On Thursday I drove back to the Bristol Oncology and Haematology Centre (BHOC) in order to have my blood tested. Again I shunned public transport and put my car into the nearby multi-storey. Interestingly perhaps, I had prepared my car in advance by inflating the tyres and ensuring the battery was fully charged. I also washed it - yuk - I realised it had not been fully cleaned since February and algae had started to develop! Again I managed to not touch anything except the parking ticket. I had taken hand sanitizer so that was no issue. Margaret had made me a face covering so that I could avoid infecting the staff.
Today I was phoned by my consultant. Again my paraprotein had risen - this time up to 18. It was rewarding to hear that there were no negative effects on my liver or kidney functions and that my other blood results were satisfactory - so good that my next appointment will be in another two months. It is now clear that this period in my myeloma has happened at a very good time in respect of covid-19.
I learnt that recruitment to myeloma clinical trials is currently suspended but that may change "shortly" . I also got the very good news that one of the medications that I will almost certainly need in the future called Velcade can now be self-administered. Originally it had been infused by intravenous injection and had a bad reputation for side effects. It was then developed to be given, also by nurses, as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). It was found to have far less side effects whilst still being a very effective medication. Only now has Bristol agreed that it can be self-administered and thus avoiding multiple visits to the BHOC. Not only are such jouneys taxing, they also risk infection. The future is very much better with this news.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
The picture shows a new visitor to our garden who I've called Cyril. Here he is reaching up to nuts I've threaded onto a string in a hope to discourage him from stealing from the bird feeder.
The intention is to build him, and his mate (called Cybill) an assault course. First we need to attract him regularly and we have some way to go !
"Those who wish to sing, always find a song"
Swedish proverb
Keep kind, keep safe, keep well
Stephen
