My apologies for the lack of updates for the past few days, but I was quite busy recovering. I've been enjoying eating more and varied food without stomach upset. That has been a definite PLUS! Being able to enjoy sustenance is something we take for granted. I have been thanking the LORD everyday since Sunday, the 8th of July, for being able to eat without repercussions.
Since consuming 3 squares per day, I have been gaining strength and stamina. I've went out, on my own, to Kohl's for a brief shopping trip. Nothing like venturing out to a clothing store to motivate a woman to get well quickly. I've also been to the pool with the grandchildren several times, not to swim, but to watch them do so. Getting some sun and fresh air has done wonders for my spirits and my recovering health.
Tuesday, the 17, another motivating goal was achieved. I welcomed my "Kenya" kids home. Greg left early that morning and drove in the Pilot hauling our oldest son, Kurt's, covered trailer to Chicago. He arrived shortly after the kids' plane landed and waited a little over an hour while they cleared customs. Homeland Security lived up to its questionable reputation by making them all wait in a room for about 20 minutes, then asking them why they were out of the U.S. for four years. Jeff was so tempted to say, "We got a great rate on our hotel room.", but contained himself and answered that they were missionaries. The response, "Oh. OK. You can go." Welcome to America!
Little Ian's first words to his grandpa were, "Grandpa, can we go swimming in your pool?" They all arrived home about 4:30 in the afternoon and were in the pool by 5:00. On Wednesday they spent about 5 hours in the pool. As usual, they were in Grandma, and Grandpa's bed by 5:30 each of the two mornings they spent here. Great to have them home. Today, Thursday, they travelled to Rockford and moved into the house which will be their home for the coming year.
While they were doing that, Greg and I travelled to Detroit for my appointment with Dr. V. The meeting went very well. All good news. First, he said all my numbers were good. As far as he is concerned, my cancer is in REMISSION. PRAISE and GLORY to GOD!!! He then said he wanted us to pay attention to the following info. A blind study was conducted in which some test subjects received no maintenance chemo after their Multiple Myeloma was in remission and other test subjects were given a low dose regimen of the chemo drug Revlimid. Those given the Revlimid experienced a longer live span than did those not taking the Revlimid. The only risk in taking the maintenance Revlimid was developing some form of cancer involving the head. However, Dr. V. said the risk was minimal and, as Greg said, "The longer anyone lives, the greater the risks of dying from something." I told Dr. V. that I would take the Revlimid. He agreed with my choice as this was his choice and recommendation for me also. The chance of me experiencing a blood clot again from the Revlimid is minimal for two reasons: 1. The dosage will be much smaller with the maintenance dose; plus I would be taking an adult aspirin daily as well which would mitigate the development of clots. 2. I would not be taking any steroids this time with the Revlimid which would not tend to cause clots.
I will start the maintenance regimen around the time I meet again with him in September. I will then have another appointment with him in December. After that I'll see him in June of '13 and then annually every June. After our discussion was over, Dr. V. gave me a hug and wished me well. He also said I could now go out in public using common sense precautions against exposure to germs. Look out world, here I come!!. Praise the LORD!!!
As I am feeling great and progressing well, I will not be blogging every other day as I have been doing. I will write another post shortly after the 24th of September when I will have met with Dr. V and start my Revlimid regimen. Thank you all who have kept up with my blog and I have greatly appreciated your interest and prayers. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I continue my recovery and also continue to praise God for all He has done and will continue to do in my life. He has indeed directed my steps throughout this journey and will continue to do so as I remain In His Grip.
Louise
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| Grandma and Seth |
I would be happy to talk with you any time. My e-mail is ghmrafrica@gmail.com Looking forward to hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteLouise