Last week I had a face-to-face meeting with the radiology registrar to discuss my recent scans. This was the first time I'd actually seen scans and remarked that, on the MRI, I could see my brain. The registrar promptly observed that I have a large one ! Also noted was that I have two cracked ribs which I was told is "quite normal". Looking at the PET scan, there was only slight indication of myeloma activity on one vertebrae. After discussion we agreed that I would not have any radiotherapy unless the pain becomes worse. I had recently increased the dosage of Oramorph which had largely addressed this.
I had the opportunity to discuss the significance of the apheresis appointment with the trials coordinator. As I suspected, this is purely a reservation. I will be told which arm I'm on later.
I now have further test appointments: On one day I first have an Echocardiogram. I've had one before. It's a painless procedure involving an ultrasound examination of the heart and nearby blood vessels. On the same day I'm also scheduled for a lung function test. This will be a series of tests to check the condition of my lungs. The following day I'm scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy. This will be my ninth such procedure. It checks the true myeloma activity in the bone marrow. In my case the samples are taken from my hip bone.
All these checks are to confirm that I qualify for the trial. It is not until late June that I have a consultant appointment to sign my consent. Hopefully I will hear more before then.
Keep safe, keep well and KBO
Stephen
