It’s been 2 years now since finding out my Hairy Cell Leukaemia had relapsed. I’ve blogged about this previously in more detail, basically, not the news we wanted at the time. Looking back the treatment and recovery journey was very different to the first episode. Long story short, my recent haematology results (last week) came out all pretty much in normal expected ranges, nothing that the consultant is worried or concerned about – next check up in 6 months.
I’ve been pretty poor this year (so far) at keeping up to date with my blog posts. In previous years, I’ve had major fundraising events that I was publicising so kept more active. I took a break from that this year in order to give my target audience a rest – but will be back in the future!
So what have I been up to then? Well, back to normal I guess, with a few treats thrown in along the way.
Winter Sun
I was hit hardest during my treatment in January 2023. From having to self administer injections of medication to boost immunity, to chemo hangovers to extreme chemo sickness – and basically being confined to the house, MrsQ and I vowed to treat ourselves to a winter sun holiday when this was all done and dusted.
After an evening of searching on various websites, we settled on a 2 week all inclusive stay in the Dominican Republic. This was very much a departure from our normal holidays, long haul flights, all inclusive, south of the equator. It was the ideal spot on reflection, not having to worry about anything (ok, except expanding waist lines) for a couple of weeks, biggest decision of the day being beach or pool. The resort was fantastic, several “fine” dining establishments as well as the ridiculously stocked buffet.
I did make an effort to keep somewhat in shape as I had a couple of events in the calendar, 10 mile run in Milton Keynes, and a 60 mile bike ride. Training on the beach was fun… MrsQ is asking where we are going next year? As well as being a treat after my treatment, our holiday was also a kind of second honeymoon as we’d celebrated 20 years married in November 2023.
Return journey was fun – we er, underestimated the time it would take us to transfer flights in JFK – our own fault for not flying direct I guess…. it was a slightly stressful couple of hours to say the least. Thankfully, staff from the US border agency allowed us skip to the front of the queue allowing us to clear customs, find our bags, check in again, go through customs… again. Eek!
Concerts, Contests..
Having missed out on a couple of calls to play with City of Cambridge Symphony while off ill in 2023, I did eventually get to join them in February to revisit a work that I’d previously played during my days with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben. One of my favourite works, coupled with oodles of nostalgia, and for this performance I got to play “The Hero at Battle” Theme (if you know, you know), having played a different part back in the ’90s!!. A curve ball on the day for this performance was that the conductor called in unwell on the day of the concert, so someone else stood in on the day, which is quite an achievement!
Another work marked off this list was a performance of Scheherazade with London International Orchestra. I’d only ever previously played this through at orchestral rehearsals (with Manx Sinfonia I think) or brass band arrangement. Other notable concerts were with Bloomsbury Chamber Orchestra, Dvorak 8 and a Dvorak 9 with London Euphonia Orchestra, as well as a very enjoyable return to play with North London Symphony Orchestra for their performance of Berlioz Symphony Fantastique.
I returned to my Soprano Cornet seat with Hitchin Band for the brass band area contest in March. In 2023 I was in audience as they won the 1st section. This year, we didn’t win, not sure what that means, we played to plan – that’s contesting 🙂 it wasn’t my fault honest. Anyway, aggregate results put the band into the Championship section in 2025.
Wrong Trousers
Another special concert this year was our performance along to the live screening of the film of the Aardman film, Wallace & Gromit, The Wrong Trousers. This year was 30th anniversary of the release of the film and the studio gave permission for brass band arrangement of the underscore music to be published allowing bands up and down the country to put on their own screenings. My parents made the trip over from Ireland for this which was great and it was first time my youngest niece (4 at the time, going on 25) came to see me in a concert. Hitchin Band are now experts at playing to film, as for many years we perform the Snowman to sell-out audiences in the festive season. I believe this years shows are already sold out.
West End Return!
My initial diagnosis had a significant effect on MrsQ’s career, effectively having to put things on hold while I was under treatment. Thankfully, opportunities such as playing in Phantom of the Opera in Tokyo came the following year in addition to continuing with singing career. Then covid hit, which turned the whole industry on its head to say the least, including MrsQ being dropped by her agent (retired, I believe). Long story short – no agent, hard to get work, you won’t get on the audition lists. Out of the blue, MrsQ approached by an Agent in April/May of this year, despite not seeing any performances. The next week, an audition, a call back, follow up, no news, it’s over, then… an offer. Remarkable! There is an old saying, it’s not about waiting for your opportunities, it’s about being ready for your opportunities when they come. Today is MrsQ’s first day in rehearsals for this West End show (currently running, joining cast). I can’t say what it is, unfortunately, but a long contract (which means I’ll be home alone and unsupervised for prolonged periods over the next 12 months! what’s the worst that can happen). I couldn’t be more proud!
The start of this contract brought forward a few things for us too, a quick holiday in AndalucÃa, where after a few days in family apartment on our own, we were joined by MrsQ’s brother & family – so had a nice catch up (including a cool trip to Sierra Nevada to do an eMTB tour!).
The other event brought forward was a performance at our local Bigg Theatre with Time to Say Bocelli and Brightman. I posted previously about the Bigg Theatre, in an effort to publicise! On the night, we played to a pretty much full house, with many first time visitors to the venue. This is not only great for us as performers, the theatre now know there is an audience for this kind of show in this area. It was such a pleasure to perform to a wonderfully appreciative audience, can’t wait to do it again.
What next…
Focusing on staying fit & healthy…. looking forward to a visit to Waterford, Ireland in September to catch up with family, concerts, gigs, few sporting events. PRESS NIGHT in the West End too! I’ve also got a list of jobs to do around the house and garden! 🙂
During my treatment I count myself fortunate to have had great support and love from close family and friends. I really appreciate this. However bad things got for me, I appreciate some have had it much worse. I am grateful to the staff at the NHS who have been there when needed – however stressful it is at times waiting on appointments / results. I am grateful to my employer who gave me the time and space to recover and continue to allow me to grow into my role.
Take care all, look after one and other!
