The Unsung Heroes

Hi all! I deeply apologise for being a little out of touch over the past week but I can assure you this is good news! I can safely say that I have recovered from the last chemotherapy session and am back to my normal self. Well, my next session is on Tuesday morning, but at least I get to spend a 'normal' weekend with my friends and family. My trip to the consultant today was good. I have a new rash on my foot and luckily it's not fungal. Yum. However it's possible that I could be allergic to Bleomycin, one of the chemo drugs, and we will monitor that over the next few weeks.

I'll quickly share the magic of blood tests. When you have cancer, you kind of get a golden ticket for the hospital - unlimited prescriptions, free tea/coffee, paid travel allowances and so on. But blood tests are the most fantastic part. Sure, needles, blah blah blah. It's just amazing that in ten minutes they can go from needle to results. Well, the results said that my white blood count has returned to "acceptable limits". I was straight down the pub.

Enough about me. What I can't stress enough is that although I'm the ill one, the hard work goes on behind the scenes. Yes, the doctors and nurses are busy. But I'm talking here about my parents.

Graduation on 10th July 2013

It's clichéd. Some may consider it lame. Screw them. My parents have been truly marvellous and I don't think they could ever understand just how marvellous they are.

Let's start with my wonderful mum, Helen. Since my diagnosis, her new hobbies include disinfectant, alcohol hand rub, providing an endless conveyor belt of delicious food and talking about my toilet habits. A mother needs to know.

Cat Crazy

Then there's my dad, Russell. He's the rebellious one. I've got Mum screaming in one ear with advice about keeping away from infection and how it's safer to lock myself up in my room. Then there's Dad who is trying to let me live somewhat normally and maintain a slight social life.

Says it all, doesn't it.

Between them, we've got this sorted.

And, of course, I've got the love and support from my step-parents. They're being brilliant too. Best of all, though, I know that my mum and dad also feel loved and supported in return. It's a reassuring but vomit-inducing cycle.

Finally, I should mention all the wonderful cards and parcels that have come through the letterbox this week. I'll overlook the fact that receiving parcels requires me to leave my warm bed and sprint to the front door before the postman leaves. I've had a lovely 'Goody Box' full of knick knacks, two boxes of Borders Gingers (almost finished already!), two new hand-knitted hats, a box of ginger tea, some Neal's Yard bath thingies and a delicious delivery of homemade curry from a neighbour. What a lucky boy (in some circumstances) I am! Maybe it's time to set up a P.O. Box...

So yeah, summary time!
I'm good. Next chemo on Tuesday. Mum and Dad are brill. Presents great. Send more.

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Joshua Lerner

Hi! I’m the 'star' of Livin' With Lymphoma. The blog was founded on the 31st October 2013, on the day I was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's lymphoma. I hope you find it funny and informative.

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