I went to see my GP on Thursday 18th October 2018 as I was feeling under the weather: a sore throat, a cough, occasional breathlessness. I almost cancelled as I felt I had improved but decided to go ahead, even though I felt a little guilty taking an appointment from a genuinely sick person.
The GP examined me and decided I should have a blood test. I was scheduled to have the test the following week, but the receptionist caught me on my way out to say a couple of people hadn't shown for their blood appointments and I could have mine taken there and then, which I did.
I then drove to work as normal and worked as normal.
That evening, at 7.15 p.m. (just at the Archers was finishing), I received a call from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary asking me to go into the hospital as an outpatient that evening at 9.20 for further blood tests. They then rang me again to say they wanted me to stay overnight and to await a call telling me when my bed was ready; at 11.45 p.m. I received that call and took a taxi into the hospital.
I had more blood taken and underwent further tests. As will become a theme, I'm sure, everybody was very helpful and positive throughout the night and into the morning, when I was told that my blood tests showed that I have leukaemia.
I was transferred to Leeds St James's Teaching Hospital on the afternoon of Friday 19th October 2018 and have been here since, in a room of my own, being given many tests and much excellent treatment. I have also been blessed with a great deal of support from friends, family and colleagues, along with many visitors bearing gifts.
I now have a precise diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
I am due to commence the first part of my treatment, chemotherapy, today. I don't know how I shall react to this, as I am told everybody is different, but I hope to feel well enough to update this blog so those who care to do so can track my progress (and it saves me repeating myself, which I only like to do when it suits me).
