Rio: God Built Between the Jungle, Mountain, and Sea
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Rio was much more beautiful than I imagined. From the heights of the numerous hills one could see sparkling azure blue waters with waves lapping the white sand shores. And those mountainous hills that framed every view and dotted the ocean for miles–captivating! The jungle was evident on most drives in the city. It stretched beyond with a canopy of old growth and flowering trees. We felt blessed to be in this atmosphere.
We were struck with the formality we encountered. Rio has this Carnival reputation and I am sure it is well deserved; however, it has another side. We found formal greetings; formal service; formal instructions; formal dress (except along the beach). First class in most every way. Our hotel is located on Copacabana Beach and the surrounding area is appealing. One can walk from Copacabana Beach to Ipanema Beach (“Tall and tanned, and young and lovely–The girl from Ipanema goes walking and when she passes, each one she passes goes: Ah!”) along a tiled promenade. I surmised that a number of young ladies were going for the Ipanema look!
Our flight was uneventful and ten hours in length. We were tired upon arrival and our hotel was ready for us and gave us our room at 10 AM–quick nap and then exploration and meal. We are very impressed with the meals we have eaten thus far…lots of luscious fruit.
After a wonderful and long night of sleep, we arose excited for a wonderful day. We were not disappointed. Christ the Redeemer, towering over the city, and Rio’s landmark was inspirational and beautiful. Our small tour bus wound around the hills and through the jungle to the top of the mountain where we took several escalators to reach the statue. I can see why it is one of the world’s modern seven wonders. Not only is the statue of Jesus imposing, the views from the top are incredible. The city spread out below us and the deep blue waters stretched out over the horizon. Sugar Loaf Mountain near the yacht harbor was particularly handsome from this vantage point.
Back in the city, Maracana Stadium is huge (175,000 paid fans) and is one of the sport world’s sacred grounds having hosted two World Cups and home to the Brazilian Soccer Team–they still smart from their loss to Germany several years ago. The new cathedral in Rio is very modern with towering stained glass reaching ever upward. The Selaron Staircase is both amusingly colorful and energetic. The artist who created the multilevel stairs used tiles procured from around the world and the entire area is alive with activity. It was a grand day!
4.5 Million and Counting
I am now on a two month countdown to my stem cell transplant. My stem cell harvest at the Transplant Center, Methodist—Houston Medical Center, was a success. Kathy stayed at the Marriott across from Methodist while I was hospitalized for the procedure. I’ll be honest, while not painful, it was not my cup of tea, since it felt invasive. The catheter placed in my leg/groin was something I wanted to pull out soon after the surgery was completed. I needed this done since my arm veins were not sufficient for the procedure, and the femoral artery was the only option left.
I had been told that it could take up to three days of five hour daily sessions to collect enough stem cells for the transplant. I was prepared from that possibility. My first session was in the late morning after the catheter had been placed and stitched in my leg. I had a private nurse who stayed with me the entire time. The lead doctor of the unit fully explained to me what would happen during the stem cell harvest. Lying flat on my back, they hooked me up to the fancy, high tech machine through which my blood would flow and the stem cells would be removed. Tubing on the exit side of the machine brought the cleaned blood back into my body. I noticed my nurse who was monitoring the tech screens was very busy. Later, a man appeared also working on the machine. About one and a half hours into the procedure a main doctor from the hospital and the head of technology appeared at my bedside and informed me the, obviously, very expensive machine had a technology failure! A new machine was going to be brought in, and I would be disconnected from the defective machine and reconnected to the new one. The stem cells already collected would need to be discarded! Apologies were profuse and sincere. My nurse was more than solicitous. So, the five hour session turned into seven hours. The good news—in spite of the lost stem cells, they still gathered enough for the stem cell transplant! All praise to God! The average gathered for a transplant is 3 million cells. My blood yielded 4.5 million! After a night in the hospital for monitoring, I was released and got home earlier than anticipated.
I now have a two month break to recoup strength. I will take drugs, oral and infusion, to keep the multiple myeloma in check until mid October. I will be drug free for our trip to Patagonia. I now begin light exercise at The Club at Bonterra exercise facility, as well as walking. In mid October Kathy and I are able to go on our planned Patagonia adventure. I look forward to the spring time weather while there and the refreshing air of the Andes. My body will be, God willing, refreshed and strengthened for the grueling stem cell transplant process beginning in early November.
For the blessings of this multiple myeloma journey from my diagnosis to the immunomonoclonal targeted therapy to the stem cell harvest, I praise God with this doxology that ends the New Testament book of Philippians: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Praise Report: My blood yielded a healthy amount of usable stem cells for the coming transplant; they are now safely frozen and stored.
Prayer Request: For my body to regain the strength and stamina necessary for the stem cell transplant procedure in November.
Let the Good Times Roll
Sunday evening, August 20, 2023
This past Thursday I received a call from Houston Methodist Transplant Center telling me they wanted to begin the process for my stem cell harvest asap. Well, “Sure!” So, all of the sudden, it was/is full steam ahead! I thought that should I be approved for stem cell transplant, nothing would transpire until late September. Since my transplant and multiple myeloma doctor team meeting is scheduled this Tuesday, downtown Houston, I figured I would be told then whether or not I qualified for a stem cell transplant. I guess I qualify since I have a fully scheduled plan to move forward. That should be verified this Tuesday. Here is my next two weeks’ adventure into unknown territory for me:
- Monday, August 21 – Blood work at Conroe HCA Cancer Center
- Tuesday, August 22 – Appointment with Dr. Carrum, head of the Transplant Center, and doctor team specialists at Houston Methodist Hospital, to learn results of the battery of tests taken early this month and to receive training for what awaits us as patient (me) and caregiver (Kathy)
- Wednesday, August 23 – All-day infusion at Conroe HCA Cancer Center; provide lunch for twenty-four medical staff as my gift to those who have been helping me since I began cancer treatment in April of this year. They are excited, as am I.
- Thursday, August 24 – Morning appointment with primary care physician in Magnolia; afternoon, settle in for the next two days at the Houston Marriott Medical Center
- Friday, August 25 – The first injection is given that will remove my stem cells from the bone marrow and introduce them into the blood stream. Kathy and I will be trained to continue this process.
- Saturday, August 26 – Kathy and I must successfully demonstrate skill at giving the injections. We return home to carry on the process ourselves.
- Sunday, August 27 – We independently carry on the process for which we were trained. The injections are to be given for five days before the harvest. The injections encourage the stem cells to grow faster and move from the bone marrow into the blood stream.
- Monday, August 28 – Friday, September 1 – We return to Houston Methodist Hospital and stay at the Marriott Medical Center. I undergo surgery to place ports into the femoral arteries of both legs for the purpose of stem cell harvesting, and I may be hospitalized. The harvesting of my stem cells begins. Tubing will carry the blood to a special machine that will separate the stem cells from the rest of the blood, which is then returned to my body during the same procedure. Each harvest session is six hours in length and it can take one to three days to retrieve enough stem cells. The harvested stem cells will be filtered, stored in a special solution in bags, and then frozen for use at a later time when the marrow will be thawed and re-entered into my blood, traveling to the bone marrow where they will engraft and begin to make new, normal blood cells.
God willing, I will get a two month break between stem cell harvest and bone marrow/stem cell transplant. I will receive maintenance drugs to keep the multiple myeloma at bay. God willing, Kathy and I will go on a long planned trip to South America—primarily Patagonia—before stem cell transplant in November.
Praise Report: That I am able to move forward with stem cell collection.
Prayer Requests: That I might tolerate the procedures as comfortably and successfully as possible; that the stem cells collected will be abundant and healthy
Scripture Encouragement: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
PRESS ON
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!”
Nearing Phase Two
I am grateful for the many people who are very caring and loving in their ongoing concern for me as I progress on my Multiple Myeloma journey. Your encouragement and prayers are foundational to my advancement as I undergo immunomonoclonal targeted therapy. It is true that I have not posted for quite some time. About six weeks ago I began to lose energy. My drug routine is the strongest one (known as the “quad” for the combination of four powerful drugs) used in treatment at this time. I have spent much time in bed or on the couch or recliner. I can sleep twelve hours through the night, get up and do a few activities and then lay on the couch and fall asleep for several hours and then sit and read and sleep some more. Early in the week the drug routine will enliven my mind but not my body. Some nights I simply cannot sleep, but my body is worn out—then, the drugs will cause my mind to almost shut down and my tired body takes over and I sleep for days. That is my weekly routine, not really changing from week to week. I did not want to report the same routine over and over again on this blog regarding my cancer journey. I thought I would be able to get out more but in reality, I have been more quarantined than ever, especially since the heat and sun do not coexist well with the drugs. I think up all kinds of activities to undertake, but my body says, “No!” I look good and feel good, except for the extreme fatigue. I have two weeks of treatment remaining and then my doctor and I will decide next steps. Everything depends on my “numbers.” Next week I will be undergoing extensive labs that will pinpoint my final numbers in detail as they dig deeply into calcium, renal, anemia and bone issues that Multiple Myeloma affects. My mid-treatment tests showed that all these numbers were heading in the right direction; God be praised!
Kathy has been an absolutely wonderful caregiver—more than I deserve! I never thought I would be so helpless and that she would need to step up to the degree to which she has. I’m still really good at seeing issues that need addressing—like every wall paint issue or items needing replacement in order to keep everything up to my undiminished exacting standards. My forward visioning gifts remain undiminished as well. I come up with all kinds of ideas for future improvements. Hence, I’ve found new friends in online ordering—buying gifts for Kathy, hiring folks to do household improvements, buying replacements for household improvements. Kathy has not cut me off, yet! She says when I am cooped up this long, I have this need to do something productive—probably true.
This brings me to the kitchen water line clog. Kathy rarely to never uses the garbage disposal, preferring to bury the food waste in the ground for environmental purposes and soil enrichment. She scolds me when I use it. So—the other day—she weakened her resolve and used it for asparagus! Yes, ASPARAGUS! Maybe celery is the only food item worse in terms of the ‘never’ put down a garbage disposal list. Of course the kitchen drain clogged. Nothing we had would budge it. I had no energy so a plumber it would be, until I thought, “What would our adult son or daughter do at their homes?… YouTube it, of course.” I did and it looked like a simple fix of disconnecting the drain pipes under the sink and removing the clog. A simple five minute fix. Kathy was gung-ho. And yes, it was as simple as that. Easy peasy! A five minute fix! I was so proud of her! Another present will be arriving in the mail. She says she doesn’t need presents; she is a caregiver out of love and expects nothing in return. I know that is true; however, this is one way I can say I notice with deep appreciation.
I use my iPods for music, especially on infusion days at the Conroe HCA Hospital Cancer Center. I listen to a variety of music and my phone music app catalogues my music and makes a list. I often fall asleep and wake to interesting music that my phone music app thinks I will like based on the music I have selected in the past. For instance, I have a long play list of Tejano music because I like Freddy Fender. As I perused my growing play list, I came upon a Bach song I had never heard before on the classics list. It is called “Come Sweet Death.” (I’m not thinking death is imminent for me because of the Multiple Myeloma, however, I also believe one should be ready at anytime for God’s homeward call.) “Come Sweet Death” is truly beautiful and I am surprised that I had never heard it before until my music app randomly picked it for me. The arrangement to which I listened is called “Bach Again.” It adds another verse at the end that is a repeat of Bach’s last verse, but sung in discordant notes that resolve in harmony at the very end. The words are “Come, sweet death; come, soothing rest; come and lead me homeward.” As I contemplated the added verse, I realized that it was completely true. Life is full of disharmony and the discordant notes sometimes play loudly. However, through Christ, the discordant notes of life are turned to complete harmony as we move toward heaven. For me, every day is a better day, regardless of the circumstances, because every day brings me closer to my/our eternity with Jesus. This YouTube link to “Come Sweet Death—Bach Again” is beautifully done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK1UO4AggUQ&list=RDMK1UO4AggUQ&start_radio=1
“Therefore, since, we are justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 1,3-5”
“For I am convinced that neither life nor death…nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 37,38”
Praise Report: Other than fatigue, no other side effects to treatment. Kathy’s unfailing caregiver love.
Prayer Needs: Clear thinking as I meet with my doctors for next steps.
Good Report
It took awhile for my doctor’s words — “You are a textbook case of a perfect response to treatment”—to sink into my brain, and then my hematologist/oncologist started spewing out the numbers: “in normal range,” he repeated three times, and “dropped from .7 to .1” for my problematic M protein. Praise be to God!
All this after only two three-week cycles of treatment! Pretty much unheard of, folks—truly amazing. I know I have literally thousands of people praying for me, and I am grateful for that miraculous power and for God’s abiding presence.
There are no promises; however, it is possible I could go into remission after two more cycles of treatment. Today, remissions last from 2-10 years. My doctor reminded me that my drug protocol is new and there is no data yet. However, for me it is working wondrously. He is optimistic.
Now what? Continue my treatments and keep those labs current. In eight weeks I will have some big decisions to make about long term maintenance and life style adjustments needed. It is simply, “wow, oh, wow!”
Kathy said she knew I was doing better. She could see it. However, neither of us were expecting this blessed news. Thank you for your love and support.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (Amen to this truth.)
Praise Report: The decreasing numbers
Prayer Requests: Treatment continues to drive numbers down. That I exercise the fruit of the Spirit in patience as I await whatever future God has in store for me.
A Pattern Emerges
Sunday evening, May 14, 2023
Kathy proudly informed me that since she has been driving, the average miles per gallon has gone up over three miles. I was too weak after therapy to respond—talk about hitting a man while he is down! She is such a fine woman—successful in any and every endeavor! I did indeed marry up!
A pattern has emerged now that I have had one full round of treatments (of four) and am now in Round 2. I go in early on Monday mornings to the Cancer Center at Conroe HCA. They clean up my implanted port and immediately start intravenous drugs. I receive oral drugs soon after. Something in one of the drugs causes me to get sleepy—like immediately—and I will sleep at least 3 hours. A nice couple, the husband of which is one week behind me in multiple myeloma treatments, entered the clinic this past Monday. I remember waving and thinking I would inquire as to how he was doing; however, I did not get that far. When I awoke, they were gone.
Early in the week I am hyper. I take many oral drugs at home and they get me going—super energetic. I have great trouble sleeping, unfortunately. That is a new experience for me as I have always slept easily and well. About midweek, the high is gone and I am exhausted. For at least two days I can hardly get out of bed. Then I have about two days of normal. Then, during the weekend, fatigue sets in again. I always have labs on Friday, and this last Friday my blood decided to clot in the tubes and we had to do it all over again. I do try to walk and do some activity when fatigued—sometimes forced! Monday starts the pattern all over again.
Who knew that prunes tasted so good—not kidding, I really like them stewed with cream. I drink hot prune juice at night. The immunomonoclonal targeted therapy I am taking causes rather severe constipation, thus prunes are my new best friends.
Well, there you have it—my typical week in a nutshell. Kathy has informed me that we must leave 20 minutes earlier tomorrow for the Cancer Center, since she will be driving even slower in an attempt to raise the mpg. Oh, joy! The following Bible verse speaks to me in my current situation:
“But if we have food and clothing with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:8”
Praise Reports: My body continues to accept the harsh drugs I am receiving. Prunes taste good to me. Side effects of treatments are still minimal in my estimation.
Prayer Requests: A peaceful week of drugs, drugs and more drugs. To be content with our Lord’s provision.
Not Curable
My doctor wanted me to affirm that I understood the outcome of Multiple Myeloma. While not curable, its progress can be slowed. I will have big decisions to make regarding treatment in July, and he did not want me making them based on inaccurate understanding. I appreciate that.
We all have big decisions to make in life, and we all face adversities of every kind. I am not isolated from that. I find both strength and peace because my faith is grounded and sure on the Rock of Ages— built on a solid foundation with Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone. The following verses from Hebrews 4:14-16 have kept my attention over the years: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” To that, I give a hearty “Amen!”
This past week has been usual in that I had treatments and labs. It was unusual in that I visited the Transplant Center at Methodist down in the Medical Center-Houston. All was well. I was impressed with the time the specialist spent with me. I am well armed to make future decisions.
I was fatigued more than usual this past week and had several days when I was touch sensitive. I could be touched, but it set off inner vibrations that were odd feeling, to say the least. I felt every jolt and move, even the dividers on the highway as we drove to and from the Conroe Cancer Center.
Tomorrow, Monday, starts Round 2 of my immunomonoclonal targeted therapy. It is one day at a time.
Praise Report: Affirmation from the specialist (second opinion doctor) that my treatment is spot on. Finished Round 1 without major complications. I have at least three more to go.
Prayer Request: Steadfastness as treatments, doctors, etc. gobble up my days—I am not good at sitting still or waiting. Withdrawal from people is torturous for me. It is my current reality.
What’s for Dinner? This Could Be my Last Meal…Think Hard About It!
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Vote now—Did I get: A. Nutritional gruel—(spoken in my best terrified little Davy Copperfield voice, “Please, Kathy, may I have some more?”) B. Lobster (my intended goal) C. Nothing (“You’ll eat what is put in front of you and if that isn’t good enough, you’ll go to bed hungry!”)
I am not really responsible for what I write this evening, since I have been running a temperature since this morning. It is right on the line. My notes say if I run a temperature higher I need to call the cancer center duty nurse who is 24/7. I’ve been drinking ice water to keep it below the line. Had I had lobster, I’m sure the temperature would have gone away. You know I’m right.
Most of this week it seemed as if my head was not connected to my body. The doctor team added immune suppressing drugs to my regimen. I have been washed out. I’m still feeling good considering all the drugs that are being pumped into my body.
So there is good news to share! I have been having labs during my treatment and in my visit with my primary oncologist/hematologist Friday, I was informed that although too early to assess the full effects of the treatments (that takes about six weeks and I begin week three Monday) my numbers all went in the right direction, indicating that my treatments are taking hold. Furthermore, my insurance company called and I now have an online/telephone nurse who will guide me. This is amazing. She went over all my benefits, will help with scheduling, will take care of all financial records, reimbursements, etc. I also have received pre-approval for a bone marrow transplant should my doctor team and I decide this is in my best interest. The head of the downtown Methodist Medical Center Transplant Center is my specialist and we meet this next week. My insurance-provided out of state nurse gushed over the fact that I have this doctor and can have a transplant in this Center. “At the top of all our national lists,” she asserted. So I wondered, “How did I get this doctor?” My oncologist/hematologist answered that when he told me he had been mentored by this specialist. He said, “If I were having this procedure done, this is the doctor I would have. I wouldn’t want less for you.” Heart- rending.
I have been highly blessed!—Immediate treatment, grand doctors and nurses, no glitches on insurance, my body able to take the massive drugs I am receiving, numbers heading in the right direction and a wife who is more than loving and helpful. Who can complain—even if I didn’t get the lobster—at least I am not going to bed hungry.
Praise Report: Labs indicating that the treatments are working. Pre-approval for a bone marrow transplant.
Prayer Request: Strength as the immure-suppressing drugs do their work. Week Three of infusion drugs and shots (the stomach shot burns and leaves a big welp and bruise). Lobster night at the Graumann’s.
If the Cancer Doesn’t Get Me, My Wife’s Driving Will
April 23, 2023
Week One of my cancer treatment journey is over. This space is usually reserved for Kathy and my wonderful trips to fantastic places around the world. We have been blessed to take these journeys. We are now on a journey of another kind, but a journey none the less.
I am rarely driving now. I am not 100% and until I adjust to my new circumstances, I will not drive. That means Kathy is my chauffeur. This is trying to say the least! Her methodical maneuvers and slow approach cause me to take very deep breaths. This is good because my oxygen levels are dropping and deep breaths are recommended. However, I cannot keep from voicing my opinions, which affect her 0%. This is maddening. I dream now of traffic patterns and one slow car messing everything up—trucks honking loudly and road rage drivers weaving sharply in front of us. Some months ago, when I was driving, I sped up to pass a car and said out loud, “Reached my goal!” Kathy asked, “What goal?” and I responded, “…to get in front of that car…When I drive I always have goals. Don’t you have driving goals?” Kathy shrugged. I took that for a “no.” You see our current driving problem—right?
Speaking of goals—I’m not sure what they should be right now. To take my immunomonoclonal targeted therapy and to live as productive a life as possible, of course. To trust God and thank Jesus for my salvation, without question. I’m settling on simpler goals than I am used to setting—speaking a kind word to Conroe HCA Cancer Center employees and staff. To listen to the fears and hurts of fellow patients and be supportive and kind. To not complain about anything (poor driving skills are an exception) and receive with gratefulness. To count on the Holy Spirit to overcome my fears. To revel in the love poured out generously by family and friends. I reset these goals daily.
My first week had one hiccup—my oxygen levels dropped and I broke out in itchy hives. They stopped infusions and shot me full of Benadryl and an hour later I was back on treatments. On Wednesday, at home, I hit the wall, so to speak, and was so weak I could barely walk. I stayed down for the day, and on Thursday I had perked back up. Friday my week ended with labs. They will be sent to my doctor team and will begin to reveal how the treatments are affecting the defective plasma cells in my bone marrow.
Praise Report: Your prayers for my body to accept the treatments were wonderful as that is exactly what happened Week One.
Prayer Request: That the treatments accomplish the slowing of the spread of my Multiple Myeloma.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
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