The final stretch

Well here I am now starting the final cycle of chemotherapy. It suddenly seems to have crept up and now the end is in sight. I can’t say that it’s been as tolerable as I was led to believe but although bad at times it’s not been totally unbearable.

I saw the Haematology consultant last week to discuss the final cycle of chemo. I have been having muscle pains and burning feet which suggests I may have some peripheral neuropathy, (this refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased) so the doctor suggested a reduced dose of Bortezomib to see if this prevents things getting worse. My first dose of this cycle was last Friday and since then I’ve been ok and the burning feet have not got any worse and the muscle pains are less severe so let’s hope this is as bad as it gets this cycle. I’m keen to get back to some form of exercise so I’m hoping the neuropathy doesn’t get any worse.

I got my blood results back from the NAC this week and thankfully there is no evidence of any more para proteins and I have had 100% response to the chemo which is such great news and makes it all worth it. I’ll have to see what the Haematologists suggest now in terms of follow up and will fill you in once I’ve seen them. I’ve got a lot of questions.

This first week has been OK generally and I had another chemo session yesterday on 11th Oct but as I was feeling good today (Sat 12/10/19) I decided to try some running so had a slow run/walk to the new Park Run at Queens Park(the trial week for the main event next week) followed by a couple of run/walk laps on the Park Run, (I will do all 3 laps next time Laura- I promise), then I had a slow jog/walk home and followed this all with a dog walk. I feel great, totally energised and motivated to get back out there properly once the chemo is totally over. It was lovely to see some of the Bellahouston Harriers today out on the new course today and thanks to all of them for all their kind words, hugs and chat, you’re the reason I’ll be trying to get back to fitness so I can join you all again xx.

So things are looking up and I’m feeling relieved. Alistair and I off for our week ‘oop north’ next Saturday and I’m really looking forward to it. The family are joining us throughout the week at various stages and I’m looking forward to some cycling, maybe a bit of happy jogging , log fires, autumnal trees and generally chilling out. I have lots of gin and Prosecco too so if you find yourself near Callander next week and fancy calling in please give me a call xx .