An Update

[nickyr]

I've been a member of this forum now for almost 16 years!! I know I post rarely but I visit daily and sometimes (try to at least) contribute where I can

Anyway, as some of you will know I have a blood / bone marrow / bone cancer called multiple myeloma, and following a stem-cell transplant in July 2015 have been in (partial) remission since.

Well, last month I received the news that I have relapsed and my cancer is affecting me again. So this means the battle with this horrible illness starts all over again. I'm not certain as yet what treatments, etc I will be offered, but I do know that bone-strengthening (with a drug called Zometa) is one treatment I can and will have.

Myeloma first time around caused a spinal fracture which left me permanently disabled and literally millimetres from paralysis, so I really want to avoid that sort of malady again trust me!

So, to all the friends I've made on here since 2007, that's where I'm at right now.

Nick

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Nick, so sorry for the relapse and wishing you all the best against this devastating disease! Stay strong.

 

[Rod]

Aww, thats awful. I'm so sorry to hear that, as a retired Registered Nurse I know how difficult this must be for you and your loved ones. I wish you all the best my friend.

 

[lclev]

So sorry Nicky. I will be pulling for you to beat this horrible disease back again.

Lisa

 

[MacInWin]

Sorry to hear that, Nick. We will be praying for you as you face this challenge. Keep us up-to-date as well as you can!

 

[Slydude]

Sorry to hear that Nick. Sending prayers your way.

 

[IWT]

A beastly business, Nick. You have been courageous before and demonstrated the strength to come through adversity.

It's harder now, but with your resolve and the distant support of the members here, go for it. We all wish you well.

Ian

Ian

 

[toMACsh]

Sorry that you have to go through this again Nick. Be strong and courageous, as you have been in the past. If it's not too difficult for you to use the computer, keep posting. I'm sure that the encouragement you get here helps.

 

[pigoo3]

Darn Nick...very unfortunate. Hopefully progress has improved with treatments since 2015. Please stay strong!

 

[nickyr]

thanks everyone for your kind comments and encouragement

I feel fine right now, but know how quickly this illness can progress so I'm trying to keep as busy and productive as possible for now.

as regards treatments, I've a consultation on 3rd May and will know a lot more after that. In 2015 I had a stem-cell transplant and they harvested sufficient cells for a second one, although a preliminary discussion with my haematologist didn't discuss that particular route.

there are new treatments, though I want to avoid chemotherapy if that is at all possible.

once again, thank you everyone - it really is greatly appreciated

 

[JohnCL]

So sorry that you are going through this again. Stay strong, and keep positive!

 

[RavingMac]

Definitely praying that all goes well with treatment, and for quick recovery

 

[nickyr]

Hi everyone

just a quick update. I started on a course of chemotherapy in mid May, but unfortunately the drugs didn't agree with me and started causing cardiac issues (severe arrhythmia being the worst).

the drugs I was taking are the least cardiac "invasive" kind. I have a heart issue (and a pacemaker fitted already) so any treatment ceased immediately.

I've got another consultation in August but if I'm honest with you I'm not keen on resuming chemo. I'd rather take my chances without it. Yes this means that the prognosis is a shorter lifespan, but I'll take that over the risk, or even just the worry and stress, of sudden cardiac failure or a stroke, etc.

 

[Slydude]

Sorry to hear that. I know you were hopeful that this round of chemo would be successful. Here's hoping your consultation in August will bring good news.

I certainly understand your reluctance to continue chemo given the cardiac risks. It sounds like you want to take things on your own terms and at least have one thing you can control.

 

[jga40]

I've been a member of this forum now for almost 16 years!! I know I post rarely but I visit daily and sometimes (try to at least) contribute where I can

Anyway, as some of you will know I have a blood / bone marrow / bone cancer called multiple myeloma, and following a stem-cell transplant in July 2015 have been in (partial) remission since.

Well, last month I received the news that I have relapsed and my cancer is affecting me again. So this means the battle with this horrible illness starts all over again. I'm not certain as yet what treatments, etc I will be offered, but I do know that bone-strengthening (with a drug called Zometa) is one treatment I can and will have.

Myeloma first time around caused a spinal fracture which left me permanently disabled and literally millimetres from paralysis, so I really want to avoid that sort of malady again trust me!

So, to all the friends I've made on here since 2007, that's where I'm at right now.

Nick

Hi Nick,

I've been a member for about 2 years but like you I rarely post. I have blood cancer, the medical name non Hodgkins Lymphoma, to white blood cells. My prognosis is good, in fact my next appoint with a Haematologist is not until December 2023, and that's by video link. I can only send you my best wishes
and say in recent years new treatments have appeared, according to my wife, recently retired nurse for 40 years, with 20 in oncology.

Been a Mac user since 1992, but since I installed Venture, I don't understand the OS, is there anyway I can downgrade to previous OS. Running Venture 13.3 is like an alien OS. I am seriously thinking o buying a good Windows PC. As Mac only account for 8% of laptop sales in the Uk, with 80% opting for Windows.

I know I can use a spare SSD and download New Monteray and boot from that then use Carbon Copy Cloner

Good luck & God bless

 

[pm-r]

I've been a member for about 2 years but like you I rarely post.

And it looks like you live in a very interesting and pretty place:

Cumbria · United Kingdom

United Kingdom

www.google.com

Is south Cumbria a nice place to live?
Jobs, Networking Opportunities & Unique Living in Cumbria ...
Time and again the county comes top of the league in surveys looking at Britain's best places to live. Other research shows that Cumbrians tend to be proud of where they live and pleased that it is one of the safest, most crime-free parts of Britain.

Jobs, Networking Opportunities & Unique Living in Cumbria | Cumbria LEP (CLEP)

Thinking of a future in Cumbria? Come to this world-famous landscape to live, find employment and experience, or even investments. Better your future.

www.thecumbrialep.co.uk

It certainly is a very Diversified Country you live in... I've never been there even though a lot of my relatives still live there and my father was born in the southern part of England but came to Canada at the early start phase of his working life.



- Patrick
=======



- Patrick
=======

 

[Slydude]

@jga40

Glad to see your health issues are working out.

It sounds like you have more than one question about the current OS that needs answering. Let's start a different thread to avoid the confusion.

A downgrade is possible depending upon whether you have a backup but let's look at other options first.

 

[IWT]

Nick,

I'd rather take my chances without it. Yes this means that the prognosis is a shorter lifespan, but I'll take that over the risk, or even just the worry and stress, of sudden cardiac failure or a stroke, etc.

It would be inappropriate of me to recommend any particular course that you might take; but I do understand your situation/dilemma.

There comes a time when the individual must decide what is best for them; even if that contradicts the medical mainstream. The patient's wishes are paramount in all instances.

I wish you well in your choice of treatment. You are now in the driving seat. What is best for you is what you choose.

God bless.

Ian

 

[lclev]

I've got another consultation in August but if I'm honest with you I'm not keen on resuming chemo. I'd rather take my chances without it. Yes this means that the prognosis is a shorter lifespan, but I'll take that over the risk, or even just the worry and stress, of sudden cardiac failure or a stroke, etc.

I'm so sorry Nicky. A good friend of mine is going through chemo. Her cancer is in the lymph system. She has had some real battles with the side effects and still waiting on if it has all been worth it. My brother just finished treatment for prostate cancer using chemo and radiation. His prognosis is good. But for both chemo has been so hard on there bodies. At some point one has to decide what will offer the best quality of life given we all have an expiration date. I will continue to pray for you.

Lisa

 

[nickyr]

thank you everyone

Throughout this whole last 9 years or so I have never felt in control of what is ultimately my own situation (and fate). I've just blindly gone along with the medical advice and procedures which have probably extended my life to now.

But all that treatment didn't come without pain and stress and worry. My initial chemo back in early 2015 was stopped early after I developed a huge saddle embolus on my right lung. That I survived was down to my previous levels of fitness from years of cycling (according to my doctors who told me afterwards that they didn't expect me to survive it).

So, this time around I want to take things at my pace and with my best interests at heart. I know that may sound selfish, but Slydude and Lisa have hit the nail firmly on its head - it's the balance between length of life and quality of life, and being in control of that.

What good is another say 5 years, when it's dependent on monthly chemo sessions and all the ills that brings? Now, I'm not "giving up". I will continue to fight this illness (fight is not a term I like as it implies weakness if you lose which is far from the case) but on my own terms.

Now, if I could get my Mac Mini's bluetooth to behave itself that would be a start