In 2015 I was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia, MDS. in 2020, Prime COVID time, the MDS transposed into Acute Myeloid leukemia. I was admitted to ward 33 at the Freeman hospital in early October 2020. I had three lots of CPX chemotherapy to kill off the leukemia cells, and spent just over 5 weeks in the hospital.
I went back into Ward 33 on December 4th 2020 and was put in an isolation cubicle. I underwent conditioning chemotherapy and total body irradiation. The day after the TBI I had a stem cell transplant and my donor was my daughter Aimée.
The cubicles are superb, there’s a large screen tv, a couch, comfortable chairs and your own bathroom. They are nicely decorated and feel more homely than being on the normal men’s ward. Bright Red had raised money to make those improvements. It really helped my mental health being in a more comfortable environment.
I was in the cubicle during the Christmas and New year period, a total of 6 weeks. The comfort and amenities in the cubicles really helped me to cope with the chemotherapy treatment, transplant and the side effects. At Christmas I also received a goodie bag from Bright Red, which was a wonderful thing to do, it really boosted my spirit. Bright Red made my stay in hospital much more comfortable and eased my worries about being in hospital for such a long period.
On Christmas Eve morning, despite being really unwell, I dressed up as Santa to surprise the Nurses. They really enjoyed it.
I came out of isolation to go home on 6th Jan 2021. Recovery takes a long time, when I left the hospital I could hardly walk. However in Jan 2022 I did the Bright Red challenge 33 for 33, walking 33 miles during the month of January to raise money for Bright Red and ward 33. I wanted to give something back for everything they had provided during my stay.
Unfortunately my leukemia came back in April 2023, I had some more intensive chemotherapy in June and I was in Ward 33 for just over 5 weeks. I will be going back into a cubicle on the 24th August 2023 and have another stem cell transplant on the 30th August.
Some of my worries and concerns about being in isolation are eased because I know how comfortable and welcoming the cubicles are and with the fabulous nursing care that ward 33 are renowned for I know I am in safe hands.
Bright Red raises a lot of money and provides support to help people in the North East diagnosed with blood cancers and blood disorders. It is a fantastic small local charity that helps so many people, it’s why I’m an ambassador for Bright Red. I want to give something back to help Bright Red maintain that support for future patients and all the good work that they do.