Myeloma and Me. One year on

[Phil]

As some of you may remember I mentioned on the previous forum about my Myeloma diagnosis so one year on here's an update.

First though a resumé.

I had been suffering for a long time with extreme fatigue and couldn't walk more than a few yards without having to stop for a rest. I was sent to an Haematologist, Mr Pemberton at Kidderminster, on October 6th and it was then that I went through loads of tests to determine the cause. Bloods, MRI, X Rays, Heart, Lungs etc.

On November 3rd 2023 I was told that I had Myeloma. Myeloma is a blood cancer that is incurable but treatable with loads of drugs.

I take 11 different drugs a day multiple times and now I'm feeling much better.

Compared to a year ago I can now, sometimes, walk a mile or so without feeling too bad. I sometimes have a problem with the top of my thighs where the lesions are but that's manageable.

My sleep is getting better too and I'm no longer walking round the house at 3 in the morning so all told I'm doing well. This won't last forever though and eventually the drugs don't work and I then have to go onto stronger drugs.

I just have to hope that is still someway off.

So there we go. The annual report from me.

The link: https://www.myeloma.org.uk/

[Brumkidd Again]

So pleased that you are managing the condition so well. Keep taking the tablets!!

[harriershane]

Just seen this Phil - a year already!? I remember the day well when we met outside the ground and you told me the news. Fantastic news that you seem to be doing well all things considered

[Phil]

An update:

Things don't look so positive now. More and more I'm getting extreme bone pain in my legs, back and ribs but this is normal with the chemo drugs I take.

I'm now using a walking stick (when I have to) mainly to support the left side of my body due to a bit of wobbliness and to relieve the pain in holding my body upright. The pain is relentless and as soon as one area improves another area takes over.

They're waiting in ambush.

Hopefully this phase will go now the summers coming.

[Phil]

More apologies for my disappearance lately.

In hospital with a suspected fractured spine. Myeloma related. Been here 2 days and still waiting for tests. Lay in bed, on my back and not allowed to move.

Brilliant.

[COYRedder]

Sorry to read this about this setback, Phil. You were hoping that with summer coming you would have cause for optimism. I hope the tests give you something positive to hold on to. Thinking of you every time I log on to this fantastic creation of yours.

[Phil]

Sorry to read this about this setback, Phil. You were hoping that with summer coming you would have cause for optimism. I hope the tests give you something positive to hold on to. Thinking of you every time I log on to this fantastic creation of yours.

Sadly the opposite. I'm now on 2nd line chemo and treatment is scary.

Been put on morphine and and travel etc will be limited. Also re-considering season tickets, National Trust etc.

MINI possibly going in exchange for a wheelchair car and looking at bungalows. It's not what Sue and I signed up for

[harriershane]

Thinking of you, Phil

[garthrockett]

Give me a shout if you or Sue need anything fetching or carrying Phil, I'm only round the corner.