I got juiced with steroids today and it seems I'll be up much of the night. Counts are good. White count at 4.2, which is really good for me (3.0 is normal). Hematocrit is at 34, which is also very good for me (normal being 40+). I'm going to a shot of velcade and steroids every week until we head out for MD Anderson for my infusion of additional white cells from Mike. This weekly regime is at my request (god Rifkin must be tired of dealing with this type A personality). I asked why we were on an every other week regime when I still had residual myeloma in me. He immediately capitulated to a once a week regime. When I was taking depositions I never had such success with my interrogations!
Everyone is doing well. Nothing new to report. The shingles have calmed down although I still have the nerve pain in the rear end. Oh, the indignity of it all. These past months have been good in that they have allowed me time to discover that I, in fact, can live with the many limitations this cancer and its treatment have bestowed on me. While I know I have been dealing with them constantly for the past five years, it's mostly felt like I've been moving from one crisis to another. These last months are a relief in that I am not in nor anticipating any impending major assault. Learning to live with the many issues I'm left with (mainly as side effects from the chemo, like loss of smell, taste, neuropathies, daily indigestion, fatigue, etc.) it is always a challenge, but as Susan regularly reminds me, "you're alive." And to that I say, "you're right." And that's that. I'm alive, I'm trying to stay active, I always so grateful for everyone's support. The gratitude for my brother Mike's unselfish act of being my donor only deepens with time. He's had to make multiple trips to Houston, administer shots at home, endure bone pain and for no personal reward. What a brother! With that kind of support how could I not be happy. A good frame of mind for the upcoming holidays.
I wish for you all the same peace and happiness I feel every day.
Dan
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7 comments:
Dan, So I read your headline today and I immediately think, "I don't need to hear about your hemorrhoids today! Do I?" Well, thankfully no. Today is the first time I have read your scoop in a long time. I'm so glad you are improving. But what I'm really happy about is your message of peace and serenity to all of us. God bless you Dan Patterson! My love to your family. Cousin Kelly
I too went right to thinking that you now had 2 PAINS IN YOUR ASS. Glad that's not the case. Wishing a wonderful holiday season to you and yours and just for the record counselor, I think you're probably
way off on that "for no personal reward" statement. I think big Mike would object.
What a lovely blog. You are doing so well,physically and mentally,Dan. I am so proud of you and love you much. Love, Mom
Well, I thought - Stare-roids.... not the H ones... and I'm glad to hear that both the attitude and the shingles are heading in a positive direction. Have a blessed holiday season and a hopeful one...
Glad to hear that your doing well and yes....ALIVE!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family...
Steven
Great blog, great man, great family. Happy Holidays and best wishes to you and yours. Love, Pam
I would like to strive these although I can imagine getting myself tied up in knots with the last one, lol.
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