This passed week was our full out doctor week. The lab work we were given was complete and tells us that the protein numbers that follow the cancer are once again lower than last month. The bone marrow biopsy was super. The sample showed that the myeloma cells have diminished and there were only a few in the sample. The radiation was completed on the two active spots on the spine. This hasn't caused a lot of discomfort for Bob. Such a lot of great news. News that we were not actually expecting!!!!! So hurrah and hallelujah.
I suppose the reality is----- that with all this great news Bob does not feel well. That slows both of us down. We are so very grateful for the cancer results, don't get me wrong. I guess we thought that as the cancer was getting clobbered with the chemo drugs; Bob would get back more energy, more excitement, be stronger, last physically longer in situations. That however is not the case. The pain is now pretty much under control. Bob is pleased with the control. Amazing pain team from TB so our conclusion was yippy here we go. This week as we pondered and prayed and we came (well Bob came) to the acceptance that this cancer sucks, and now into all the treatments for more than nine years, his body was not going to recover. He has accepted that and as he continues to fight this cancer it is what it is and he will enjoy as much as he can. What the doctors are doing now is learning as much as they can about the protocols and combinations of chemo. Bob will stay on the monthly darzalex infusion along with once a week dex, with 3 weeks of pomalyst and 1 week off, plus every other day of cyclophosphomide. Pray with us that his organs will continue to hold out well. Bob has some stomach issues but so far they can be dealt with. Pray that Bob's blood work will stay in a healthy range. This week he needed to take filgrastim as the neutrophils were to low. These are needed to fight infection. Soooooo Bob will be having blood work done each week to watch the neutraphil level. We had a perscription for the filgrastim to be filled this week. The dose is already in needle form. We got 6 needles, so if the counts are down Bob will be contacted and will take a dose----in the tummy!!!!!! Cost---1600.$$$ Praise God senior's blue cross covered it.
We are so thankful for the health care Bob has received here in Calgary. Thankful for everything we have, thankful for our family and their love and care. Thankful for our church family and for the friends we have made here as well as the friends we have across Canada. Please be grateful this Thanksgiving weekend for your life and situation, more importantly be thankful every day. Be content and accepting of what each of us have been given. Hugs to all.
