Cycle 8 is now completed and thank goodness. As suggested in my last post, the these cycles have been characterised by side effects from the three medications. Most notably, I've needed regular platelet transfusions and I've lost energy and become breathless.
The last 21 days has required me to visit the BHOC twice a week for both treatment and to receive platelet transfusions. On one occasion I was also recognised as needing a blood transfusion in order to resolve low haemoglobin.
Changing now to a much simpler protocol with less medications (notably without Velcade) should make things more bearable. Cycles 9 onwards are considered to be maintenance and last for 28 days each. As such, I will receive, on day one, Daratumumab and Dexamethasone, then on day two just the Dexamethazone. My consultant thinks I may need to continue receiving weekly platelets, though this is yet to be confirmed.
Update: Attended BHOC to receive the Daratumamab injection in accordance with the maintenance protocol. Also discover that the protocol also stipulated dexamethasone at greatly reduced dose on days 1,2 and 3. Given the removal of Velcade, I can have even more hope for reduced side effects.
On non-medical matters, I've now had contract gardeners to cut two hedges that I simply don't have the energy to attend to. I will also need to make a decision regarding our grass cutting. If my energy returns then I can do the work, but that seems decreasingly likely.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it
Charles R. Swindoll
Keep safe, keep well and KBO
Stephen
