Round 3 has been side effect bingo. With each round of treatment I have had different side effects, this time, on top of the being tired and pretty much suffering from constant indigestion, I have had peripheral neuropathy (tingly feet and hands) this feels like when pins and needles wears off but it lasts all day - now I know what nerve pain feels like. The side effects aren't regular either some days it's bad and others it's fine. 
I've done some massage training this month too, I know now that I really don't have the concentration span to work, I found myself thinking about other things and missing bits but I was very aware of the lack of concentration.
On the positive side, I'm halfway through the chemo treatment, walking more and moving better. 
Thank you to everyone who has sent lovely messages xx

I thought I`d explain a bit around Myeloma and how it has effected my immune system. I hope this will help people understand why I am shielding.
The immune system has a number of parts, the bits I am going to mention are the innate, which relate to white blood cells, and the acquired imune system, which comes from exposure to pathogens.
The only part that of the immune system that is effect by Myeloma is the acquired immune system. The acquired immune system produces antibodies that neutralise antigens made by pathogens. The antibodies are made by plasma cells. With my Myeloma my plasma is not making IgG antibodies which are the main antibodies that protect against bacterial and viral infections.
Therefore in times of COVID it seems sensible to keep away from any source of infection..

Four weeks ago I finished chemo round 2, this means I am a third of the way through treatment!!!

What’s better since round 1:
Getting about: particularly using stairs, which I can almost do without a crutch. We’ve been doing longer walks, I take the crutch as I need it for a longer distance.
Sleeping: I can now sleep flat which makes a big difference.
Yoga: my practice is evolving as moving gets easier, I’m able to do some standing asana.

What’s not so great:
Saying to people that I have cancer, that gets a bit messy and snottery.
Side effects: I haven’t had horrible side effects, so far I’ve  had swollen feet and ankles (very attractive), indigestion and sometimes I’m really tired.
Communication with the hospital could be better: there’s been a bit of confusion about getting my prescriptions and getting blood taken.


And me, I would like to feel “normal” again and not be achey and have to watch how I get around: I realised this time round that I am going to have to be careful until the growth has gone because it could damage the vertebrae again, that’s very frustrating. I’m not great at sitting round the house, I can’t get the balance of doing nothing/doing things right.
I am keeping myself busy making yoga videos, reading, knitting and watching the Gilmore Girls and Real Housewives. Any other recommendations will be gratefully received!
 Useful stuff I have learned this time round: toiletries you might need for chemo

• Moisturiser - I totally need this, as all my skin is really dry, flakey dry. I am trying to be really good and use it every day.
• Mouth wash - the side effect of some of the drugs is horrible coating  on the tongue and a horrible taste in my mouth. Mouth wash does seem to help.

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Round 3 has almost finished now, need to get faster at this.