A few changes…..

In March 2023 I had a bit of a breakdown, and all drug treatment was stopped. In fact, because the steroids were stopped suddenly, that is something that didn’t help how I was feeling at the time, as I have since found out that steroids should never be stopped suddenly…..

I was in hospital for four months to recover, and left hospital in August 2023, having had no cancer treatment for 6 months. I am now fully recovered from my breakdown and feeling very well. Just need to get fit again after sitting around for 4 months! Thanks also to Pete, my brother and sister for visiting me and all the help they gave me. Thanks also to everyone who sent me cards and letters, which were much appreciated.

However, having had ECT treatment ( Electro Convulsive Therapy which worked very well), I am not able to drive for 3 months, so Pete is doing a good job of ferrying me around (he’s taking me to Bridgemere this morning to get some plants). It’s a bit tiresome having to rely on a chauffeur but can’t be helped….

I saw the haematology consultant again on 12th September, who confirmed that my myeloma is currently in remission, and a blood test showed that my bones and kidneys are good (these are the main areas that can be affected by active myeloma). I am going to get regular quarterly blood tests to monitor my condition, and drug treatment can be started again if needed, but is not being given at present.

So basically my myeloma is being reviewed every quarter and so I will know where my condition is at and whether or not the drug treatment regime is going to be started again. The only treatment that I am going to receive is monthly infusions of Zometa, which is a drug that helps to protect the bones, and does have some effect on myeloma.

Myeloma causes the production of unwanted antibodies called papaproteins, which can be measured via a blood test. Mine are at a low level at present. If the papaprotein levels get too high, they can affect the bones and kidneys, so blood testing is used to monitor these factors and decide on treatment. But at present all is good, so that’s great news!