Hi amazing friends and family,
I had a Consultant visit last week and I am now half way through my Radium 223 treatment ( 3 injections so far ) , so thought it was time to add a short update.
In general, I am now a lot stiffer all over and have significant lower back pain.
Also, feeling very tired and exhausted most of the time, but still managing most things and keeping my spirits high.
I was hoping the Radium would ease the spinal pain, however I have been advised that it can take around three months to have any effect. The way it feels is like carrying a 'rucksack' on my back all day, sometimes full and sometimes less heavy !
The plan now is a further MRI scan to see what is going on with my old spine and then further bone scans etc when Radium 223 treatment finishes on June 6th.
We are now no longer concentrating on my PSA blood count number (which is 115) and focusing attention on my bone profile readings (ALP) which gives a more accurate reading whether the radium is having any effect. I am expecting my PSA to continue to rise on this new treatment which is strange having spent the past few years trying to get my PSA down!!!!
The good news is that my bone profile and other blood results ( excepting PSA ) are all good just now and within the 'normal' ranges.
Have also now had to accept the idea of taking regular pain relief, having been very stubborn over the past year or so and not wishing to take anything stronger than Paracetamol and Co Codamol ! I am now on Morphine (fairly low dose) and I am already feeling the benefits. (As always Marydoll was right in insisting that I needed stronger pain relief !!)
We have managed a couple of holidays visiting Prague before Christmas and also a Cannarian Island Cruise in the New Year. The cruise was a complete washout as it rained for 7 full days so no sun to help my old bones !!
Never mind, shall just need to plan another wee trip soon to find some sun.
Got a couple of nights over in Arran in Vicky and Scott's new house with my mates next week and Katie and Jamie move to their new house in Bridge of Weir on Thu 29th March, so plenty to keep us going and of course all my favourite 'wee people' who always keep a smile on my face.
Poor wee Marydoll, missing her work and having to put up with me 24 x 7. She deserves a medal. Love her always xxx
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Comments (22)
Grahame : Cheers Des, still plenty of life in the old dog yet. Take care and keep well
Grahame : I would probably be long gone if it wasn't for you MD. You are the star. Love you always xxx
Grahame : Hi Elaine, please post as many comments as you like and feel free to share with your nursing colleagues. Huge thanks for your support and maybe you will go into oncology when you qualify ? Take care and keep well xxx
Your family are very lucky to have such a strong influence in their lives and I pray you’ll be there to watch your gorgeous grandchildren all grow up sending you lots off love x x
Grahame : Hi April, huge thanks for your heartfelt comments. Take care x
Grahame : Love you too wee one xxx
Grahame : Hi Carmen, thanks. My family have been amazing, patience of saints :>) Take care and hopefully catch up soon xxx
Onwards and Upwards. Plenty to keep you busy as far as the photo shows, no wonder your tired.
Grahame : I can't glow green Pete, would get thrown out of the Rangers supporters club :>). Take care, keep well and hopefully catch up at the next BofA reunion in June.
Grahame : Thanks my wee Barra. Love you xxx
Love and best wishes to you and your family x
Grahame : Huge thanks Jacqui. Take care x
Grahame : Cheers Buddy, hope you are still living life to the full across the pond. Take care, keep well, love to the family and hopefully catch up soon
Grahame : It's taken a while but I listen now :>) Thanks Jean, take care x
Grahame : Never a truer word Tree :>) Take care and catch up soon. Love ya x
Grahame : Cheers Paul, hopefully catch up in June. Take care and love to you and family x
Grahame : huge thanks Sal, take care and hopefully see you and Steve before too long xxx
Josie , Mike & the boys. 😘
Grahame : Huge thanks Jo, you are making me blush ( or maybe it's another hot flush :>) I am sure Mike would echo your words. Keep well and love to all xxx
Go find some sunshine relief soon. Best Regards to yourself Mary and young Floyd. Phil n Sharon
Grahame : Hi Phil, great news on you brother, I am sure he will make a full recovery. Please pass on my best. Hopefully head off to some warmer climes soon and get some heat on the bones. Love to you both and Kendal of course. Take care and keep well xxx
Grahame : Cheers Andrew and fingers crossed. Hope you and Sophia are well. Take care big fella.
Grahame : Huge thanks both. Yep a holiday in the sun is a must, especially when you live in the West of Scotland :>). Love to you both and Nino and Bianca and hopefully catch up soon xxx
Rina x
Grahame : Huge thanks Rina, hope you are well xxx
Grahame : Thanks Elaine. As you said, I have tried most things and still take supplements and smoothies full of fruit, veg, nut kernels etc. We keep to a pretty balanced diet but I can't give up my curries and occasional roast dinners etc, life wouldn't be worth living :>). But very well done you. Keep well and hopefully we will get a change to catch up soon. Lots of love xxx
Grahame : Huge thanks Elaine, yes Mary is a rock and keeps me sane. I hope your pain subsides and you can come off the morphine at some point. It does the trick but leaves me a bit woozy !! Take care and get well x
Grahame : thanks Jeannie. Please give us a shout and we can get together for a catch-up. Loads of love xx