Dear Friends,
After nine months I have
finally had my last session of chemotherapy for lymphoma recurrence at St
Vincent’s Private Hospital. This one, like the first in November, was 5
days intensive in-patient infusion with ‘rescue’ using folinic acid.
Meantime I had 12 out-patient infusions, most of which were trouble-free.
Each time I walked from our flat in Potts Point to the hospital, exercise which
could only help considering my sedentary lifestyle.
I am grateful to all of you
for intermittent messages of support which have been very sustaining. As
the months rolled on the previously modest side effects were greatly augmented
by contracting influenza A (despite double vaccination) in June. I could
no longer pretend that some other poor soul was having the therapy while Andrew
went on having a good time: New York, Lord Howe, family gatherings, 70th
birthday, opera, restaurants, etc. Even my first bout of Covid in March
was minor compared with the recent ‘flu. To help with the residual
bronchitis and to prevent other infections I am having a transfusion of
immunoglobulins before discharge. Allan and I should be home in Bowral on
the weekend if all goes according to plan.
After a clear PET scan I am
now in remission and happy to say been given every chance that it should be a
long one, thanks to the doctors and nurses at St Vincent’s Hospital. Ever
grateful, etc, for the opportunity to benefit from wisdom and experience of top
professionals.
Hope to see you all around
very soon,
Andrew Byrne ..
