My chimerism has remained steady at around 80%. I had hoped that after the radiotherapy that this would have increased, but the doc says not to worry - it's possible it could stay at this level forever (all we care about is it doesn't start moving back towards 50%). The doc is also setting up a routine PET scan over the coming weeks - this is a normal follow-up to the treatment I had earlier this year, and nothing (we believe) to worry about.
Checking back on my blog, I mentioned a few times that I had problems with my concentration levels and fatigue. That all suddenly cleared up in early May. After months and months of having a fuzzy head, I woke up one day in May (I actually remember the date - Thursday, May 10th) and I felt more alert and clear-headed than I have done for a very long time. It's as if a switch was turned on - and I haven't looked back since then. I remain full of beans and good levels of concentration.
I have also established good contact with my donor. All still over email, but I am really looking forward to the day that I meet him for the first time.
So, it continues to look really good for me and I feel that I have successfully come through the other side of this disease and treatment. We hear a lot of bad press these days about the NHS, but I have nothing but admiration, respect and gratitude for the people there that saved my life.
One last thing - I have signed up for the British Transplant Games - being held in Birmingham in August. I'll be participating with the Dublin Team - long story! Looking forward to that, better start training.....
