Summary Text

SUMMARY: First diagnosed with myeloma October 2011. Recruited onto clinical trial Myeloma X11 (Lenalidomide) at Bristol Oncology and Haematology Centre. First High Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant (HDT&SCT) in July 2012. On maintenance until June 2017. June 2018 recruited onto Myeloma XII trial (Ixazomib). December 2018 Second HDT&SCT. On maintenance until February 2020. August 2020 Commenced treatment involving Daratumumab. April 2021 relapsed. June 2021 recruited onto Cartitude 4 clinical trial and infused with CAR-T cells in October 2021. My own immune system is now fighting the cancer . I am exceedingly fortunate.


Wednesday, 6 December 2023

December 2023

Firstly, you may have noticed an absence of a post for November.  This was simply because I only needed to attend the BHOC to provide blood samples. The only notable event during that month was my attendance in the Remembrance Parade in Bristol on the 12th.  Perhaps inevitably the rain came down each time I removed my bowler hat!

Recent blood tests over two consecutive months had indicated a very low (2) but meaningful rise in my paraprotein level.  They would seem to have suggested a potential relapse.  This was perhaps confirmed when I was informed that I was to see the haematology lead.  In the event the news was very different.  My November blood test indicated an inability, again, to detect paraprotein.  We could only guess that the previous indications had reinvigorated the CAR-T cells which had done their job and fought the cancer cells.  Only time will tell but I take the news as a significant Christmas present. 

The consultant did check my immunoglobulin level and decided that I should be put back on to IvIg treatment just like I needed during the last two years. No doubt I will shortly be allocated a treatment appointment

One extra bit of news - I've now had my second cataract surgery.  Early indications are that everything went very well.  Remarkably I could even see through the new lens as HRH drove me home after the operation.



No news is good news
Ludovic Halevy

I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas

Stephen