Maintenance #4

From the title, readers will realise that I have good news.  After last week's less-than-good news, today I again attended clinic and after one scare, the news was good. 

To remind you, when I attend clinic I receive a blood test.  This is analysed in the unit whilst samples are also sent to the hospital laboratory.  The unit's system reported my platelet count at 67 and thus too low to return to treatment.  Fortunately the laboratory result, which came through during a rather extended wait to see the consultant, was much more welcome at 82 and thus qualifying me to continue.  Last week's paraprotein result also suggested a plateau so I was prescribed the necessary medications for maintenance cycle number 4. Wow.

It seems to have been so much effort and anxiety for just three capsules of Izazomib and the two prophylactic medications.

But it's truly worth it !












KBO

Keep well

Stephen

Possible Setback

I attended clinic today and became aware of two matters:  Firstly that my paraprotein which had been at a count of 3 in May, had risen to 5 in June, and to 6 in July.  If it rises any more I will probably be taken off the Myeloma XII trial.  The second piece of news was that today's blood test had indicated a platelet count lower than is safe for me to continue, at this time, onto Maintenance cycle #4.  It is currently presumed that the cause is the toxicity of the trial medication, Ixazomib.  I shall return for further blood test next week to see if things have settled down.

Both pieces of news are rather disappointing and potentially throw some of our plans into doubt.

On a more positive note, my two sons treated me to a fantastic experience - a flight in a de Havilland Tiger Moth.

(Click to enlarge)

The story starts in 2005 when I won a  competition at Old Warden.  The prize was a flight in either a Miles Magister or a Tiger Moth.  Knowing that I could always purchase a Tiger Moth flight later but that no such opportunity would exist for the Magister, the choice was obvious.  This particular aircraft ended its RAF service in 1942.  I was flown Rob Millinship who  allowed me to fly it for most of the sortie.

(Click to enlarge)

My dream to fly in a Tiger Moth finally materialised in July and required an evening drive from home to Eaglescott Airfield in north Devon.  Such flights are very much weather dependent and required that we first drive to Tiverton and phone ahead to see if conditions were suitable - they were.  Having helped to get the aircraft out of the hangar, I was guided into the front cockpit.  Once the engine had been hand started the instructor, Barry, climbed into the rear cockpit.  He then taxied us to the runway and to a leisurely take-off.  From then on, Barry had me fly the Moth whilst he provided an almost continuous commentary on what we could see as we first headed to Barnstable.  We passed over the former RAF Chivenor and thence north to Putsborough beach where the American forces practiced for the D Day landings.  Our flight continued south with magnificent views of Appledore, Bideford and RHS Rosemoor.  Barry continued his commentary all the way back to Eaglescott where he had me circle the airfield whilst we descended.  He even let me land the Moth !  How can I possibly thank my sons for this?

The week after the Tiger Moth flight, Margaret and I had the pleasure to visit our two sons, our daughter-in-law and our grandson.  It was wonderful to see them and to enjoy a memorable evening meal with them.

If life throws you a lemon, add gin

Anon

Churchill's saying seems especially apt this time given not-so-good news: KBO

Keep well

Stephen

Maintenance #3

Since my last post, life has been especially enjoyable with a holiday cruising the River Douro in Portugal.

The Dom Luis bridge which links Villa Nova de Gaia to Porto (Click to enlarge)

Having flown from Gatwick to Porto we transferred to our boat, the Douro Queen, which was moored at Villa Nova de Gaia.  The town is the famed location of many Port wine houses (one of which we later visited !).  Across the river is the city of Porto and looking up the river is the iron bridge of Dom Luis opened in 1886.  This is often confused with another similar bridge, further up the river which was designed by Gustav Eiffel and opened in 1876.  The Dom Luis bridge features two decks, one high, one low.  Teanagers are often seen jumping from the lower deck, a practice seemingly accepted by the authorities!

Later we were joined by other passengers who had flown in on another airline.  That evening we were treated to a delicious buffet dinner washed down with local Douro wines.  The tour was "all inclusive" so the waiters did their best to keep our glasses well filled.  Soon after dawn the next morning we departed Villa Nova de Gaia for our trip up the river, eventually through 5 locks and for about 125 miles until we reached the Spanish border.  Day after day we watched the magnificent scenery slip past, often featuring vineyards many of which hugging the steep slopes with multiple terraces.  These are the source of both Port dessert wine and Douro table wine.

The serene scene at dawn looking down the Douro from the Spanish border (Click to enlarge)

Eventually our boat reached the Spanish border where we moored for the night.  The image, taken from our balcony, shows the truly serene scene at dawn.  The only ripples were caused by the fish as they rose to feed.

That day we had a full day trip to the spanish City of Salamanca.  The coach journey lasting 2 hours was rewarded by arrival at a 5 star hotel, a walking tour of the city, and a superb lunch including Flamenco dancing - what a treat!

Somehow the voyage back down the Douro was different.  Certainly the view from our cabin was of the other bank !  Having arrived back at Villa Nova de Gaia we felt it only proper to visit the Port wine house of Calem where we were indulged with a tasting of both white and tawny ports.

It was only polite to try these two very different wines.  The Calem Fine White Port is best served chilled and as an aperitif.  The Special Reserve Port has been aged for seven years and compared favourably to a vintage port we had tried on the boat.  Needless to say, I saw fit to purchase such delicious wines.

Our last day included a tour of the city of Porto visiting the Cathedral and viewing the many Azulejos (painted tiles).

After just one week, the time came to return to England.  We landed back at 11am.  The other group who flew back later that day were almost certainly affected when Gatwick operations were suspended for two hours.  We had been very fortunate.

As previously arranged, we now had to drive from Gatwick direct to Bristol in order that I could have a blood test in preparation to receive medications for Maintenance cycle 3.  

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,

to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Keep well

Stephen

Maintenance #2

I saw my consultant this week and all seems well.  In May I had received the excellent news that my paraprotein had reduced from 8 to 4. It has further reduced to 3.  This indicates that I am responding positively to treatment.  At this latest clinic, my general blood test results also showed a general recovery (having been previously influenced by the intensity if treatment during stem cell transplant in December and subsequent consolidation cycles).  Also one by one, the side effects of consolidation are wearing off.

As mentioned in my last post, I was also subject to yet another bone marrow biopsy.  It seems that on two occasions since my last clinic, I had been allocated appointments but nobody had told me!  Accordingly I was "treated" to the procedure after the clinic !

Also as mentioned in my last post, age has rather caught up with me.  In the run up to my 70th birthday I was retired from the Magistracy.  At my last day in court, one of the Deputy Bench Chairmen said nice things about me and presented me with this paperweight.

Recognising service in Bristol Magistrates Court, it is made from Bristol Blue Glass.

I should perhaps explain my relatively short service.  Having been previously employed by the local police, there was a period of two years before I could be appointed.



On the weekend of my birthday, my two sons, my daughter-in-law, my grandson, and my favourite dog all joined Margaret and I for a grand "Ken".  (Australians refer to barbecues as a "barbie" so it only seems right to call ours as "Ken").  On the Sunday Margaret and I went out for a slap up restaurant meal.  All in all a great weekend.

I'm now actively looking for another role to keep me busy.  In the meantime my Mazda MX5 (see my August 2018 post, and named Brabinger), which is something of a hobby, has passed its MOT but now requires yet more work.

When purchased, the car did not come with any maintenance records.  Accordingly I don't know if (or when) the camshaft timing belt was changed.   Looking at this image, you will see that the engine is surrounded with pipes and wires, making the task somewhat complicated.  To gain better access, I've taken out the radiator which, on inspection, has needed replacement.  Mazda did not see fit to provide any protection and it was found to be stone damaged.

Since so much stripping is needed to change the cam belt, it also makes sense to change the water pump and the two auxiliary drive belts (power steering and alternator).  I've also found that the front crankshaft oil seal is leaking and will need replacement.  I'll certainly be kept busy !

Readers will be aware that I normally conclude posts with an apt quotation.  I recently found on the net that Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States) warned that not all internet quotes are to be trusted !

My quote for this post is:

“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” 
Dalai Lama

Keep well

Stephen