When nothing goes to plan

June 9, 2018.Reading time 14 minutes.

So where was I the last time I blogged? Had just had a modified radical neck dissection and was waiting on pathology results Was planning for an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant And what was the outcome of these? Modified radical neck dissection: unsuccessful Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant: didn’t happen Sigh. After I woke […]

Living with MS (video)

May 30, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

This is a speech I gave at a fundraising dinner in May 2018 on life with MS.

Me in a snapshot

April 24, 2018.Reading time 10 minutes.

I am frequently asked how so much has happened to one person, and when it all happened! I thought it might be easier to give a quick snapshot with a timeline. I have hyperlinked where there is a corresponding blog entry, if you are so inclined. 0-16 1993-2009: HAPPY AS LARRY. Besides childhood asthma, honestly […]

Metastatic Melanoma / Stem Cell Transplant

February 25, 2018.Reading time 13 minutes.

Melanoma You know how I said 2018 would be my year? Ha ha ha. If you’re reading this you probably already know that the melanoma I was diagnosed with on my left ear last year has metastasized (fancy word for when the cancer spreads beyond the original site). A couple of days into January I […]

Genetic testing results – the best possible ending to my year!

December 19, 2017.Reading time 11 minutes.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe how happy I am that this year is nearly over. It started in March with an excruciating flare of my lymphocytic enterocolitis, and rolled into April with laser surgery on my dysplasia. A couple of days later I ended up in the ICU with hypokalaemic paralysis (which led to […]

Gilenya (fingolimod)

October 16, 2017.Reading time 13 minutes.

A disclaimer – I realise that this series of posts on medication are quite negative. In no way, shape or form am I advocating to pursue life post-diagnosis without treatment unless that is advised by a neurologist. Since beginning this series on MS DMDs, I have been diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency which we […]

Surprise! It’s a melanoma.

October 1, 2017.Reading time 19 minutes.

Warning: there is graphic content in this post. Continue at your own p-ear-il and if you’re easily queasy maybe st-ear cl-ear 😂 There’s not much of a bigger vibe killer than being told you have cancer. The doctor at the skin cancer clinic delivered me the news over the phone on a Wednesday afternoon whilst I […]