I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

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Russell
Posts: 52
Joined: 15 Apr 2010 16:56
Location: Stoke Poges, Bucks
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I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by Russell » 05 Apr 2013 23:35

Hi Everyone,

On November 3rd 2010 had my 3rd and last BMT. I just wanted to say that this disease need not ruin your life and I hope to show it by running in this years London Marathon. I won't repeat my story but please have a look at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundrai ... ussellcook
and maybe I can get you to sponsor me?

Having said that, I had a visit to cardiology at Kings College Hospital yesterday and I am undergoing tests on the 15th April to ensure it's safe for me to run.

Wish me luck.

Russell
Age 55
RCMD 2009 at age 49
1x MUD BMT 2010
1x MUD SCT 2010
1x Haplo Transplant 2010
4 Marathons
and
4 other Half Marathons, a 10 miler and a Spartan Race!
chris
Posts: 754
Joined: 01 Dec 2009 21:52
Location: Essex
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by chris » 09 Apr 2013 11:23

Dear Russell

Wishing you good luck - first with the cardiologist's exam and hopefully then for the marathon. Hope the training is going well? Hope the weather is kind too. Take it steady. Will go on to your site and donate soon!

Best wishes

Chris
Chris.Trustee,Patient Support Ambassador (Essex) (F) Age 73 (2023)).Diagnosed in 2008. CMML-1. Normal red cells, low white cells & platelets, slightly raised monocytes. Enlarged spleen. Not had any treatment - active monitoring 6-monthly.
clareybabs
Posts: 32
Joined: 15 Dec 2012 23:51
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by clareybabs » 11 Apr 2013 14:58

Hi there russell, hope everything goes okay with the cardiologist. Can i just say that you are an inspiration to other suffers, you have had 3 BMT, and you are still living life to the full and not letting this disease get you down - well done you. I hope i have your determination once i get through my stem cell transplant and get well again. xx

I will certainly sponser you x
CLAIRE - 42YRS - DIAGNOSED WITH MDS (RAEB) - POOR CYTOGENETICS WITH MONOSOMY 7 AND AN EXTRA X CHROMOSOME - getting supportive care at moment - weekly blood tests and regular top ups with blood, awaiting a bone marrow transplant
Russell
Posts: 52
Joined: 15 Apr 2010 16:56
Location: Stoke Poges, Bucks
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by Russell » 12 Apr 2013 18:46

Thanks Chris and Claire. I am so looking forward to this. I'll try not to do a 'Steve Redgrave' when I finish! :D
Thanks especially for the sponsorship! All for a good cause!

Russell
Age 55
RCMD 2009 at age 49
1x MUD BMT 2010
1x MUD SCT 2010
1x Haplo Transplant 2010
4 Marathons
and
4 other Half Marathons, a 10 miler and a Spartan Race!
Russell
Posts: 52
Joined: 15 Apr 2010 16:56
Location: Stoke Poges, Bucks
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by Russell » 16 Apr 2013 10:09

Just found out that I am clear to run. My heart was normal, in fact, I posted quite an impressive set of figures apparently! I couldn't be more chuffed! :)
Age 55
RCMD 2009 at age 49
1x MUD BMT 2010
1x MUD SCT 2010
1x Haplo Transplant 2010
4 Marathons
and
4 other Half Marathons, a 10 miler and a Spartan Race!
chris
Posts: 754
Joined: 01 Dec 2009 21:52
Location: Essex
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by chris » 16 Apr 2013 13:33

Hi Russell

That must have been such a boost for you. Have sponsored you now and wish you well for Sunday. Hope the security issues do not pose any problems on the day.

Take it steady!

Best wishes

Chris
Chris.Trustee,Patient Support Ambassador (Essex) (F) Age 73 (2023)).Diagnosed in 2008. CMML-1. Normal red cells, low white cells & platelets, slightly raised monocytes. Enlarged spleen. Not had any treatment - active monitoring 6-monthly.
Russell
Posts: 52
Joined: 15 Apr 2010 16:56
Location: Stoke Poges, Bucks
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by Russell » 16 Apr 2013 18:17

Look out for my day-glo yellow socks!
Age 55
RCMD 2009 at age 49
1x MUD BMT 2010
1x MUD SCT 2010
1x Haplo Transplant 2010
4 Marathons
and
4 other Half Marathons, a 10 miler and a Spartan Race!
Sarah Reakes
Posts: 76
Joined: 11 Aug 2011 17:51
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by Sarah Reakes » 16 Apr 2013 18:28

Hi Russell,

I have seen your name and words of support on Jayne Snell's Caringbridge Blog and I hadn't appreciated that you had gone through not one but THREE transplants, having just gone on to donate for your fund raising and read your story. You're a miracle and to be now embarking on the Marathon really is a magnificent achievement. I wish you all the very best of luck for the Marathon and hope you enjoy it.

Take Care.

Sarah Reakes
Aged 62. Diagnosed with MDS 5q-, June 2011 & been on Wait and Watch regime On 25/11/14 told disease had progressed to High Risk with 15-20% blasts. Starting Intense Chemotherapy on 20/1/15 prior to SCT. Live in Yatton near Bristol/Clevedon.
Russell
Posts: 52
Joined: 15 Apr 2010 16:56
Location: Stoke Poges, Bucks
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by Russell » 22 Apr 2013 09:14

Finished!! I was hoping for about 5 hrs but ended up with humongous cramp at 15 miles which meant I developed an awkward gait and a huge blister. Had to stop for Physio shortly after. Still managed to finish in 6 hrs 31 mins and I have to say it was pretty agonizing! But I would do it again. The buzz I got from this was truly awesome. Hopefully there will be other MDS patients who will be able to do this. If there's anyone reading this who wants to chat about having a Bone marrow or Stem Cell transplant, and perhaps needs some reassuring then please get in touch. Have posted some photos on the MDS Facebook page.

Russell
Age 55
RCMD 2009 at age 49
1x MUD BMT 2010
1x MUD SCT 2010
1x Haplo Transplant 2010
4 Marathons
and
4 other Half Marathons, a 10 miler and a Spartan Race!
janetstanford
Posts: 335
Joined: 01 Nov 2010 17:54
Contact:

Re: I had a BMT and I'm running the LONDON MARATHON

Post by janetstanford » 22 Apr 2013 18:06

Well done have to say 6hrs i do not think that is slow think i would take 24hrs :lol: glad you enjoyed it ( dispite the cramp) :D
Janet
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