Cycle number 2 ended almost a week ago. I'd had my Linac radiotherapy earlier but it became clear that it had not improved my back ache. In fact the pain was worsening. I reported this to my consultant and two processes were immediately put in place. Firstly that I would receive a further dose of radiotherapy lower down my spine. Secondly, since pain relief with paracetamol was insufficient, I would be prescribed Oral Morphine. This was quickly delivered to me. Much to my surprise, when taken, it seemed not to work. I became aware that I could take it at the same time as paracetamol. The two medications then seemingly work together. Thankfully this proved to be the case. Paracetamol normally only provides relief for 4 to 5 hours but the combination I've found to last maybe 6 or 7 hours. Accordingly I get pain relief throughout the day and the night.
I've now had the second session of radiotherapy and wait to see if it has been effective. If so I will be able to reduce the morphine dose and possibly even stop needing it.
The perhaps not-so-good news came from my consultant who advised that my paraprotein level did not suggest significant response to treatment and that alternatives may have to be considered. Maybe, just maybe, the radiotherapy will have targeted the actual myeloma and not just the pain.
Keep safe, keep well, and KBO
