The countdown begins.

Hello again. Long time no see. I had hoped that when Mike restarted treatment he would continue to update you all, he obviously didn't :)

Today we start cycle 5 of his VCD treatment. The last four have passed pretty much without much to say, apart from one case of pneumonia and low platelets that according to "protocol" are not low enough to warrant a transfusion, but which are low enough that, while on the dialysis machine, the needles have a constant trickle of blood from around them. Well it's only for four hours! 

Yesterday we were given the provisional date for Mike's second SCT, get your diaries out and pencil in January 11th. The actual event depends on Mike's numbers having come down enough, there was a blip due to the break in treatment due to the pneumonia, which had the docs reaching for an alternative. Luckily the Velcade seems to be still working. Mike was asked if he would prefer before Christmas, no thank you was his reply. Everything seems to be the same as last time, the timetable hasn't changed in six years. I wish I could say the same.

This time I have no humour to add to the proceedings. I am in a permanent state of depression and anxiety. I will however try and keep you all entertained or at least informed. 

14 weeks to go......