Thank you for starting this thread, Bridget!
I still wear the hats you sent me in the summer although now my hair is starting to grow!
My name is Elizabeth from Bournemouth
I was diagnosed about this time last year after excruciating back pain which was caused by 3 vertebrae collapsing. Luckily my GP sent me for blood tests after a week of painkillers didn't help much and the rest is history!
I had my SCT in August 2010 and at present my paraproteins and light chains are imperceptible, so I assume I am in remission though no-one has actually said that yet.
Still have the back pain even after a couple of radiotherapy treatments, and the next stage is going to be having a thoracic brace fitted to stabilise the fragmented vertebrae as far as I can gather.
I am now 61 1/2 and although not expecting to retire from our retail stained glass supplies and teaching business I have taken a sort of 'sabbatical', opening on appointment for an hour or so every few days as people phone in desperation for that last piece of glass to finish a project, or who are starting the hobby and want tools and materials.
I hope that once I am in less pain and able to stand for longer I will be able to open the shop more regular hours on a couple of days a week and carry on the business for a few years longer.
My hubby Sam has been a tower of strength for me despite his chronic back pain and prolapsed discs, sometimes making the hospital staff wonder who is the carer and who is the patient!! This year it has been about 70/30 me being the one with the appointments and him pushing the wheelchair. 😉
Enough about me, who is next in line??
Eliz
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