Day -6

Today we find ourselves back in the RBH Heamotology ward. It has been a long and ardous journey to get to this point, and it is most certainly not near the end. My Hubby, Shane, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on the first of September 2010, just two weeks prior to our wedding day. It was a devastating blow hearing the news of his diagnosis, but it answered so many questions about why he couldn't fight his cough, and why he was sleeping all the time, and why he was so white! 

Shane started chemotherapy treatment immediately and we postponed our wedding day. His treatment was a roller coaster of highs and lows and we learned many things about ourselves. I for one am amazed about what the human body is capable of surviving and how the right attitude can make the world of difference to your experiences. I also learned about cleaning and cooking as suddenly hygiene and dietary control were a part of our new normal. 

Two years has gone by now and we pulled through our ordeal with the great help of our friends and families. We did eventually marry one year after our original date and it was a wonderful day! We spent the next year recouping our finances as such a diagnosis has a huge impact on this area of your life. Shane was fortunate enough to have income protection so we still had some income, but when faced with such a complex medical problem, the costs of pharmaceuticals and alternative therapies finances dwindle quickly. We were also quite relaxed about spending with the attitude "whatever Shaney wants, Shaney gets". I mean, how could you say no to those big brown eyes?!

Unfortunately, in October 2012, shane was diagnosed with a CNS relapse. This meant starting more chemotherapy (both intravenous and through lumbar puncture), radiation and a stem cell transplant. 
This leads us to today - Day -6 admission into the ward for a stem cell transplant. A stem cell transplant (or bone marrow transplant) comes from a donor and involves suppressing the bone marrow and implanting stem cells to produce new bone marrow. The rationale for this is a new immune system is more likely to recognise leukaemia cells and destroy them. It is the best chance of a cure from modern medicine. 
Here is where this blog begins. It's going to be a turbulent ride, but one worthwhile reading.