June 2024

Nothing medical to report this month really. I attended my routine (non consultant's appointment) where I was asked to complete some surveys.  These are undertaken from time to time and seek to record my health conditions and quality of life.  With regard to the latter, The system also reported that I was at Day 980 as measured from Day 1 when the CAR-T cells were infused. - WOW.

Of note was a trip Margaret and I had on the Waverley.  This is the last and only sea-going paddle steamer.  We joined the ship at Clevedon Pier and first sailed up the estuary to abeam the Avonmouth Docks.  We then sailed down to round both Steap Holme and Flat Holme.  Both islands are steeped (pun) in history.  I was fortunate enough to capture this image of the setting sun.

Sunset at Steap Holme

I was less than fortunate though in that to get the picture I had spent some time on deck in the chill wind.  Early next morning what had been a mild cold had turned into sinusitis and earache.  Even at my age, there is much to learn.

Life comes with pain

Rod Wave

Keep well
Stephen

May 2024

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!

Dianthus (Pink). Hopefully just the start!

I need my friends, I need my house, I need my garden

Miranda Richardson

Keep well, keep safe

Stephen

March 2024

This month I'm actually adding this post on time!  It must be spring. Of all the seasons, spring always promises so much and always delivers.  

This year, spring was first signed when a bumble bee appeared on the delicate flowers of our cherry tree

Our garden has been a riot of colour: the blue of Grape Hyacinth, the red of Ribes (flowering currant),and of course the yellow of Primrose and Daffodil.  Perhaps the greatest show was provided by our magnolia tree.  For once all the buds appeared at the same time and lasted for such a long time.

Just one issue though; we now have an awful lot of petals on the grass and just when my mower has decided to sulk.

I'm reminded that I must mention my health.  I can't deny that this winter has been a bit of a struggle with a bout of flu followed by a least one cold.  As the weather improves, so does my health.  I've visited  the BHOC for my routine appointment.  All my blood results are excellent.  The consultant checked my paraprotein and it seems to have been hovering for some time at the very low count of one.  So barely detectable and presumably being kept low by the CAR-T cells.

Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it
Confucius

Keep well, keep safe

Stephen

February 2024

OK, yet again I'm just a little late posting, this time for February.

So far as myeloma is concerned, there is nothing to report.  I attended routine clinic and without any drama.  In respect of my ongoing health issues, I spoke to my GP about my hearing problems and was prescribed some sodium bicarbonate ear drops for the left ear which contained some wax.  After using the drops for a few days I carefully washed the ear out and was rewarded with the offending wax.  He also prescribed some nasal spray to try to clear my eustachian tubes.  It seems to be slowly working.

I also consulted him about a small growth on my forehead which HRH had been nattering me about for some time.  That meeting was on a Tuesday.  

The BRI

By the Saturday I was at the dermatology centre at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.  

The GP's belief that the growth was a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) was confirmed.  I was asked if I had spent much time in the sun. Yes, four years living in Cyprus not wearing a hat or sun screen probably did it. I was to return on the following day to have it photographed.  I did so only to have surgery!  This was just five days after I had seen the GP; amazing.

I've also attended a new (independent) opthalmologist.  The check he undertook was by far the most thorough I've ever had and justified my loss of faith in a certain high street opticians.  

Given my recent surgery for cataracts and now for the BCC rather suggests that I am getting just a little old - or maybe just "vintage".

Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength
Betty Freidan

Keep well, keep safe, and "KBO"

Stephen