LINAC

Last week I was again invited back to the Radiotherapy Department at the BHOC to have scans in preparation for radiotherapy.  I was marked up with ink on each side of my chest and a very small tattoo on over my breastbone.  Then, yesterday afternoon, I returned to have the actual therapy.  This was undertaken on a device called a Linear Accelerator on 'Linac'.  

I simply had to lie on a (rather hard) surface.  

This image shows the actual Linac at the BHOC.

I had two treatments; firstly on part of my spine which has been giving me pain.  This involved the radiation source being positioned beneath me.  The second was to my breastbone requiring treatment from directly above.  I can now expect to see my skin react with something akin to sunburn and which may become a little inflamed.

I am extraordinarily fortunate that I am treated at the BHOC and that I have access to such advanced facilities.  Everyone I meet at the BHOC is so kind and friendly despite their often very difficult work.

Keep safe, keep well, and KBO

Stephen

DARA Cycle 2

Since my last post, life has continued to be somewhat complicated. Following my MRI scan, I had a routine blood test and the following day a telephoned consultation.  My platelet count had deteriorated yet again and was too low to proceed to Cycle 2.  There would be a pause for a week and then another blood test and review.  Meanwhile I was called forward by my GP to receive the annual influenza vaccination. 

A week later, I was asked to attend the radiotherapy department for a further scan required by them to proceed with radiotherapy treatment. In the event there were administrative difficulties so that could not proceed.  Fortunately that appointment was followed by another blood test.  Then the day after, I had a further consultant's telephone call.  My platelets were still low but the decision had been made to continue onto Cycle 2 but with notable conditions.  Firstly, each treatment would be conditional on a check of my platelet level.  If too low, I will have a platelet transfusion.  Strange that some years ago I used to be a platelet donor. Because of the potential need for platelets, the treatment appointments will be back at the BHOC where the necessary facilities for fast track testing are available.  Secondly the dose level and frequency of one of the chemo drugs, Velcade, is to be adjusted.  Clearly there is now a dilemma. I responded well to the first cycle so there is a clear benefit in continuing with treatment.  On the other hand, that treatment is having adverse effects on my platelet level.  It will be a balancing act.

On the day before that blood test, I had visited Woodspring Bay with the intention of flying my drone.  In the event, and having launched, it was clear that the wind was too strong.  This was a shame since the tide was at its lowest.  I'll leave you to study the fact that tides ebb and flow twice every day but also are subject to springs and neaps twice each month. 

On the day of the blood test I had returned to my car at a time which offered the opportunity to return to the bay for another attempt.  The conditions were almost perfect.  Although the tide was just a little higher than on the previous day the wind had now abated.  I was able to launch and film two hulks which were scuttled in 1944.  I will be publishing another YouTube video in due course.  

This image shows HMS Staghound which was scuttled on the Langford Grounds (in Woodspring Bay) in 1944.

Evident is at least one bomb crater in the mud.  Also apparent is the ship's single boiler (large cylindrical object)

Click the image to enlarge.

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time
Leo Tolstoy

Keep safe, keep well, and KBO

Stephen

Two Days Off

It's the weekend and I have 'two days off '.   I started cycle number 1 on 31st August and it lasted for three weeks.  I had quite a few side effects including, for some unexplained reason, almost loosing my voice.  Now anyone that knows me will appreciate, I can normally talk for England! Thankfully it has now returned.  The 'two days off' refers to the fact that each week I've needed three appointments, each requiring a trip into Bristol.  Nobody had told me that you need to be fit to be ill !

In order to continue onto cycle number 2, my overall health needed review including yet another blood test.  Unfortunately my platelet count which has been somewhat suppressed for two years, was now very low and is delaying my treatment.  It is to be hoped that things will have improved in time for my next blood test on Monday followed by telephone clinic on Tuesday.

Meanwhile my consultant had been concerned about my bone health and arranged for me to have a CT scan on 2nd September (another trip into Bristol).

MRI Scanner - Click to enlarge

Because I currently have some back/pelvis pain, it was then decided that I should have a further scan, this time an MRI on Friday
(yep, another trip into Bristol).

It seems highly likely that I shall need some radiotherapy (so yet at least one more trip into Bristol).







The procedure involves donning hospital gowns (one front, one back) and the lying onto the bed which then moves deep into the scanner.  I was provided with a squeeze bulb to summon attention had I required.  I was also to wear headphones since the scanner is extremely noisy.  I can understand why some people cannot cope with being in the scanner, with one's nose just 2 inches from the machine for an extended time.  I was scanned from the base of my skull to the base of my pelvis taking about half an hour.  The staff were so cheerful, friendly and efficient.

As the number of Covid infections in the UK continue to rise, I hear on the news that shielding might be re-introduced.  I find it frustrating that the irresponsibility of some could have such a detrimental effect on others. There - said it. 

The most important news I received from my consultant is that my paraprotein, an indicator of my myeloma activity, has significantly reduced.  Excellent news: I am responding to this treatment.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. 

Nothing can be done without faith and confidence

Helen Keller

Keep safe, keep well

Stephen