DESPITE being given the double leukaemia all-clear only a few weeks ago Examiner reporter Adrian Sudbury has had yet another setback.
Adrian, who underwent a bone marrow transplant in May, has developed another potentially life-threatening complication.
The new white blood cells, being made by his donated bone marrow, have started to attack his skin.
The condition is known as chronic Graft versus Host Disease.
Adrian said: “Just when everything seemed to be falling into place I’ve had yet another kick in the teeth.
“After being given the all-clear from two types of the disease I had started exercising and just wanted to return to normal life as quickly as I could. I was hoping to be back at work by November.”
Adrian’s skin has dried up, making it hard for him to see out of his eyes and move his limbs.
If the condition is not caught quickly it can go on to attack the liver and possibly be untreatable.
Chronic GvHD is quite common in patients following a bone marrow transplant.
Its treatment involves increasing the dose of drugs which suppresses the immune system, along with a course of high-dose steroids.
Adrian, who was only going into hospital once every two weeks, will now have to be monitored every couple of days.
Consultants will now have to try and adjust levels of the drugs so that his body and new immune system can begin to work well together.
Adrian added: “I have been invited to this year’s Examiner Community Awards ceremony on Monday to speak about the work of the Anthony Nolan Trust, the organisation that helped make my transplant possible.”
Proceeds from the night are going to the trust.
He said: “This year has been terrible for me and I’ve had to miss out on so much.
“I really hope that the treatment kicks in and I’m able to attend the event as it would really mean a lot to me.”
Adrian added that he was optimistic his treatment was working and said there had been significant improvements into the condition of his skin.
Community Awards focus on Srevices to Charity – see Pages 12 and 13.
