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Yesterday was the First Day of my Life

15/5/2025

10 Comments

 
Much of this will have to be explained during the first and subsequent weeks of this series of bogs but I need to get the bones of the story down now in honour of yesterday.


A new beginning.

When I was made aware, on March 4, 2025, of the fact that I had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), the shock of a probable 12-18 months of life, I promised myself that a positive approach to the rest of my life would be dedicated to Niamh, Shan, Kate and Andrew. It seemed a relatively easy promise to make at the time: bite the bullet with Chemo therapy (the light version given my age) and after about 4 weeks things would start to normalise. 

Only they didn't. After 8 weeks it seemed like it was going nowhere. I remained in hospital and there was talk of maybe longer. In some quarters there was talk of never coming home.
I almost lost the plot at my life's nadir some time in darkest April when I had good reason to believe there might only be a few days left.

And then I became convinced there was some of my dream left to fight for and it needed to happen urgently if it was to happen at all.

A new chance.

A gleam of light appeared when Shan and a few other medical people developed a plan for 6 weeks of home rehab working alongside the NHS with strong parts on which to build the remaining globe of light leading to a brighter future.

I am sending this out now so that my family and I can start the next 6 weeks with fortitude in the hopes that results will take us way into 2026 and beyond, and that little Niamh will continue to have a Grandpa for much longer than that.
​
I shall continue with new episodes as things progress ...
10 Comments
Viv
16/5/2025 05:02:16 pm

May your daze turn into days and that the next 6 weeks bring you health and happiness. Go for it family!

Reply
Jeremy Hathorn
16/5/2025 05:17:14 pm

Go for it, Mark.
I know folk with less strength and willpower than you come through this.
You will do it.
Best wishes, Jem.

Reply
Mark
17/5/2025 07:48:02 am

Thanks Jem

Reply
Robbie Stewart
16/5/2025 10:39:40 pm

Hang in there Mark!
Been there done that! You feel so bad to see how worried your family are looking!
Keep strong!
Thinking of you.

Reply
Sonja
17/5/2025 12:37:55 pm

Dearest Mark-

Sending you positive vibes, strength, many, many thoughts and huge love and hugs from us both ❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕

Reply
Felicity and Ian Steadman
18/5/2025 10:07:56 pm

Dear Mark. We are so happy to see you back with your nearest and dearest. Sending love and strength to you all for the weeks, months and years ahead. Felicity and Ian

Reply
Lee Butler
20/5/2025 04:09:22 am

Dearest Mark, after all the trials and tribulations you’ve experienced over the years you will endure and fight this awful infliction so you can be with Shan and your loving family for as long as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you all from afar. Much love.

Reply
Lisa Hollander
20/5/2025 12:43:59 pm

Dearest Mark, memories, photos, togetherness.. you may not feel it right now, but what a gift for Niamh, that you have some time to make those memories with your girls ❤️ Your great gift for writing has given your family an extraordinary present that most of us have not even begun. not knowing what tomorrow may bring. Shine on lovely man xxxx

Reply
Rob Melville
20/5/2025 01:00:33 pm

Mark, good to hear you were back home. Grandchildren offer us a new way of being in the world and a kind of lifeline. Make the most of it and enjoy where you can.
Rob

Reply
Tim Tindall
28/5/2025 04:06:04 pm

Mark, great to hear you sounding positive! Thinking of you lots, be strong BIL

Reply



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    I blog about a few different subjects, some more historical and some in the moment. This is a cover page for various themes

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  • Home
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