Multiple Myeloma

9-10-15

Saw Dr.  Abonour yesterday, learned that my chemo treatments are not working.  The bad blood test was at its baddest, and I have a myelomatous deposit where the thigh bone meets the hip bone (does that ring a bell?) the seriousness of which is yet to be determined by consult with an orthopedic surgeon.  Starting next Wednesday (9-16) I will be infused with a different, stronger, chemo, two weeks on, two weeks off, and will see Dr. Abonour again on October 14.  Paraphrasing a famous rabbi, that's the story, what follows is commentary.

Many days ago I began having pain in my right leg.  It was mainly in the groin and the nurses in the infusion room suggested I see my internist to determine if I had a hernia.  I did, he decided no hernia, recommended advil or aleve, both of which I tried (not at the same time) to no avail.  The pain continued while walking and spread throughout the leg.

On Monday 8-31 as I was walking, painfully, out of the building where I get infusions and where I drop off, better said, drip off, blood for the studies, one of the infusion nurses (more on them later) stopped me, said I needed a scan.  She contacted the oncology nurse and I had a Pet scan that evening - very quick scheduling.

About the nurses in the infusion center.  They are a remarkable group, caring, competent, upbeat, I really enjoy and respect them - almost worth having MM just to flirt with them on a near weekly basis.  As noted in the previous paragraph, if they think more than infusion is needed, they say so, and even see to it.

On Tuesday 9-1 I had to walk about 50 yards in and out of a building and the pain was severe, had to stop two or three times each way - little pain standing or sitting.

On Wednesday as I was being infused, Dr. Abonour walked to my chair (I was not scheduled to see him) to tell me the Pet scan revealed the lesion (deposit) mentioned in the first paragraph - that my pain problem was caused by my cancer.  He did not mention a change in chemo but did say he was consulting with an orthopedic surgeon.  He suggested crutches or a cane until I saw him on 9-9.

I am not competent with crutches (probably because I don't want to be) but I am learning to use the cane which I began as soon as I got home.  Learning because I have no severe pain while doing so.  I know it is the cane because I do have pain when I try to move without it and when I have a twinge on stepping improperly with it.  I may be stuck with the cane forever - comfort trumps vanity.

I don't know what the consequences will be from the new chemo.  I should not lose the mop, I may suffer nausea.  Fatigue is a greater problem and my feet problems continue.  I am useless for yard work, for any strenuous activity.  Mostly, I am comfortable.

I will get back here late next week.  In the meantime, I still believe, que sera, sera, and I don't look for my obit in the paper. 

Peace be with you.