10-6-14
Another off-schedule musing which you may be reading in late October or early November. But I want to comment about last evening while I remember some of it; were I to wait until much later, I would have forgotten what little I recall this morning.
Mary Ann and I attended the celebration last evening of the "Miles for Myeloma" bike ride. Led by Dr. Abonour, many riders rode 300 miles in three days, ending at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis (I was tired just driving to the Cathedral.)
Hundreds attended the dinner, so many that we were siting too far from the podium and speakers to understand what was being said. We were at one of two tables otherwise occupied by family members of one Multiple Myeloma victim - many such family members were there.
In the "misery loves company" context, Mary Ann learned from the mother-in-law of the sufferer at the table next to ours that he has feet problems and is frequently too fatigued to work - I learned I am not a total wuss. We did not mention that my fatigue prevented golf from time-to-time - didn't seem pertinent.
Some of the sufferers did evidence the disease, primarily by inability to walk and by casts on broken bones. But, despite that, the crowd was amazingly up-beat. It was not an occasion of misery.
We were pleased we went.
I don't see Dr. Abonour until November 19. If you are hard up for reading, you might want to look here in the interim to see if I am hard up for writing.
Peace
Monday, October 6, 2014
Friday, October 3, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
10-3-14
I mentioned last week that I would report on Mary Ann's hip - this is it.
I took her in for an injection on Tuesday. On Wednesday, after having improved for days preceding the injection, the hip was more painful. Yesterday it was some better, today it is better, maybe where it was just prior to the injection. Since they said the improvement might take 4-5 days, we are hoping the next few days will bring further improvement.
Life goes on.
I mentioned last week that I would report on Mary Ann's hip - this is it.
I took her in for an injection on Tuesday. On Wednesday, after having improved for days preceding the injection, the hip was more painful. Yesterday it was some better, today it is better, maybe where it was just prior to the injection. Since they said the improvement might take 4-5 days, we are hoping the next few days will bring further improvement.
Life goes on.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
9-25-14
With a nod to my good friends who have no time nor inclination for the details, I have no need for chemo at this time. Parroting a famous Rabbi, all that follows is just commentary.
I (sans Mary Ann who was at home with a painful hip) walked in to see Dr. Abonour yesterday fully expecting to be put back on a chemo regimen. I did not expect an improvement in the blood test from August. There was a slight improvement but my reading continues to be well above normal. But that is but one of the tests, the Kappa Light Chains Free Ser mg/L which Dr. Abonour explained but which I have already forgotten. All the other tests were better than good, for example, for anemia, he said I was well above average in the lack thereof for my age.
Consequently, he not only saw no need for chemo, he decided I did not have to return until November, nor to give blood for testing prior to that return. Then we discussed my golf game - he refused to accept any responsibility for any poor performance on my part.
The fatigue and foot problems continue, but enough said about those.
This is my understanding: I have MM, always will have, but its under control. I have no bone pains, well I have some from time-to-time, but they are scattered and quick, for which Dr. Abonour has a smile and asks as he often does, what is your age.
In my immediately preceding post, I said I was not surprised but was disappointed. Yesterday I was not disappointed but was surprised - much better.
My next appointment is 11/19, after which I will post. For those of you who look at this nonsense more frequently, I will have an interim post late in October, if for no other reason than to report on my golf game.
I also will post within the next week to report on Mary Ann's hip problems. Those good friends i mentioned in my first paragraph will probably read all of that one.
Whatever will be, will be.
With a nod to my good friends who have no time nor inclination for the details, I have no need for chemo at this time. Parroting a famous Rabbi, all that follows is just commentary.
I (sans Mary Ann who was at home with a painful hip) walked in to see Dr. Abonour yesterday fully expecting to be put back on a chemo regimen. I did not expect an improvement in the blood test from August. There was a slight improvement but my reading continues to be well above normal. But that is but one of the tests, the Kappa Light Chains Free Ser mg/L which Dr. Abonour explained but which I have already forgotten. All the other tests were better than good, for example, for anemia, he said I was well above average in the lack thereof for my age.
Consequently, he not only saw no need for chemo, he decided I did not have to return until November, nor to give blood for testing prior to that return. Then we discussed my golf game - he refused to accept any responsibility for any poor performance on my part.
The fatigue and foot problems continue, but enough said about those.
This is my understanding: I have MM, always will have, but its under control. I have no bone pains, well I have some from time-to-time, but they are scattered and quick, for which Dr. Abonour has a smile and asks as he often does, what is your age.
In my immediately preceding post, I said I was not surprised but was disappointed. Yesterday I was not disappointed but was surprised - much better.
My next appointment is 11/19, after which I will post. For those of you who look at this nonsense more frequently, I will have an interim post late in October, if for no other reason than to report on my golf game.
I also will post within the next week to report on Mary Ann's hip problems. Those good friends i mentioned in my first paragraph will probably read all of that one.
Whatever will be, will be.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
9-3-14
Since I said I would not get back here until 9/29. if you are reading this before then, you surely have better things to do, but I thank you for the interest.
I just learned that one of my blood tests is highly elevated, not good news. Since all else looks good, Dr. Abonour is not now suggesting treatment, but he wants me to return this month rather than wait until October. I will see him on the 29th.
In the meantime, unless I have negative symptoms, like increased fatigue. bone pain, or other problems, the nurse said not to worry. So, I said I was going to play golf tomorrow and I would worry about my swing rather than symptoms of MM. I'm now wondering if I can live up to that - maybe my score will tell.
A bit disappointing, but I have known from the first that MM is not curable, only treatable, so not a surprise.
Since I said I would not get back here until 9/29. if you are reading this before then, you surely have better things to do, but I thank you for the interest.
I just learned that one of my blood tests is highly elevated, not good news. Since all else looks good, Dr. Abonour is not now suggesting treatment, but he wants me to return this month rather than wait until October. I will see him on the 29th.
In the meantime, unless I have negative symptoms, like increased fatigue. bone pain, or other problems, the nurse said not to worry. So, I said I was going to play golf tomorrow and I would worry about my swing rather than symptoms of MM. I'm now wondering if I can live up to that - maybe my score will tell.
A bit disappointing, but I have known from the first that MM is not curable, only treatable, so not a surprise.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
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.
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.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Multiple Myeloma
7-4-14
I hope you are having a happy and healthy Independence Day.
Met with Dr. Abonour Wednesday afternoon. With the results from that day's blood tests in hand (only one test result was to come), he said he was pleased to tell us that my remission continues. When I suggested that I would wait to report with this blog until we had the final test result, he said "do as you wish, but if that final test indicates a problem, I will quit treating MM patients". So, I am blogging.
That brief but very positive discussion ended our talk about MM. The rest of our conversation was about fatigue, feet, and the non-MM drugs I take.
Re fatigue, he questioned my sleep (or lack thereof) habits and, though recognizing my penchant for early morning reading, had some good suggestions.
About the feet, although MM may contribute to my troubles, if it is neuropathy, not much can be done. He had suggestions if MM is contributing.
Since most of the other drugs I take are preventative but have dizziness as a possible side effect, he suggested I discontinue two and decrease one and he will test me when I see him next. Mary Ann and I like his attitude - take as few drugs as possible. Incidentally, he did not say being dizzy might be due to lack of sleep.
My next appointment with him is August 27. It would have been in September but no times were available which would enable Mary Ann and me to get to Kona Jacks for lunch after seeing him.
Being in stringent remission is as good as it gets. Seeing Dr. Abonour is a pleasure.
I don't anticipate getting back to this blog before the end of August. Maybe by then I will be able to report resumption of shooting my age - I failed to do so at age 81, possibly due to lack of skill but maybe more likely to having never played golf while 81. I am going to get back at it.
Whatever will be, will be, but, other than not having cancer, "will be" for me is most rewarding - I am blessed.
I hope you are having a happy and healthy Independence Day.
Met with Dr. Abonour Wednesday afternoon. With the results from that day's blood tests in hand (only one test result was to come), he said he was pleased to tell us that my remission continues. When I suggested that I would wait to report with this blog until we had the final test result, he said "do as you wish, but if that final test indicates a problem, I will quit treating MM patients". So, I am blogging.
That brief but very positive discussion ended our talk about MM. The rest of our conversation was about fatigue, feet, and the non-MM drugs I take.
Re fatigue, he questioned my sleep (or lack thereof) habits and, though recognizing my penchant for early morning reading, had some good suggestions.
About the feet, although MM may contribute to my troubles, if it is neuropathy, not much can be done. He had suggestions if MM is contributing.
Since most of the other drugs I take are preventative but have dizziness as a possible side effect, he suggested I discontinue two and decrease one and he will test me when I see him next. Mary Ann and I like his attitude - take as few drugs as possible. Incidentally, he did not say being dizzy might be due to lack of sleep.
My next appointment with him is August 27. It would have been in September but no times were available which would enable Mary Ann and me to get to Kona Jacks for lunch after seeing him.
Being in stringent remission is as good as it gets. Seeing Dr. Abonour is a pleasure.
I don't anticipate getting back to this blog before the end of August. Maybe by then I will be able to report resumption of shooting my age - I failed to do so at age 81, possibly due to lack of skill but maybe more likely to having never played golf while 81. I am going to get back at it.
Whatever will be, will be, but, other than not having cancer, "will be" for me is most rewarding - I am blessed.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
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.
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.
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