Happy New Year. Still have a few days left until the Ukrainian new year celebrations!!!! Yikes 2014 already, hardly seems possible. A new year of life ahead..
I must be getting older as I now find myself saying "well, I remember back when we were on a telephone party line and had a rotary dial phone". Blank stares from my teens. I also remember that in the year 1999 we were all wondering what would happen to us because of Y2K. We bought a generator so that we could milk the cows and cool the milk and then tractor the generator down to the house until the next milking. So glad that the Y2K came in and we didn't have any upsets---such as; loosing power, loosing our banking, not being able to shop because the cash registers wouldn't work. In some ways that was only a short time ago and really all the prep is nearly 15 years ago for that event. This summer we will call Calgary home for 9 years and have not been farmers for 10. We are happy being city slickers. We get to do some house sitting out at the estate where Bob works. That gives us the quiet that we forget exists away from the city.
Bob is doing well as we head into 2014. We have more plans and optimism than we have had for a few years. This past Wed. Bob had a visit (well, actually an appointment) with the oncologist Dr. Bahlis. The regime that was started a month ago has brought the markers for cancer down but not as much as the doc would like to see sooooo starting with chemo tomorrow--Jan. 10, the velcade dose will be increased. If I remember correctly this will mean more neuropathy. Right now Bob cannot feel his toes but the rest is good!!!( All a matter of perspective). After tomorrow he will be back to walking on marbles and using the walking stick to help with balance. Trusting that this will work and the dex will not be increased and they will not add another drug.
Bob keeps on working at his job. It is ever evolving and including new things. Bob truly enjoys his job and plans to stay for.................??????we will keep evaluating his health and plus as long as the Co. is ok with the arrangements.
We had really great Christmas celebrations with both of our kids and their families. We were not all together for Christmas but we got out to Mike and Cori's the weekend before Christmas and then back in time for Christmas Eve and Day with Tim and Barbie. Truly a fun time.
I received snowshoes for Christmas---very different from the ones from years ago!!!!! I am adding that to my programme this year........already been out 3 times!!!!!! Only once in the "wild" the other two times on soccer fields. Gotta do better this year. Looking back:
I swam 10 laps
I ran 3 miles
I biked 7 miles
It's been a good year.
My former philosophy (I hope)
Bob and I are both working at the healthy heart, and keep the high blood sugar at bay for now. If you are young..... start now you never know when you won't be able to.
So on that happy note I say adieu and God's blessings for each of you for the life ahead in this new year.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Life Changes
Life Changes
Bob and I decided to go on a wee adventure this past Sat. We put on a Christmas CD by Lady Antebellum --- on this winter's night. We settled into the "gentle" drive ( as opposed to the hard drive on the Deerfoot) on the new Stoney Trail. This new bypass is truly great and will even be greater when totally finished on the west side of the city++++that is a whole other story involving First Nations, etc.++++ sooooo oh yeah, we are travelling along enjoying the drive and the music and are really into the whole Christmas experience. We are off to Cross Iron Mills-a very large outlet mall near Airdrie. Upon our arrival we thought "oh my, even Jingle Bells may not save us--huge line of traffic to get into the place, but we went ahead, found a parking spot, I am thinking only ticked off one person and they did seem much younger and therefore more able to continue on searching for a spot to park. For as many people as there were in that mall, it was ok, didn't seem tightly crowded and so in high spirits off we set. We had a super time. We bought a number of things--lots of staff to help, the check out lines in the stores were very manageable and we had fun together. Totally out of character for this couple, to be shopping on a Sat.and especially two weeks before Christmas, and totally enjoying it!!!!!!!!!!! Must have been the music on the drive or..............
We are changing--must be slow learners. This whole cancer scene is teaching us so very much. Patience with situations and with each other. Our normal, now, is what it is. We live a slow paced lifestyle. Even learning that Christmas gifts are not the be all and end all of the season. Giving a gift is because we want to, because we love you, not the cost of it or even the importance of it in some one's life. The giving is an expression of our love to others. I am having a hard time putting these thoughts into words. Probably you won't get a gift from us and yet we truly care about each of you and many of you are remembered and prayed for often. God gave His only Son to the world on that first Christmas when Jesus came as a baby to live among man. The giving of the gift of Jesus is God's expression of His love to each of us. It matters not who we are, where we live or how wealthy we are. Unlike us mere humans who cannot give gifts to everyone, God did, by giving us Jesus.
We are also content--at least most of the time. We have peace about our lives and trust that God truly will continue to guide us and go before us as we continue to trust Him. Perhaps we are in a situation that we know there is nothing we are able to do-- not turn back the clock,not take a redo (I believe that is called a mulligan) or change things, so we need to carry on doing the best we are able in every area of our lives--physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. When we take out eyes off of Jesus and look around us at what others are able to do and have then that peace and Christmas joy can hit a sour note. We are getting so much better at enjoying who we are, what we have and what we do.
These thoughts hopefully portray the Christmas joy that we have.
In less than three months the succulent sense that the cancer in Bob's body is under control has been blown out of the water.....splASH!!!!!
In spite of not seeing any new lesions in early Sept. the blood work, well, still remaining in the low number range, doubled. This made Dr. Bahlis decide that the maintenance dose was not enough to keep the cancer in check. First of all Bob went back on the velcade every three weeks with one week off. This still proved not to settle things down so this past Fri. the dreaded Dex. was added to the velcade. The Dex is the anabolic steroid--no sleep, cramps, high blood sugar and added extra tiredness. This lasts at its most ugly 2-3 days. This is the path of multiple myeloma that we are on, being patient and understanding and doing the best we are able in all things. Bob's dose is still in the lower ranges of what can be given. Next week will be a better test of how he will feel as this past Wed. Bob also had the arridia infusion which always upsets his system for a few days. This infusion helps to strengthen the bones.
That is the latest on Bob's health and what is happening.
Trusting that you have or will accept God's gift of Jesus this Christmas season.
Bob and I decided to go on a wee adventure this past Sat. We put on a Christmas CD by Lady Antebellum --- on this winter's night. We settled into the "gentle" drive ( as opposed to the hard drive on the Deerfoot) on the new Stoney Trail. This new bypass is truly great and will even be greater when totally finished on the west side of the city++++that is a whole other story involving First Nations, etc.++++ sooooo oh yeah, we are travelling along enjoying the drive and the music and are really into the whole Christmas experience. We are off to Cross Iron Mills-a very large outlet mall near Airdrie. Upon our arrival we thought "oh my, even Jingle Bells may not save us--huge line of traffic to get into the place, but we went ahead, found a parking spot, I am thinking only ticked off one person and they did seem much younger and therefore more able to continue on searching for a spot to park. For as many people as there were in that mall, it was ok, didn't seem tightly crowded and so in high spirits off we set. We had a super time. We bought a number of things--lots of staff to help, the check out lines in the stores were very manageable and we had fun together. Totally out of character for this couple, to be shopping on a Sat.and especially two weeks before Christmas, and totally enjoying it!!!!!!!!!!! Must have been the music on the drive or..............
We are changing--must be slow learners. This whole cancer scene is teaching us so very much. Patience with situations and with each other. Our normal, now, is what it is. We live a slow paced lifestyle. Even learning that Christmas gifts are not the be all and end all of the season. Giving a gift is because we want to, because we love you, not the cost of it or even the importance of it in some one's life. The giving is an expression of our love to others. I am having a hard time putting these thoughts into words. Probably you won't get a gift from us and yet we truly care about each of you and many of you are remembered and prayed for often. God gave His only Son to the world on that first Christmas when Jesus came as a baby to live among man. The giving of the gift of Jesus is God's expression of His love to each of us. It matters not who we are, where we live or how wealthy we are. Unlike us mere humans who cannot give gifts to everyone, God did, by giving us Jesus.
We are also content--at least most of the time. We have peace about our lives and trust that God truly will continue to guide us and go before us as we continue to trust Him. Perhaps we are in a situation that we know there is nothing we are able to do-- not turn back the clock,not take a redo (I believe that is called a mulligan) or change things, so we need to carry on doing the best we are able in every area of our lives--physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. When we take out eyes off of Jesus and look around us at what others are able to do and have then that peace and Christmas joy can hit a sour note. We are getting so much better at enjoying who we are, what we have and what we do.
These thoughts hopefully portray the Christmas joy that we have.
In less than three months the succulent sense that the cancer in Bob's body is under control has been blown out of the water.....splASH!!!!!
In spite of not seeing any new lesions in early Sept. the blood work, well, still remaining in the low number range, doubled. This made Dr. Bahlis decide that the maintenance dose was not enough to keep the cancer in check. First of all Bob went back on the velcade every three weeks with one week off. This still proved not to settle things down so this past Fri. the dreaded Dex. was added to the velcade. The Dex is the anabolic steroid--no sleep, cramps, high blood sugar and added extra tiredness. This lasts at its most ugly 2-3 days. This is the path of multiple myeloma that we are on, being patient and understanding and doing the best we are able in all things. Bob's dose is still in the lower ranges of what can be given. Next week will be a better test of how he will feel as this past Wed. Bob also had the arridia infusion which always upsets his system for a few days. This infusion helps to strengthen the bones.
That is the latest on Bob's health and what is happening.
Trusting that you have or will accept God's gift of Jesus this Christmas season.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Poof, summer is gone
Where did the summer go? This year it sped by at warp pace. Now that it is truly fall, I should at least mention some of what is/has been happening. Note that today our roses are at the loveliest thy have been--lots of blooms. We have not had frost yet so hopefully this fall will last and last.
During the summer Bob had a PET scan. Bob's blood work is unreliable as to what the multiple myeloma is doing so every 6 mo. he has this test done to see if there are fresh tumors (lesions) on the bone anywhere. We hadn't heard anything after this was done so like the saying goes no news is good news. It was !!!!!!!, hurrah, hurrah, yesterday Bob was told that there were not any new lesions. Everything looked ok. Bob will continue on with the velcade---alone!!!! every other week by intravenous. Good news for both of us. The worst side affect for Bob is the neuropathy. We learned on this past weekend that with the velcade the feeling will come back once off of the velcade. This is unlike the revlamid. Bob has already noticed this as the day or so at the end of the two week cycle, his feet are doing well again. So we can safely say that today Bob is in remission the myeloma is not active and so this is the maintenance regime.
Last weekend we attended the Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society conference. This was most informative. The speakers were top notch. The research across the world is top rate and what is taking place right here in Calgary (what is another adjective) is stupendous. Our Dr. Bahlis and his wife Dr. Neri have research going on that deals with----things I didn't understand and for sure can't spell---. They have just added another young Dr. to their clinic who is already involved with research. I could run the other two docs names by you to impress you as to where they come from and what they are researching in their parts of the world but sheesh you just had to hear the excitement in their voices as to what they do and what they are learning about myeloma. They have a number of new drugs on test and a number more that will soon be able to go on test. The combinations of drugs that that they are looking at are ever evolving so the most important thing we came away with was HOPE. Myeloma will have new procedures to combat it with for a hopefully long time. This was a boost for us. There is research on mind/body interactions that affect psychological, physiological and survival outcome for people with cancer. Also examining roles of physical activity for enhancing wellness in chronic disease populations (mostly cancer). Calling multiple myeloma a chronic disease is like wow yeah!!!!!! This off course means Bob needs to exercise more even some on any truly yukky days. We also took away what everyone has always known----all things in moderation--food, diet, exercise, checkups of all types.
Bob is very happy at his job and some weeks is maintaining almost full time hours. It is a wee bit more difficult the beginning week after chemo. I am back in school two days and doing the snack for our 175 kids----they aren't all at school every day so it works!!!!
Tim's sore from long ago is healed. He was allergic to what the nurse was packing it with!!!! Grrrrrrr. So he had Barbie are taking a trial trip away first weekend in Oct. to Vegas. Vegas is suppose to be the easiest place to go in a wheelchair. The fella from Quadriplegic Canada (Calgary?) has a condo there all ready for anyone in a wheelchair. He rents it out at a nominal charge. Should this go well................next stop Disneyland with the whole family. The money from the social almost 2 years ago will finance that trip.
Today I am at peace with the world (well most of it) and "feel" great. To take a note from our daughter ......it is well with my soul.... (no tattoos for me tho).
If this video may be of interest to you it is about multiple myeloma from a Calgary survivor. You should be able to just click on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bfwhVwoZqI&list=PL6FEA9179A6F7B1B1
During the summer Bob had a PET scan. Bob's blood work is unreliable as to what the multiple myeloma is doing so every 6 mo. he has this test done to see if there are fresh tumors (lesions) on the bone anywhere. We hadn't heard anything after this was done so like the saying goes no news is good news. It was !!!!!!!, hurrah, hurrah, yesterday Bob was told that there were not any new lesions. Everything looked ok. Bob will continue on with the velcade---alone!!!! every other week by intravenous. Good news for both of us. The worst side affect for Bob is the neuropathy. We learned on this past weekend that with the velcade the feeling will come back once off of the velcade. This is unlike the revlamid. Bob has already noticed this as the day or so at the end of the two week cycle, his feet are doing well again. So we can safely say that today Bob is in remission the myeloma is not active and so this is the maintenance regime.
Last weekend we attended the Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society conference. This was most informative. The speakers were top notch. The research across the world is top rate and what is taking place right here in Calgary (what is another adjective) is stupendous. Our Dr. Bahlis and his wife Dr. Neri have research going on that deals with----things I didn't understand and for sure can't spell---. They have just added another young Dr. to their clinic who is already involved with research. I could run the other two docs names by you to impress you as to where they come from and what they are researching in their parts of the world but sheesh you just had to hear the excitement in their voices as to what they do and what they are learning about myeloma. They have a number of new drugs on test and a number more that will soon be able to go on test. The combinations of drugs that that they are looking at are ever evolving so the most important thing we came away with was HOPE. Myeloma will have new procedures to combat it with for a hopefully long time. This was a boost for us. There is research on mind/body interactions that affect psychological, physiological and survival outcome for people with cancer. Also examining roles of physical activity for enhancing wellness in chronic disease populations (mostly cancer). Calling multiple myeloma a chronic disease is like wow yeah!!!!!! This off course means Bob needs to exercise more even some on any truly yukky days. We also took away what everyone has always known----all things in moderation--food, diet, exercise, checkups of all types.
Bob is very happy at his job and some weeks is maintaining almost full time hours. It is a wee bit more difficult the beginning week after chemo. I am back in school two days and doing the snack for our 175 kids----they aren't all at school every day so it works!!!!
Tim's sore from long ago is healed. He was allergic to what the nurse was packing it with!!!! Grrrrrrr. So he had Barbie are taking a trial trip away first weekend in Oct. to Vegas. Vegas is suppose to be the easiest place to go in a wheelchair. The fella from Quadriplegic Canada (Calgary?) has a condo there all ready for anyone in a wheelchair. He rents it out at a nominal charge. Should this go well................next stop Disneyland with the whole family. The money from the social almost 2 years ago will finance that trip.
Today I am at peace with the world (well most of it) and "feel" great. To take a note from our daughter ......it is well with my soul.... (no tattoos for me tho).
If this video may be of interest to you it is about multiple myeloma from a Calgary survivor. You should be able to just click on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bfwhVwoZqI&list=PL6FEA9179A6F7B1B1
Monday, September 9, 2013
Shirley experienced a miracle
Today I experienced a miracle. God did a miracle--don't know how--isn't that what a miracle is all about???,seeing something happen that has no logical explanation.
This is an ordinary Monday in my life. Monday is wash day, ironing and putting away all the clothes.Maybe a little OC over laundry--not much else tho?? I had my first load of wash in the machine and went upstairs to check email and yeah.......FB, then did a couple of chores. I fiqured that by then the first load would be washed and ready for the dryer. As I went down the basement stairs I could smell something funny and it was hazy in the basement. First I thot , oh my glasses must be more dirty than I thot. Even as I thot that I didn't really believe it as I could see the haze near the ceiling of the basement swirl slightly. I ran into the laundry room, couldn't see anything, opened the washer and it hadn't finished spinning---odd, checked out the electric panel--nothing. I ran upstairs and called 911, even tho I was told to wait outside I went back into the basement and checked around the washer again as that was the only appliance that was on. I noticed that the washer was unplugged, I hadn't done that. The smell and haze was definitely coming from there but there weren't any flames or anything. The fire and police arrived on our quiet cul de sac, anyone at home has been entertained and enjoyed a cup of coffee together as they watched the proceedings. The dogs next door, who are all alone, will now have laryngitis for the season (cross my fingers). These very nice young men came in and checked everything very carefully. They decided that it was the washer and took it apart. The motor had kept running but the belt had burned. They didn't know if the motor was damaged but were sure that the belt had been the problem. They cleared the haze with a humongous fan and were kind enough to be sure that this granny was ok and not having a nervous breakdown.
I started to read a book entitled Miracles Are For Real What Happens when Heaven Touches Earth by James L Garlow and Keith Wall. My friend Joan had loaned it to me. Together we are praying for a miracle. This book was to be an encouragement of things that happen in peoples lives with no reasonable explanation. These events have been in the past two decades. The book really made me think and trust even more, that God still does do the unexplainable. Skeptics abound needing proof when there is no proof such as something science can explain.
Today my machine was unplugged and the cord lay parallel to the wall on the top of my vacuum. The cord had not just fallen out of the plug to the floor. This event, I believe, prevented a larger catastrophe from happening in our house.
This also takes my thoughts further at how Bob has survived, not just survived but has thrived with a cancer that can defeat people quickly. Was the cancer cured? NO but the miracle is in Bob's life---every day---. I am grateful to our Lord and God Jesus Christ who today cared for our home.
This is an ordinary Monday in my life. Monday is wash day, ironing and putting away all the clothes.Maybe a little OC over laundry--not much else tho?? I had my first load of wash in the machine and went upstairs to check email and yeah.......FB, then did a couple of chores. I fiqured that by then the first load would be washed and ready for the dryer. As I went down the basement stairs I could smell something funny and it was hazy in the basement. First I thot , oh my glasses must be more dirty than I thot. Even as I thot that I didn't really believe it as I could see the haze near the ceiling of the basement swirl slightly. I ran into the laundry room, couldn't see anything, opened the washer and it hadn't finished spinning---odd, checked out the electric panel--nothing. I ran upstairs and called 911, even tho I was told to wait outside I went back into the basement and checked around the washer again as that was the only appliance that was on. I noticed that the washer was unplugged, I hadn't done that. The smell and haze was definitely coming from there but there weren't any flames or anything. The fire and police arrived on our quiet cul de sac, anyone at home has been entertained and enjoyed a cup of coffee together as they watched the proceedings. The dogs next door, who are all alone, will now have laryngitis for the season (cross my fingers). These very nice young men came in and checked everything very carefully. They decided that it was the washer and took it apart. The motor had kept running but the belt had burned. They didn't know if the motor was damaged but were sure that the belt had been the problem. They cleared the haze with a humongous fan and were kind enough to be sure that this granny was ok and not having a nervous breakdown.
I started to read a book entitled Miracles Are For Real What Happens when Heaven Touches Earth by James L Garlow and Keith Wall. My friend Joan had loaned it to me. Together we are praying for a miracle. This book was to be an encouragement of things that happen in peoples lives with no reasonable explanation. These events have been in the past two decades. The book really made me think and trust even more, that God still does do the unexplainable. Skeptics abound needing proof when there is no proof such as something science can explain.
Today my machine was unplugged and the cord lay parallel to the wall on the top of my vacuum. The cord had not just fallen out of the plug to the floor. This event, I believe, prevented a larger catastrophe from happening in our house.
This also takes my thoughts further at how Bob has survived, not just survived but has thrived with a cancer that can defeat people quickly. Was the cancer cured? NO but the miracle is in Bob's life---every day---. I am grateful to our Lord and God Jesus Christ who today cared for our home.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Devastation
In the previous post I said that none of the days were wasted. I truly want to believe that about each event that comes into my life-----I think I am safe in speaking for Bob too, so, what comesinto our lives. Each day and each event that we have is not wasted in God's purpose for our lives. I suppose if we are able to surrender to the Lord completely, and know that, not only the nice warm fuzzy things are going to be coming into our lives, but also the hard, earth shattering, dirty things may also enter into our experiences, we could hope and believe and know that none of these things are wasted but are ultimately for our spiritual good and growth.
This idea of "wasted" is part of a song I had heard on galaxy radio. I was busy sewing and not really listening---so I missed most of it and have no idea the name of the song. However the phrase "nothing is wasted with our Redeemer" caught my attention. Over the past many weeks I have pondered that phrase over and over. I suppose the floods out here in Alberta brought the song's words to the fore front again. How would God use these events for the ultimate good of the folks devastated by the loss of their homes, possessions, financial ruin, businesses in ruin-----it truly is horrible. I was wondering if one of those homes had been mine could I still grab hold of Jesus' hand and walk with Him through all that needs doing? I want to believe that we could do exactly that. We have watched people on TV say exactly that,--- that God will see them through, "it is only stuff, thankful no one was killed." Should people honestly and humbly begin to look to the Lord for strength, the days will not be wasted. Samaritan's Purse has been out in High River, in Calgary, on the First Nation reservations helping not only physically but also being there to listen to and speak with hurting people. We call it Samaritan's Purse but the people are volunteers from so very many churches across this area. Truly they are Samaritans --giving up their own lives for 1 day, 2 days or??? days to help people they don't know and may never see again. It was great that our church had many fellas go out to do this back breaking, smelly work. To shovel out a basement of that heavy wet mud (which was not only soil mud) after the water had been sucked out was tough and then all of the stuff!!!!! so that there was nothing left in the basement just the concrete walls was not only hard but emotionally draining. I was proud of our grandsons--Colton and Ashton--they helped in Calgary for one home. They helped their Uncle Devon and Shane shovel and empty out the basement of friends of theirs, who are elderly. The boys came home totally pooped and very filthy. In order to officially help, a person needs to be 18 years old, so they only did that one house. All these experiences help the boys too.
I am thinking that much of the horror that I sense about this flood comes from the one day that I spent out in High River. We were away for the most part of the flood aftermath and returned after the 2 week mark (however that is for the next blog). I made sandwiches and muffins and took a turn to go out with the group from our church that had set up food tents and had been out there pretty much from the get go. I had this sense of...oh I don't know---I am doing something so noble, so good. I suppose I was in a way, doing something good, but with the wrong attitude. From where this tent was, the devastation was---dry and "under control" but I could see and imagine how horrible it had been during the short time previous. It was heartbreaking to see the elderly couples come for food and coffee and return to the homes that they enjoyed into their retirements. These same homes that were being torn apart and all their "stuff" was being dumped outside, strangers were in and out of their homes. Each of these home owners was so thankful for the help and for the bit of comfort the fresh food brought. The whole situation made me feel so sad and from what I was told I had no idea how it had been, how muddy, smelly, destroyed-- but I could imagine. I believe that we were there to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus--to comfort, encourage and listen. I realize that doing those things is not noble, maybe good, but it truly is all about serving and obeying what one believes God desires of them. The couple that I went out with took a ride around the town after our shift. There were areas that no one was allowed into. Yet we could see the horribleness of the situation. The scene that stays in my mind ---behind a road block was a long street with the trees on either side that grey color, the road, sidewalks?, boulevards--everything covered in this brown color and walking down the center was one person, all alone, dressed in a white hazard suit, hood up,big boots, big gloves, and a face mask--big, like it could have been more than just a mask. That picture made me think of those end of the world science fiction movies. Truly made me feel...........sad, like the town had been thwarted. In some ways it has been.. There are many more scenes that totally unnerved me that showed the unleashed power of nature. As much as we desire and aspire to control our environment we cannot. People really do need to know the Lord. How could we survive this kind of event if we didn't believe that not one day or event is a waste with the Lord. How could Tim and Barbie survive? How could Trent and Janelle survive, Dave and Dianne? How could Bob and I survive if we didn't believe that there is a larger, eternal purpose for us. Our horrible--cancer-- is only for a short season. May we be faithful not to waste what God is walking with us through.
Bob's journey brings a PET scan on July 29, news of the appointment in today's mail.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Deciphering
Taking me a long time to get back to the blog, I allow so much to take up my time in drips and drivels. Truth be known I am also a horrible procrastinator. Today the sun isn't shining so it is the kind of day that suggests putting ones thoughts on paper would be ok.
This week Bob will not be having chemo so we are still deciphering how just receiving the velcade on last Fri. is working. Without the other two drugs some of the velcade side affects were more noticeable. The nausea and sick feeling stomach lasted through Sunday. Bob does take the anti nausea drugs so he wasn't actually sick, which is a blessing---he just didn't feel that well. The neuropathy is bad, his feet are just "crawling", so Bob is using the Tiger Balm but probably not as often as he should. He also thought that he would stop taking gabapenton. This is to help with the neuropathy. Sheesh I forget which side affect that drug gives Bob that he doesn't like. Anyway you get the picture, so Bob is taking that drug again. The big side affect is being tired, probably from everything. After typing all that I would have to say that Bob is doing well!!!! There is no cancer pain (bone pain). He is working pretty much full time again. He leaves work earlier when he needs and on any treatment days, or Dr. days, Bob is able to take the time as needed. Sooooooo very thankful for this job. Bob's desire is to work as long as he is able. A friend asked "didn't he want to take the time and retire and do other things?" Bob hasn't gotten to 65 yet and as we are not independently wealthy he was striving to hit that goal first. We have never travelled so travelling is hard to think about (crazy, I know). Perhaps there will come a time when we would chance to dabble in travelling, other than to see family. Bob just replied to his friend "I like to work, that is what I know". The hobbies that Bob has take a fair bit of change to accomplish as well. All in all in my deciphering, Bob is great therefore I am great.
We just celebrated our FORTY THIRD wedding anniversary!!! You may wonder, just like we have, "how is that possible!!!!". I will tell you a wee secret:...... we were married as children.(laugh now) Well, now a days, we would have been considered almost children. However we were full fledged adults and knew everything. We learned life together over these 43 years and learned that we knew almost nothing. Every marriage is a huge learning curve----wow!!!! Thinking how fast time has gone by can make me feel pensive(as perhaps melancoly is to strong a word!!!!?! ) Three years ago we had our pictures taken for our anniversary. Bob was totally off of drugs at the time and was looking so very well. I sent a number of those pics out kinda like an anniversary card rather than wait for Christmas. I did this mainly because I didn't think Bob would ever be as well as he was then. Now these three years later, he is still doing well. I (we) have learned so much about trust and dependance and acceptance and the love of God during this time that for us not one of these days has been wasted.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Firstly
Lots to write, but firstly: Bob was to see Dr. Bahlis yesterday July 11 (our 43rd anniversary). The news is encouraging and gave a greater cause for celebration. First the numbers:
WBC 4.8
RBC 3.6
HGB 113
Platelets 168
Creatine 15780
Protein 2.07
Bob only did the tests the same day as the visit so results for tumor markers and a couple of other tests weren't ready when he saw Dr. B.
Dr. B. is going to move to a maintenance regime for a time and see how that goes. Beginning this Fri. Bob will only receive the velcade as the chemo dose. He will receive this every other week. Dr. B. wasn't convinced about the Spain trial. Bob will have to go into the hospital as it is an infusion. The neuropathy will continue to be a side affect. We are now rubbing his feet with something that has a high menthol content. Dr. B. suggested he read some good results from that??? We have started with Tiger Balm which Bob's uncle Jake had suggested years ago for whatever aches.
The other side affects---the diabetes (for 2 days) the constipation, and the hyper activity and no sleep from the dex, hopefully will be gone. The tiredness at other times may continue but that one is easy (mostly).
A PET scan is being set up for the next mo. or so. That is what tells the real story. Once we see those results we will truly rejoice with the maintenance regime. Altho very thankful that the rest of the summer could be easier on Bob --drug wise.
One more number that Bob is pleased about--thot I'd share with you: BMI is 27,1200 with the upper number for him being 30,000. Sheesh--I am walking---hopefully diligently, every day to get a healthier BMI.
WBC 4.8
RBC 3.6
HGB 113
Platelets 168
Creatine 15780
Protein 2.07
Bob only did the tests the same day as the visit so results for tumor markers and a couple of other tests weren't ready when he saw Dr. B.
Dr. B. is going to move to a maintenance regime for a time and see how that goes. Beginning this Fri. Bob will only receive the velcade as the chemo dose. He will receive this every other week. Dr. B. wasn't convinced about the Spain trial. Bob will have to go into the hospital as it is an infusion. The neuropathy will continue to be a side affect. We are now rubbing his feet with something that has a high menthol content. Dr. B. suggested he read some good results from that??? We have started with Tiger Balm which Bob's uncle Jake had suggested years ago for whatever aches.
The other side affects---the diabetes (for 2 days) the constipation, and the hyper activity and no sleep from the dex, hopefully will be gone. The tiredness at other times may continue but that one is easy (mostly).
A PET scan is being set up for the next mo. or so. That is what tells the real story. Once we see those results we will truly rejoice with the maintenance regime. Altho very thankful that the rest of the summer could be easier on Bob --drug wise.
One more number that Bob is pleased about--thot I'd share with you: BMI is 27,1200 with the upper number for him being 30,000. Sheesh--I am walking---hopefully diligently, every day to get a healthier BMI.
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