The Arkansas Travelers
A diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in August of this year drastically changed my life. My wife, Mary Jo and I have resigned our jobs. We moved temporarily to Little Rock, Arkansas, to participate in a clinical trial at The Myeloma Institute at UAMS. This weblog chronicles our experiences during the treatment program and our thoughts as health care providers who have made the transition to patient and family/caregiver.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
The Arkansas Travelers
The Arkansas TravelersHi people,
Sorry for taking so long to write – I’ve been lazy. We have been home for the past 2 weeks and will return to LR at the end of next week for another vaccination visit with another bone marrow biopsy thrown in. We are to the point in the protocol where the vaccinations are monthly and the only cancer med I take at home is Interleukin for 5 days after each vaccination so that ain’t too bad at all.
We’ve spent the hot days of summer enjoying our home & yard although I limit my time outside because of the heat – especially now that we are into triple digits. We have, however, been going to the pool 3-5 times/week for pool walking and it has really helped strengthen the legs – both about the right hip and the swelling in the left leg from the DVT. The water was great in helping to support body weight especially when I was still pretty weak and creaky. Plus the sun has resolved the pasty appearance so I look tan and healthy.
I feel better than I have in months but still have quite a way to go. Stamina is bad but improving. Now when I get up in the morning I don’t feel like I need to go back to bed. I’m telling you I am not anxious to go through another stem cell transplant – they really kick your ass. I can’t tell you how many times I felt I was going to die – and that was just riding in the car with Mary Jo!!! Now I can stay awake most of the day, can walk pretty normal and eat about anything, although Mexican food still doesn’t get it.
Mary Jo is doing well and continues to tolerate being with me most of the time, but at least she can get out and about when we are home. Last week my sister from Cincinnati spent the week. It was nice having her down because we don’t see her or my brother-in-law very often.
I know MJ has some (untrue) stories she is going to also put in the blog so just be aware that she is really a big bullshitter!!
We hope you are all having a good summer.
Don