Some of you know that a few weeks before Christmas, as the result of an almost chance blood-test, my husband was found to have severely damaged kidneys and had to have immediate dialysis. He’d had no symptoms at all apart from some tiredness. This was worrying enough, but further tests showed that it was caused by myeloma, a bone-marrow cancer, which apparently can take several different forms; also people respond to both the disease and the treatments in very varying ways. There’s no cure at present, but quite a few different methods of trying to control it.
At the moment everything is uncertain. He may get some kidney function back, but is on dialysis 3 evenings a week for now, luckily at our local hospital 7 miles away, to which he can drive himself. And he’s on steroids and a low-dose chemotherapy by tablets, which shouldn’t cause severe side-effects.
He’s surprising everyone by how well he looks, and on the whole feels too. He’s had virtually no side-effects from any of the treatments, so that’s a good start, and all we can hope for for the moment. It’s also reassuring how impressive, efficient and friendly the service we’ve received from our sometimes maligned National Health is – we really couldn’t ask for anything better.
It’s been a big shock, but we’re both being very positive, and friends and family are so helpful. I also much appreciate the support I’ve had on the forum – it really does make a difference, and it’s nice too just to come and chat and laugh.