Look at the picture below. It was taken in August 2018 and I had blood cancer but I didn't know it.  It's scary isn't it? I didn't look ill at all. 

Until July 2018 I was a fit and healthy mum of three boys.  I was feeling unusually tired and so contacted my GP who arranged a routine blood test for the next day.  That evening I was on a work call when my mobile and home phone started ringing alternately.  It was my GP who told me to go straight to hospital as I had critically low platelets.

Over the next few months I had numerous hospital appointments, blood tests and two bone marrow biopsies to try and work out what was wrong.  In October I was given a diagnosis of MDS, a type of blood cancer which is extremely rare in someone of my age as it is more likely to affect those who are aged 70 plus.  I was monitored weekly and  started to receive red blood cell and platelet transfusions to top up my levels which were dramatically dropping.

On Christmas Eve I was told that there was no more that they could do as I was deteriorating so quickly and the only treatment option was a stem cell transplant.  I have been for my initial appointment at Addenbrookes Hospital and now they are searching the registers for a match. If I am lucky enough to find a suitable donor I should have the transplant within the next couple of months.

I am asking you to consider supporting this great charity.  Until this happened to me I did not realise the fantastic work they do.   I also didn't realise how easy it is to join the register - a simple cheek swab, no nasty needles! - or that I could have spotted there was a problem sooner. 

I am committed to raising awareness to hopefully help someone else who finds themselves in my position to get checked out as soon as possible. The symptoms you should look out for are:

Fatigue.
Weakness.
Easy bruising or bleeding.
Fever.
Bone pain.
Shortness of breath.
Frequent infections.

So I ask you to please support our fundraising efforts locally, arrange your own events, join the register if you are between 16-30 or just educate yourselves so you can spot the signs in your friends and loved ones. 

It costs £40 to add someone to the register so please donate what you are able.  Even the smallest amount will help.  You will be giving hope to someone like me who wants life to go back to normal and, as in my case,  to have the opportunity to see their children grow up. 

Thanks from me and everyone else helped and supported by Anthony Nolan.

Joan x

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. We do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. We also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. We won’t stop until we save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings us closer to that day.

Please visit the Anthony Nolan website to find out more about the work they do:

www.anthonynolan.org/how-we-help