Greetings to
all our family friends in this most unusual of times. Honestly this time last year
we were hoping that it would be nearly over, yet we are still in the same
situation.
The first thing
to say is that we hope that all of you have managed to stay safe and well this
year. Whilst the situation has eased for
many of us, we are still not back to normal; in fact, you will see from later
comments, the two of us are back in shielding until at least the end of February !
Once again, we
will be having a very quiet Christmas and because I made multiple cakes and
puddings last year, I only have to make sausage rolls and mince pies this
year. I even have turkey breast in the
freezer. Despite all this, I really
don’t feel organized for the festive season, mainly because I can’t get out and
choose presents for the boys and family.
Still, I am sure it will all work out and we will get to have long chats
with everyone on the big day.
This year has of course been very quiet in many ways. We have had no holidays or breaks away, but the high spot has been seeing the boys as we went down to Verwood and they have both been up here to see us.
Both Nick and family and Chris decided to get dogs this year and to which we were introduced. This is Teddy, a cockapoo, our grandson's very energetic friend.
Instant friendship. Stephen did rather take to Chris' spaniel Indy (named after Indiana Jones - confusing since she is female !)
Both Stephen and myself have kept busy, but looking through the diary we seem to have had loads of medical appointments and I have been doing lots of school and book related work.
Perhaps
inevitably, Stephen’s myeloma has had an increasing effect on our lives this
year. Celebrating 10 years since first diagnosed it was to be expected that
treatments would become less effective. In the spring, Stephen was recruited
onto a clinical trial involving CAR-T cell treatment. After an extended period
of tests, he provided some T cells (part of the immune system) which were sent
to the USA where they were processed to recognise his myeloma cells and
becoming known as CAR-T cells.
Stephen
was admitted to hospital for three weeks in October during which the CAR-T
cells were re-infused. Amazingly the new cells started to work immediately;
even whilst still in hospital. Since then, Stephen has been shown the continued
positive effect of the treatment. At the moment he is experiencing some side
effects but the investment is clearly worth it. Put simply, Stephen's immune system is now fighting the myeloma. Let’s now hope for improving weather
when we can both exercise more.
Our 2020 blog showed boxes of books.
Again, this February, I received another set which needed review in preparation for the School Library Association's Information Book Awards.
I finished my term on the School Library Association Board this summer and I have to say that it was a relief to have some more spare time. However, I am still chair of the Information Book Awards and I have some lovely judges to work with. I have also done a lot of review work for various journals and have been involved in what are known as “Blog Tours” online; I think I have been involved in about 10 this year, which feels quite a lot. However, all of this keeps my brain active and gives me something to focus on. At the moment I seem to be doing a lot of reading, whilst sitting in the coffee bar at the hospital. I just wish the chairs were more comfortable !
My chance meeting with Dom Kingston of Hachette Publishers during my trip to Bath.
This was to be the last "outing" before we went back into Shielding.
I also
managed to go to a day at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, to see
several of my friends, but of course I was not able to volunteer this year;
that is the first time since the festival began about 13 years ago. Still, I am hoping I can get back to doing
things next year.
At the moment
we really can’t do anything until April at least, so after that we are hoping
that we can start seeing people, going out for meals, and even have a holiday; we are really missing Cyprus and want to be able to go back to our old haunts,
and see our friends out there. I am so
sorry that the letter is not as action packed as usual, but “normal service”
WILL be resumed as soon as possible.
We hope that everyone will have a happy and
healthy time next year and hopefully we will be able to catch up with some of
you
Love to everyone
Margaret and Stephen
