Colin Smith – The battle of the two Cs

Despite a relapse in 2021, eight years after his initial diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Colin Smith says recovering from COVID has been worse than his recurring blood cancer.

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Colin Smith (70) lives in Johannesburg, Gauteng with his wife. They have three children and two grandchildren. 

Diagnosis 

At the age of 59, in February 2013, Colin experienced discomfort in the top right side of his abdomen. He thought it was a pulled muscle and adds that he hadn’t seen a doctor since undergoing a pilot’s medical in 1994. 

He went to a GP where blood tests were done which revealed the presence of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and was referred to a haematologist and more tests were conducted, including a bone marrow biopsy. 

An additional health issue was picked up which required surgery; this had to be done before any treatment for CLL commenced.

He says, “I wasn’t shocked to hear the news, nor was I expecting such news. Whilst such news comes as an unpleasant surprise, I chose to be positive about a successful treatment outcome. My haematologist explained all details extremely thoroughly. Furthermore, I’m truly blessed that my wife, a paediatrician, is in the medical field. She has been my tireless counsellor and support throughout this journey,” 

Treatment

Colin accepted the treatment plan without needing other opinions or options. Treatment started in July 2013 and consisted of six chemo cycles over three days each, at four weekly intervals.

“Thankfully, I don’t recall side effects other than being quite tired after the first and second cycle, improving thereafter to the extent that on days two and three which weren’t full treatment days, I was able to go to my office and work, after treatment in the mornings.,” Colin explains. 

A month after chemotherapy, a re-assessment of his bone marrow was done and it was all clear. 

Relapse in 2021

Colin went for follow-ups every three months then six-monthly until his blood counts started to deteriorate. Follow-ups were then moved back to three-monthly. A bone marrow biopsy, in October 2021, confirmed relapse requiring further treatment. 

A further six chemotherapy cycles were administered for six months from November 2021 to April 2022. Additional treatment, a targeted therapy oral tablet, commenced daily at the same time, which continued once chemo was completed. A re-assessment bone marrow was done in April 2023, which was clear.  

Unfortunately, Colin was diagnosed with COVID at the end of April 2023 and the targeted therapy had to be stopped, with him struggling to regain full health.

Since June 2023, Colin receives treatment every four weeks in an attempt to boost his immune system; this is ongoing. He continues to have blood tests and consultations with his haematologist every three months.

COVID harder than CLL

When asked if he sensed he was ill, Colin responds, “I haven’t sensed any illness and to be honest, I’ve never felt ill with CLL either before or during treatment. Though, I found COVID much more difficult to deal with and felt really terrible at times. It was necessary to be hospitalised for a few days but with the assistance of my medical team and my wife, I managed to recover from the virus at home.”

He adds, “There can never be enough awareness of blood cancers. Look at my case, the diagnosis was determined from blood tests, when the symptoms to me didn’t suggest anything to do with blood cancer.”

Family support

Colin goes on to say, “I have an amazing wife who is always there to support and encourage me. She does her best to ensure that I toe the line and live a healthy lifestyle as possible, eating appropriately, exercising as much as I can, and wearing a mask when necessary in public places.” 

“My entire family have been incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout. My daughter is a dietitian and guides me on how to eat nutritiously, and insists on drinking plenty water. The family have made me a much better ‘case’ than if I simply did as I pleased. The same applies to my close friends. 

I have continued to work full days throughout this time.”

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