Maintenance #6

If you have been following my recent posts then this one's title would suggest that I have a better platelet count.  In fact my count today was 70. Normal is 150 to 400. With a beaming smile my trials nurse announced that the trial organisers have reduced the criteria from 75 to 50.  Accordingly I have been prescribed for Maintenance Cycle #6.  Excellent news indeed.  I can only guess that other patients have been exhibiting similar platelet problems and that it is considered safe to continue (albeit in my case with a reduced dose).

As I get older (don't we all?) I have come to enjoy experiences more than possessions. For my birthday Margaret generously bought me a half day "experience" at the International Center for Birds of Prey (www.icbp.org).  Despite rain showers, we managed to fly a variety of birds.  Each one was encouraged, with food, to fly between us landing on our gloved hand.  It is truly wonderful to have a wild bird fly towards you.  It was also something of a surprise to discover just how light even large birds can be.  After a warming cup of coffee and a biscuit we moved into an indoor area where yet more birds were displayed and flown.  Finally we were allowed to hold yet more birds so that photographs could be taken.

This picture shows me holding a Laggar Falcon.  These are nocturnal so he had been wearing a head cover.  It was an honour to be holding him when the cover was removed.

Click to enlarge

Just days later, Margaret called me to a window from where she had noticed this common buzzard.

Click to enlarge

We often hear the buzzard's plaintive cry and see them high above us.  We have never seen one this close though.

I thought a change from sayings might be welcome. Instead then I recommend a piece of truly inspirational music:

The Pie Jesu from John Rutter's Requiem
Click to listen

Keep well
Stephen

Setback Sorted - Maintenance #5

I forgot to update readers with my situation.  I did return to clinic at the limit of extension to my trial cycle number 4.  A further blood test required another extended wait for laboratory results.  Eventually I was told that the result was sufficient to continue onto maintenance cycle 5.  Accordingly I then waited for my medications to be dispensed.  Only when I went to the pharmacy was I told that they didn't have stock of the reduced dose Ixazomib: I would have to come back when it had been delivered.

Two days later I was advised that the medications were now available for collection so I drove, yet again, into Bristol.  At first my package could not be found: A matter which required a "certain amount of patience" on my part!  Luckily it was found and I'm now into maintenance cycle number 5.

One extra detail to report.  Having had paraprotein readings of 6 for some time, and thus a plateau, my latest consultant's letter indicates a rise to a count of 7.  Best not to draw any conclusions yet.

Any time you suffer a setback or disappointment,

put your head down and plough ahead.

Les Brown

KBO and Keep well
Stephen