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.