Blood Test Results and Moving Forward.
A short update, as I would like to have a
larger blog entry after the Tour de Cure Ride.
Last week (Wednesday 24th May) I
had my follow up appointment from my blood test the week before. I am not as
nervous entering the oncologist office for my blood check up. I am not sure
why, but maybe because bloods are accurate, but not at definite as Scans, which
I am due for in 4 weeks.
The results were ‘pristine’ as my oncologist explained. He said out of all his
patients on the Dabrafenib medication, I am his healthiest
and fittest looking patient. I took this as a huge complement. My LDH levels
(tumour marker count in your bloods) were the best they have been.
I feel great, my energy levels are improving and this for me is a great sign in seeing improvements in my health. I am enjoying being back at work for Term 2, teaching my Year 5 cherubs. They have been working hard.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to
thank Bruce Oakley, my teaching colleague who has been driving me to and from
work since my seizure. The support doesn’t end there, John Stevens another mate
of mine has been taking me to the gym to participate in the spin
class. Thanks to the both of you.
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| The Birthday Girl |
In the short time since my last update, I
have been involved in a Skype Conversation with Jay Allen from Sydney and his
Melanoma Support Group. This was an excellent opportunity to share my journey
and story so far. I also met, during the conversation, Marie who is on the Dabrafenib medication I am currently on. She has been on it for 20 months or
more and doing really well. Hearing about this made my confidence in the
medication increase even more. As I am always worried about when I will become
immune to it and then the battle will really start.
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| My gorgeous family |
I have also had a large group of educators
visit my classroom and allow me to share my passion for E-Learning with them.
Ariella our eldest daughter had her 6th
birthday party last weekend. As always, my talented and gorgeous wife put on
the best party food, cake and decorations for Ariella (photos below). Ariella
and her friends had a fantastic time.
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| Amazing Food for the Party |
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| The Rapunzel Cake |
Amazing Food for the Party
Amazing Food for the Party
I will admit that I did have a tear in my
eye, as I was thanking people after we blow the candles out. As April is also
the month, 12 months ago, I was originally diagnosed with Melanoma. I feel I have
reached a milestone here in seeing another birthday, but at the same time I
have a hint of sadness during this month on Ariella’s birthday as I feel, ‘How
many birthday’s will I see from my four amazing girls?’ (Wife included here).
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| My most favourite people in the world and biggest supporters |
I am sure those who are reading this blog
who are going through a similar journey will understand how I feel. It is tough
to think that unless they find a cure or I somehow become a miracle Melanoma Patient
that the day might come when I am unable to fight anymore, but with my attitude,
support and determination this day will hopefully never come. I am making the most of
family, work, my passion for cycling and friends.
The coming week I am off to participate in
the Tour de Cure ride as a guest rider over two stages. Stage 6 Bendigo to
Benella (173km) and Stage 7 Benella to Albury (111km). Thanks to my awesome
father, Michael Jones who is driving me to stage 6 and staying as a support
over the two stages and to my family for letting me participate. If you are
interested in donating to the Tour de Cure ride click on this link.
My training had to step up and things have
been going very well. I am now averaging 140km a week with my riding mate
Matthew Collins and we have increased our tempo each week. I am excited about
this Tour. My goal is to do as much of the distance as I can and inspire those
on the ride and those who are not riding to push on with whatever they want to
achieve in life. It is important to note that I don’t see myself as inspiring
in anyway. All I really want people to see is that if you put your mind to
things life moves in a positive direction, with success being the ultimate
goal.
I will keep you all informed with the tour
via facebook and twitter (@elearnjones) or follow @tourdecure_aus hash tag
#tdc_aus.
My next blog post will be about the tour
ride and travelling with my wonderful dad, Michael Jones.
Nathan, huge congrats on your healthy results. You might remember me from TeachMeets?? You are such an inspiration to me and others. We all have our trials but some people have ridiculous amounts. I'm overwhelmed by your energy and stamina, both mental and physical. So happy to see the gorgeous birthday shots (yes, your wife has done an amazing job). Wish you all the best for a full recovery - you have so much to do that makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words. I do remember you and hope to see you at another teachmeet or conference this year. I hope your teaching and education of students is enjoyable and rewarding for you as it is for me.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling great and just hope the drug I am on will last a long time. Otherwise I will be fighting hard. Scans in 4 weeks will tell us more. Enjoy your weekend.