The bare bones facts: Iggs moved down from 4313 to 3750. A good step down and a downward move that was unexpected given the last IGGs moved up 500. So the bendamustin/revlimid regime continues to do its work.
This good news is tempered by the visit with the orthopedic surgeon. My ability to use my left arm is still quite limited. I can't raise it higher than my waist nor can I stretch it out from my side. Although this is some improvement over the last month, it is not healing very rapidly. The ortho thinks I have probably recovered as much function as I'm going to get. He said I had 2 options. The first one depends upon me getting my myeloma into or very close to remission. I laughed at this option, after 7 years and 3 failed transplants, but still asked him to elaborate. IF I could miraculously get into remission, then I might be able to undergo surgery where they would put a plate across my shoulder and humerous. Since option 1 isn't really an option (at least for now) I am left with option number 2: live with it.
I will admit this is depressing. I don't really have any use of this arm and was looking forward to its healing. It looks like its not to be. But then, as Susan said, it's your arm Dan, not some statistic, meaning, of course, that the odds don't seem to include people like me. So I'm going to try a bike ride soon. She just rolled her eyes with this proclamation. My sister jokingly suggested I tie my left arm to the handle bar. Right.
Well, that's it for now. The good news on the myeloma clearly overshadows the left arm issue. I'm sure I'll adjust. As the family reminded me, "we didn't think you'd even be here a year ago, so let's not worry about this." As always, they're right.
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.
5 comments:
I am a firm believer in any kind of physical therapy, even what you can do yourself, at home. There are stroke patients who have recovered an amazing amount of function, even long after the stroke, by sticking with a program long term. GREAT news about the markers going down. :o)
Well, let's just intend you are getting more function with your arm, finding ways to increase strength and mobility and continuing to see the numbers go in the right direction... and this IS for the highest and best good of all concerned, so be it and so it is!!! Whoooo!
TIP: start by getting your fingers to creep up the shower wall when you are getting warm water on your shoulder and keep visualizing being able to reach up to the top ...
She is right... Glad your here..
Keep us up to date my friend...
Dear Dan,
I like the fingers up the shower wall; as you know, I am a firm believer in physical therapy ever since my torn tendons in both of my shoulders... What does your shoulder specialist tell ou re exercises?? Bises, Sigun.
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