The first cycle was characterised by recognisable side effects. The Dexamethason, which is taken on days 1,8, 15 and 22 resulted in insomnia for at least one night each. The Thalidomide, which is taken each day, seems to be the cause of what I will describe as light-headedness. I have been taking this at night and now propose to take it earlier in the evening to try to bring the effect forward.
Overall I seem to have less energy and I'm more prone to needing an afternoon nap. And all this now without any alcohol ! What drives me is the recognition that the last clinical trial resulted in 6 years of being relatively treatment free. I can only hope that investing some effort now will produce a similar effect.
Last month the family came together for a Ken (barbecue) put on by our elder son to celebrate our younger son's birthday. The weather was, of course, fantastic and it was so good to get everyone together and so happy.
The Royal Air Force is 100 years old this year. I recently had the great pleasure to attend the Cosford Airshow with a very good friend and my younger son. Today the centenary has been marked with a service in Westminster Abbey, the presentation of a new colour, and the largest flypast since the second world war. It came as something of a shock to me to realise that having served for 23 years, I had been associated for almost a quarter of the life of the service. I thought it only right to show my 'colours' to my neighbours this week by flying an RAF Ensign !
It occurs to me that the Royal Air Force motto: Per Ardua ad Astra (which variously translates as "Through struggle or adversity to the stars") can also be applied to myeloma where investment in treatment can result in a positive outcome. So....
Per Ardua ad Astra
Keep well
Stephen
