After my return home, I could feel my body recovering with the usual ache of my bones. Otherwise, I could feel myself getting back on track.

I decided to break from my usual computer gaming and have a go at painting. I only managed to put down the first background layer and spent a day testing colours but it felt like a long overdue release – a hobby that work had replaced in recent years and something I’m glad to re-visit.

Willing my body better seemed to help as I received a call on Thursday afternoon after another good set of blood results.

I’m on day 4 and roughly half way into my R-IVAC course. I’d forgotten the amount of chemicals it involves and the daily routine has almost merged into a dreamy autopilot. So far, the treatments have lasted well into the night and having regular interruptions has affected my sleeping pattern. Although trying to keep awake and mobile, I’ve spent the last couple of days catching up on sleep.

My appetite is also deteriorating again as the sickness kicks in. The nurse started me on some new anti-sickness tablets today which seems to have helped, but I still have a dizzy headache.

I’m glad to say that the end is in sight and though I appreciate the work of the nurses and doctors, there are a lot of things about this experience that I will not be reminiscing over.

I’m looking forward to getting back to my painting.