On Monday I met with one of the doctors at the BHOC for my work-up medical examination and chest X-ray. Then yesterday I had the first of two PCR tests needed to ensure that I don't take COVID onto the ward.
Later yesterday I was contacted by my consultant who gave me the news that my admission for treatment, scheduled for next Thursday, would have to be delayed. The trial had originally specified 6 weeks for the production of CAR-T cells in the USA. This has had to be changed to 8 - 10 weeks. Accordingly my cells will not arrive until the end of the month at the earliest. The blood test taken on Monday revealed the fact that my paraprotein had risen again so he has decided that I should have a further chemotherapy cycle starting on Tuesday next week and to be preceded with a further blood test on Monday.
Clearly the news came as a surprise and a disappointment. I had waited for some weeks for the admission and had prepared everything for next week. I have learnt to be patient and to "go with the flow" when such things happen. I will simply have to wait again. It is rewarding to note that I am still being looked after though.
The latest schedule suggests admission in early October. This will mean that, for the second year, a family Christmas will not be possible. So yet another disappointment - especially for Margaret.
but the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting
Most certainly KBO
Stephen
