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.


Saturday, 13 June 2015

Phew !

Margaret has had her procedure and seems to be coping well. It's early days but we're both very encouraged by the care she received at the BHI. She has her stitches out next week and has a review appointment in six weeks time. By then I believe we will know if this has been successful.

Two weeks ago I had my neck ultrasound scanned. I had reported a neck ache to my haematology consultant. Secretly I feared that the medication I'm on might have caused another cancer - lymphoma. My consultant probably had the same concern. It was with considerable relief to be given the all clear. My monthly consultant's appointment again contained excellent news that my paraprotein remains undetectable and my Lites are most encouraging. It had been a complicated day: Margaret's day surgery appointment, my consultant's clinic and my two monthly treatment appointment. Complicated but satisfying ! The day also exemplified the high quality of care that both Margaret and I receive from our NHS.

Looking for a suitable thought about "fear" I came across this:

Always do what you are afraid to do
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

There seems to be a strange truth in that, which I can't quite explain.

Keep well and YOLO

Stephen