Boot Camp is over!

One of our friends at the Myeloma Institute called the induction chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants "cancer boot camp". I am pleased to report that Don passed with flying colors and we are home in Texas! After a week of testing, we saw Dr. VanRhee on Thursday. The reports were all very good. At this time, the myeloma is in complete remission and his bone marrow is responding to the stem cell transplant.

On Thursday, Don received an infusion of white blood cells that were collected after the first chemotherapy. These cells will help to "prime the pump" for Don to develop healthy immunity to the cancerous plasma (myeloma) cells. He also received Leukine, a medication that stimulates the production of white cells. On Friday, he received Vaccine #4 before we left for home. He has had a localized reaction to the vaccine and some bone pain from the Leukine. Fatigue and loss of appetite are still a major concern. He lost around 20 lbs with the transplant. He also lost his hair again and has a good case of "chemo brain".

The trip home was fairly uneventful. Sarah and Chris were here to help me unload and unpack, which was such a blessing! Don was exhausted from the day and we both took rather long naps this weekend. The dogs were excited to go on another road trip and even more excied about being home in their own yard.

I have grown fond of Little Rock and the friends I made there, but it is certainly good to be home! The weeds have taken over in our lower yard, so I have a great deal to keep me busy over the next few weeks. The roses look a little scraggly, but I should be able to shape them up fairly quickly. My climbers are getting pretty pushy, since I haven't been here to keep them in order.

We will return to Little Rock in 10 days for another vaccine. In the meantime, Don is anxious to make an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon to see what can be done about his hip (and when!). I will be teaching an online course at UTA this summer, beginning May 30th. One of the great things about web-based instruction is being able to do it anywhere.

I thank God for His hand in our lives, helping us through these past few months. We both know there are challenges ahead, but the "hard part" of the protocol is behind us now. We will pray for continued blessings, especially for a sustained remission. Thank you all, again, for your cards, emails, calls and prayers.