Christmas, Family, Old friends and new friends

It has been over a week since I least posted. Christmas was good at my parents with brother, sister-in-law and her mum and relations. My brother and I cooked - it was wierd having a menu that was not restricted - it was also tyring but on the whole good fun.

It has been great being back where I grew up - in the country side. Have been seeing a number of family friends over the week and catching up with peoples news. Have also been making new friends which is always nice. It is strange how in a smaller community it is often easier to make friends compared to a large city.

I developed a cold and cough on Christmas day and had bloods done the day after boxing day (a week gap). My blood results were not brilliant having increased by almost 30 (creatinine), funnily I had asked to and saw a doctor over my cold and cough. She said that I did not need antibiotics at the moment but that my blood pressure was up a little 132/95. This is not seriously high at all for me and for my current status. The hospital called me back to have urgent bloods the following day. This is always stressfull, the results were fine, actually better than the have ever been -also my cold and cough had got a lot better. Although I am still not completely over it.

This was a relief - that night I went to a local families party which was excellent -great to see so many old family friends.

A few pictures



Boxing day - Heighest point on South Coust



Another



My niece making a festive effort



Lyme Regis - bakery/ eatery

Devon

I am in Devon - a change of scenery which is great. Plasma this morning was fine got through the process in the shortest time yet! My parents picked me up and drove me back to Devon - I then had a sleep for a few hours and have just risen my sleepy head.

Spoke with one of the doctors and she said that my recent tests/cross matches that are suprising people and delaying the transplant are causing some confusion. The latest thinking is that the rituximab is actually binding/reacting with the donors blood giving postive cross matches. I wonder if anyone else around the world has heard of this happening and how can it be proved?

The " a million thanks " has raised over £500 in under 2 days that is brilliant. It is key if we all want to raise the million that we donate £2 and tell 10 people why they should donate. The feedback I am getting from people is really positive and excited - I thank everyone for that and say keep it up.

Next week I am going to try and raise the awareness of the fund raising effort. If you know someone or are someone who could raise the awareness through the press etc I would be very grateful to hear from you. The more awareness we can get the better.