VERY LATEST:
Hey, Marjorie, I'm of Danish extraction but I was born and live in England
I saw the haematologist today and he made no bones about it. I have Mantle Cell Lymphoma and it is incurable. The average life-span with this disease is 3 years!
OK, so I have a real battle on my hands but I'm determined to win. I start chemotherapy next Thursday. Unfortunately, the treatment seems to only put one in remission for, as I mentioned, up to 3 years. Some people have less time, some more. Personally, I believe there's much we can do ourselves. I'm going for the treatment because the swellings are becoming uncomfortable and the chemo will shrink the tumours. Afterwards, I'm going on the Hinze diet - which Claire and I have yet to properly decide. If anyone of you has any ideas I'm willing to listen.
As you can imagine, it was a very emotional morning. It was all I could do to remain calm. Claire was sitting across the other side of the doctor's room, directly opposite me, while I was side-on to the doctor. Claire, bless her, was unable to control her tears. I was choked, but held them back. Even thinking of it now brings a lump to my throat. God, I love that girl!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your wonderfully upbuilding messages and support. Please continue to send your vibes my way. I cling on every one of them.
I have a choice. I can crumble or I can fight. I choose to fight. With your prayers and good wishes I can't lose!
Love to all,
Ian