Mari

Today was cycle 4, week 2, day 1.  Had to be at the Cancer Center by 11 for an appointment with
Dr. Nanda, my radiation oncologist.  He and Dr. Sarriera meet with other team of doctors to review their patient's cases.  He knew there was a small lump that appeared two days before the radiation treatments were done.  He knew this lump was not in the radiation range.  He knew that Dr. Sarriera started a treatment plan immediately.  He knew all about me and what was happening.  This sharing of info between my doctors is wonderful.  This, once again, makes me realize that UF Health Cancer Center is the best.

Dr. Nanda asked if my hair was growing back in the radiation area to which I responded no.  And said I don't feel it will.  Dr. Nanda then ask to see my head.  He felt for the small lump which is no longer there.  Then he examined the targeted radiation area.  Said it looked good.  And that he notice some hair growth.  What?  Really?  That's great.  My prayers are being answered.  He told me to be patient as it may take 6 months or more from the radiation days for it to grow back.  Bill said to me this morning and some other times that he noticed some hair but I guess I was too busy getting ready to really check it out.  Sorry.  It's very hard for me to look at this area and if I do, it can throw me in to a cry!!  But I will be taking the mirror and looking now.  Wonderful feeling knowing it is growing back, however slow and however much.  I will take it.

Great appointment with Dr. Nanda.  Will not have to see him unless there is need for radiation in the future.  And we hope not!

Just took my 11 Cyclophosphamide chemo pills.  That made my 30 pills for the day.  Just part of my routine, just part of my routine.

Left his office and went up to 5LP for my Kyprolis drip knowing it was only 11:45 and my appointment wasn't until 1.  But wanted to get my lines in my port and have the labs drawn.  This way my lab results would be ready when I went to my room at 1.  They did the line insertion and the labs right away.  Then Bill and I went for some lunch.

Back up to to 5LP around 12:45.  They were calling my name to go back to my room as we got off the elevator.  Tammy was my nurse.  Called me Sunshine.  Labs were done and results were available to see.  You all have read that my Bilirubin has been high.  2.0, 2.2, 2.4   Well today it was 1.3.  Bill and I both asked Tammy if she was sure she was reading my results.  ;)   Waited about 20 minutes for the pharmacy to mix the Kyprolis.  Then hooked up for the drip, some fluids and done.  As I was getting done, I had a visitor.  Pat (HOA president's wive), stopped by to say hi.  She is so sweet to do that.

Tomorrow will be cycle 4, week 2, day 2.  I will be getting my Kyprolis and my Zometa.  Then done for the week with drips.

Pet scan is Thursday, November 30th.  Oh, that is only 2 days away.  Preparing for that.  Will be taking an Ativan for sure since Bill can not go back with me.  60 minutes in a room alone while the dye goes through my body.  Then about 45 minutes for the scan.  I can do this.  I did it in June.  I can do this.  I can do this.  Well, maybe.  ;0

Today I met Mari.  Such a wonderful feeling after talking with her.  She just happened to be in the library at the Cancer Center when I went in to drop of flyers about out Myeloma support group.  She was diagnosed in 2003.  Mari was an avid hiker, skier back then.  Had a pain in her back that kept getting worse.  Thus, results showed Myeloma.  It had eaten away one of her vertebras.  Mari was chosen for a clinical trial in Arkansa.   In this trial, she had two transplants back to back.  One in March of that year and one in June of that year.  I mentioned that she wouldn't have even been healed from the first one.  WOW.  I can't imagine.  But in 2003 there wasn't a lot known about Myeloma.  These clinical trials were ways of researching whether treatments etc are safe and effective for humans using human volunteers.  Mari has been a survivor for 14 years.  Has been able to return to her hiking, skiing.  Mari was a great inspiration for Bill and me today.

Quote:

Healing takes courage.  And courage we have, even if we have to dig to find it.