Adrian meets Prime Minister Gordon Brown updated - now with extended interview

Hi Adrian
Just sending thoughts and wishes from us here in France.
Our son Matthew (then 8yrs) was dx with AML M7 in June 03 and underwent a BMT donated by his then 9yr old sister Emma, we were fortunate that they were a 100% match.
After alot of complications he battled through always with a smile, his moto was Positive Mental Atitude.
We spent 6 months in Bristol Childrens Hosp, we are from Cornwall but now living in Haute Vienne in France.
Matt is fit and well and enjoying life to the full.
He is still seen every 6months at Limoges Hosp.
He will be 5yrs post BMT on 24th September and we are planning a party for him.

Ok, You take care.

Thinking of you and your family.

Love Jackie
www.caringbridge.org/europe/matty

I did leave a comment somewhere but I can't find it!

Fair play man.

Dear Adrian

Please do not confuse your depression over Poppy's departure with your own departure from this life. It sounds to me as though you have given up hope. She left in April and in May you are making the decision to not seek treatment - are your emotions clear enough to make this decision? Any one of us would be devastated at the end of an engagement,and it must have been many times worse for you living with your condition, but do not think you are paying her back by dying. You are young. There is a one in five chance of another round of treatment succeeding, you say. If it succeeds then you have a life ahead of you and another love that would be real and more time to bring about the changes you so fervently want to make.

Karen

Hi Adrian, I just read about you on the BBC news website. I am sorry to hear about the cancer returning but I think your decision is brave and very admirable. I sincerely wish you all the best in your last days and hope there is something better.

Brian

Hiya Adrian
I was so touched to see your story on yesterday's news...keep on being an inspiration to others!

But just incase like most people there comes a time when you become weary & the load is too heavy to bare, there's someone who can help lighten the load. He can take away fear, strengthen you when you're weak, give you hope when it seems hopeless, give you a peace that surpasses all understanding, be a friend who sticks closer than a brother and much more.

If you find yourself feeling any of the above all you have to do is call upon His name and that name is Jesus Christ and let Him reveal Himself to you and help you.

Hi Adrian, I saw your story on msnbc.com and I am sorry that your cancer has returned. I live in the U.S. and I have been inspired by your story. If your mission is to have more people, no matter where they live, to sign up to donate then your goal is one step closer. I am now actively looking for a place to donate. God Bless You, Kevin

Dear Adrian

I am humbled at what you are doing and thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope that Steven never needs a transplant because of his leukemia, but if he ever does, maybe his match will come from your campaign.

You are making waves, big waves. Thank you, thank you!

Annie
Steven's mom
http://livingwithcml.blogspot.com

Dear Adrian
Just seen your story in Metro and BBC News. Very humbling. Enjoy and take care.
SK

Hi Adrian ..
I came across your blog today and am truly amazed of the strength and courage you have to battle what you are going through - plus keep us readers informed of the needs and importance of the donations we can make to help make a difference. I live in a very small town in Wyoming, USA ( 400 people ) and to be honest we have all been very lucky not to experience any major ilnesses. But because of this I think it has made us forget how lucky we are and how important is is to help those in need. I am glad you have lots of friends and family to support you - sometimes just having someone to talk to is one of the best things that there is. Be strong... Keep positive and remember you always have ones who love you. My thoughts are with you - Jan

Adrian - There was a message from one blogger that essentially suggested that depression might be playing a role in your decision not to continue. Perhaps. But it is equally likely that you have come to a place of acceptance (where we must ALL one day arrive) that enjoying the remaining time to the fullest possible is a better route... in any event, I am adding you to my Reiki healing list and sending you energy to use as you will for as long as you need it.
Your courageous activism will be sorely missed when you leave us - but maybe it's like retiring; once you have done it, you look back and ask, "What was I afraid of? This is better than anyone imagined." I pray it is so for you.

Hello Adrian

I am so sorry to hear of your news, but I have a little understanding of why you have made your decision.

My mother has acute myeloid leukaemia she is 82 years old and has been told that there is no treatment at all, only blood transfusions. We have seen people having treatment and in one way we were glad that Mum did not have to go through it. I have found it hard to find out information re leukaemia as what to expect, but perhaps that is because all cases seem to be different.

I think it is fantastic the work you are doing. It is a great thing to put something back in to the world. You are right. I thought about bone marrow transplant, and I thought it was a painful thing. People do need to be educated.

If you know of any one who has AML and might want to email me then please let me know.

I will be watching your blog, good luck with your quest.

Kind regards
Patricia

Hello Adrian,
After reading your blog & some of the comments made, I too will be looking for somewhere I can donate.....I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and even though our health care system is in a bit of a crunch right now, there are so many people here with lots of time & money that I hope they too will try to donate.
Your inspiration to others is wonderful, I hope that your friends and family understand what a great person they know, you truly are one of a kind.
Take care & God bless.
-Diane Galley

Hello Adrian,

My name is Destiny and I write this all the way from the U.S. I, quite literally, just heard about this blog and the amazing work that you're doing to implement the importance of blood and marrow donations in the grade schools.

I find it sad that there are so many willing people in the world who would love to donate but, unfortunately, are unable to do so. I was actually born across in Reading, England in the early 80's. My father was in the Air Force and was stationed overseas for a while. I believe that I was around 4 when we moved back to the States.

Because of guideline set by the American Red Cross and I quote, "You are not eligible to donate if from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 1996, you spent (visited or lived) a cumulative time of 3 months or more, in the United Kingdom (UK)." All of this for the simple fact that I MIGHT potentially be a carrier for vCJD a.k.a mad cows.

Being the bleeding heart that I am, this news crushed me...to think that I couldn't even dontate blood to my own sister who was born in the States if ever that be the case and neither could my mother, father, or other sibling.

I'm not aware of how grim the blood banks' situation is where you are, but I know for certain that in the States we are constantly being urged to dontate because our banks are depleted.

Other than the longitude and latitude of my birth place, I am extremely healthy. I am blessed to be so and think it is tragedy that I am unable to share my good fortune with others who are not so lucky.

I know you don't consider yourself a hero, but because of your diligent pursuit to ensure that this doesn't happen to others...you are a hero. Be it not today, tomorrow, or even a year from now, but eventually what you are going through and doing will save someone's life. Which makes you a hero in my book. Rome wasn't built in a day my friend. But through educating our youth you will build a new empire!

I would like to personally thank you for your efforts.

Thank you!
Destiny Luttrell

P.s. I am sure you have thousands of people offering an ear but if you ever need someone to listen you may certainly email me.

I wish I knew about you sooner!!!!!
Today I sat and read your blog for the first time ever.
Not only did I read todays but I started at the beginning.
I am sorry to hear about the journey you had to travel.
You are a brave man. Stay strong and know you family and friends are always there to support your decision.
tonight I will go out and have a drink or two for you.

Karrie, USA

Hi Adrian

I'd just like to add my name to the long list of people who wish you all the very best and would move heaven and earth to be able to help you, personally, right now.
I saw you on Five News for the first time earlier this week, read your blogs and all the messages of support and felt compelled to write.
You can take comfort in the fact that conversations about bone marrow donation are taking place up and down the country as a result of your story and hopefully the whole thing will become a routine, commonplace thing to do - with many of the myths having been dispelled.
I shall be asking for my name to be added to the register at my next blood donor session (in about 3 weeks)and encouraging my friends to do likewise.
Being a complete "wuss" I would be terrified- but also very excited and honoured to donate, if I was found to be a match for a patient!
Well, I think you've already achieved your goal in bringing this issue into the spotlight,

All my love and best wishes

Charlotte, Chester

P.S. - and thanks for putting my life into perspective, I will certainly be grateful for every day now.

Adrian, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this campaign. When Becky was searching for a bone marrow match there was no one in this country who was compatible. Maybe because of all your hard work, if/when the time comes for her to have a bone marrow transplant there may be someone in the UK who is a perfect match for her.. I thank you again. Lots of love Dawn xxxx

PS Your are one of the bravest people I have ever had the pleasure to of called a friend.. xxx

You've heard it all before but I just wanted to say that I've been following your journey in the Sheffield Star and now on TV - and you ARE inspirational.
I'm not very good with words but just wanted to add myself to the list of people who are thinking about you every step of the way and wishing you well.
I have been on the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register for many years and wish you much luck with your campaign - hopefully that will be your legacy.
Please stay strong and take care - you are doing a grand job under the most difficult circumstances.
Just know that you're thought about
Dawne x

Dear Adrian...I am reading your blog in hopes of being "nearer" to my father in France who has pancreatic cancer. I am in Arizona. I did see him this Spring and I suppose I said goodbye, but I ache for him every day. Your words sort of open the door to the things you and he are going through in these days and let me peak inside. Not easy, but I'd rather know that not know. God Bless You!!! And I will pray for you too when I pray for my father.... therese

Hi Adrian,
I just wanted you to know what an amazing person you are. I posted before but it didn't get through. (I am not bothered by this only that you got the message). I have a little friend who was 4 this week and has leukaemia. He as the Philidelphia gene and therefore must have a BM transplant. It is because of you that this register of donors I know will be flooded with people and he will find a match. I don't know you but I am so full of gratitiude for your fantastic, unselfish and such memorable and useful life. It is the quiet, unsung heros that make humanity what it is supposed to be, and that is what you are, but I am so glad that you have been recognised for who you are. I think of you, Poppy and your family. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being the incredible man you are.
Jen x

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have found it truly humbling. After reading through all of your posts, I thought that the best way to honor you was to share how easy it is to become a donor with my friends and family. Like many, I give blood and have never thought about being a bone marrow donor. Your story has inspired me to get on the registry here in the U.S.

Best wishes,
Dustina

Hi Adrian,
It is really impressive story. I am Iranian originally but I live for 12 years in Germany. I have heared today a report at BBC Persian about you and decide to find your blog, to greeting you and to know closer about your story.

I think it is not impossible specially in the world of medicin. Every day come to world new methods in treathment of illnesses and I hope for yours also soon one.

I find what you make meaningsfull and great. It will sure play a roll in knowledge of people to teart against to spend of marrow. Wish you all the best and hope a lot of people could hear your message.
Yours sincerely
Mehdy

P.S. I added your blog in my new search portal hope it help a little bit.

hello Adrian,

well, am happy i found this blog, and am sad to know that ur going through this. actually, my mom died 2 years ago, at the age of 44 of liver cancer. we have been through some really difficult time.
now, i wanted to share some beliefs i have with you, and i hope they help a bit.
you were asking why r u going though all this, why u? well, am actualy a muslim, we believe that having all those problems in ur life can actually be a good sign, a test from God, to see how strong you are, and how much you can endure. God is fair, so, dont keep wondering why you, just be strong and fight it off.
:)
i wish you all the best, i hope that soon i will hear that u were cured:)

Hi Adrian,
I'm really sorry to hear of what has happened to you. However, nature can select us for different things. Some unpleasant, some seemingly dame right -unfair!
We spend our lives just hoping most of the seriously bad stuff never happens to us or anyone we love or know. Moreover, the truth is that, the most disastrous things that can happen to us, more often than not, make us stronger! Human beings are very strong and very resilient! You've done the phases in coming to terms with things. Miraculously, what you're now doing too; not only bringing awareness of the uniqueness of your illness. Moreover, the spirited, dignified practical manner in which you're choosing to address this affliction in a positive, inspiring way!

Donations - I can see your unfortunate situation has really raised awareness too, of the issues of terminal illnesses. It will make more people go on the organ and other donation registers!

My Goodman, enjoy the time you have left with us, as we too do our best to enjoy the time we have left with our loved-ones and friends. We only have a limited time too. Like you, we take it for granted. However, my aunty and uncle are church Ministers in the; births, christenings and funeral business' as I call it, (to their annoyance - but it's true!) and as my aunty always says; Life is a long journey - this life is just one phase of that journey, and in true time, this life is a fraction of that journey and time... we are ALL - just - passing through…..'

Blessed Regards, you're an INSPIRATION!!!!!!........

Adrian

I wanted to say that you are a marvelous person for making this most private event a national event. I am sure that you are going to save a lot of lives and you have surely opened a lot of eyes.

You are a beautiful person from what I can tell from the inside out. You are still quite a handsome man and a hottie. I live in America I should know a bit about hotties - I am faced with them ever day and you are the hottest of all.

I have not been faced with someone close to me having any sort of terrible disease, but I hope that if I or someone close to me does face this - they face it your way.

I can understand your being tired of the treatments, you have been very strong and you have had your ups and downs. You will forever be remembered no matter what happens to your body. You deserve to be with your friends and family and enjoy them and what time you have left. No one can put a time on when death will take any of us, but we can control the mark we leave behind. You took control of that mark and left a huge one on this world.

You are in my thoughts and will always be there.

Adrian,

Have recently read your blogs and am signing up to be a stem cell donor. As an African-American woman, you have really touched by heart and have made me aware of the need for donors in the black community.

Bless you and thank you for sharing your joys and pains. You are in my heart.

Felicia

Hi Adrian

I'm French, I've just read your story and i want to tell you how much i admire what you're doing: you'll surely save lives...

God bless you

Karine, from France

I just read your story for the first time, and I am amazed at your strength, I admire what you are doing, if there were more people like you in the world how wonderful it would be. You have inspired me, wow you have left me speechless really.

Psalms 56:3 But when I'm afraid I put my trust in you.

God still has plans for you, trust in him with all your strength, all your heart and believe he can heal and you shall be healed. Praise him in your storm. Miracles do happen, you may be the next miracle God has planned.

I don't even know you other than reading your story and I just want to say I love you, you are a great inspiration. I have a son that went thru an 8 hour surgery about 4 years ago at the age of 16 to remove a tumor from the side of his face. He is doing well at this time and will turn 21 May 27th. I will have him read your story.

God Bless you, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Yvette, from Oklahoma

I just read your story for the first time, and I am amazed at your strength, I admire what you are doing, if there were more people like you in the world how wonderful it would be. You have inspired me, wow you have left me speechless really.

Psalms 56:3 But when I'm afraid I put my trust in you.

God still has plans for you, trust in him with all your strength, all your heart and believe he can heal and you shall be healed. Praise him in your storm. Miracles do happen, you may be the next miracle God has planned.

I don't even know you other than reading your story and I just want to say I love you, you are a great inspiration. I have a son that went thru an 8 hour surgery about 4 years ago at the age of 16 to remove a tumor from the side of his face. He is doing well at this time and will turn 21 May 27th. I will have him read your story.

God Bless you, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Yvette, from Oklahoma

Adrian

I am sorry that your cancer has returned. I recently lost a good friend - aged 36 - to ovarian cancer. she was a fighter, but in the end it got the better of her. She was very pragmatic about her situation, more concerned for the people she would leave behind - her family, husband, children, friends - as they would have to be the one to deal with her going.

I work in a school and will put forward the need for 6th formers to be educated about bone marrow donation.

Having seen you on BBC breakfast time - I have contacted the National Blood Service regarding doning as I already give blood.

Take care - be brave - Rosie

Hi Adrian

Just sending you a big hug. You've really inspired me - I'm going to look into bone marrow donation a.s.a.p.

This blog will be a real legacy for you. It's really touched me and I am telling everyone I know about it.

You are so brave and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jackie

Adrian
I am writing from the United States where this morning I have come across your blog. I will keep it short - YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE - YOU ARE SUCH AN INCREDIBLE SOLE - YOU WILL CHANGE THE WORLD - AND YOU HAVE HAD SUCH A PURPOSE ON THIS EARTH. I will pray for you always and hope for a miracle. With much love!!!

Hi Adrian

I just read some of the comments and it occured to me that maybe it is worth trying the chemo again. Regardless of how sick it makes you feel - isnt it worth a try? i agree that the end of your engagement should not be the reason you give up. It seems to me you have so much to give! I for one am getting more and more upset each day to think that at some point soon there will be no new posts on this blog. You are such an amazing person (and not bad to look at!)and it saddens me that you have had to endure so much pain but have you really had enough?

I hope you put some new blogs up soon (and more of em!)
keep up the TV appearances too!

K

Adrien, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your relapse. Leukemia is such a hard disease to beat, and I was hoping you would kick it's ASS! I think you are awesome and so brave. I think your campaign is awesome too. As you know, Johnny never found a donor. I'm walking in the Light the Night Leukemia and Lymphoma walk again this year and my company is also walking in memory of Johnny. We need money to help with new cures! Adrien, I don't know what to say, except that I truly love what you have and continue to do for Leukemia education. God Bless you and feel free to contact me should you like to chat. rhonda.thompson@mckesson.com

Dear Adrian

Thankyou. Your education on what the bone marrow transplant procedure entails has removed any doubts I had about signing onto the donors list.
If I ever end up on that bed I'm sure just thinking of your courageous struggle will give me the courage to sit through three hours of that.

Like you said on Five news man. Go out in a blaze of glory. Have fun and enjoy your life you have left.