I have just joined the Forum although I should have done so a long time ago.
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 62 in July 2008 and started CDT immediately for five cycles before I was harvested and given a HDT-ASCT in January 2009 at University College London Hospital. Although I?ve had a few problems with a skin condition since the transplant, within six months I was feeling my old self again and have continued to get stronger since then. I am now playing tennis once or twice a week, started playing golf and leading a full and active live. A big thank you again to the whole myeloma team.
When I was diagnosed I realized that each patient?s condition, treatment and response was individual and different, and I decided that I had no desire to search the Internet for information or join in any discussion groups to share in other people?s experiences. I had total trust in my myeloma team at UCLH and Worthing Hospital, but I also had the advantage of having my loving wife, who was a nurse, to support me throughout the journey. I also tried to approach myeloma as just another disease and follow the treatment prescribed each day and each week.
I originally presented to my GP with back ache, weight loss and over-tiredness following weeks of heavy exercise sailing, and instead of simply prescribing rest and pain-killers, he asked for extensive blood tests, a decision that saved my life. My overseas travel plans were cancelled and I started CDT treatment within one week. My paraprotein was then 74, which I was later told by a Registrar was the highest level she had seen. My skeletal survey showed extensive lytic lesions and a sizeable humeral lesion that was initially considered would require pinning. I knew then that I was starting the long haul.
Looking back over the last three years, the things that have sustained me most have been my wife; my former fitness and positive attitude; my Buddhist approach to life; and my dog.
I have enjoyed reading the contributions to this Forum over the last couple of days and look forward to making my own when I feel I have something worthwhile to contribute. Meanwhile I am open to any questions you may have.
Loving kindness or ?Metta? to you all. 🙂
David
jmsmyth 13 years ago.
