Medical update ibrutinib

[Mick491]

Hi all it's been a while since I have written here. Its tough for us all at present. I have been on ibrutinib for 18 months on and off. From the bone marrow biopsies the cancer has gone from 50 percent cancer to 30 percent in 12 months then now just under 30 percent. However as you are aware whilst this is very positive I still remain with a compromised immune system. In late January I was admitted with a temperature of 39 and cough which turned out to be pneumonia. I had been feeling very unwell for sometime but couldn't put my finger on it. I was discharged after 5 days feeling ok but readmitted a week later with all the same symptoms except a temperature. I was in for a week and they did lots of tests but couldn't find anything so I was rightly discharged a week later. 3 weeks ago all the symptoms returned including a temperature of 38.9. I was admitted again only this time tested for Covid 19. Thankfully this came back negative however, the test shown I was positive for a nasty virus called adenovirus. The Dr told me the treatment if required is immunotherapy and is not nice so he has given me two weeks and an alternative antibiotic to temper bacterial infection also to again stop ibrutinib. I'm back after 2 weeks to repeat the tests and take it from there. When I was last in hospital I was on a ward that only 3 beds including mine had patients as they were preparing for the onslaught of Covid 19 patients. I'm dreading going back but will face upto it with masks and gloves. Stay safe all and strictly adhere to the guidelines we have been given.

[annmcgowan]

Sorry to hear about your illness. Hope it all resolved soon.

Stay safe

Ann

[Jm954 Administrator]

I'm sorry to hear of this latest battle Mick, it's a fight every step of the way isn't it?

Take care, stay safe

Jackie

[Jacksc06]

So sorry to hear of this. Sending best wishes.

[Newdawn Administrator]

Oh I’m sorry that you’re facing more hospital stints at the moment Mick. You’ve had a rough time so take good care of yourself.

Sounds like you could do with a blast of Venetoclax to clear out that residual infiltration!

Newdawn

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Mick, so sorry to hear how miserable 2020 has been for you. Here's hoping the latest test will show improvement and allow for less than the not nice treatment to get the job done.

Best wishes. Let us know how things go.

[Ghounds]

So sorry to hear this. Very best wishes. Keep us informed when you feel able.