The long absence meant... I have been well.
Since the last post in 2015, I have achieved MRD-, Minimum Residual Disease, no myeloma cells to the 10 million count. It was done January 2018 and thankfully, I could stop all medications 6 months later.
Since the last post in 2015, I have achieved MRD-, Minimum Residual Disease, no myeloma cells to the 10 million count. It was done January 2018 and thankfully, I could stop all medications 6 months later.
Now, why am I back, It only means one thing...
A faint band was seen in July this year. Waited and further bloodtests in August and October showed a small increase to 1.4g/L
I am rather disappointed but not distressed.
Since 2015, there have been many new myeloma drugs which are effectively controlling the disease. Still, no-one would say there's a cure. However, I'm optimistic with new treatment protocols. Prof Chng said I could be in MGUS state, also I have increased in age hence the re-emergence, and it is not necessarily worrisome. An elderly person can survive with a low number without need for intervention.
It could be possible that the Covid vaccinations and a bout of not-serious Covid infection end of March this year, have triggered my immune system to show 2 spikes. Nobody knows. Though I have read from IMF myeloma minutes or Dr. Durie's blog that some myeloma patients have re-emerged from remission in greater numbers since Covid...
Our immune systems are rather fragile and sensitive to environmental changes and intrusions. What can we say, except to bite our lips, tough it out and move on to fight another battle with myeloma!
