Help Ade Beat Cancer

Take them a meal

If you would like to be involved in providing meals for Jenny and the family while Ade is undergoing treatment, please click on the link below.

Click on ‘Find a Meal Schedule’

The recipient’s name is Allman and the password is 2025.

Thank you.

Tuesday 29th April

Good evening!

I do hope you are managing to enjoy a little of this very warm weather here in the UK (obviously if you’re in the country!).

I am currently in and out of hospital at the moment with some afternoon / evening home leave whilst my neutrophil levels are reasonable. We are just waiting for them to stabilise before I can have the next bone marrow test and if they drop below a certain level I have to stay in hospital.

Stay safe!

Saturday 26th April

Hi all

My fluid intake has just stopped as the Methotrexate levels are now safe.

5kg of fluid weight gained and now in the process of losing it!

A brief overview of what is to come (from my consultant) is:

1. A bone marrow test (MRD check) once I have recovered from effects of Methotrexate

2. Two cycles of Blincyto (Binatumomab) - (6 weeks each)

3. Chemotherapy - (unknown)

4. Two cycles of Blincyto (Binatumomab) - (6 weeks each)

Time scales are not confirmed but you can hopefully see why a smart pump will allow me to be at home, especially for the latter Blincyto phases. I feel it would be beneficial to my mental health, family and life balance.

I remain positive that I will be able to spend a little more time out of hospital but somewhat prepared for potentially several months more in hospital isolation.

“_ Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised…” (Hebrews 10:36 NLT) is my daily Bible verse today! How apt"!

TUESDAY 22ND APRIL

RE-ADMITTED!

After a lovely Easter at home with my family, tonight I am back in Room 1 isolation to start my next dose of Methotrexate. Fluids will start at 4.00am in the morning with another 12-hour chemo session starting around lunchtime tomorrow.

Praying that I will recover quickly and stay infection free so I can be discharged again soon!

Tuesday 15th April

DISCHARGED!

For the first time in 133 days / 4.5 months, I have been discharged from hospital - for a week.

I am recovering at home before returning on Easter Monday to complete the last big dose of Methatrexate.

Please pray that I will stay well and avoid serious infections.

Thursday 10th April

Thank you all for your support and I do pray you are looking forward to, or are already on, a break this Easter.

I am currently recovering for at least a week (home leave?!) after my latest chemo round has been successfully flushed out and fluids stopped yesterday around 2pm.

A large amount of additional fluid was used to flush through the chemo (22 litres of fluid over nearly 4 days!). This, together with a dose of another drug and periodic small injections of another, made me feel fairly bloated (a 8kg weight gain!)! Other than that though, no major side effects so far. PTL

SUNDAY 6th April

Hope you are all enjoying a little sun.

I started my next chemo round in the night at 4am and will be constantly hooked up for the next 48-72 hours to fluids and various drugs. I will be getting the main high dose chemo at midday today, followed by other drugs tomorrow and Tuesday. There is then the remainder of the next two weeks to see how I respond and recover. The cycle is repeated in exactly two weeks.

I am praying that I don’t get too many of the bad side effects and that my recovery is smooth.

Friday 4th April

Good news!

My PICC line was fixed this morning by the lovely intervention radiology team.

I’m just waiting now to know whether they want to start my next chemo phase tonight or delay to early next week.

Wednesday 2nd April

Morning all!

Intensive Chemo hasn’t yet started because I have a slight issue with my PICC line and my neutrophil levels aren’t yet high enough to start the treatment.

On the plus, I enjoyed a few days at home with the family including Mother’s Day (where I didn’t have to come back to the hospital).

Take care and stay safe.

Friday 28th March

Hello!

Jen and I went to see Haematology Consultant Dr S Chiganti at the QE Hospital on Wednesday. We have some good news and answers to prayer:

1. As I have been MRD negative after the first phase of chemo (only around 10% of adult ALL patients are this), the chemotherapy is successfully treating my leukaemia.

2. I will be getting the new drug Blina in the consolidation phase (mostly at home, all being well… the hospital need to acquire a smart pump)

3. I don’t require a stem cell transplant.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

I’m also having day releases from the hospital at the moment. Today being the first.

Intensification phase of chemo starts next week and lasts for 4 weeks(ish). It does not sound very nice and I am likely to be ill again. We’re getting there now though.

Jen is doing the Walk of Light tomorrow morning to fundraise and awareness for Blood Cancer UK. Still time to join!

Have a brilliant, sunny weekend and I’ll update when the next phase is underway.

Ade

Wednesday 19th March

Morning! Sun!

On Monday, I managed just under a day at home. Birthday and time with family.

Today I will have my 10th blood transfusion to raise my haemoglobin level.

On Friday, I have the last chemo drug Vincristine in this phase followed by my third bone marrow test on Monday 24th March. Pray that the result of this means that I remain MRD Negative (in remission).

Have a brilliant few days as spring finally arrives.

Monday 10th March

Hi all!

I am feeling really good and have a little more news to share:

1) As I approach the end of the current phase of chemotherapy there is a plan to let me out for some “home leave” for a few hours / days (subject to illness at home, my blood levels etc.

2) I have two more chemotherapy phases to come. “Intensification” is a 4 week phases with two high doses of a chemotherapy drug. “Consolidation” is another 4-week (ish) stage where I should receive the new drug Blinatumomab (as above).

3) There is no word on stem cell transplant, which I am taking as good news at the moment.

My consultant Dr Fernandes continues to be pleased with my progress so far and is still wanting me to go and see his counterpart at the QE Hospital, Birmingham at the end of the month.

Have a good week!

Adrian

Wednesday 5th March

It’s the start of Lent today and I hope that some of you enjoyed some delicious pancakes yesterday!

I am finally today off two weeks of some very strong antibiotics following the mystery fever that I was having!

My altered chemo schedule is now as follows:

2 days of chemo drug Cytarabine yesterday and today.

A ‘rest’ day tomorrow then 4 more days of Cytarabine.

After this I am due tow more chemo IV drugs 3 days later and then a final IV drug 6 days after that. This brings to the end this phase of chemo. I will still be seeing the QE consultant at some point after the above but the date will need to be moved.

Some other good news is that NICE approved a new immunontherapy-based drug that I may be eligible for as an option prior to any transplant. What timing!

See https://b-s-h.org.uk/about-us/news/blinatumomab-gains-backing-for-mrd-negative-all

Have a brilliant week and enjoy the lovely warm spring sunshine whilst it lasts!

Monday 3rd March

Happy Monday everyone!

What a last 2 weeks… nightly temperatures of 39 degrees and shivers have finally subsided over the weekend and today I am having my last intethecal injection preceded by some orange platelets right now. PTL!

On Saturday afternoon, university friends Alex and Matt also came to visit me and as well as chatting we had a ‘score draw’ in our card game “Whist with a Twist”.

Weds 26th February

Ade is still not well. Has been spiking temperatures for a week and on antibiotics. Now been put on a stronger one and having lots of tests to see if there is an infection or if this is just a reaction to the chemotherapy. He did get one more dose on Monday but had to stop it again.

Sorry if you’ve messaged and he has not responded. He’s just sleeping a lot and not had the energy to read or message.

Friday 21st February

At home we’ve been so grateful for all of the meals, help and birthday wishes. Some of you have asked if we need any more meals as the dates ended last week. The answer is yes please as it helps so much with juggling everything when I know I don’t have to come home and cook some days. Here is the link if you would like to pick a date. Thanks so much.

Monday 17th February 2025

Nicy sunny morning here in the Midlands and half term for the kids too.

I’ve had a nice 40 hours at home with family and now back in hospital for the remainder of my consolidation chemotherapy starting later today, all being well.

Thursday 13th February 2025

Good evening all!

Slight change in plans…my neutrophil levels have been a bit low the last few days and we can’t start the next round of chemotherapy until they are raised enough. Also, I’m struggling mentally a little bit with what is approaching 6 weeks into this treatment cycle having not been home and seen the kids. Longest period so far I have been away from them!

Please pray that I can be well enough to go home for a few hours in the next few days before the next bought of chemotherapy.

Also, the heating is currently not working in my part of the hospital and at 18 degrees with a cool breeze on me it is a bit chilly in my room - 2 socks and a thick jumper!

The only way is up!

Wednesday 5th February 2025

Morning! All quiet here in hospital at the moment on the chemo front.

I have another planned intrathecal (back) injection on Friday and a short IV dose on Saturday. Next major chemo round starts next weekend.

Some good news, I have received some letters asking me to go to Birmingham QE Hospital on 26th March to discuss a possible stem cell transplant. This is not a definite at this stage but I believe is more probable than not.

Had some nice visitors recently too. With the sun shining at the moment and if you’re going on a walk, I’d love to be taken with you.

Have a great day!

Ade

Friday 31st January 2025

I have finished week 2 of 10 of my current chemotherapy plan. So far I have had 4 different cancer killing drugs; intethecal (injection into my central nervous fluid in my back)!

I have 2 more different cancer drugs tomorrow and possibly my 4th blood transfusion in the last week or so. The latter is because the cancer drugs are busy killing off my immune system and I need blood to sustain me.

Thank you to anyone that gives blood! The blood service is always looking for more donations of blood and blood plasma.

www.blood.co.uk

My daily Bible readings and meditations are also life sustaining, as are your prayers and support.

Thank you.

Adrian

Also thanks from us at home for all the support you continue to give us with meals and helping the children still attend all of their activities. It is making life much easier for me (and Mum) to manage the rest of the house, visiting Ade and keeping on top of homework etc.

Jenny

Thank you to Pastor Matt for visiting yesterday as we as other visitors coming to see me.

Visiting hours are 11am to 7pm as long as you feel well and free of disease. Please message me beforehand if you are thinking of coming.

I’m really looking forward to seeing my wife and daughter visiting tomorrow too!

Adrian

Update 21st January 2025

Thank you all for your support. Been up and down a bit over the last few days…sickness and diarrhea on two different days which appears to have been a reaction to one of the cancer drugs. Other meds are hopefully controlling this now.

Today is my first blood transfusion…it’s all normal as my blood levels were getting a bit low from the treatment.

Good news. My last MRD test from a few weeks ago shows no concerning genetic markers!

We are beating cancer!

UPDATE - 17th January 2025

Hi! Sorry for not updating for a while. I have been enjoying home life; curry, KFC, homemade lasagne and Sunday lunches and playtime with the kids and taking to school. It has been lovely.

I am now back in hospital … 10 week consolidation (and in full time isolation) chemotherapy!

There might be a break half way…

The marathon continues but I remain positive that all things are possible, including cure.

We snuck in a little fresh air too…

Update - 8th January 2025

I am going home! PTL

Just for 2 nights initially, returning to hospital on Friday for some more medication.

I may be at home for the following week on some more tablets before the next 10-week chemotherapy phase begins.

Thank you for your support and prayers, especially that the family and I remain well.

Adrian

Update - 6th january 2025

Happy New Year! 5 weeks and 2 days in hospital.

I’ve not been able to leave hospital due to family illness and needing IV antibiotics for an infection. It has been nice to see all 3 children before they went back to school.

This week a lot is due to happen including:

1. A test to see how successful the induction chemotherapy has been

2. A procedure to fit a PICC line to give vein access for all drugs and blood tests.

3. Commencing phase 2 of chemotherapy. It looks like I will be the first patient at RHH to be offered the next round of chemotherapy in line with a protocol used at the QE Birmingham who have more experience in treating people my age with this condition. Hopefully it should give similar outcomes but less negative side effects than the RHH protocol.

I am becoming more tired from the leukemia and treatment so I’m sorry if my updates are less frequent. I remain positive but the next few weeks are likely to be challenging.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ade

Update - 13th December 2024

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers and support for us over the past few weeks. Since my initial mild symptoms, we have been on a rapid transition through the NHS and in 5 days admitted to Russell’s Hall Hospital as an inpatient in the Georgina Ward Isolation Unit for the foreseeable future.

On admission, I was given the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Type-B (with further information still to follow) on Saturday 30th November 2024 and started treatment at once on an intensive course of chemotherapy. I am under 24-hour medical care by a team of medical specialists in a positive pressure ventilated isolation room, unable to leave except for hospital appointments. My immune system is broken. Immediate chemotherapy treatment has removed my mild symptoms – praise the Lord! However, I am told that the treatment is scheduled to last most of the next 2 years, with most of the next 12 months in hospital (in similar isolation) rather than at home. This is a marathon not a race.

The news comes as a surprise to you as it has been to us. Hospital isolation takes me away from my family, church, work and life; “life is on pause” and is now about a ‘new beginning’, much like when you come to faith in the Lord, to complete the race before us. I am trying to adjust to a new life rather than running from job to job - walking and resting to complete the journey. Jen is adjusting to not having me around to help at home and manage all of ‘normal’ family life. I am aware that I will get tired, as I already have experienced, not just from the side-effects of chemotherapy but also from the 4-hourly observations of my blood functions and drugs to help me get better. I made the decision early not to do internet research on the condition and instead rely on oral and written advice the team of haematology experts visiting me daily. My trust is not in a vain hope that I might be cured but that, in prayer and petition, God’s Word and Hand will guide their thoughts. Despite some initial wobbles at the start, I am positive that I will be able to see you again and celebrate good times – especially that God is good and is one whom we can fully trust and rely on for our salvation as well as our health.

We are now on a new life journey as a family. We know it will not be easy but I am praying for rich blessings not only health but also for spiritual growth and life this Christmas. I have already found great joy reconnecting with family and friends in a new way and pray that this will not fade away but lead to a beacon of hope.          

We have created a WhatsApp Information Group for anyone who like more regular updates on my journey – please contact us if you need any more information.

I would ask that also you continue to hold us in your prayers, especially for the following:

·         Dr S Fernandes (lead consultant) and the Haematology teams both at Russells Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

·         My mental and physical strength that God will sustain me the fight to endure and beat cancer.

·         For Jenny, Esther, Ethan and Elijah that they will be loved and supported in this difficult time.

·         That we will be strong together – as a family and a church - now and when this is over and know that He is with us every step of the way.

God Bless,

Adrian Allman