This week I again visited my consultant and have been prescribed for the fourth re-induction cycle. I was also told that my paraprotein level at the end of cycle 2 (remember that it is necessary to wait for test results) had fallen to 6. This was both good and, perhaps, not-so-good news. The good news is that I have continued to respond to the re-induction medications and that I have now more than halved my starting level which was 13. The not-so-good news resulted from a discussion with the consultant, the upshot of which is that I will not complete re-induction after cycle four. Realistically I will probably need the maximum number of six cycles. This will mean that this stage of treatment will probably continue until the end of November. It also means that I am probably only half way through ! I must, of course be thankful that I am responding and that the side effects, whilst challenging at times, are tolerable. I could be in a much worse place.
Since the meeting I've received notification that I have an extra appointment one week after the end of cycle number 6. I can only guess but given the timing, it would seem likely that I will be scheduled for stem cell mobilisation and harvesting before Christmas and then be admitted for transplant in the new year. I am so impatient.
Since my last post very little has happened but most notably our elder son and our grandson visited for a weekend. It is always a joy to see them and we really do appreciate the efforts of both our sons when they travel from the Bournemouth area.
We must accept finite disappointment,
but never lose infinite hope.
Martin Luther King Jnr.
Keep well
Stephen
