You will have noticed that I didn't provide a post during April. To explain, I now attend the BHOC every month but only see a consultant once every second appointment. At all the appointments I see the Clinical Trials Team to have my observations (weight, blood pressure, oxygenation) checked and to provide both NHS and trial blood samples. Accordingly my health is carefully monitored. At the consultant appointments I get the chance to report symptoms in detail and especially to check my myeloma status.
At this month's consultant appointment I learnt that my paraprotein level which had been at the low count of "2" had returned to zero. My free light chain count (another measure of cancer activity) was also normal. Put simply, my myeloma is currently undetectable; the CAR-T cells are still very much active and keeping things under control. Given that I was first diagnosed in 2011, this truly extraordinary. As I've said in the summary above, I am extremely fortunate.
And so to "Life Normal". We've recently had a team in to remove a tree which had fallen in the strong winds and to clear excessive growth of intended shrubs but also an unintended infection of briars. The team came equipped with every piece of professional equipment needed including chain saws, brush cutters etc. They were also quipped with a chipper/shredded which converted the unwanted into useful mulch. Once they had gone I covered the two large beds which had emerged with weed suppressant fabric topped off with the mulch left by the team. My next task now is to choose and install plants which will enhance the re-found openness of our garden. It seemingly will keep me busy!
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| Dianthus (Pink). Hopefully just the start! |
I need my friends, I need my house, I need my garden
Keep well, keep safe
