In 2000, Carl was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia, and was told he'd need a bone marrow transplant to have any chance of life. In today's blog, he tells us about his experiences, and how he's raising funds for Anthony Nolan to save more lives.
My name’s Carl, and I’ve decided to produce a song about my battle with cancer which all proceeds would go to Anthony Nolan. The song also has a positive note that cancer can and will be beaten.
My blood cancer diagnosis
I was diagnosed in June 2000 with a rare form of leukaemia, at the age of 27.
I was running and instructing a freestyle martial arts class, and I slipped during a class and pulled a disc in my back.
The next day I went to the doctor, as I was in so much pain. The doctor put me on strong painkillers and referred me to a specialist. Meanwhile, I noticed I was coming out in lumps on my neck, but I wasn’t in any pain. I just assumed it was a reaction to the medication. I went back to my doctor and he noticed the lumps in my neck. The doctor asked me to go to the hospital to have a blood test, and stated it was nothing to worry about.
I had the blood test at the hospital, and as soon as I got home I had a phone call. The doctor on the phone asked me to come to the hospital first thing in the morning I went to the hospital first thing the next day. After the doctor finished examining me, he sat me down and said, ‘I’m sorry to tell you, you have cancer.’
I couldn’t take it in, I went numb. I asked him if I was going to die and he said, ‘I can’t answer that, but you are very ill.’ Then he explained that I would need three years of chemo and radiotherapy and at the end of this the cancer might still come back again.
He said the only real possibility of survival was to have a bone marrow transplant. All of this was like another shock, and very hard to get my head around.
My stem cell transplant
I responded well to chemotherapy, so after 5 months of treatment they tested my family to see if a match could be found, and my brother Darren was a match. I received my transplant in October 2000.
For the transplant I was placed in isolation, where I stayed until I recovered. This took 13 days in total. I remember watching my brother’s bone marrow being dripped into me and saying in my head, ‘Please, please cure me. I just want to be normal again.’
A couple of months after my transplant, I started getting a tightening of the skin all round my stomach and chest. The doctor said this was GvHD, a reaction to the bone marrow transplant, and that my brother’s bone marrow had recognised it was in a different body. He said, ‘It’s a good sign, as it means your new bone marrow is bedding in and making new blood cells.’
One life – live it
I feel by staying positive and healthy this has helped in my recovery. I do talks to staff and patients at my local hospital about my personal experiences , which helps bring hope and positivity to others.
I have completed many fundraising events and have raised several thousands of pounds for Anthony Nolan and my local hospital who helped save my life.
The idea of my song came about when I approached my good friend Steve Hodgkinson, who is a music producer. I also involved local talent “Educated Foolz” who sang from lyrics written about everything I’ve been through.. . Another talented singer, Marcus Doherty, performed on the song as well.
The song is called “Life is 4 Living” which is available on iTunes and can be viewed on YouTube. I’m determined to keep this song going with support.
I have a motto “One Life, Live It” and this is something I intend to do.
If you have your own plans about raising money for Anthony Nolan to save more lives, we can help! Check out our range of useful fundraising materials here.