7-30-13
Just got to and back from the bakery while my caregiver wasn't watching, so I brought her a cinnamon roll for breakfast.
My specialty pharmacist called yesterday to check on my activities before getting approval for my second regimen of revlimid. We don't have a picture phone so I don't know the extent to which she was smiling as she asked those questions, but after a few minutes I mentioned age and she did not, like my good friends, guffaw. Nor did I mention to her the question one of those friends recently posed "was there a connection between unprotected sexual activity and the fractured rib"? He shall go unnamed, but forgive me a local hint for 1/2 100 members, he is the long hitter in the group, not infrequently long and "where did it go"?
After talking with the pharmacist, I called the drug company hotline to respond to the revlimid survey questions. Apparently I passed since the pills are to be delivered today by FedEx. So, another 21 day regimen begins this evening.
Although entirely possible that MM contributed to the rib weakness and thus the break, the source of most of my discomfort, as I begin this second regimen I realize that to date I have had few problems. My feet numbness is no worse, probably better, and the only other symptom is the frequent exhaustion - no negative side effects. Some have shared with me their experiences and I have so far escaped many of the problems they mention. I am not foolish enough to believe I won't suffer some in the future, but neither am I considering every little twinge an onset.
I still don't know how to allow comments on this blog, nor to get to them if I did. Although I don't want to load inboxes, I enjoy hearing from you when you have comments, suggestions, or questions. Don't worry about loading my inbox, right after watching for the mail man, this is my daily highlight.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-26-13
I decided to wait until this morning to report our visit with D. Milton yesterday..bushwa, I could not get to this page last evening, had some help this morning.
The visit went well. I begin the second series of revlimid next Tuesday.
We learned: not much could be expected from the first series except that I had no negative side effects; :MM probably contributed to the rib fracture, resulting in my having a 15 minute infusion of Zometa to help with bone strength;
: my golf cart cavorting probably did not cause the fracture;
: good that my feet numbness is not worse, probably a bit better;
: no one asked about unprotected sexual activity - apparently they no longer are humoring me on that issue;
: my age means I am not a candidate for transfusion, otherwise full speed ahead.
We discussed Dr. Abonour at the IU Cancer Center. Dr. Milton will help me make that contact if I choose to pursue. At this time, I probably won't, and I doubt I want to get involved with the support group there. I will, however, stay in touch with Joe Brown who related his experience and who is involved in fund raising for MM - that I hope to consider as time passes.
No vicodin before bedtime last night; did not sleep as soundly but not so fuzzy this morning. I dislike pills.
Summing up - first series went as well as could be expected, we may know more when we see Dr. Milton on 8-27 after the second.
Off the regimen for a few days should be enjoyable, maybe I will have more excitement than watching for the mailman. I even expect to see some of the closing holes of the shootout at Meridian Hills this afternoon.
Incidentally, although I started this to make it easy for those of you interested, I still don't know how to allow and then see comments. I do respond to emails if anyone wants to know what the devil bushwa means.
I decided to wait until this morning to report our visit with D. Milton yesterday..bushwa, I could not get to this page last evening, had some help this morning.
The visit went well. I begin the second series of revlimid next Tuesday.
We learned: not much could be expected from the first series except that I had no negative side effects; :MM probably contributed to the rib fracture, resulting in my having a 15 minute infusion of Zometa to help with bone strength;
: my golf cart cavorting probably did not cause the fracture;
: good that my feet numbness is not worse, probably a bit better;
: no one asked about unprotected sexual activity - apparently they no longer are humoring me on that issue;
: my age means I am not a candidate for transfusion, otherwise full speed ahead.
We discussed Dr. Abonour at the IU Cancer Center. Dr. Milton will help me make that contact if I choose to pursue. At this time, I probably won't, and I doubt I want to get involved with the support group there. I will, however, stay in touch with Joe Brown who related his experience and who is involved in fund raising for MM - that I hope to consider as time passes.
No vicodin before bedtime last night; did not sleep as soundly but not so fuzzy this morning. I dislike pills.
Summing up - first series went as well as could be expected, we may know more when we see Dr. Milton on 8-27 after the second.
Off the regimen for a few days should be enjoyable, maybe I will have more excitement than watching for the mailman. I even expect to see some of the closing holes of the shootout at Meridian Hills this afternoon.
Incidentally, although I started this to make it easy for those of you interested, I still don't know how to allow and then see comments. I do respond to emails if anyone wants to know what the devil bushwa means.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-23-13
Yesterday was not a good day; today was much better.
I am attributing most of my discomfort to the fractured rib. After a nights sleep, with the help of a vicodin, I awake with no pain. Only after activity does my right side bother me. So, today I limited my right side as much as possible, and suffered little. That says to me the discomfort is structural, not MM. Possibly my Dr. will disagree when I see him on Thursday.
Tomorrow night at dinner I will take my last revlimid, at least the last in this first series. On Thursday, we have many questions - haven't asked many to date - and hope to know more about the future.
Reading is my salvation. Probably Mary Ann's also - keeps me out of her way.
Yesterday was not a good day; today was much better.
I am attributing most of my discomfort to the fractured rib. After a nights sleep, with the help of a vicodin, I awake with no pain. Only after activity does my right side bother me. So, today I limited my right side as much as possible, and suffered little. That says to me the discomfort is structural, not MM. Possibly my Dr. will disagree when I see him on Thursday.
Tomorrow night at dinner I will take my last revlimid, at least the last in this first series. On Thursday, we have many questions - haven't asked many to date - and hope to know more about the future.
Reading is my salvation. Probably Mary Ann's also - keeps me out of her way.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-20-13
Took my steroid fix early this morning. When I got the urge to run around in a golf cart, or to install bathroom fixtures, or to vacuum (come to think about it, I never had that urge), or to do anything else requiring heavy duty, right handed work, I took my heating pad back to bed and treated the rib. Seems to have been helping eliminate the pain.
So, now I will take my evening vicodin, get a bit dizzy, and a bit drowsy, and soon will take my heating pad to bed. As I have mentioned, my goal is to eliminate the rib discomfort, then to return to MM, which means, stay with the program, which, with Mary Ann and Karen monitoring, I have done well, especially the no unprotected sex requirement. I am often surprised to have to explain the thalidomide problem, but I continue to get guffaws when I do.
But for the vicodin effects, today has been a good one.
Took my steroid fix early this morning. When I got the urge to run around in a golf cart, or to install bathroom fixtures, or to vacuum (come to think about it, I never had that urge), or to do anything else requiring heavy duty, right handed work, I took my heating pad back to bed and treated the rib. Seems to have been helping eliminate the pain.
So, now I will take my evening vicodin, get a bit dizzy, and a bit drowsy, and soon will take my heating pad to bed. As I have mentioned, my goal is to eliminate the rib discomfort, then to return to MM, which means, stay with the program, which, with Mary Ann and Karen monitoring, I have done well, especially the no unprotected sex requirement. I am often surprised to have to explain the thalidomide problem, but I continue to get guffaws when I do.
But for the vicodin effects, today has been a good one.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-19-13
I haven't been here for a few days (not even certain I am now with Comcast being so frustrating.)
Wednesday started well, so well that I decided to put up some new racks and hooks in our bathroom, which has been repainted. After two hooks and 1/4 of a rack, I cleverly realized I was aggravating my fractured rib, with resulting pain. Since I aggravate my right side when I brush my teeth, you might suggest that using a hammer and screwdriver would be a bit more severe - you would be right. So now we have two new hooks and the beginning of a towel rack which may never get done.
Thursday was a bust, unless, as one of my daughters would say, being on vicodin is good. I don't handle fussy very well.
Today, Friday, much better. The blood test this afternoon revealed no problems, the many pills are not having a negative effect on readings. Further, my oxygen level according to the nurse who tested it, is excellent, better than hers she said. Oxygen has been some concern because the fractured rib is near a lung - no worries.
Tomorrow morning I take my weekly steroid fix, which last Saturday had me driving a gold cart around Meridian Hills, which will not recur since Mary Ann and Karen will be monitoring my activity, as they do frequently.
My immediate goal is to eliminate the rib pain so I can deal with MM. Next week, near the end of the current pill regimen, we will visit with Dr. Milton - hope to get an idea of where we are and where we are going.
I haven't been here for a few days (not even certain I am now with Comcast being so frustrating.)
Wednesday started well, so well that I decided to put up some new racks and hooks in our bathroom, which has been repainted. After two hooks and 1/4 of a rack, I cleverly realized I was aggravating my fractured rib, with resulting pain. Since I aggravate my right side when I brush my teeth, you might suggest that using a hammer and screwdriver would be a bit more severe - you would be right. So now we have two new hooks and the beginning of a towel rack which may never get done.
Thursday was a bust, unless, as one of my daughters would say, being on vicodin is good. I don't handle fussy very well.
Today, Friday, much better. The blood test this afternoon revealed no problems, the many pills are not having a negative effect on readings. Further, my oxygen level according to the nurse who tested it, is excellent, better than hers she said. Oxygen has been some concern because the fractured rib is near a lung - no worries.
Tomorrow morning I take my weekly steroid fix, which last Saturday had me driving a gold cart around Meridian Hills, which will not recur since Mary Ann and Karen will be monitoring my activity, as they do frequently.
My immediate goal is to eliminate the rib pain so I can deal with MM. Next week, near the end of the current pill regimen, we will visit with Dr. Milton - hope to get an idea of where we are and where we are going.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-16-13
Two or three lousy days lately - interesting how a fractured rib pushes aside for a while concern with Multiple Myeloma.
Joe Brown, husband of Kathy, with whom I worked at Gardner & White, shared his tribulations with MM over the past 9 years. As he said, he is still around to talk about it and to share his thoughts. I will follow up some of his suggestions.
After making a foolish mistake on Sudoku this morning, I decided to lay off the "vicodin" to see if my head cleared. No such luck, so I probably will take one tonight to sleep and start using pencil for puzzles.
I won't be making the Wednesday group tomorrow, too fuzzy to drive and Mary Ann keeps me at rest most of the time.
Hot here, hope it is comfortable where you are.
Two or three lousy days lately - interesting how a fractured rib pushes aside for a while concern with Multiple Myeloma.
Joe Brown, husband of Kathy, with whom I worked at Gardner & White, shared his tribulations with MM over the past 9 years. As he said, he is still around to talk about it and to share his thoughts. I will follow up some of his suggestions.
After making a foolish mistake on Sudoku this morning, I decided to lay off the "vicodin" to see if my head cleared. No such luck, so I probably will take one tonight to sleep and start using pencil for puzzles.
I won't be making the Wednesday group tomorrow, too fuzzy to drive and Mary Ann keeps me at rest most of the time.
Hot here, hope it is comfortable where you are.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-14-14
"Friday the 13th" came a day late at our house, but it stormed in yesterday.
I began the day with my weekly steroid pills, the reason for which I forget. I do recall the possibility of being overly active for a while and I must have had a bit of that. I decided to go to the golf course at Meridian Hills to watch son-in-law Jeff with his host, Andy and my Ole Buddy Phil with his son-in-law Mike playing in different flights, both teams doing well. Jim Hess provided a cart and I bounced around to see how the teams were doing. After about three hours of watching them and visiting with others, I decided to return home for my daily nap, hoping to return if either or both won their flight with the result being participation in the "shoot out" the culmination of the Timberman member - guest tournament. They both won - I did not return.
Instead, I was barely able to crawl off the bed after my nap - severe pain in my upper right side. After talking with Tammy of HOI, we decided I should go to St. V's ER to determine the cause. They found it - I have a fractured rib, upper fight. Since the only cure for cracked and fractured ribs is time. ER kicked me out with a prescription for Hydrocodone (the poor mans Vicodin) - when looking for those pills at home after getting the script filled, Mary Ann said she had swallowed all of them - she probably needs them.
When the doctor at ER asked if I had recently injured that side, I said "No" forgetting that weeks ago I had tried to lift a log from the front woods, a log even Noah (my neighbor who now does my heavy lifting) might have struggled to move. I have from time-to-time noticed a bit of pain upper right. I may have finished the break running around the golf course. Whatever, now I am worthless around the house - at least I have an excuse. I did find a position for sleep, but getting out of bed was more than a little painful. I don't know how long Mary Ann will be able to help me dress!
When she was not at ER with me, Karen has been trying to activate a replacement box for the TV on our sun porch, following the instructions, she called Comcast and after hours of trying to get a human, as directed, she never got one. I tried to help, no such luck. Between us Karen and I were on hold for more than 4 hours, still no activation. We may need to consider alternatives to Comcast.
Mary Ann was cleaning the porch floor after dog Kato accidents.
Another blood test 7-19, then see Dr. Milton again on 7-25. Maybe we will get a better feeling for where we are with Multiple Myeloma, but he probably will pass on ribs and dogs.
I continue to be "whatever will be, will be" but we will see how that goes after a full day of not only no heavy lifting, but no lifting at all.
Peace.
"Friday the 13th" came a day late at our house, but it stormed in yesterday.
I began the day with my weekly steroid pills, the reason for which I forget. I do recall the possibility of being overly active for a while and I must have had a bit of that. I decided to go to the golf course at Meridian Hills to watch son-in-law Jeff with his host, Andy and my Ole Buddy Phil with his son-in-law Mike playing in different flights, both teams doing well. Jim Hess provided a cart and I bounced around to see how the teams were doing. After about three hours of watching them and visiting with others, I decided to return home for my daily nap, hoping to return if either or both won their flight with the result being participation in the "shoot out" the culmination of the Timberman member - guest tournament. They both won - I did not return.
Instead, I was barely able to crawl off the bed after my nap - severe pain in my upper right side. After talking with Tammy of HOI, we decided I should go to St. V's ER to determine the cause. They found it - I have a fractured rib, upper fight. Since the only cure for cracked and fractured ribs is time. ER kicked me out with a prescription for Hydrocodone (the poor mans Vicodin) - when looking for those pills at home after getting the script filled, Mary Ann said she had swallowed all of them - she probably needs them.
When the doctor at ER asked if I had recently injured that side, I said "No" forgetting that weeks ago I had tried to lift a log from the front woods, a log even Noah (my neighbor who now does my heavy lifting) might have struggled to move. I have from time-to-time noticed a bit of pain upper right. I may have finished the break running around the golf course. Whatever, now I am worthless around the house - at least I have an excuse. I did find a position for sleep, but getting out of bed was more than a little painful. I don't know how long Mary Ann will be able to help me dress!
When she was not at ER with me, Karen has been trying to activate a replacement box for the TV on our sun porch, following the instructions, she called Comcast and after hours of trying to get a human, as directed, she never got one. I tried to help, no such luck. Between us Karen and I were on hold for more than 4 hours, still no activation. We may need to consider alternatives to Comcast.
Mary Ann was cleaning the porch floor after dog Kato accidents.
Another blood test 7-19, then see Dr. Milton again on 7-25. Maybe we will get a better feeling for where we are with Multiple Myeloma, but he probably will pass on ribs and dogs.
I continue to be "whatever will be, will be" but we will see how that goes after a full day of not only no heavy lifting, but no lifting at all.
Peace.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-12-13
Just returned from a blood test - nurse said all OK. I think that means the meds are not having a negative effect on my blood; it does not speak to Myeloma. Have another test on 7-19, then see Dr. Milton on 7-25, at which visit we may learn more.
Mary Ann and I stopped by The Department of Insurance yesterday. I have for many years been the volunteer Senior Life Insurance Consultant at the Department, advising examiners on complaints filed by consumers re life insurance and annuities. Yesterday, though, I delivered what I think is the final form required by the State to be named an Administrative Law Judge, to serve as needed. Fortunately, I will set the times for my cases so they will not interfere with my afternoon naps.
We visited with Debra and Bettye, two Associate Commissioners with whom (for whom) I work. I was disappointed they were dubious about my thought that cleaning, laundry, and vacuuming were contributing to my being tired most of the time. Actually, what they suggested was that Mary Ann might want to send me to the Department so she could get some rest. No respect.
Just returned from a blood test - nurse said all OK. I think that means the meds are not having a negative effect on my blood; it does not speak to Myeloma. Have another test on 7-19, then see Dr. Milton on 7-25, at which visit we may learn more.
Mary Ann and I stopped by The Department of Insurance yesterday. I have for many years been the volunteer Senior Life Insurance Consultant at the Department, advising examiners on complaints filed by consumers re life insurance and annuities. Yesterday, though, I delivered what I think is the final form required by the State to be named an Administrative Law Judge, to serve as needed. Fortunately, I will set the times for my cases so they will not interfere with my afternoon naps.
We visited with Debra and Bettye, two Associate Commissioners with whom (for whom) I work. I was disappointed they were dubious about my thought that cleaning, laundry, and vacuuming were contributing to my being tired most of the time. Actually, what they suggested was that Mary Ann might want to send me to the Department so she could get some rest. No respect.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-10-13
I haven't mentioned how the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma came about - some of you have asked.
I went to Dick French, neurologist for my foot discomfort - usually I see him at the golf course. He found no neuropathy but did find an elevated protein in a blood test. He immediately sent me to Dan Milton, oncologist at Hematology-Oncology of Indiana (HOI) across the street from St. V's hospital. I didn't know we were concerned about cancer until I drove into the parking lot there. After weeks of testing, all negative i.e. good news, the final test was positive, and the treatment began. My only symptom was foot discomfort.
But for the diagnosis, Mary Ann and I have been most pleased with Dr. Milton and his chief nurse (or boss!) Tammy Lineback. In this age of going to the Doctor by referral rather than by choice, good to know had we had a choice we could not have done better.
Heard yesterday from a friend at the Crossings in Bonita Bay. His struggles with cancer make mine insignificant. I take no pleasure from that, but, as is so often the case, getting a health problem causes others to share their problems. Tough world for us old guys.
As I have noted, still no adverse symptoms other than the feet and being very tired most of the time. First blood test is 7-23, another on 7-30 - maybe we will know more.
I haven't mentioned how the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma came about - some of you have asked.
I went to Dick French, neurologist for my foot discomfort - usually I see him at the golf course. He found no neuropathy but did find an elevated protein in a blood test. He immediately sent me to Dan Milton, oncologist at Hematology-Oncology of Indiana (HOI) across the street from St. V's hospital. I didn't know we were concerned about cancer until I drove into the parking lot there. After weeks of testing, all negative i.e. good news, the final test was positive, and the treatment began. My only symptom was foot discomfort.
But for the diagnosis, Mary Ann and I have been most pleased with Dr. Milton and his chief nurse (or boss!) Tammy Lineback. In this age of going to the Doctor by referral rather than by choice, good to know had we had a choice we could not have done better.
Heard yesterday from a friend at the Crossings in Bonita Bay. His struggles with cancer make mine insignificant. I take no pleasure from that, but, as is so often the case, getting a health problem causes others to share their problems. Tough world for us old guys.
As I have noted, still no adverse symptoms other than the feet and being very tired most of the time. First blood test is 7-23, another on 7-30 - maybe we will know more.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-9-13
Yesterday I sent a multiple addressee email stating that this blog could be accessed by those interested. I enjoyed the replies, thanks for those kind words.
I just sent another with addressees I missed yesterday. My intent is to make this available for anyone interested without cluttering inboxes.
I am not hurting. My foot discomfort has diminished some. I am eating and not losing weight. But, I have never been as tired and listless as I have been the past couple of days. Fortunately, Mary Ann and Karen are motoring along and putting up with me, and I have a delightful young man (Noah Schrader) from next door to do the heavy work e.g. loading the water softener.
One of the possible problems is elevated temperature, which means, of course, that I wonder three or four times a day if I have one - strange how the mind works. So now we have a thermometer handy for frequent checks. Fortunately, it is an oral one.
I still expect to have at least one 81 on the golf course before next June to keep my streak going.
Yesterday I sent a multiple addressee email stating that this blog could be accessed by those interested. I enjoyed the replies, thanks for those kind words.
I just sent another with addressees I missed yesterday. My intent is to make this available for anyone interested without cluttering inboxes.
I am not hurting. My foot discomfort has diminished some. I am eating and not losing weight. But, I have never been as tired and listless as I have been the past couple of days. Fortunately, Mary Ann and Karen are motoring along and putting up with me, and I have a delightful young man (Noah Schrader) from next door to do the heavy work e.g. loading the water softener.
One of the possible problems is elevated temperature, which means, of course, that I wonder three or four times a day if I have one - strange how the mind works. So now we have a thermometer handy for frequent checks. Fortunately, it is an oral one.
I still expect to have at least one 81 on the golf course before next June to keep my streak going.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-7-13
Second day following Revlimid of night before. No unwanted side effects, just very tired most of the time with troublesome feet, no unwanted pregnancies.
Toughest part of all this is for Mary Ann. Without suggesting predestination, I am "whatever will be, will be" - she hasn't got there. Maybe because she frequently says "go lie down" when she has checked to make sure I have taken my meds. And she keeps the house running as smoothly as possible.
Most difficult for me is not having enough energy to mow and otherwise care for the yard, to haul salt to the basement, to feed the birds and clean the pool. Golf is not even considered, the surprise being I don't mind.
However casual I am about Myeloma, I realize what I have is cancer. The thought of that before the testing began would have been most difficult to accept, since it really is uphill. We will be interested in seeing how long that lasts after the results are in.
Second day following Revlimid of night before. No unwanted side effects, just very tired most of the time with troublesome feet, no unwanted pregnancies.
Toughest part of all this is for Mary Ann. Without suggesting predestination, I am "whatever will be, will be" - she hasn't got there. Maybe because she frequently says "go lie down" when she has checked to make sure I have taken my meds. And she keeps the house running as smoothly as possible.
Most difficult for me is not having enough energy to mow and otherwise care for the yard, to haul salt to the basement, to feed the birds and clean the pool. Golf is not even considered, the surprise being I don't mind.
However casual I am about Myeloma, I realize what I have is cancer. The thought of that before the testing began would have been most difficult to accept, since it really is uphill. We will be interested in seeing how long that lasts after the results are in.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Multiple Myeloma
7-6-13
Took my once-a-week 5 pill dosage this morning, one often side effect of which is twitching and insomnia. No twitching here and my afternoon nap was as usual. For those of you stuck reading this, the afternoon nap is not entirely age related - I begin my morning reading between 2 & 3 a.m. I seldom recommend books, but you might want to consider BASEBALL AS A ROAD TO GOD by John Sexton.
Took my once-a-week 5 pill dosage this morning, one often side effect of which is twitching and insomnia. No twitching here and my afternoon nap was as usual. For those of you stuck reading this, the afternoon nap is not entirely age related - I begin my morning reading between 2 & 3 a.m. I seldom recommend books, but you might want to consider BASEBALL AS A ROAD TO GOD by John Sexton.
Multiple Myeloma
7-6-13
Weeks ago starting with discomfort (not pain) in my feet I began testing for multiple myeloma, first suggested by an elevated protein in my blood. After many negative (meaning good news) results, a PET scan was positive - I have multiple myeloma, which to me means blood cancer showing up in various places.
Consequently, last evening I began a treatment program of revlimid (a derivative of thalidomide) along with a number of other pills which I can neither spell nor pronounce but which are to ward off negative effects from revlimid. My good friends have been amused by the conditions to which I agreed to get thalidomide.
So, this is the first post to my blog about cancer. If you are reading it, I have continued to post thoughts and results with which I don't clutter your email but which you have been able to access here if and when you have any interest.
Weeks ago starting with discomfort (not pain) in my feet I began testing for multiple myeloma, first suggested by an elevated protein in my blood. After many negative (meaning good news) results, a PET scan was positive - I have multiple myeloma, which to me means blood cancer showing up in various places.
Consequently, last evening I began a treatment program of revlimid (a derivative of thalidomide) along with a number of other pills which I can neither spell nor pronounce but which are to ward off negative effects from revlimid. My good friends have been amused by the conditions to which I agreed to get thalidomide.
So, this is the first post to my blog about cancer. If you are reading it, I have continued to post thoughts and results with which I don't clutter your email but which you have been able to access here if and when you have any interest.
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