He was adamant that this was his SUV–not mine! Flummoxed, I stood in the sun in 100 degree heat, although I am not supposed to be in the hot sun with the drugs I am taking for the Multiple Myeloma. He held onto the door handle of the vehicle–(mine!)–and I knew better than to try to get past him. I quickly surmised that he must have some type of dementia, and I was also concerned for him being in the hot sun. He told me his wife would soon come out of the grocery store and “set me straight.” I had gone with Kathy to the grocery store on a late Sunday afternoon to get in some walking in the cool, air-conditioned setting while she shopped. When I tired, I told her I would go to our vehicle and wait. I used the phone app. to start the vehicle and turn on the AC. But the gentleman would not let me pass! Eventually, the store manager found the gentleman’s wife, and she came and whisked her husband away to their vehicle an aisle over. Frankly, I was now overly exhausted.
I have been extremely exhausted the last month. I was excited to think that I might be nearing the end of my current Multiple Myeloma treatments, and I awaited the meeting with my hematologist/oncologist to get the results of all my recent labs. When we met this past week, I had a very good report with one exception—my M-spike protein number was still too high. Bottom line: I have six more weeks of treatments. During this time I will also go to Houston Methodist Hospital in the downtown Medical Center for tests of my vital organs to see if I qualify for a stem cell transplant. Because I am nine years over the general cut off for the transplant, Medicare requires I pass these tests. My doctor and I agreed that I needed to know now if I qualify. The stem cell transplant can get the M-spike protein down to one in a million leading to minimal drug maintenance until the ‘bad’ protein elects to multiply again. If I do not qualify for the stem cell transplant, my doctors will use more drugs to work on lowering the M- protein. My doctor said he wants me to have every option available. Sounds good to me!
A bone-building drug was added to my treatment schedule two weeks ago. Medicare would not OK the drug my doctor prescribed and so a generic substitute was used. It did not work for me! My worst side effect was swollen eyes with deep socket pressure. This lasted for days. I informed my doctor and he said, “Now I have the proof I need to get the drug I prescribed approved.” Soon, with six more weeks of treatment scheduled, I will get my doctor’s preferred name brand drug.
I had informed my doctors as I began treatment that Kathy and I had a planned trip to Patagonia in South America in October. They did not forget and planned a way for us to go. Amazing, right! I told Kathy that I needed to get out in spite of my exhaustion and fatigue. So I do force myself to “up and at ’em!” Yesterday, we went for a joy ride to Galveston to celebrate our grandson’s eighth birthday, and we walked along the gulf shore for fifteen minutes. It was a very short time, but it was wonderfully refreshing!
I have nearly always had the “press on” attitude for life. It is taken from Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” While the Apostle Paul is reminding us we have a heavenly home, the ultimate prize, our earthly life is one of pressing forward until that day when we are called home. Yes, this adventure has twists and turns not in my control. Yes, some days are hard. Yes, God is always there! Yes, I (we) are called to “press on!”
kgraumann
wgraumann
gofarther.me 
Press on! You’ve got this!
God bless you, Wayne and Kathy! You’re in my heart and prayers. David.
You continue to amaze me. Prayers for good reports and feeling better. Love you
Atta boy! Keep pressing on and praying.
You are always in our prayers!!! Your attitude toward this is amazing! Lean on Christ in bad days and the good ones!
Much Love to you Wayne!!!
I have always admired your “press on” attitude. I praise and thank God for the good/improved blood counts and will continue to pray for more improvements. So happy y’all were able to make it to Glaveston with Greta and the kids. Family and grandbabies always bring us such joy. Keep “pressing on”! Love and prayers.
Love your attitude. It’s hard not being at 100% but I used to tell my patients that trusting in God’s plan will soothe your heart. He DOES love us and we need to “press on” to the goal. We are praying for you guys every night. Wayne, you may be the one with the diagnosis, but Kathy has it, too. Hugs.
Thank you for the latest news and that you are”hanging tough.” We think about you each day and pray for improving numbers and possibility for cell transplant.
When I return from my brother’s funeral Saturday, I’ll call Kathy for a catch-up and make a point of seeing or talking with you before we leave for upstate NY, KY, IL, and MO for three months. I will also pray for your trip to Patagonia in October. Our daughter backpacked through there and took some pics of outstanding countryside and mountains. Peace and love,
Jim and Patricia McClean
I haven’t seen you and Kathy in a little bit but you are continually in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so happy that you will get to take your trip to Patagonia. A blessing in the midst of struggles. I will be praying for lowered M levels.
Prayers for you and also Kathy. Hope your “numbers” get better and better.
I have a super cute house in Galveston that is a short term rental. Should you ever want to spend time there just let me know and it will be yours! Walking along the beach is good for your soul.
If you two need anything from me let me know. Rides on to the beach, lake etc.
Wayne, keep on pressing on!
Praying you will get the green light for the stem cell treatment. So glad you will be able to get the preferred ned soon. Praying for a safe and wonderful trip for both of you to Patagonia – can’t wait to travel vicariously with both of you once again! So thankful that it was your car the man chise as you had the wisdom and patience to deal with the situation. My heart goes out to the wife who was proba ly embarrassed and exhausted just trying to get simple tasks like shopping done. Having lived through dementia in loved ones 3 times in my life I can tell you it’s not a fun journey. Thanks for extending Gods’s grace even when your exhausted.
We love you and still amazed on how you and Kathy still inspire and encourage us through your words. We can surely still feel the love you have always shown us. Praying for you both. We love you deeply. But I do know, wherever you go you will continue to bless all those you come in contact with.
Blessings during this chapter!