Yesterday we ecountered some scheduling problems, so the "super beam" chemo didn't start until today. We arrived at the outpatient transplant center at 8 a.m. and we were taken to a quiet room, with one other patient. Each of the patients has a recliner to relax in, there are plenty of IV poles, blood pressure gauges and all the typical hospital room paraphenalia. We started with 5 pills of anti nausea medication, then started one of the 4 chemos I would receive IV. The first drug I received came in a big glass container, circa 1950. Susan asked why it came in a glass container when everything else was in hard plastic. The answer: "you don't really want to know, but here's why---it would eat away the plastic." My response: "well then let's put it in my veins!"
I also received a shot of velcade, am carrying a bag of IV fluids along with a chemo drug, and have a couple of drugs I take orally at home (like the steroids, thalidomide). The regime runs 5 days so I will have this bag for 5 days. Other than getting drowsy from the antinausea, and dizzy (loopy) (drunk feeling) from the first chemo drug I managed pretty well. We'll see what the rest of the day brings. From past experience I think the tougher stuff comes around the 2nd and 3rd weeks, but we'll just take one day at a time. Susan and Julia kept me company (when I wasn't dozing) and continue to take good care of me. Catherine arrives tonight so I'll get the support of the entire family through this weekend.
We continue to have faith and to be optimistic and can't wait to see everyone back in Denver.
Love to all,
Dan
This blog was initially created in 2005 to track my progress through a stem cell transplant for my recently diagnosed multiple myeloma. Like so many things in life it has grown into so much more and is now a worldwide support network for me and my family as we travel the path of living with myeloma. Read or comment if you wish and welcome to our journey.
10 comments:
You have made it this far, Dan. There is no reason to think you won't make it through this stage, too.
I give you a quote I heard from a Zen nun last night at a talk at Naropa. Perhaps it will help out in a tough time: "A still mind brings peace."
Be peaceful, my friend.
Dan,
Your courage and positive attitude is inspirational. You must be pleased that so many of your friends are rooting for you.
Dan,
Your treatment seems surreal,
But to us you are so real,
And we want you back with us soon.
As "Friends of Dan,"
We chant: "Yes you can!!!"
As we wait through each phase
of the moon.
Larry
YES Dan, you CAN make this, you CAN.
While reading this post, I realized getting quiet, calm and having faith, that this tough stuff will kill the bed cells inside of you, just like it would kill the plastic container, what a great explanation this was. Yes, putting you in bad conditions while going through it, but, with an incredible strenght of inside power towards the sight of a much better future.
I really look forward to hugging you here in your beloved Tuscany,
preparing the Lasagne you so much love and eating it with you and Susan on a sunny day! Wasn't that on your neverending list of things you want to do in the future? Yes, it was, and it still is, it is, and I can't wait for it to happen.
In the meantime a biiiig hug from this side of the world.
Atta boy, neighbor. We're both going to leave this place with a clean bill of health! Hang in there and see you on 7C, I'm sure!!!
Nick
This is the beginning of the biggest bounce of all bounces. Love, Gail
I came up with nothing profound to say, so instead I decided to offer "Deep Thoughts to Distract Dan." Shouldn't U.S. Supreme Court Justices be under the age of 25? Wouldn't they work harder knowing they had to defend their decisions for the next 100 years? And wouldn't trial lawyers work harder knowing their appeal would be decided by a 25-year-old? ;}
Your courage and determination in fighting your cancer is, indeed, inspirational. Dick and I want you to know our thoughts and prayers for your recovery are with you in this holiest of seasons. We look forward to seeing you at the CTLA convention this summer!
Dick and Trudee Gurley
Dear Dan,
While looking at the sea on Billy's terrace in Corinth, I kept thinking of the 'beam'; Ingrid wants to make you her lasagne, I want to make you my moussaka. Tell that beam to do its job, so that you can make it to Santa Fe and my moussaka in June! Bises, Sigun.
Dan, we are thinking of you all the time and sending you "beams" of good energy from Denver. We miss you and Susan, so you must get better and come back soon! Hang in there!
Love,
The LLS girls
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