Another eleven

So, the results are in and it's another 11 for Mr Hoban. It hasn't gone down, but at the same time it's not creeping back up either. And you never know, could have been 11.99 last time and 11.01 this time....gotta keep positive. I think the fact that they were flushing out the blood analyser yesterday to clear out the rust probably hasn't helped either!!

The consultation I had with my specialist yesterday also calmed any nerves I had regarding the paraprotein results. He made it very clear that I'd already had a good response to the chemo, with my level below the 50% mark, and that we'd continue with the Velcade for the planned eight cycles to maximize the response. He was confident that I'd be going for the transplant up at Hammersmith hospital early in the new year, with the possibility of going up before Christmas to see Santa and get my stem cells harvested.

So, that's it for this update. Still feeling the effects of the chest infection but hopefully the antibiotics will kick in over the weekend. Another eleven, but everything still looks good and remains on plan.

No results.....

A very quick update from today........no paraprotein results, they've been delayed, but hopefully I'll get something back tomorrow, else next Monday. What I have got however is a chest infection, so I've now been prescribed antibiotics by my consultant and I'm thoroughly looking forward to another night of sucking throat lozengers and keeping everyone else in the house awake with my coughing. More tomorrow....

Off to hospital

Fingers crossed for todays results......

An important cycle

Just returned from the hospital following my first injection of cycle six. We're now just holding our breath, with fingers and everything else crossed, waiting for the paraprotein results due on Thursday.

Unfortunately, I've had a cold for the last few days, which initially took me back to the Quasimodo days of cycle one. For whatever reason, when I pick these things up now and get run down, my eyes tend to puff up. I know what you’re thinking….Len’s clearly had enough of his mood swings and has given him a damn good beating. Not the case, as this week I’ve been on my best behaviour….aided by the fact I’ve been steroid free for 10 days!! Anyway, you'll be pleased to learn that the swelling has now subsided, enabling me to develop more of a 'just woken' Goofy look. That said, the cold remains and the results of todays blood test (for the medics amongst you) show a WBC (White Blood Cell) count of 9.4 and a C-reactive protein of 5mg/l, showing my antibodies are putting up a fight.

So, roll on Thursday, when I get my blood results. As I’ve eluded to in a previous blog, these results will probably determine whether I continue with the Velcade for further cycles, or move to another chemotherapy drug. Let’s pray for the former.

13 years

Celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on Tuesday night with a meal out at our local tapas bar. Great food, great night! After making a reference to Princess Fiona in my previous post, the subject came up for discussion. Len pointed out that Princess Fiona was actually quite feisty and opinionated, and eventually turned into an ogre herself. At which point Marcus interjected '...so, you're Princess Fiona, Dad's Shrek......does that make me the donkey?' Biggest laugh of the night!

'Family Hoban'

Cycle five

Well, cycle five of my treatment has turned out to be more …what do you say….’challenging’ than previous cycles, both on a physical and mental level. Last weekend proved to be not my finest hour, as my continuing back pain (hangover from the Barcelona trip) compounded the feeling of steroid withdrawal, and made for what one could only describe as….err….a mess. I know the side effects will accumulate and there is clearly a build up, however this felt like a more significant step change. I was probably taken a bit by surprise, which meant I was less able to maintain my more usual levels of control and patience. Some might see this as a positive development when compared to my more typical male trait of total emotional immaturity and detachment, but judging by the tension it caused in the family household…probably not. So, to put it simply, I was moody, angry, and generally a bit of a pain in the arse.

Len tried in vain to maintain a Princess Fiona demeanour, as compared to my more Shrek like approach. I must say, on the positive side, with Marcus out dragon boat racing for the day, it did enable me and Len to get some concerns and feelings off our chests that had clearly been bubbling up for a period of time. As always, on his return, a few carefully selected words from Marcus seemed to diffuse the situation…….'Dad, you really are just a getting a bit old and manky'!! Getting old and manky...that ship sailed a while ago mate!!

Anyway, change of subject. I’ve written several times commenting on the amazing support and encouragement I’ve received from everyone, and what a real eye opener it's been for me over the last few months. It’s re-confirmed just how important close friends and family are, especially when thrown this kind of challenge. It’s also given me a bit of a kick start, to put more effort into meeting up with friends, where previously there just didn’t seem to be the time. You know, for whatever reason …life just seems to get in the way…..ok, let’s blame it on the kids...it’s all their fault!! Anyway, had a fantastic time meeting up again with two of my oldest ‘bruvs’ the other day, chance to reminisce, take the piss and have some wholesome, totally un PC conversations.  

Finally, picking up on a number of ‘deeply personal’ comments following my last blog entry, I thought it was worth clearing the air….and my sexual orientation, by including the following ‘full context’ photo of my T shirt. Hope this restores some faith in my manhood (probably not)……and for the avoidance of doubt, it was a San Miguel top, not shandy….that’s how hard I am!!

 

Looking at it, 'Sugar Puff's really isn't that much better!!

Eleven

Got my full blood results today. My paraprotein, IgG  level had reduced by one  to 11 g/L at the end of cycle four….I’m sounding  like a city trader!! Based on the brief conversation I had with my consultant over the phone and his continued positive comments on my response to the treatment, I should probably be happier than I’m actually feeling. However, thoughts of this ‘plateauing’ have started to creep into my head….niggling doubts and the uncertainty of what next if levels stay the same. The treatment plan remains the same; continue with the same drugs to maximise the response as a lead into the high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant. The results from the next two cycles will no doubt go a long way towards determining timings; providing my paraprotein levels continue to fall, I’ll continue with eight cycles of Velcade. If the level remains the same, I’ll be into a probable bone marrow biopsy to determine the actual concentration of plasma cells in my bone marrow prior to any decisions being made.

I’ve also been thinking more about the tumour on my sternum.…yes, it has clearly decreased in size. But, having only had a clinical examination, there’s no exact measures to quantify what the reduction has been…..spot the engineer kicking in!! I can still feel a lump, so next time I talk to my consultant I’ll be raising the subject of future scans.

A large part of my recent feelings of anxiousness stem from the stage I’ve now reached in my treatment plan. Today, the decisions that will soon have to be made are hanging over me. I know, focus on the now and don’t run ahead of yourself.  Easier on some days, difficult on others….and now is one of those more testing periods. Today has been a day of thoughts and tears. Tomorrow will hopefully be more positive.

Eleven.

 

Barcelona

Back again. Just returned from a short break in Barcelona, great to get away again for a few days during my rest week. Managed to step it up a bit from the beach volleyball of the Olympics and give Marcus his first experience of ‘topless beach volleyball’ on the beaches of Barcelona. Daddy was obviously horrified….could even say traumatised by it all. Clearly I chose not to look, instead concentrating on enjoying a cold San Miguel at the bar. Must say though, body surfing with your son in the Med (pre San Miguel)….can’t beat it!!

 

We took a tour around the Nou Camp…or is it Camp Nou, still don’t bloody know. Interesting to get access to some of those places you wouldn’t normally get to see, press office, changing rooms and access to the pitch. Surprised the changing rooms were so basic….secondary school wooden benches and I’d like to see 11 players fit into that Jacuzzi.  

 

 

Couldn’t believe this one….a chapel connected to the tunnel the players use to walk out onto the pitch. Kept looking at it thinking…..wouldn’t get that a Stamford Bridge…..maybe a lap dancing bar or kebab stall, but not a chapel!!

So, back at the hospital again for the start of cycle five. They’ll be taking blood for my paraprotein readings today, so will get the results on Thursday. Must say, having time away really takes your mind off things, however it does mean you hit the ground with a bit of a bump when treatment day returns. It starts to feel a little like you’re living a double life. On the one side there’s my ten days rest, when a sense of normality and routine returns, on the other there’s IV drips, injections and pill popping. I’m not complaining, just telling you what I feel. It’s the stark contrast that probably further emphasises the situation….staring out at the Mediterranean Sea, drinking an ice cold beer whilst listening to ‘Sunday’ by  ‘Hurts’ on a Saturday  and, well, staring out of the window in Kingston hospital, looking at the A&E building at Kingston hospital on the Monday.

 

Saying that, I’ll be staring at the A&E building with the good memories from our Barcelona break, picturing John Terry and Ashley Cole kneeling at the altar, crucifix in hand, praying prior to taking to the pitch at their next Premier League fixture!!