Faith -- Word for the Day -- Thursday, May 21, 2009

Faith --

Definition:
1 a: allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions
2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust
3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction

We had faith today as we entered into the doctor's office for ChemoSabe's visit. After the PET scan, MRI and bone marrow biopsy I had that 'dread' again. Dye was injected into his veins on this MRI and it was a full body. Results --- All the 25+ lesions still exist but are not growing. In fact, one that was 3.7 cm is now 1.5 cm. He is clean.

When we get our order of Revlimid then we will begin the one year maintenance schedule which consists of twice a week Velcade (chemo) injection for two weeks, every 28 days. We start on Dex then, too, every 28 days along with other meds.

I looked at his labs on Tuesday and noticed cholesterol was 245... HIGH... So, he called the transplant nurse himself and they called in a script for his Crestor that he took after his triple bypass.

So, we are on the road again, or should I say 'schedule' of regular meds along with added drugs. He is warned to watch his weight. Why did he look at me when she said that? We don't eat fried foods or junk. We usually do our two veggies and one meat. He is a big lover of bread and ice cream. I don't indulge myself in that. Guess those will be coming off the grocery list.

I lost that eight pounds last week and I can see a big different in my gut. Maybe I got a good start on weight loss. Just didn't want to lose it that way.

My little brother is doing well this week. He has been laughing about things that have happened and has accepted this as God's will. I believe he is uplifted with the waiting of the memorial services for this weekend. Maybe this week gave him time to heal a little bit before saying his final goodbye.

We were heading out to St. Louis today, but we have postponed. We thought about a short trip on Saturday evening and coming back on Monday, but I think we would be pushing it. We definitely will have to make it before the Velcade starts as that will make him quite tired.

Oh... we have to keep him out of the sun, too. The doctor thought he was serious when he said he could put an umbrella on his bike... ha She is such a doll!

I forgot to tell you guys that son and I gave a surprise one year cancer survivor party for ChemoSabe on May 9. He was quite surprised. We had about 30 people. They all had on white handkerchiefs when we walked in. With the swine flu going around I couldn't find masks... If you didn't get to come, thank you for being with us the last year. What a trip! We will do it again next year (party, that is).

We are losing our transplant nurse. She is transferring within UAMS. She loves us so much she gave us her email address. She lives about six miles from us so maybe we will run into her, too. She got our invitation on Monday after the party on Saturday. She was disappointed.

We will be heading into Little Rock this evening to have dinner with Rog and Ruthie from OKC. He finished up his second stem cell and will be going back on the chemo bag tomorrow. Please put him in your prayers.

Well, kids... Going to call it a day. I think of all of you often.

Good afternoon and love -- Pepper

The following link is to the song "Long Black Train"... It will be played at Sharon's services.... It is an awesome video and would be a good tool for anyone on drugs or alcohol... Just copy and paste it into your browser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9wOtytISn4