A Profile of Hope—Hugh's Story

In Hugh’s own words:

I was a regular platelet donor to the Red Cross; but in February I was twice rejected, as my red blood cell level was too low. In early March, I started getting fevers in the afternoon and consulted my doctor who sent me for a full blood test and based on the results recommended a gastroenterologist examination. I had a series of tests and needed to be hospitalized on March 20^th, due to a low red blood cell count. I received blood transfusions over several days. On March 23^rd I was diagnosed as having large B-cell lymphoma. The bone marrow biopsy, CT and PET scans confirmed it.

Soon after, I began eight rounds of chemotherapy sessions. During my first infusion of Rituxan, I had a severe reaction with tremors and shakes, took a two hour break and resumed at a lower dose. I was also taking prednisone for five days. I developed bruising in the middle of the lower back, which developed into an abscess that required hospitalization, surgery and homecare. Apart from feeling more tired the day after chemotherapy and a little nauseous, I did not have any severe reaction to the treatments. I have currently had six rounds and have two more to go.

At the lowest point, I felt I probably had only a few weeks to live. I was amazingly calm, which surprised me, because I am an atheist. My children and grandchildren came to visit, as did both of my sisters from the UK. Our friends and family sent cards, phoned and visited us at home. I learned that I have many true friends who showed real concern. I feel very lucky and privileged to be doing so well. My oncologist agrees that my near perfect health has helped in my speedy recovery. I have exercised regularly all my life, including three marathons in my 40's and successfully completing the L'Etape du Tour bike race over stage 15 or the Tour de France last year at the age of 67. Staying in great shape can be insurance against a catastrophic illness taking one's life. I am also very lucky to be treated by some of the best doctors at a prestigious hospital. I hate to imagine if I had not had an excellent insurance policy and if I lived far from a good medical facility.

I am now five and a half months from first getting sick and I feel in almost normal condition. I got back on my road bike in May and slowly increased the mileage. One week I did a total of 200 miles, with a maximum ride of 70 miles. I know that I am not fully recovered, as my speed is down from one year ago and I need eight hours of sleep, instead of my previous seven. I know that I am going to be in the 43 percent who survive more that five years. I am in the high-intermediate risk group for large B-cell lymphoma.

I am grateful and thank my good fortune to be alive today and determined to enjoy every hour of every day. I have started my biography so that my grandchildren will know a little bit of my life, more than hearsay from their parents.

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