Dear ALL,
Those of you who have posted here regularly for the past four years have helped me immensely in my recovery from Watchtower and have shared with me in my journey. You will also know that, after winning my battle with Watchtower (save for one daughter who is still stuck fast in the Org and shunning the rest of us), I have been fighting an even greater battle these past three years - cancer!
Early on the prognosis was poor but I managed to overcome the odds - with some fantastic doctoring, nursing and tremendous family and friends! Next week I am to be readmitted into the specialist cancer hospital to undergo a procedure known as allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In other words, I am to be infused with chemotherapy over 5-7 days and then will have a donor's stem cells infused into my body. The stem cells are taken from the living donor's blood or bone marrow, NOT a foetus! Please do consider donating your own stem cells as they could well save a life (mine are taken from some kind person in Germany! A match couldn't be found in the UK).
This procedure is not without its risks but I have no choice. It is the best chance I have for a complete cure!
I don't know how long I'll be away from the forum but I just wanted to let you all know that it has been a real privilege and an immense pleasure to have been amongst so many wonderful people. Many of you have become personal friends and I've met a good few of you. There is no one better! (((((((())))))))
Some of you have my personal e-mail addy and telephone number. I ask that you please contact Claire once treatment is underway because she needs the encouragement. Last time I was admitted into hospital it was hard on both of us - and my family! Claire is my rock and the love of my life. We have been married over 28 years and she is my best friend. What the hospital authorities didn't seem to understand is how much the spouse/partner/carer/child suffers. They are as much victims as the patient. So, please do encourage Claire.
I shall be back amongst you just as soon as I can, but this week may be the last time I can post for a while.
Here's to YOU!
Love,
Ian