My Story

September the 7th marks my 1 year post transplant and the start of a new life for me that I never envisaged possible. So I was looking for a challenge to celebrate the occasion and prove I can still achieve physical goals, that somehow seemed impossible.  The triathlon ticked a lot boxes and even better I’m able to share the experience with a close friend, as well as raising much needed money for a charity close to my heart. This charity has not only supported me on my journey, but also my dad some 30 years ago.

Below is my journey, if you’re bored or just nosey, have a read, but it’s just about getting your money for a great charity 😄 so save yourself some time and get your dosh out.

Disclaimer, this is not for sympathy or heroic reward, it is just small part of my journey that they call life. I’m one of the fortunate ones, I’ve had a good life, with many obstacles to overcome and continue to do so, not everyone is that lucky.

My Journey

1st February 2018 My life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with Al Amyloidosis…..(before anyone corrects me, yes, technically it is not a cancer, but it is treated as one and uses the same treatments as they do for Myeloma and is captured under the Myeloma cancer umbrella)…..by the time I was diagnosed the damage was already done to my kidneys as well as attacking my heart, spleen and liver. Initial treatment of combined chemotherapy didn’t work but I was fortunate enough to have access to a newly licensed drug at the time, daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody which for me, stopped the disease in its tracks. From there it was monthly treatment and a waiting game for my kidneys to finally stop working before I would have my transplant.

Fast forward to January 2021, not surprising with next to no immune system, I contracted the trending virus at the time, Covid along with my son, I held on for his 9th birthday on the 31st and the following day I was admitted into hospital, where I spent most of that month. After about a week I was taken down to ICU to be put into an induced coma, which for some unknown reason, but thankfully, they changed their minds on. I spent over a week in ICU, surrounded by patients on life support. I would joke with the doctors that I was the only live patient to get me through but it was one of the toughest and most challenging times of my life. It was touch and go with my oxygen levels hitting the low 40s a couple of times, then adding to listening to calls from the other patients' loved ones, as they could not be there with them. Not an experience I’d like to go through again or recommend and thank god for noise cancelling headphones 🙏🏻

After a close call, I knew I had to fight to get out of there, to be back with my family. It was that or I was leaving in a box. Before leaving I had a line put in and I started dialysis. I spent the next 18 months of my life attached to a machine for 4 hours (6 hours in total) at a time, 3 days a week, all on top of my monthly treatment of a 3 hour infusion, not easy with a full time job. Saturdays would be the worse leaving my family, which was our time together. But the nurses were great and I got to make some new friends.

Now some 4 1/2 years later, September the 5th 2022 it is finally happening, I’m admitted with my brother by my side ready for a successful operation on the 7th. From coming round, despite being in pain, I felt so much better, recovery went well, I few little bumps in the roads, but who wants an easy life, right! All in all was best I could have dreamed of and more.

The return of Stu….,

It started with a slow walk around the field at the back of the house, to a steady walk up the high street, stretching out the distance with every walk, little core challenges on My Fitness App to now, swimming, cycling and running. It is hard to think that for the past 4 years and only up to months ago I’d struggle to walk a few hundred yards. 12kg (2 stone) lighter since the op, training 4 weeks in, has gone to plan and can feel myself getting stronger and fitter with every session.

It’s been an incredible 11 months from where I was, having the time and energy to give to my family. I'm now spending time with my boys rather than doctors and nurses at the hospital. As I write this I am for the first time in years, sitting around the pool on our first proper family holiday, longer than 3 nights, without having to worry about flying back half way through for treatment. I can actually go into the water with my boys. Like all children they love being in the pool or the sea, every waking minute while we’re away, I can again join them. I feel so lucky to have this time with them, when I was diagnosed they 6 & 3, they are now 11 & about to turn 9, I know how much I could of missed out on, even though they drives us mad. They’re my world and keeps my fighting to go on. 

The story continues with a High intensity Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant planned for November, but for now I’ll enjoy the moment, continuing to get fitter and give me the best shot of getting through it without any complications 🤞🏻

With just over 3 weeks to go I’ll continue to enjoy the training and look forward a different kind of challenge while celebrating life, which we’re all guilty of taking for granted.

So, please if you can afford it, please make a small donation.

This is for ones that are on their own journey thinking that’s it. Whatever that may be, when it may seem impossible, believe there is hope and it starts with one step forward. It is a tough journey, which at times I felt all alone, despite having so many friends and family around to support me. Speak openly with them and hopefully me sharing my story will give you some encouragement and inspiration. I was that person, it didn’t look like I would celebrate my 41st birthday, it was by no means a smooth ride, but, I’m still here about to take on this challenge to prove when you get knocked down, you can’t quit you just have to get back up, keep on fighting and don’t give up. In 4 weeks I’ll start chapter 46 and my story continues.

This is also to remember the ones that didn’t make it, despite the fight, we all know at least one💪🏻🥊

And of course my brother, to show him what he’s given me 💙💙

If you’ve got this far, thank you for taking the time to read. 

Thanks for supporting my fundraising. Macmillan gives people with cancer everything they’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are Macmillan’s worries. Macmillan’s doing whatever it takes. But without your help, Macmillan can’t support everyone who needs them.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe, JustGiving - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.