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.