I haven't done an update since the beginning of July, so past time for one now. I have had four Chemo Weeks now, with two more to come. Each one has been slightly more difficult than the last, so number four was not at all a pleasant week.
On the upside, my haemoglobin count has gradually increased, and the latest one was over 100 for the first time since records began, at 102. That is excellent progress, and allows me to live a virtually normal life. Not quite enough for the Pyrenees or the Pennine Way, but getting there. For a normal healthy adult it would be 125-150. But the chemo itself has a depressive effect on the haemoglobin count, so once the course is finished it may go up some more.
Recently Sue & I went to Tunbridge Wells hospital, for a review with the consultant, Claire Ono. She was very pleased with progress, and said that consequently she could reduce the chemo doses somewhat. She also will prescribe a different and hopefully more effective anti-nausea drug... more good news.
I have had the next chemo week now and the halved dose did indeed make a big difference. Not perfect, but much better than the prevous one. And haemoglobin up to 108, to boot. Once the remaining chemo treatment is completed, no immediate further treatment is proposed. We will adopt a watching pose, and wait to see what happens. A resurgence is likely, but who knows when? It could be a year, it could be ten - wait and see. A review, every three months or so.
So overall, a very optimistic situation, and hard to see how Dr Ono could have been more positive than she was. One more chemo session, and then we will see...
I have had a lot of support, kind comments and good wishes from lots of people, which I very, very much appreciate. And unfailing support as always from Sue, without whom I would be quite lost. She does get to stick a needle in me twice a week, which I think she enjoys..
I will do another update, towards the end of the year perhaps unless something material happens sooner. Thank you if you read this far!
