Its been a while since my last blog and quite a lot has happened.
For those that follow me on Twitter @SteveMartlew you will know that in November 2015 my health started to deteriorate. I lost a lot of weight and my para-protein levels rose (para-protein is a way of measuring the level of Myeloma in my blood). In December doctors at Wigan decided to start chemotherapy and therefore on 15th January 2016 I started on a course of VTD chemotherapy.
V stands for Velcade, T for Thalidomide and D for Dexamethasone. This combination of tablets and injections were given, along with a whole host of other medication to negate the side effects, over 6, 28 day cycles from January through to June.
I managed to cope really well with the chemo, maintaining a fairly normal quality of life and I'm proud to say I didn't take a single day off work sick. The tiredness and fatigue were really difficult to cope with at the end of cycle 5 & 6 however the results of the chemo were exactly what the doctors wanted.
A para-protein level of 44.5g per litre of blood reduced to an amount so small it was immeasurable at the end of cycle 6 which means I'm classed as being in complete remission.
The next stage of my treatment is a stem cell transplant. This a 2 stage process where High Dose Chemotherapy is given and then stem cells are taken from my body followed by another dose of chemotherapy and the stem cells given back to me. Whilst this doesn't rid my body of the Myeloma, there is no cure, it should build in greater time before the Myeloma returns.
The first stage of my stem cell transplant started last Monday (18/7) with a trip to Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI). As an outpatient I received intra-venous (IV) Ondansetron (anti-sickness), Mesna (a protective drug for my kidneys and bladder) as well as Cyclophosphamide (the chemotherapy drug). It was a long and tiring day although the staff were absolutely fantastic. The purpose of the chemo is to kill any residual Myeloma cells but also to trick the body in shutting down stem cell creation. Side effects of the chemo are sickness and nausea, hair loss, restlessness and tiredness.
The day after, Tuesday 19th July, I started GCSF injections, administered by me in my stomach. The injections result in the body going into over drive in the production of stem cells. The body produces so many stem cells that they spill out of the bone marrow and into the blood stream. Side effects of the GCSF injections are bone pain.
All in all its not been a great week but I still regard myself as being very, very lucky to be here to be fighting on. When I think of the friends I have lost to cancer it makes me even more determined to fight harder, but also very thankful for the opportunity to do so.
I returned to MRI this morning for a blood test to see whether there are enough stem cells in my blood stream to commence harvest. Apparently the greater the bone pain the better the chances that there will be. I was informed the bone pain in my back and hips has been likened, by female patients, to labour pains. If that's the case its a good job child bearing wasn't down to me, we would only have had 1 !!!!!
I received a call late this afternoon that the staff are happy with the level of stem cells in my blood and I will go straight to harvest tomorrow morning.
So another early start to get to MRI for 8.30am but hopefully they will harvest enough stem cell in 1 sitting tomorrow.
I will blog again tomorrow or Wednesday with an update.
Monday, 25 July 2016
Thursday, 13 August 2015
A Brilliant Patient Experience
Earlier this year I decided, after a couple of poor experiences, to change where I received the care for my Myeloma. When I was originally diagnosed in 2011 I originally received my monitoring and care at Wigan via their general haematology services but quickly realised I wanted (and needed) something a bit more specialist so I transferred to Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI). Travelling to Manchester and hanging round for most of the day in a specialist Myeloma clinic was a fairly draining experience but I considered it to be worth it as I was happy I was receiving the best care.
However time and progress moves on and during this time The Christie, the world famous cancer specialist hospital in Manchester, opened a specialist Chemotherapy centre attached to Wigan RAEI. The project was jointly funded by The Christie, Wigan and Macmillan and is designed to deliver chemotherapy and anti-cancer treatments for patients in the Wigan area.
The new centre got rave reviews from friend and colleague Mel Cochrane, who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. Her seal of approval came at the same time I had a couple of poor experiences at MRI with failed bookings and missing notes etc. but more importantly it seemed like nobody cared and therefore I asked for my care to be transferred back to Wigan in the hope I would receive a better patient experience at a more local centre. I was not disappointed.
Firstly the building is new and so creates a good impression. Reception resembles a hotel rather than a hospital as does the waiting area. The glass gives it an light, airy and welcoming feel.
Staff are keen to make you feel welcome and put you at ease.
The out-patient ward has 4 beds and around 8 treatment chairs. A chair for yourself and 1 for any visitor. A MacMillan volunteer ensures you are kept replenished with free coffee, tea or water and sandwiches at lunchtime.
There's a marked difference on how they administer my treatment too. Zoledronic Acid or Zometa to give it its trade name, is administered intravenously. The cannula is put in the back of my hand rather than my arm - this is to spot any allergic reaction sooner (the skin on the back of your hand is much thinner). A bag of saline is given first to ensure you are hydrated, then the saline with Zometa infused, then finally another saline bag that acts as a flush. I've noticed that the side effects I used to encounter at MRI are not as severe and I figure its connected with the hydration angle. I therefore ensure I drink plenty before and after to help this along.
There's some really nice touches too - there are 8 reserved car spaces for patients of the centre and I have been given a car park pass which allows me to park free - however its so local to me, a 10 minute walk, that I've not used these yet but its good to know other patients and their visitors get this benefit too.
There aren't many benefits to having cancer to be fair and there is impact both physically and mentally. The Christie at Wigan and MacMillan have looked to try and mitigate many of the issues within their control and so for this hats off to them.
In the age of customer experiences I think The Christie and MacMillan have got it just right. I feel that the care they deliver is patient centred and of high quality with a real human touch.
Don't get me wrong I wish I didn't have to go but as long as I do I hope I continue to receive my care at The Christie at Wigan - a brilliant patient experience.
However time and progress moves on and during this time The Christie, the world famous cancer specialist hospital in Manchester, opened a specialist Chemotherapy centre attached to Wigan RAEI. The project was jointly funded by The Christie, Wigan and Macmillan and is designed to deliver chemotherapy and anti-cancer treatments for patients in the Wigan area.
The new centre got rave reviews from friend and colleague Mel Cochrane, who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. Her seal of approval came at the same time I had a couple of poor experiences at MRI with failed bookings and missing notes etc. but more importantly it seemed like nobody cared and therefore I asked for my care to be transferred back to Wigan in the hope I would receive a better patient experience at a more local centre. I was not disappointed.
Firstly the building is new and so creates a good impression. Reception resembles a hotel rather than a hospital as does the waiting area. The glass gives it an light, airy and welcoming feel.
Staff are keen to make you feel welcome and put you at ease.
The out-patient ward has 4 beds and around 8 treatment chairs. A chair for yourself and 1 for any visitor. A MacMillan volunteer ensures you are kept replenished with free coffee, tea or water and sandwiches at lunchtime.
There's a marked difference on how they administer my treatment too. Zoledronic Acid or Zometa to give it its trade name, is administered intravenously. The cannula is put in the back of my hand rather than my arm - this is to spot any allergic reaction sooner (the skin on the back of your hand is much thinner). A bag of saline is given first to ensure you are hydrated, then the saline with Zometa infused, then finally another saline bag that acts as a flush. I've noticed that the side effects I used to encounter at MRI are not as severe and I figure its connected with the hydration angle. I therefore ensure I drink plenty before and after to help this along.
There's some really nice touches too - there are 8 reserved car spaces for patients of the centre and I have been given a car park pass which allows me to park free - however its so local to me, a 10 minute walk, that I've not used these yet but its good to know other patients and their visitors get this benefit too.
There aren't many benefits to having cancer to be fair and there is impact both physically and mentally. The Christie at Wigan and MacMillan have looked to try and mitigate many of the issues within their control and so for this hats off to them.
In the age of customer experiences I think The Christie and MacMillan have got it just right. I feel that the care they deliver is patient centred and of high quality with a real human touch.
Don't get me wrong I wish I didn't have to go but as long as I do I hope I continue to receive my care at The Christie at Wigan - a brilliant patient experience.
Saturday, 31 January 2015
Chasing "The Standard" - from Whelley to Elton Vale
Regular readers of this blog will know that I'm passionate about grassroots football. I think it's a brilliant vehicle for teaching youngsters about being better citizens, learning to respect elders and peers; learning about individual responsibility and being part of a team as well as how to win and more importantly how to lose. If the odd player goes onto bigger and better things then great but first and foremost it should be about fun and enjoyment.
My club, Whelley Alexandra, is lucky to be part of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League. The league promotes a respect, fun and enjoyment culture across countless playing fields every Saturday morning, and bar the odd numpty, most clubs and teams "get it". They understand that results aren't that important and that it is simply kids football, not the last 4 of the Champions League, but simply a group of kids having fun, playing football with their mates.
I like many others, fell into grassroots football as a dad that started helping out. That 7 year old that I first started taking to Saturday morning football is now a 16 year old, still playing for Whelley Alexandra I might add. I don't coach him anymore but his younger brothers, now under 11s. I am also secretary of the club and very proud of, and full of admiration for, the volunteers that facilitate 165 youngsters playing football each Saturday morning across our 10 teams.
Did I say 10 teams?
Oh I'm sorry its only 9 teams now!
Unfortunately, and with very heavy hearts, Alan Blazys (Chairman) and I took the decision to fold one of our u16s teams this week. The manager informed us that "he felt he had taken the team as far as he could" and that several of the players were not up to "the standard". Several of the players have lost interest and have discovered things that most 16 year old lads discover, I know I did, and don't want to continue. As a result there are simply not enough players to field a team, we would struggle to field a 5-a-side squad, and so the decision had to be taken to fold the team and withdraw it from the league.
The team has played in the highest division of the BBDFL for years and recently saw Tinashe Chakwana sign a 2 year scholarship with Burnley FC. So the players that have played for the team for a while are decent players. Surely up to "the Standard"
So what exactly is "the standard"? I've looked through the BBDFL handbook and there doesn't appear to be a definition. I've also searched the FA regulations, nothing there either. So I have asked a few trusted coaching friends who have enlightened me. The standard is a phrase that coaches and managers use when they think a player isn't good enough. Ahhh now we have it. So if the players in your charge aren't up to the standard surely that reflects on your abilities as a coach?
If the players enjoyed Saturdays mornings instead of worrying about results then surely "the standard" becomes irrelevant. It would have been interesting to see if the manager would have quit had the team won their Lancashire Cup 1/4 final at Elton Vale on Sunday instead of losing 6-0?
The abiding memory many of the players from that team will have of Whelley Alexandra is not the years of fun and enjoyment they have had; nor the many friends they have made; the trips and parties we have had but it will be one of losing a 1/4 final and the manager walking away with 4 or 5 players which resulted in the team folding. That is the sad part.
In terms of "the standard" I think the only person that wasn't up to "the standard" was the manager we chose to run that team. The fault therefore lies with the Chairman and I. We must make sure our future managers / coaches are the right people and fully understand what we as a club are all about.
Saturday mornings, football and fun.
Our other under 16s team by the way plays in the bottom division, has 18 players signed on and a waiting list for players wanting to join. They're not the best team, but they don't half enjoy their Saturday mornings together. Credit for that must go down to the manager/coach and the players of course who don't take themselves too seriously.
If you were to ask them what "the Standard" was I bet half of them would describe a pub near to where Bolton County play!!!!
My club, Whelley Alexandra, is lucky to be part of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League. The league promotes a respect, fun and enjoyment culture across countless playing fields every Saturday morning, and bar the odd numpty, most clubs and teams "get it". They understand that results aren't that important and that it is simply kids football, not the last 4 of the Champions League, but simply a group of kids having fun, playing football with their mates.
I like many others, fell into grassroots football as a dad that started helping out. That 7 year old that I first started taking to Saturday morning football is now a 16 year old, still playing for Whelley Alexandra I might add. I don't coach him anymore but his younger brothers, now under 11s. I am also secretary of the club and very proud of, and full of admiration for, the volunteers that facilitate 165 youngsters playing football each Saturday morning across our 10 teams.
Did I say 10 teams?
Oh I'm sorry its only 9 teams now!
Unfortunately, and with very heavy hearts, Alan Blazys (Chairman) and I took the decision to fold one of our u16s teams this week. The manager informed us that "he felt he had taken the team as far as he could" and that several of the players were not up to "the standard". Several of the players have lost interest and have discovered things that most 16 year old lads discover, I know I did, and don't want to continue. As a result there are simply not enough players to field a team, we would struggle to field a 5-a-side squad, and so the decision had to be taken to fold the team and withdraw it from the league.
The team has played in the highest division of the BBDFL for years and recently saw Tinashe Chakwana sign a 2 year scholarship with Burnley FC. So the players that have played for the team for a while are decent players. Surely up to "the Standard"
So what exactly is "the standard"? I've looked through the BBDFL handbook and there doesn't appear to be a definition. I've also searched the FA regulations, nothing there either. So I have asked a few trusted coaching friends who have enlightened me. The standard is a phrase that coaches and managers use when they think a player isn't good enough. Ahhh now we have it. So if the players in your charge aren't up to the standard surely that reflects on your abilities as a coach?
If the players enjoyed Saturdays mornings instead of worrying about results then surely "the standard" becomes irrelevant. It would have been interesting to see if the manager would have quit had the team won their Lancashire Cup 1/4 final at Elton Vale on Sunday instead of losing 6-0?
The abiding memory many of the players from that team will have of Whelley Alexandra is not the years of fun and enjoyment they have had; nor the many friends they have made; the trips and parties we have had but it will be one of losing a 1/4 final and the manager walking away with 4 or 5 players which resulted in the team folding. That is the sad part.
In terms of "the standard" I think the only person that wasn't up to "the standard" was the manager we chose to run that team. The fault therefore lies with the Chairman and I. We must make sure our future managers / coaches are the right people and fully understand what we as a club are all about.
Saturday mornings, football and fun.
Our other under 16s team by the way plays in the bottom division, has 18 players signed on and a waiting list for players wanting to join. They're not the best team, but they don't half enjoy their Saturday mornings together. Credit for that must go down to the manager/coach and the players of course who don't take themselves too seriously.
If you were to ask them what "the Standard" was I bet half of them would describe a pub near to where Bolton County play!!!!
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Food Banks and Football
I'm not a religious person. In fact I struggle to believe in God or any supreme being. So I read the Archbishop of Canterbury's recent article of food banks with interest (I hasten to add I read it on the BBC website and not in the Mail on Sunday!!!) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30366020
Sadly food banks are now an accepted part of our society, even here in Wigan, when 5 years ago they were unheard of. The people that access them aren't your stereotypical soup kitchen diners either. There are a lot of working people who simply don't have enough money to buy food once they've paid for rent, mortgages, fuel (gas, electricity, water and petrol). The story in the article highlighted the family that had to access the food bank because they needed 2 new tyres for the car so they could continue to get to work. This struck a particular chord with me.
I shelled out £130 on Tuesday for 2 new tyres for my car, 2 weeks before Christmas when your kids want the latest gadgets, clothes etc isn't a great time for that to happen. I'm lucky though that I'm not alternating food with Jen just to feed the kids. Don't get me wrong the kids wont be getting Xbox Ones each as neatly requested on their Christmas lists, but they'll do well and they're very lucky. Luckier than they'll ever appreciate.
This week my colleagues and I are trying to break the Guinness World Record for the biggest food hamper in the world. We are having Christmas jumper day and, in exchange for wearing your Christmas jumper to work, you need to bring in some food for the food hamper. The hamper will then be divided between the food banks in Leigh and Wigan in preparation for the busy time of Christmas.
The Wigan food bank is run by local charity The Brick http://thebrick.org.uk/ As well as provide support to Rough Sleepers they have a fantastic resource centre where the folk they are supporting get the opportunities to get some work experience and learn some key skills as part of their wider rehabilitation. The Resource Centre refurbishes furniture, bikes, computers and much more, and then sells them at discounted rates. The funds are then recycled into the project allowing growth.
Many rough sleepers are not there by choice. Many have made some poor life choices or had some bad luck and its the fabulous work of charities like The Brick that provide hope to some of societies most disengaged people.
I was delighted to see that the Latics fans considering boycotting the Boxing Day fixture at Elland Road due to ticket prices are encouraging fellow boycotees to donate their ticket money to The Brick http://thisnorthernsoul.co.uk/2014/12/an-open-letter/ I was equally appalled that Leeds Utd were even asking £41 for an adult ticket, at Christmas, or any other time of year for that matter. To ask that sort of money for a second tier English football fixture between 2 sides realistically looking at avoiding relegation and achieving mid-table mediocrity is nothing short of disgraceful. Particularly given what I have discussed earlier in this piece.
Latics have had some bad press recently and Latics fans are often much maligned. However the lads I know are really decent and this shows that they care and understand where football fits in to wider society and, unlike some of their bigger neighbours, it isn't the be all and end all. The people that will be supported as a result of their kind donations might well have been Latics fans had their journeys not headed off down different paths.
Lets hope Christmas 2014 is the turning point for everyone. Lets hope the Brick goes from strength to strength in their support and rehabilitation of rough sleepers in Wigan. Lets hope our food banks go out of business because they are not needed any longer. Lets hope Latics smash 5 past Leeds and go on a run that sees them make the play offs and win promotion via another trip to Wembley.
Most of all I hope you have a very happy holiday.
Much love xx
Saturday, 15 February 2014
Frank Turner & The Lesions of Doom......
Been an eventful week...
Sunday saw a very rare family outing to watch Frank Turner at the Manchetser Arena. It was Alex & Callums first ever gig and they participated with full gusto, singing every word, jumping and clapping at every opportunity. Despite Franks back problems it was a tremendous gig and would rank in the top 5 of my all time favourites. I hope to see him again in the future although that may well depend on my health more than his.
On Friday, Valentines Day, it was my monthly visit to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Not the most romantic of days for Jen, but my favourite day of the month as it's the only time Jen and I get together. We don't get to go out at night and there always seems to be someone shouting "Mum!" or "Dad!" fights to referee, or, tears to wipe.
Friday was important as we received the results of the recent skeletal survey I had. As feared the recent X-rays show a couple of lesions on my skull, evidence that the Myeloma is attacking the bone from the outside. Together with my high para-protein levels and high light chain readings point to disease progression although we have agreed to hold off with chemotherapy until further progression. The first batch of chemo is the most successful and so we want it to be at a time it will be most effective.
It's been a tough week for us both and we half expected the news we got. It's been stressful to say the least, made more difficult by Jens illness, but friends who have sent good luck messages and that have been genuinely rooting for us have made it more bearable. We are really grateful. It's a shame that we don't get more support from closer to home, but that's the beauty of families I suppose!!!
We continue to be positive and whilst these lesions are a black cloud we are focusing on the silver lining that treatment can be delayed for the time being.
In the meantime download some Frank Turner - hopefully you will be as uplifted as we were last Sunday. In one of his songs, I knew Prufock before he got famous, there is a line that sums up where we are at the moment.
"They help us with remembering that the only thing that's left to do is live"
Sunday saw a very rare family outing to watch Frank Turner at the Manchetser Arena. It was Alex & Callums first ever gig and they participated with full gusto, singing every word, jumping and clapping at every opportunity. Despite Franks back problems it was a tremendous gig and would rank in the top 5 of my all time favourites. I hope to see him again in the future although that may well depend on my health more than his.
On Friday, Valentines Day, it was my monthly visit to Manchester Royal Infirmary. Not the most romantic of days for Jen, but my favourite day of the month as it's the only time Jen and I get together. We don't get to go out at night and there always seems to be someone shouting "Mum!" or "Dad!" fights to referee, or, tears to wipe.
Friday was important as we received the results of the recent skeletal survey I had. As feared the recent X-rays show a couple of lesions on my skull, evidence that the Myeloma is attacking the bone from the outside. Together with my high para-protein levels and high light chain readings point to disease progression although we have agreed to hold off with chemotherapy until further progression. The first batch of chemo is the most successful and so we want it to be at a time it will be most effective.
It's been a tough week for us both and we half expected the news we got. It's been stressful to say the least, made more difficult by Jens illness, but friends who have sent good luck messages and that have been genuinely rooting for us have made it more bearable. We are really grateful. It's a shame that we don't get more support from closer to home, but that's the beauty of families I suppose!!!
We continue to be positive and whilst these lesions are a black cloud we are focusing on the silver lining that treatment can be delayed for the time being.
In the meantime download some Frank Turner - hopefully you will be as uplifted as we were last Sunday. In one of his songs, I knew Prufock before he got famous, there is a line that sums up where we are at the moment.
"They help us with remembering that the only thing that's left to do is live"
Friday, 7 February 2014
Reality bites
My colleague, boss and friend Vicky Bannister published a blog last year called "When carers go bad" it's brilliant and you can read it here http://vickyandclem.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/when-carers-go-bad.html
I've recently encountered the same sort of thing. My Myeloma appears to be pointing towards the start of chemotherapy. My light chains are up significantly, I've got increased bone pain and my para-protein levels remain high. On top of that I have had repeat infections but more recently a chest infection that has knocked me for six.
So what do you do when you are battling all of this and your main carer, your rock, the person who maintains the equilibrium, the person who makes the house run, the person who also looks after her 82 year old mum falls ill. Well it all falls apart.
Jen has been really poorly. I don't remember her being quite so ill - even after emergency c-section which involved blood transfusions. The same chest infection has knocked her for 6, I would even say it was 7!!
So this week I've tried to, had to, do more to help. I've done a bit of cooking - was quite proud of my fish pie with potato and leek mash. Done some washing - didn't manage to run the colours, as well as do packed lunches, school runs and bits and bobs of shopping - we don't half go through milk - on top of not being A1 myself a having a trip to Manchester Royal for a scan.
It's made me realise how much Jen does and how she never stops, how running the house, looking after her mum, and me, and the kids, as well as working full time - eventually the tank becomes empty. It's also made me realise what good friends we have, friends who took time off work to pick Al & Cal up from school when I was in hospital and Jen unfit to drive.
It does make me worry about the future and how we will cope if Chemotherapy comes. But that's a worry for another day. The main thing now is to get Jen fit again. And I must help more to relieve the burden on her.
Next clinic is Friday 14/2 - Valentines Day. Update to follow.
I've recently encountered the same sort of thing. My Myeloma appears to be pointing towards the start of chemotherapy. My light chains are up significantly, I've got increased bone pain and my para-protein levels remain high. On top of that I have had repeat infections but more recently a chest infection that has knocked me for six.
So what do you do when you are battling all of this and your main carer, your rock, the person who maintains the equilibrium, the person who makes the house run, the person who also looks after her 82 year old mum falls ill. Well it all falls apart.
Jen has been really poorly. I don't remember her being quite so ill - even after emergency c-section which involved blood transfusions. The same chest infection has knocked her for 6, I would even say it was 7!!
So this week I've tried to, had to, do more to help. I've done a bit of cooking - was quite proud of my fish pie with potato and leek mash. Done some washing - didn't manage to run the colours, as well as do packed lunches, school runs and bits and bobs of shopping - we don't half go through milk - on top of not being A1 myself a having a trip to Manchester Royal for a scan.
It's made me realise how much Jen does and how she never stops, how running the house, looking after her mum, and me, and the kids, as well as working full time - eventually the tank becomes empty. It's also made me realise what good friends we have, friends who took time off work to pick Al & Cal up from school when I was in hospital and Jen unfit to drive.
It does make me worry about the future and how we will cope if Chemotherapy comes. But that's a worry for another day. The main thing now is to get Jen fit again. And I must help more to relieve the burden on her.
Next clinic is Friday 14/2 - Valentines Day. Update to follow.
Friday, 8 February 2013
Zometa Infusion? No thanks I prefer PG Tips
Its been a busy week since my appointment at MRI last Friday, hence my delay in posting this blog.
Overall the results remain good, my bloods remain as stable as can be expected which is good. As mentioned in previous blogs I suffer from bone pain in my hips and pelvis. That's why I fidget a lot when I'm sat down - Ive not got ants in my pants - honestly!!!
The specialist has decided that I need to start some treatment which as well as helping with bone regrowth will hopefully help with pain relief. The drug is a zoledronic acid with a trade name of Zometa. You can find out more about Zometa here When the specialist told me they would start this treatment he said "We will start you with some Zometa Infusions" I thought he was offering me a cup of herbal tea which I'm not keen on!!!!
I will have 15 minutes of intravenous infusions once a month at the same time as my monthly check up so that saves a second journey to MRI. First one is 8th March, the date of my next appointment and I'll let you know how I get on.
Overall the results remain good, my bloods remain as stable as can be expected which is good. As mentioned in previous blogs I suffer from bone pain in my hips and pelvis. That's why I fidget a lot when I'm sat down - Ive not got ants in my pants - honestly!!!
The specialist has decided that I need to start some treatment which as well as helping with bone regrowth will hopefully help with pain relief. The drug is a zoledronic acid with a trade name of Zometa. You can find out more about Zometa here When the specialist told me they would start this treatment he said "We will start you with some Zometa Infusions" I thought he was offering me a cup of herbal tea which I'm not keen on!!!!
I will have 15 minutes of intravenous infusions once a month at the same time as my monthly check up so that saves a second journey to MRI. First one is 8th March, the date of my next appointment and I'll let you know how I get on.
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