I had my MRI scan yesterday.

This scan is to prove once and for all that there are no traces of cancer left in my head and neck so its quite a big thing for me.  I've not slept for a week leading up to this.  I got a call from the MRI Dept yesterday morning asking if I'd had my blood tested as per their letter - I'd never received the letter and so I had to go in a couple of hours before to have some blood taken.

They test your blood to make sure your kidneys are working ok - part of the MRI process involves having a dye injected into your bloodstream and your kidneys have to be fully functional in order to expel the dye later.

I went back to the department later and everything was ok with my blood, so after answering a load of questions relating to metal in my body (pacemaker, shrapnel, staples etc) I was laid on the bed that puts you into the scanner.  The scanner is highly magnetic so you have to ensure you have no coins or car keys with you as they could damage the scanner and cause thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Believe me the hole that you are slid into seems absolutely tiny, and when you are in there for 45 minutes (as I was) it becomes completely claustrophobic.

I did get a choice of music to listen to - Real Radio, Classic FM or Galaxy, or they will play a CD. I chose 70's Rock music - not my best decision on reflection!  You can hardly hear the music at tims anyway such is the noice of the scanner.

Anyway - the time passed and the scan was done.

I get my results next Thursday.  I would ask you all to cross your fingers with me.

All the best,

Nigel xx

Got home from the coast today to the very sad news that Adrian Sudbury - who's blog is linked to on this page - lost his fight against leukaemia last night.

Adrian fought his illness in much the same way as I did - with a smile on his face and a lot of hope in his heart,  and unfortunately that wasn't enough for this very brave lad.  Adrian has left a lasting legacy of people who are still signing up for the Bone MArrow register, and I hope many of this sites visitors will do the same.

I would like to add my condolences to those already being received by Adrian's family - I'm sure you are all rightly proud of what Adrian was able to achieve - particularly in the few short months up to and including today.

An inspirational man - all the best.

nigel xx

I thought I should update things with the latest state of play.

You will be aware that I have gone back to work - well, if I'm honest it is certainly too early for full-time work.  I'm absolutely shattered!  I've been starting work at around 10am, and finishing at around 6 - which have always been my favoured hours as I'm a bit of a slow starter!  However - this is seriously proving to be too much - I'm falling asleep mid-afternoons!!  Ive been going to bed around 10-10.30 - I guess its another case of thinking I'm more back to normal than I really am!!

I'm taking a day off tomorrow - and I'm going to make a much more concerted effort to stick to my promise of working part-time to begin with from Thursday onwards...

I've had a date from the hospital from my MRI scan - its the 27th August.  This is clearly a big event - as it will tell me once and for all if all is ok lump-wise.  I have everything crossed for that one... more news as soon as I get it. I probably won't get my results until my next appointment at Weston Park - Tuesday 4th September.

So, thats it from me for now - all the best to you all,

Nigel xx

It is with huge dispappointment I find myself announcing the postponement of this event.

In all honesty I had completely under-estimated the amount of people who go away for Bank Holiday weekends - its something I've always avoided because of the crowds - that should have given me a clue really - DERRRR

I had received around 120 definite attendees - and a similar amount of people had said they would be away - and as the event is a fundraiser I really wanted to maximise the people turning up.  So I have taken the decision to cancel and re-organise another time - I need to let the venue know with plenty of notice and that has also influenced the decision with a week to go.

So - no beach party this Bank Holiday - apologies to those who were looking forward to attending - and I will of course update the site with more details as soon as I know them.

Apologies again.

Nigel xx

Back to Weston Park today for another check-up.

It was good to see Bernie again after a couple of months - less so when she pointed out that she'd be putting the camera up my nose again!

Everything is looking fine right now, and recovery is still slow but steady in the right direction.  I was advised that I would need an MRI scan before the next appointment in September - so I guess thats something to look forward to. NOT.

Earlier in the week I had an appointment with the Speech and Language therapist in Rotherham and things in this area also continue to improve.

So - things are on the up generally.

Arangements for the Beach Party continue apace, and big thanks to Dean Ibbotson who's volunteered to run the activities on the day, ably assisted by my sister Louise.  Also, many thanks to Martin who's volunteered to help with the food prep - could still do with a few volunteers in this area.  Finally - to Gina and Dan - who are going to organise the music on the day - its superb to have so much support for this from you all.  THANK YOU.

I've also had a few offers re sponsorship which is absolutely fantastic - more to follow when thats been confirmed.  So - PLEASE PLEASE - let me know if you need tickets reserving - this event will only be as good as the people who turn up!!