Multiple Myeloma

4-24-14

I have some good news and some bad news.

The good news: I am in stringent remission.  You can google that but all I found is complicated: the best way to describe it is remission as good as it gets.  Good enough that I am off the drug regimen and don't see Dr. Abonour again until July 2 for blood tests which he expects will continue to be excellent.

Getting off the revlimid should result is less fatigue.

He also suggested that I exercise to lessen the feet discomfort.  Walking is still a bit uncomfortable, biking is much better.  That should result in better circulation, hence less feet discomfort.

The bad news: I am apparently destined to admitting that whatever fatigue and discomfort I continue to have is due to age.  Plus, I will have no reason not to mow the lawn, nor to say shooting my age stopped because of MM.  Damn - no more sympathy.

Of course, Mary Ann and I were delighted with the news, she probably more than me - having "whatever will be, will be" attitude has not been as easy for her.  Dr. Abonour and his nurse assistant also were pleased to be able to give us the good news.  I wondered aloud if they were tired of my questions - they denied!

So, since MM is not curable but treatable, when is it likely to reappear in the blood tests?  Dr. Abonour does not know, but he said it could be years hence.  He did say, if the July tests are as he expects them to be, I might not have to see him for three, rather than two, months.

I appreciate the interest and concern many of you have expressed with your best wishes.  I don't expect to again bother you with this blog until early July.

In the interim, I wish the very best for you.

Multiple Myeloma

4-15-14

Haven't had much to say lately, not enough to bother you with.  But I have just received word from the Doc. regarding the blood deposit of a few weeks ago: "everything has improved" whatever that means.  I suspect, though, as I have mentioned, they have me in remission and have others with more problems than I.

I did tell them I seem to be a bit shaky for 15-20 minutes after getting up in the morning.  They said to get up 15-20 minutes later.  (That is 4th century humor - did you smile?)

I have suffered from rather extreme fatigue lately, almost fell asleep during the sermon last Sunday, and it was a good sermon.  Reminded me of the days Dad had that problem, so he skipped church after Sunday School to go home to prepare dinner - fortunately we drive to church so I had to wait to take Mary Ann home.

I am in the middle of a two week "on" period.  I see Dr. Abonour on 4-23, after another lab report.  Maybe I will know more then about where I am in the scheme of things.

I hope this date is not a bad one for you.