Since my last post I've had two notable hospital appointments. Firstly I needed a treatment on a medication called Pentamidine. Because my immune system took something of a bashing, I am at risk of a form of pneumonia. Normally I would receive a drug called Allopurinol but the last time I was given it, I proved to be allergic. I thus need the Pentamidine which is administered by inhalation through a nebuliser. So far I've had one session which takes about thirty five minutes. I have appointments for a further three sessions after which I should be clear of the risk. At this appointment the opportunity was also taken to check my blood. At a subsequent clinic appointment with my consultant and trials nurse, my blood was again tested. The results show that everything is as expected with just my platelets still below normal but never-the-less safe.
I now need to decide whether I feel well enough to return to my magistrate's duties. I am very keen to do so and will speak to the authorities tomorrow.
The next major event in the Myeloma XII trial comes at 100 days after treatment. This will be in March and in preparation for this I will need yet another bone marrow biopsy. I think this will be the sixth so I'm perhaps dangerously blase about this! I will then, if I have responded to the high dose treatment, be subject to further randomisation to see whether I receive maintenance treatment. Only time will tell.
In the meantime it is perhaps also worth mentioning that the BHOC has been keen to ensure that I exercise as part of my recovery. To this end I was referred to a Macmillan adviser who took the trouble to contact me and check on my progress - all very positive.
To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise
Gene Tunney
KBO
Stephen
