We had good news at Doug’s Oncologist’s office this week. He told Doug that based upon the numbers in his blood and urine chemistry 90% of his myeloma is gone. This needs to be measured against the fact that when diagnosed 75% of his bone marrow contained myeloma cells.
The dosage of the chemo therapy has been significantly reduced. Doug even went into his office for a few hours to do “real work” this week. Although the Oncologist indicates Doug should be able to work some (as long as he listens to his body) his family is a bit concerned and would err on the side of more caution. In spite of that fact we’ve decided to let Doug have some control over his own life. :-)
One thing we did to celebrate Doug’s improvement was to clear anything in our bedroom that looked like he has been/is sick. Yes, he still has cancer. Yes, he still has pain. Yes, he still is feels weak and therefore is short on stamina, especially on the one day per week he has the steroids that bind to his primary chemo drug.
Yes, the Oncologist is still talking about referring us to the transplant center for his stem cell harvest leading up to a bone marrow transplant. His immediate plan is to start giving Doug a monthly IV of a drug to strengthen his bones and reduce the chance of bone fracture. Myeloma cells wear away portions of bone leaving small holes called osteolytic lesions. These lesions can leave bones weak and fragile.
We have just today heard back from the other clinic about Doug’s blood work sent to Greece. We go to get the results and their treatment recommendations this coming Monday. Our Oncologist told us this week that he is willing to receive their information by fax to monitor any potential conflicting treatments. Now this is a direct answer to prayer as others of our friends in traditional medical practice didn’t give us much hope that any oncologist would want to be bothered. That makes us appreciate the one we have even more!
One of our friends who just learned of Doug’s battle called Doug this week and said he’d “storm the gates of heaven” on Doug’s behalf. There are days Doug feels satanic attacks. So don’t stop strom’in. But don’t forget to praise our Father also!!! We’ve come this far by faith, prayer, wonderful medical care and you, our family and friends.
~Carole
