Summary Text

SUMMARY: First diagnosed with myeloma October 2011. Recruited onto clinical trial Myeloma X11 (Lenalidomide) at Bristol Oncology and Haematology Centre. First High Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant (HDT&SCT) in July 2012. On maintenance until June 2017. June 2018 recruited onto Myeloma XII trial (Ixazomib). December 2018 Second HDT&SCT. On maintenance until February 2020. August 2020 Commenced treatment involving Daratumumab. April 2021 relapsed. June 2021 recruited onto Cartitude 4 clinical trial and infused with CAR-T cells in October 2021. My own immune system is now fighting the cancer . I am exceedingly fortunate.


Thursday, 26 December 2013

Happy New Year

2013 has been a very good year for me. Little by little my health has improved, thus my energy and thus my quality of life. I feel really good. I've been able to do far more than I ever expected.

I'd just like to thank everyone for reading my blog, and wish you a very peaceful, prosperous and healthy New Year.

"KBO"

Stephen

Summary of Progress up to December 2013

The information below deserves some explanation. Paraprotein is secreted into the blood stream by the myeloma and thus can be used as an indicator of response to treatment. A more accurate measurement can be taken by bone marrow biopsy but this is a fairly invasive procedure. Myeloma is not curable but treatment seeks to reduce its effects to a minimum. A full response to treatment would be indicated by no measureable plasma cells in bone marrow and no paraprotein. In my case, my initial response to HDT&SCT was somewhat disappointing. Little by little, however, my levels have improved. Right now, December 2013, my response is defined as Very Good Partial: that makes me very happy and feeling really well.  


Nov 2013              Paraprotein 5
Oct 2013               Paraprotein 6 start of month, then 5 at end
Sep 2013              Paraprotein 6
Aug 2013              Paraprotein 6
Jul 2013                Paraprotein 5
Jun 2013               Paraprotein 7
May 2013              Paraprotein 8
Apr 2013               Paraprotein 10
Mar 2013               Paraprotein 12. Plasma count 3%
Feb 2013               Paraprotein 10
Jan 2013               Paraprotein 14
Dec 2012              Paraprotein 12
Nov 2012              Paraprotein 13
Oct  2012              Paraprotein 21 start of month, then 19 at end
                            Bone Marrow Biopsy, Plasma count >20%
                            Randomised for Maintenance on Revlimid
Aug 2012              Paraprotein 20
Jul 2012                Admitted to BHOC for HDT&SCT on 2nd, discharged 18th
Jun 2012               Self-injection of G-CSF (growth Factor)
                            3 full days of Stem Cell Harvesting at Southmead Hospital
                            Only enough stem cells for one full dose. Paraprotein risen to 28
May 2012              After 2 cycles of VCD decision to proceed to High Dose Therapy
                            and Stem Cell Transplant (HDT&SCT). Lowest Paraprotein 16
                            Cyclopriming required 2 night in hospital.
Mar 2012               After 4 cycles of CRD, decision made to stop induction treatment
                            Paraprotein dropped to 18. Randomised onto Consolidation as VCD
                            (Velcade replacing Revlimid)
Dec 2011              Developed rash due to allergic reaction to Allopurinol:
                            5 days in hospital but out for Christmas!
Nov 2011              Referred to Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC)
                            Accepted onto Myeloma XI trial on intensive pathway
                            Randomised Induction on Cyclophosphamide, Revlimid, Dexamethazone (CRD)
                            Commenced first cycle of CRD
Oct 2011               Fast track referred to Haematology Dept at Weston General Hospital
                            Later diagnosed as having Multiple Myeloma. Paraprotein level 56

Apr 2011               As a platelet donor, asked to refer problem blood test to my GP