I enjoyed two full months of recovery from the latest attempt to control my cancer, multiple myeloma. At first, that drug worked well. The harsh side effects, however, made me question whether it was worthwhile. Soon, its effectiveness waned. The setback left me wondering about my future. So, I took a break to reassess things. … More Back to the Future
Last Thursday I visited my oncologist. We reviewed the most recent lab tests. Things are good. My M-Spike holds at 0.1 g/dL and serum free light chain numbers are all within the reference range. My drug-free remission continues 21 months post transplant. On Friday I drove to Portland, OR to attend the International Myeloma Foundation’s … More IMF Patient & Family Seminar
The cancer continues to sleep. My oncologist, Dr. M., ordered blood labs of CBC, CMP, SFLCA, and SPEP. Nothing stood out, just a bunch of numbers. The myeloma is stable 17 months post transplant. I am not on any maintenance therapy. I take a multi-vitamin, 1000 mg of calcium, and a low dose aspirin each … More The Indian Clerk
During the interval between this post and the last, my garden unleashed a bounty of colorful blooms. Iris and rhododendron, in particular, show off extravagant blossoms in lavender, pink, and white. Beneath these preening plants, more humble flowers open their smiling faces to the sun and spring rains. Nasturtium, cosmos, petunia, dianthus, marigold, geums, and … More Riding the Melphalan Wave
We just returned from an evening trip to the infusion lab where John received 2 units of blood. His hematocrit had dropped to 26%, par for the course after melphalan, which automatically calls for a transfusion. He is finally cashing in on the many gallons he has regularly donated at Hood River blood drives. The … More Transfusion
Reluctant grazing best describes my diet. Water tastes terrible. I wear a hydration backpack carrying 1500 ml of saline solution. A battery operated pump feeds me 250 ml for each of six hours. This replenishes my body fluids. You would think I could drink eight ounces of water every hour, but well, forget it. To … More Hope In A Time Of Melphalan
As advertised, John is feeling “punier” by the day as the melphalan goes to work. Through yesterday he was able to eat sufficiently and drink the required 100 oz. of fluid per day, but by today he just can’t manage. So he will get a liter of fluid by IV today (at home), and probably … More Balancing Act
Day two of the transplant procedure was much better than day one. We were at the clinic for seven hours. I handled the amifostine and melphalan with no difficulty. The most annoying part was having to suck ice chips for one hour prior to and during infusion of the melphalan and then for an additional … More Day Zero
I consented to the clinical trial. The decision gave me buyer’s remorse. The worry was whether the increased chemo would burn a hole in my gut. As it is, I won’t receive the mega dose; I was randomized to the standard high dose. The study hopes to define a new maximum tolerated dosage of chemo. … More Knocking On Wood
Day by day, my strength and stamina improve. Marilyn and I increased the length of our walks each of the last four days. Saturday, we walked the perimeter of Volunteer Park and then a portion of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Sunday, we drove to Woodinville to visit with friends Kevin and Arlene. Together we ambled … More Walking, Walking, Walking
Good Blood, Bad Blood 