Multiple Myeloma

8-13-16

The good news is the increase in the bad test slowed; the bad news is the bad test got worse despite the addition of another chemo.  So, with no change in the doses, I am going to a three week on, one week off schedule, starting with infusions on August 17.

We have known from the beginning that MM is not curable, but is treatable.  Going to the "three on, one off" schedule is not in itself all that disturbing.  What is disturbing is having to deal with the steroid ups and downs three weeks out of four.  Maybe, though, adding the second chemo will use the steroid rather than making me a pain in the ____ subsequent to each infusion - I did seem less a pain after the last two infusions.  Time will tell.

I have been feeling better.  My feet continue to be uncomfortable but have not kept me awake at nights, nor, for that matter, during the day - most days I nap easily and often when I am sitting in my cave.

I did have an evaluation by a surgeon who has successfully deadened nerves in the feet to eliminate or greatly reduce foot pain.  We quickly learned I am not a candidate for that surgery - among the problems for me is my pipe which I enjoy more than my feet hurting. 

I have a new refrain: despite having had heart surgery in March and having MM which is not curable, I am in better shape than most born in 1932; of course, many of them are no longer with us.

I do believe my biggest problem is I cannot live long enough to get read all I have on my plate right now and more to read comes daily.  I read that the most often cited Bible verse on Twitter in 2014 was Philippians 4:13. -  "all things" is more than I will accomplish.

I will next see Dr. Abonour on September 14 and will get back here soon thereafter.  I will report the "three on, one off" results, as well as my return (or not) to the golf course.