Posted by I have not been very active with update articles recently, I had considered doing an article based on the psychological impact of Coronavirus on cancer patients/survivors this will include work life, home life and social impact. However I felt after starting the article it was quiet opinion orientated and I felt it would have been of no real benefit to anyone but myself
Following my last meeting in August with my oncologist I finally got my blood test done. The delays included Anita getting isolated with suspected COVID-19- but following a COVID-19 test she got a negative result it was basically a bad flu. The results ended with us both been isolated for 14 days. At the end of September I was laid off by agreement with my employer and I now survive on COVID-19 PUP Allowance, so a massive drop in weekly income. But I decided to get the blood test on the 21st of October & the oncologist called me with the results two days later. He is absolutely delighted with the results- everything is nearly spot on including my ESR at 15, in August it was 45.5 (An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a type of blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a test tube that contains a blood sample. Normally, red blood cells settle relatively slowly. A faster-than-normal rate may indicate inflammation in the body. Normal ESR would be 0 to 12)
Where ESR readings can fluctuate it can be 1 or 2 points. So a great result. All other blood analysis are nearly perfect – first clear blood test since 2018. The oncologist remarked it was like looking a two different peoples bloods one normal and one in extreme trouble.
Diet wise I changed nothing, I have not taken any extra tablets or increased exercise.I asked the oncologist if work life changes could result in the blood improvement and he said that even though it may effect blood analysis it was unlikely that it could do so at this level. However he did mention that work related stress can change some blood levels and the removal of stressors have show changes in some blood test like red blood count.
Medically what I have left to sorted is my right eye which I am now at about 95% blind in. This eye has been giving trouble all year. The issue comes from the initial attack in 2014. It is similar to retinitis (Retinitis is inflammation of the retina in the eye, which can permanently damage the retina and lead to blindness. The retina is the part of your eye that is also known as the “sensing tissue.” Retinitis may be caused by a number of different infectious agents.) A single particle of blood in your pupil can destroy vision.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 seems endless. Almost 7 months in isolation. Outside of medical personnel I properly have met a handful of people we know in all that time. Covid has cost us big time. I lost a good job because of this virus and the prospect of finding another during the pandemic seems quiet low. I can work from home and/or a well controlled environment. My Oncologist had suggested looking at spending the mornings in the office but insuring safe distance from others and the remaining day from home. I 100% agreed with him, I felt that this would allow me to cover whatever I needed to do in the office and complete everything else at home, unfortunately the company I was working for did not agree, even though I had successfully run and managed the business during a 6 month crisis from home. The lack of social interaction is difficult to handle but going from 100mph working to zero work wise is an enormous challenge, And the below house project and the possibility of writing a book (if it gets printed) But I am going to vent a little rage. I keep seeing news reports and stories on social media about people not complying with regulations. When so many of us have sacrificed so much to try and stop the spread of this virus and then you hear reports of anti mask rallies, demonstrations against restrictions and so on it really is a beggars belief. Holiday flights are filling yet we are in lockdown???? People are travelling within our country without been stopped. But your not allowed to buy nonessential goods in the shops,
This article has taking weeks to put together, normally I can write quiet easily but for some strange reason this has been difficult. Our lives seem to change faster, situations now exist that we have never faced before. Luckily for me the house I bought last year has become my pet project. Last year I renovated a large portion of the house which left the garden and two bedrooms reasonably untouched. Because I was working Mon to Fri up to October I spent most of the summer weekends changing the gardens. During the garden work I laid out plans and budgets for the remaining rooms.
Right now your properly wondering what has any of this to do with COVID-19 and my answer is that it has everything to do with the virus. This is how I keep my mind off the virus and keep myself occupied at home. The renovations are also keeping me physically fit. My weight is stable for the first time in years.
Maintaining a positive attitude has always been a key factor for me. Since school days I simply never understood the meaning of “stay down” and COVID-19 just like Cancer will be battled. The attack in April might or might not have been Covid- doctors assume it was. If it was then it’s a battle I won, but that doesn’t mean the war is over.
Coronavirus Vaccine
Some great breakthroughs starting to appear for Dec. If they succeed the world may return to some level of normality in 2021. Due to my procedures over the past 6 years I’m will not be allow this vaccine- maybe as the majority take it and they produce antibiotics to beat Covid 19 then the medical team might change their minds. It appears that the vaccine will only make people immune for 6 months, but giving time they will crack this.
The Book
Probably the biggest challenge I have literally faced in years. I am preparing to write to the main medical team like oncologist, haematologist, ophthalmologist, ENT and the hospitals involved in my battles to ask for their permission to add their actual names into the book. I have rarely named any medical professionals names in my articles and only occasionally mention the hospitals.
I have the introduction nearly completed, which is basically a brief insight into my life before I was diagnosed in 2014. I’m actually enjoying writing this, I have revised it twice and third time lucky. Might need to look for an editor & look for someone to sponsor the cost of production but right now I’m happy plodding along.
For this book to really work I need to find a publisher to support it. I intend it to show how both a positive mental & physical approach can help in the battle against Lymphoma
I will update after I meet my ophthalmologist about my right eye until then please stay safe
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Awareness Ireland 