My grandfather and I...

We share a birthday on August 3rd, and together undergoing chemotherapy...

On January 23, 2023, my grandfather had his first chemotherapy session, and two days later, I started my first chemotherapy session as well, so we were both undergoing chemotherapy together.

Unfortunately, things didn't go well for my grandfather, and I also experienced difficulties during treatment. Sadly, a week later on February 2, 2023, my grandfather passed away on my mother's birthday...

My treatment was supposed to last for five days, and then I could go home. However, I developed a fever, an infection in my leg, and an infection in my Hickman line (subcutaneous infusion line), which had to be removed, and I had to receive infusions in my hands instead. One of these infusions was not functioning properly, causing the opioids to accumulate under my skin instead of entering my bloodstream. As a result, I went through two days of cold turkey withdrawal, feeling absolutely miserable and sick.

Fortunately, through video calls, my mother and I were able to see and speak to my grandfather while he was in the hospital, and we were able to say our goodbyes.

My grandfather told me:

"Rick, keep pushing through, you have to, otherwise you'll get a kick in the butt!

 I won't make it, but you will !"

I promised him that I would give it my all and make it through.
Due to my poor health at the time of my grandfather's passing, my mother and I were unable to attend his funeral, and we followed it through a live stream from the Prinses Maxima Centrum.

My father and brother were present at the funeral, and my father wore my shirt so that I could be there in spirit. Towards the end of the funeral, my family turned around and sent us hearts and blown kisses through the camera, which was incredibly sweet, and that's how we bid farewell to our dear grandfather, Ingo Wijchers. It was an extremely difficult period for all of us... We miss you, grandpa!

After 3 weeks, I was allowed to go home for a week before starting the second round of treatment. Of course, we first visited Grandma, and it was a sad feeling without Grandpa. But Grandma said that all Grandpa wanted was for you to get better, and that's what we're striving for. Grandpa's words were "Kop der veur!" (Keep your head up!), and I was definitely determined to do so.

The second chemotherapy went according to plan, and after 5 days, I was able to go home. I stayed at home for about a month to rest and regain strength for what was yet to come... the Stem Cell Transplantation.