Anyway, following on from having my first cycle of chemotherapy in January 2024, I left hospital only to be re-admitted 2 days later due to having Tumour Lysis Syndrome:
“Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when a large number of cancer cells die and release their contents into the bloodstream. This can happen spontaneously or as a result of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy. TLS is characterized by an overwhelming release of intracellular contents like potassium, phosphorus, and uric acid, which can exceed the body's ability to clear them.”
This meant that I was in bed and the next thing I remember was an ambulance crew saving my life. I had a low blood pressure, very low sugar levels and various other problems. I cannot praise the crew enough, after giving me liquid glucose and a raft of tests, I was rushed to St. George’s Hospital in London, on blue lights and sirens. I should say here that although my local hospital is around a mile from my house, all my medical teams - and most importantly my Haematologists are based here, so the extra 5 or so miles seemed a sensible move to make. Especially at the speed that they got me there in the middle of the night.
I was met in resus by a team of doctors of all types, but especially the intensive care team. Unfortunately they removed my PICC line which is used for my bloods and drug infusions. This meant more of the dreaded cannulas and multiple attempts to get bloods from me for the necessary tests. This line was removed as they were worried that it had got infected, which could have caused my symptoms. Thankfully, this was not the case.
My care was excellent - on that first night, as they didn’t have an intensive care bed, I was kept in the resus room, in case of any further problems.
The following day I was finally placed in a bed in another ward, ( the acute medical care unit), which although was supposed to be temporary, I had to stay in for the duration as there were no single rooms anywhere else that I could be cared for. This turned out to be a blessing for me as the nursing staff were excellent and seemed to take pity on me. Also, by sheer chance, one of the nursing staff was someone I knew from years before, which was great as we did some catching up. In fact, when I left the ward, I had a few of the nurses coming to say goodbye to me, which is a change from how I normally am in hospital. Unfortunately, due to past experiences, I am usually their worst nightmare.
Anyway, whilst I was back in I had a more tests and was also found to have COVID-19, so had to have treatment for that, as well as numerous antibiotics and fluids to keep me going. One of the last things that I had was another bone marrow biopsy to see the results of my recent chemotherapy. I was amazed when the results came through, as were my medical team - I had amazingly gone into remission after my first cycle of targeted chemotherapy!
Anyway, after all this excitement, I was told the bad news that my body would not be able to cope with having a stem cell transplant and probably never would. However, nearly a year to the day later (December 2024, I had the news I was hoping for - I had been approved for treatment. This was no small feat by any means, it took a lot of work by my medical team and psychologists to get this far. I was started off as a guinea pig for a new idea, pre-habilitation. This was an intensive course of physio and other tests and treatments to get my body fit for this goal. I cannot thank the team - especially my physiotherapist Maria enough. Their patience and help, got me through this hard time and ready for this monumental day.
So here we are, after 5 courses of chemo to keep the cancer under control at a point where I go into hospital in 2 weeks as of the day I write this, (8th January 2025). The next couple of weeks are an almost constant time of appointments and tests for the final preparations for my treatment. This is an anxious time, but one with more hope than I have had since I was first diagnosed with this horrible cancer in January 2020, (around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic starting).
I have been amazed at what the NHS have achieved. Throughout and beyond the worst of the pandemic, they have managed to keep me as safe as can be with careful care and infection control. In fact, the one time I got COVID-19, was, the one time I missed my booster vaccination.
Anyway I digress, I now go into hospital on the 22nd January and start my conditioning chemotherapy on 23rd January after some minor surgery to have my Hickman Line fitted. Then my new birthday is, if all goes to plan, due to be on the 29th January 2025. This date, holds more than a little memory with my family, as it is Kerry’s late dad’s birthday. What better way to celebrate his life!
I will try to update you on my developments throughout this journey, however, please understand that this may not be possible, depending on how I feel at any time during this treatment.
This is by no means going to be easy and when done, there will be a considerable amount of recovery to be done, however, I am determined to come through this stronger than ever before for everyone that I know and love.
