Multiple Myeloma

4-30-15

For my quick readers, the latest blood tests were all good, some very good, except the disturbing one which was a bit worse.  Because of the good ones and since the bad might have been influenced some by my cold and cough, often severe, for weeks leading up to the blood draw, Dr. Abonour said we would stay on the "two weeks on, two weeks off" regimen and I am scheduled to see him again on May 27.  He said he was pleased with my status.  Now, the long version.

Until recently, April was not a good month.  The cold and cough were debilitating.  My feet bothered me more that usual. I had swollen ankles (a bad sign for those with MM), Very tired, I even agreed with Mary Ann that mowing was too much so have help with that, and I didn't move a fork full of mulch, had help with that too.  So, as my visit to Dr. Abonour neared, we were wondering if MM was acting up.

Then, a few days prior to the visit, the symptoms disappeared or decreased considerably.  No swollen ankles, ready to try mowing again even though I haven't, able to miss an afternoon nap without noticeable effect on fatigue.  As we walked in to see Dr. Abonour we were pleased.  When he asked how I was, rather than ask him to tell me i.e. blood test results, I related the good news, he told us the results of the blood tests, and we decided to proceed as stated above.

We were reminded that I don't have telling symptoms from visit to visit with Dr. Abonour, at least I haven't had any to date.  Just before the visit, we do wonder what we will hear, but most of the time. its "whatever will be, will be" as I have often mentioned.  But just recently I have been given a new slant on that saying.

In his book "Schizophrenic God" Steve Shank says "que sera, sera" (whatever will be, will be) is an indication of God's "extreme sovereignty" and that God has predestined all that has and will happen.
Shank disagrees, relates "free will" as the proper alternative - that Jesus came to wage war on the devil and we need to do likewise.  Not that it matters, but having gotten this far, and with all due respect to my Presbyterian friends, I side with Shank even though I disagree with him on much of what he says in the book.

Another stray into religion, a dangerous place to be, but one more observation.  I don't recall the source, but someone counted the 2014 Bible quotes on twitter and found Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" appeared 613,161 times.  Second, far behind, was 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" 261,417times.  Apparently twitter commenters are more concerned about self than about anything Jesus is reported to have said (what I read did not get to any Jesus statements).

Enough already.  There is a way, I think, to allow comments on nonsense like this blog, but I didn't find it when I started and won't now.  But for anyone wanting to set me straight on some of my musings, feel free to write to "kbwilson@comcast.net"  to remind me that nothing is more disturbing in an argument than realizing you are wrong.

I will be back at the end of May.