Bpositive
  • Home
  • Why Bpositive?
    • What we do
  • Bulletin
  • Newsletter
  • Contact us

My battle with blood cancer and the importance of donating bone marrow ....

1/17/2016

13 Comments

 
Six months ago Matthew Moon, 26, had the shock news that he had leukaemia. Since then, he has endured highly intensive chemotherapy, had invasive tests and is now awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Here, Matthew shares his story of the past six months with Bpositive and explains how others can help make a difference to those facing blood cancer...
Picture
Matthew enjoying an evening out with friends before his diagnosis
“I’m afraid there is a problem with your bone marrow... we’re 99% certain you have leukaemia”.

​These aren’t the words you expect to hear when you’ve come home for the August bank holiday weekend. Within the space of 24 hours, I’d gone from drinking beer with my mates in the pub to a hospital bed that I wouldn’t end up leaving for five weeks. During which time I would be pumped full of drugs and educated in the world of haematology. 


After a painful bone marrow biopsy (basically a large needle drilled into your hip bone), it was confirmed that I had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. The doctors immediately started me on a mixture of steroids and said I'd need chemotherapy as soon as possible to get things under control. 

After this initial induction period, it is expected that most patients go into remission. For me, the induction phase only cleared around 90% of my leukaemia and I was told I would need to have two more rounds of a much stronger (and harsher) chemotherapy, followed up by a stem cell transplant, providing they could find me a donor. I didn't take the news well. My heart sank. 

Thankfully, I’m now in a much better place. I’ve come through the two rounds of strong chemo, overcome two infections (caused by the chemo essentially killing off my immune system) and I’m in remission. The best news is that I have a donor lined up for a stem cell transplant which will give me the best chance of a cure. As one fellow transplant recipient said "I’ve done the coursework and now it’s time for the exam!"

The learning curve of my blood cancer education was, without doubt, a steep one. Prior to my diagnosis, I had very little knowledge of leukaemia, haematology, different blood types and even what stem cells were. I had no idea how reliant blood cancer patients are on blood transfusions due to chemotherapy essentially being a crude treatment – not only does it kill off the leukaemia cells, it also kills off your body's healthy blood cells. I’ve lost count of the number of transfusions I’ve had over the last four months but I am now more aware than ever that without the selfless donations from people, the treatment I’ve had would be almost impossible.
​
"Within the space of 24 hours, I’d gone from drinking beer with my mates in the pub to a hospital bed that I wouldn’t end up leaving for five weeks"

​I'd never given blood due to the thought of having a needle in my arm but, after having blood samples taken every day for five weeks and numerous cannulas put in and taken out  (these are used to pump and extract the necessaries into and from your veins),  if I could now, I would in a heartbeat. These donations are literally saving lives every day. 
​

So what about the stem cells? In terms of your blood, stem cells are your different blood components in their infancy, They have the ability to form any type of blood cell: white cells which fight infection, platelets which clot your blood, and red cells which carry oxygen around your body.

In Leukaemia patients, it is the white cells that decide to act inappropriately, dividing and releasing into the blood stream in a dangerous and immature state. They aren’t good at fighting infection and the shear number of them prohibit the production of other cell types, meaning the sufferer can become anaemic or have a reduced ability to stop bleeding. In my case, I became severely anaemic as my red cell count went down to 50 when it should be nearer 140. As we go into the new year, I’ve already begun the pre-transplant tests needed to assess if I am healthy enough to undergo the procedure. The way the transplant is intended to work is that it kills off your own stem cells, along with any remaining leukaemia cells. They are then replaced with the donor stem cells which are given in the same way as a blood transfusion (for my mate who asked if I would inherit some of the donors good looks, the answer is no I won’t you cheeky *******!).
​

Matching a donor and recipient isn’t straight forward as they both need to have a matching tissue type, medically known as Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). HLA is a protein found in most cells in your body. Your immune system uses it to identify which cells belong to you and which do not. Identical twins are the only people who have the exact same HLA type and there is a 1 in 4 chance that a sibling will have a matching HLA type. My brother was tested but unfortunately he wasn’t a match.
​
"I am now more aware than ever that without the selfless donations from people, the treatment I’ve had would be almost impossible."

​There are registers around the world which keep track of these HLA types, usually maintained by charities, such as Anthony Nolan in the UK. These charities are constantly looking for new donors to add to the register to give people the best chance of finding a match. Again, this was something I was unaware of before my diagnosis. If I was in the position to join the register I would do so in an instant, as you have the chance to save someone’s life. 

So, to everyone out there thinking of a new years resolution, I urge you to give blood. If you are aged between 16 and 30, please join the bone marrow register too via the Anthony Nolan website, all you have to do is spit in a test tube. If you are aged 50 and under, you can join the British Bone Marrow registry, details of which can be found on their website. You may never be asked to donate, but you’re helping to expand the possibilities for people like me who are suffering from blood cancer.

Finally I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey so far. When you’re going through these tough times you realise how important family and friends are and how much you love them. I would also like to say thank you to all of the doctors and nurses who have cared for me. The NHS should be considered a sacred resource and must be protected so that everyone can receive the world class care and treatment that I have had the privilege to receive.

Happy New Year! :)
Matthew

For more information about how to join the bone marrow register, please visit Anthony Nolan or NHSBT

Please click here to sign up to receive more articles like this
13 Comments
Sue Goodfellow
1/19/2016 10:22:51 am

You're doing great, keep positive and good luck with the stem cell transplant.

Reply
Alex Milligan link
1/22/2016 01:40:29 am

Thanks for sharing your story Matthew. I was diagnosed with ALL in November 2015, and am currently completing my second round of treatment. We are currently waiting on my MRD results to see if I will definitely need a stem cell transplant and waiting on my sisters results to see if she is a match. It's really good to read about other people's stories going through similar stuff. Hope you are well, and best of luck with the stem cell transplant!! Stay positive!! Alex 👍🏻

Reply
Matthew Moon
1/22/2016 11:30:51 am

Reply
Matthew Moon
1/22/2016 11:58:08 am

Hey Alex thanks for the kind words, I hope that your second round of treatment is going as smoothly as possible and that your MRD results are positive too. It would also be great if your sister was a match but remember there are millions of awesome people on bone marrow registers across the world who are ready to donate if that's not the case! I'm glad you enjoyed the article. Best of luck with your treatment and stay positive too!!

Reply
Yazmin Thomas
1/22/2016 07:34:24 am

Loved reading this Matt and I'm so glad you have blogged about it and even more glad you have a donor now... I can only guess that it was Tom or Chris that asked if you'd inherit the good looks and I'm sorry to hear you won't, you can't have it all ;) keep going dude and we'll have a huge celebration for when you're back to your regular self xxx

Reply
Nader Ibrahim
1/22/2016 08:51:18 am

Thanks for sharing.
I'll be giving blood soon for sure.

Keep your chin up, positivity is a medicine that cannot be prescribed

Reply
Kathy Carter
1/22/2016 10:48:33 am

How brave you are and how wonderful to have so much support thru such hard times you are a very brave young man. Inspirationsl and a son that any mother would be so very proud of. My son Harry has relied upon blood transfusions and plasma in the past when he has been desperately ill and against all the odds he turns 21 soon and is an inspiration to so many. I truly believe that sometimes people like yourself have so much to teach so many others . Be proud and be strong but most of all please god find strength to move forward and keep strong. I truly pray your future is a happier and healthier one I truly do xx

Reply
Wayne Bridle
1/23/2016 04:37:11 am

Hey Matt! Tom keeps me updated with your amazing progress....keep strong!!

Reply
mitul
1/23/2016 10:17:58 pm

Proud of you mate, keep fighting, stay strong. Adversity introduces a man to himself.

Reply
Panayiota Bambang
1/23/2016 11:36:25 pm

I'm really proud of you Matthew, I wish I were younger to be a donor!
Now all I can do is have you in my prayers everyday! I'm sure that will also help! No need to ask you to be strong, you have already proved that! 😊👍😘

Reply
Susan Patel link
1/25/2016 01:06:06 am

Hello Matthew,really pleased to read your post ,when I was 23 l started giving blood and have done so since then l have reached the age of 58 and I still donate totaling 57 to date .unfortunately l was unable to join the bone marrow list as I was too old when it started
Ashwin donates,so does Anisha she is on the bone marrow register,Kieran was given blood as a baby so he must not donate and Jaymin does not weigh enough,Bharat their Dad always has problem's when he tries.
It is a good way to give something to help others,it's a little bit unpleasant but if you try and relax when you donate it makes the whole process easier.
One last thing Matthew keep strong keep positive you will have ups and downs that is what your nurse specialist is for,and the N.N.U.H. have a fantastic team in heamatogy l used to work with them so l know what you are going through and its very hard at times.
If I can help in any way let me know 😊 the boys keep me posted and Bhishma as well.
Just one last thing if you have noticed any strange habits happening so sorry mate you must have received a donation of my blood.lol lots of love from the Patel's xxxx

Reply
Susan Bridle
1/31/2016 11:26:03 am

Thank you for sharing your experience Matthew - I have learnt such a lot from your blog. My thoughts and my wishes are with you.

Reply
Anirudha Kubair
2/11/2016 11:42:38 am

You are one of the strongest force or positivity I have seen. Only heard this today from Jag/Arun, but couldn't stop looking up on google. Wish you the best, We know you will get through this. And yes please continue to Bpositive.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Bpositive Support & Information blog

    A mixture of insightful comments, posts and general 'blogging' from various Bpositive contributors

    Categories

    All
    Inspirations
    News
    Personal Stories
    Photography And Artwork
    Photography And Artwork
    Support Events
    Support Events
    Videos

    Archives

    January 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    March 2015
    November 2014
    August 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    RSS Feed

Bpositive

Why Bpositive?
What we do

Support

Connect
Events & Fundraising
Get in touch

Blogs

Support & Information 


Music
Challenges 


Donate

Annual Patient Meeting
Become a supporter
Join Bpositive

Picture
info@bpositive.org.uk
Registered charity number 1156322 © Bpositive 2016