8-28-14
Saw Dr. Abonour yesterday. The short report for those who (you know who you are) have choice comments when this blog is more than a paragraph or two is that I continue in remission without need for chemo. The long report follows.
When Dr. Abonour walked in the exam room with his beaming smile and asked how I was, Mary Ann and I knew the news was good. But we also knew that his written report in July which we received after my last blog was a bit less positive than the one last April - I asked why. He said one of the blood tests in July was not as positive, but not to worry - so I won't.
We still don't completely understand MM. We know it is not curable, but is treatable. Maybe the best explanation is that once one has MM, one always will have MM, but remission means it needs no treatment, no chemo, and that is my status.
Fatigue is a symptom. When Mary Ann and I described mine, Dr. Abonour decided to resume monthly testosterone shots, one of which I received yesterday. Before I hear the guffaws, I am quick to say that my shots are not to solve the problem the many radio and TV ads talk about. Mine are for the fatigue.
I continue to have feet discomfort, neuropathy My neurologist, Dr. French (he got me on the path to discover the MM) has prescribed ropinirole which has enabled me to sleep with the feet discomfort, the rest of the time I just live with lousy feet.
Which, to my pleasure, has not prohibited golf. I have now played 7 times in 2014, none unfortunately prior to my 82nd, but two of those subsequent resulted in "shooting my age." I did not accomplish that during age 81, partially I suppose due to lack of skill, but mainly because I did not play while 81. Some of the luster is diminished by my playing from shorter tees with oldsters like me, but, for you golfers, 6000 yards or less is enough at my age, and probably for yours.
I next see Dr. Abonour on October 29, after which I will return to this blog. But at the risk of boring you (you don't have to sign on) I will get back here after my September 29 shot. That is as much to be certain I know how as it is to report.
Leaving Dr. Abonour yesterday I said I thought I am if very good shape for my age, and he agreed. It may not be so, but my thinking so is probably good for my health. I hope you have good thoughts about yours, whatever your age.
