It was bound to happen: that the updates would become less frequent, but I'm still here and feeling great. It's been over a month since my last update, and things have gone the right way. I finally managed to get the STI ( Gliveec ) that we were hoping for, despite the hospital board declining the earlier request for the drug.

I first had to try interferon, so I was prescribed interferon for a couple of weeks to see how things went in terms of any side effects. Well suffice to say that I found I had the symptoms of interferon intolerance, therefore I went back for another appointment, in order to get a prescription for something that would work without hopefully the same side effects - Gliveec.

I've been taking the STI for two-and-a-half weeks, and so far things have been going pretty well. The only effects I've had are slightly puffy/puffy eyes in the mornings. I have not experienced any weight increase or water retention which seems to be the most common side effect, and that's good, as I've had to kit myself out with a new wardrobe and change down two sizes on my trousers.

My last appointment on Monday yielded no surprises, but we still don't know whether the donor has come forward to donate some more cells. I've asked my doctor to find out what is going on. I hate not knowing where I stand. It's been two months since the request was made, and I feel that there should be some level of communication to allow the doctor and patient to know what the situation is.

This is the last entry of the year. Tomorrow I'm flying abroad to the UAE to go back home to my folks and spent a copious amount of time on the beach relaxing in the usual Chrismas heat. The only concern is the flight, where I'll have to sit for eight hours amongst hundreds of strangers of which some will have colds. I'll take a mask on the flight, and then hope for the best.

PS: I've just found out today that my donor will be donating the cells on 19th December, which is great news. In the meantime they'll be frozen and then given to me in March.