So it’s almost six months since I had my second Stem Cell Transplant and I continue to do well in terms of my recovery. I’m definitely back to pretty much full strength (even if my idea of full strength isn’t most people’s!). I don’t seem to have any outstanding issues and as far as we’re aware, my consultant is pleased with everything, my bloods look pretty good (although I’m still borderline neutropenic) and I honestly can’t say I’m suffering any side effects – not even when I have my daratumumab maintenance each month.
I’m so pleased that it’s going this well and it’s meant that I’ve been able to keep on with the training for my London to Paris in September, my current mad fundraising idea! I know in my last post I’d talked about an MRI and fortunately that came back clear. Basically meaning that my pain isn’t there because my spine has collapsed or anything scary like that, and that it isn’t linked to the myeloma. It all looks pretty ok.
Unfortunately, the back pain is still there and whilst it isn’t preventing day to day activities or my cycling, I am permanently in pain. Most of the time I’m coping but sometimes it’s quite hard to stay positive. I’ve given up on the co-co-codamol as it wasn’t doing anything, nor does ibuprofen, paracetamol or hot packs. I’m currently trying out sports massage as I’m convinced it’s from being on screens too much but we’ll see. I’ve cut right back but haven’t seen it felt any change yet.
I’m also in the process of trying to lose some weight. Nothing like piling on the pressure for change! But I’m now the heaviest that I’ve ever been in my entire life, despite having not eaten for a month during my transplant. I know that the drugs may be impacting, along with getting older and a bit of over eating at Christmas, but I can’t quite get over the fact that despite cycling 50 miles plus a week, dieting and dog walking most days, that I’m still putting weight on rather than losing it. And there’s nothing that shows that off more, than a bit of cycling lycra!! Hey ho.
Anyway, bring on the end of shielding and maybe a busier lifestyle will help me with lots of this stuff!
Ooh….one more thing for anyone who is interested. Sam has been collecting signatures and auction items as part of his #15B415 and his auction is going live tomorrow. He hasn’t quite got his 15 signed items yet, but has a fair number of them, along with some other absolutely fab prizes so take a look tomorrow at 6pm when it opens! Just click here but remember you won’t be able to bid until 6pm tomorrow. All for Myeloma UK so a fantastic cause.
Debs' Journey with Myeloma 