Seven years ago today, on March 23, 2005, I received "the call" about my blood work. I insisted that my GP tell me on the phone what was up and it's all history now. At the time I never would have bet that I would be here seven years later, but here I am. What a journey it has been and what a remarkable group of friends you are to have hung in there with us all these years.
The latest blood work wasn't great, as the IGGs moved upward 500 points from last month. Rifkin is not concerned as he says they are still in the same "range" and other blood work looks good. In addition he says I look good--better than 3 months ago. I feel better and have a bit more energy, although some days are still difficult. When I asked Rifkin what he would do if and when the IGGs start running out of control. His response was simply, "I'll have to cook something else up for you." I still need platelets every 4 days but my need for red cells is now stretching to about 10 days, which is also a good sign. Suz and I are still quite tired of the 3 to 4 days at the clinic/hospital but so be it, if that's what's necessary.
My arm is out of the sling and I have some limited use of it. I feel like it will come around eventually, albeit quite slowly.
And that's where we are seven years down the road. Best to all of you.
Dan
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Rolling Along
I finished my 3rd cycle last week and now get to enjoy 2 weeks of recovery. This first week has been a bit rough, cleaning out, but I feel like I'll have more energy by the weekend and then next week should be even better. We'll measure the progress in about 2 weeks, so no new numbers. I'm still dependent on blood transfusions and platelets, which requires me to be at the hospital at least twice a week, in addition to 2 clinic visits with Rifkin.
My arm is healing, albeit slowly. I still can't use it but the doc says the humerous is staying in place--in the shoulder socket, so if I continue to keep it immobile, in time it will heal. That does make driving and other activities challenging, to say the least.
I met a man at the clinic last week who was diagnosed with MM in 1999. He has been through 4 transplants and is in about the same place I am in terms of having had every drug imaginable and hoping for a new drug to appear. Gives one hope to have a companion on this journey and to know he's got 5 more years logged than I do.
I can't wait for Spring. Although this winter has been mild, I still have cold most of the time. I told Rifkin I need a vacation where I can just lay in the sun by the pool. He said he'll work on it.
I'll post numbers when I get them, probably in about 2 weeks or so.
love to all,
Dan
My arm is healing, albeit slowly. I still can't use it but the doc says the humerous is staying in place--in the shoulder socket, so if I continue to keep it immobile, in time it will heal. That does make driving and other activities challenging, to say the least.
I met a man at the clinic last week who was diagnosed with MM in 1999. He has been through 4 transplants and is in about the same place I am in terms of having had every drug imaginable and hoping for a new drug to appear. Gives one hope to have a companion on this journey and to know he's got 5 more years logged than I do.
I can't wait for Spring. Although this winter has been mild, I still have cold most of the time. I told Rifkin I need a vacation where I can just lay in the sun by the pool. He said he'll work on it.
I'll post numbers when I get them, probably in about 2 weeks or so.
love to all,
Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
