Goodbye my companion...

Assalamualaikum wbt and Hi everyone,

It was my closest companion for 3 months. Whenever I went to sleep, I made sure I didn't impede on my companion for fear it might be damaged. I was very careful with my daily activities just to make sure that my companion is 'safe and sound'.

But last Wednesday, I bid farewell to my closest companion, my Hickman line. It was removed, for what I hope will be the very last time. Insha Allah. It had been literally part of me for the last few months, playing a pivotal part in my treatment.



Whenever the doctors need to take blood, or administer my Chemotherapy drugs or any other chemicals for that matter, the Hickman line has made it possible without the need to prick me with needles.



This is how it appears like attached to the body.


At the moment, I am recovering well from the high dose chemotherapy and transplant. My appetite has been brilliant, and my energy levels are improving with time, alhamdulillah. I've also been going out a lot more than I thought I'm able to, and I attributed that to the presence of my dad and my sister, Aiysha, both of whom are currently in UK for 2 weeks. Their presence has certainly provided me with the extra motivation to get out of bed and show them, Aiysha in particular, of what UK has in offer especially during the winter season. Although Aiysha doesn't seem to enjoy the weather so much I reckon.. =)



Aiysha's first ever visit to United Kingdom, accompanied by Dad...


Apart from plenty of rest at home, I am also scheduled to attend regular clinic appointments to assess my response to treatment, with the next one being on the Wednesday 16th December 2009. I am also due to have a scan done 3 months after my high dose chemotherapy, one that sends shivers down my spine, considering what happened with the previous scan I had after finishing my ABVD treatment.

But life must go on, and until that time arrives, I must tell myself to remain optimistic and positive. Believe in Allah, His plannings, and to not waste my time on uncertainties.

Before I sign off, I'd just like to extend my deepest gratitude to those who made the effort to visit me at home, some even from outside of Sheffield. The visits just kept on coming even though I'm no longer in the hospital, and I thank Allah for showing me the beauty of ukhuwwah (friendship). Not forgetting those who dropped by with messages of support and prayers via my blog, Facebook as well as text messages. I'd like to share with all of you this very moving hadeeth Qudsi (divine hadeeth).


“Allah will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You, when you are the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you would have found Me there?’ Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.’ He shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I feed you and you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ And Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was in need of food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found that to have been for Me?’ ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for water and you did not give Me to drink.’ The man shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I give You water, when You are the Lord of the Worlds?’ Allah will say, ‘My servant so-and-so asked you for water and you did not give him to drink water. Did you not know that if you had given him to drink, you would have found that to have been for Me.’ (Muslim, Hadith no. 4661)


Wassalam.