Hi Ren, I was in isolation for two weeks following the SCT, was released home, felt really weak and wobbly, had to use a stool in the shower and took ages to do anything, putting socks on was difficult, i found the stairs a bit challenging! It took a few weeks before strength improved, I guess the drugs were clearing my system. I had clinic appointments every 2 weeks where they checked bloods etc it was at one clinic where I caught a chest infection which laid me low for ages. That’s why I said in my last post you have to be careful about infections, so advice is to stay away from gatherings, supermarkets, etc etc.
So the infection slowed me right down but within weeks I was back walking the dog, managing the stairs and doing all the normal day to day things. I do get fatigued for no reason, but I understand this is normal, it is difficult but when fatigue shows I slow down, rest up, it’s the only thing to do.
At my hospital, the Leicester Royal, at stem cell stage I was under the care of the transplant unit after 100 days regardless of my condition I was handed back to the Haemotology dept. They organise all of the tests to see how the transplant went. So my pp’s are at 1.5, no cancer in the bone marrow, so am in remission. My next clinic appointment is late November, as I said before, no drugs, no treatment.
Since July (that’s about 100 days post transplant) we have been to Norfolk, the south coast, the Lake District, London, saw Carol King in concert, Billy Joel at Wembley. I walk the dog locally in the country every day, even do a bit of cooking. A long haul holiday booked for January. Oh and I run the local myeloma support group. My specialist told me to live life to the full so that’s what we are doing! Thanks to the SCT.
Stay positive for your mums sake, both your parents will need support, if your mum is healthy and strong she will manage the SCT.
Ask away if you have any questions.
regards
Tony F
