Multiple Myeloma -- Words for the Day -- Monday, October 5, 2009

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells produce a protein called antibodies. Some antibodies can attack and kill disease causing germs. Patients with this type of cancer may have low blood cell counts and immune problems giving them a higher chance for getting infections such as pneumonia. The bones can be affected leading to bone pain and breaks (fractures).

We deal with this realization every day. It is not foremost in our thinking, but it is always in the back of my mind.

We had a good weekend, but it ended with ChemoSabe being down all day Sunday and he stayed home today. He never calls in sick. He has a lot of pain in his chest and back. I am praying pneumonia is not setting in like before. He does not have congestion or the sniffles, but it still worries me.

We have had a busy past two weeks. We did make vacation the week of the 21st. We hauled the bikes up to Illinois to visit family (our favorite vacation spot). Since the weather was predicting rain we didn't want to take the chance of riding all the way. AND, ChemoSabe packed 12 T-shirts for the trip along with other items so it was good we took the Tahoe! ha

We rounded out our trip on Wednesday spending the night in Springfield, MO. We checked in around 9:00 at Drury Inn and got a room on the 4th floor. ChemoSabe grumbled about that, but hey...we were late. As we carried our clothes and bags in through the lobby, the desk clerk told us he had a cancellation and was putting us on the 1st floor at no extra cost. I thanked him and headed to the room.

It was a very nice room with a 40 in. flat screen. I noticed the adjoining room was open so I peaked in. It was a full size meeting room with a table for ten, another flat screen, a full kitchen, couch and chairs. I walked out into the hallway and it was the same room number as ours. I wanted to make certain there was no mistake. As we walked over to get a bite to eat before turning in I looked at the desk clerk with a thumbs up and said, "U da Man!"

Met up with Stretch and Rainman in Fayetteville on Thursday for the Bikes, Blues and BBQ festival. Over the weekend there was reported to be 300,000 people. We steered clear of the night life and the heavy traffic through the downtown area. We had good food and fellowship.

We were to return home on Sunday, but was looking so forward to getting home to our own bed and the kids. Commenced to load the bikes onto the trailer and ChemoSabe's foot got a little heavy. Dropped the beast off the back of the trailer and flipped the ramp off. STUCK!!! To the Rescue -- Rainman!

I was thankful for the time off away from work. We may not get another vacation for quite some time. It was good because last year we were dealing with the reality of Multiple Myeloma, the chemo treatments, stem cell transplant and of course, the battle of insurance issues. We are still dealing with the same issues, but we are better for the handling, this year.

I see how he feels now and I thank the Lord for the progress he has made. I couldn't survive without him.

Had the steroid treatment last week for four days and it begins again tomorrow with the two Velcade shots during the week. We have had discussions about his mood swings as a result and he is doing better. We have even laughed about it.

Labs are coming back very good each week. Weighs is progressing and we are working on that.

Well, I just got word from Tonto (his assistant) that he is at work. He just won't give in and rest. Please pray that I don't plow into him about taking care of himself. Sometimes he pushes me to my limit.

I will try to keep you posted more often. We have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Crisp mornings and fair days. I have even been leaving the kids out in the day time. Our new neighbors talk to them through the fence. Much different than the other ones that ran sticks up and down the wood and harassed. They were adults, too.

Have a good week --

Good day and Love -- Pepper