A bit of a sad day today.
I found out that today was the last time I get to see my original oncologist, one of the guys who saved my life last May 15th long weekend. I still have one more cycle of chemo and the next 2 weeks before my stem cell transplant, but it feels like time is moving way to fast! My official last day at the treatment centre will be November 13! Whoo boy, Friday the 13th, lucky day!!
My wife and I were able to say goodbye to the doc and shake hands, but man, to me, that was very lacking. He is on holidays after this week so we well be sending a nice card and BIG baskets to the 2 doctors, and nurses, and admins that have helped me to continue my life and also provide much joy and inspiration to my wife and myself. It was even sadder to let the nurses know that November 13 will be my last chemo treatment with them. ..
Wow, things can certainly change quickly. I saw both my hematologist
and BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant) doctors this last week and received
some interesting news. Apparently, both doctors are expecting my chemo
treatments to stop being effective over the next little while even
though there is no indication of that yet. Stupid cancer. Yow! I'll
worry about it if it happens, not a second before!
Even more interesting, they have found a donor for my Bone Marrow Transplant! Whoo hoo!! My younger brother is a full match and is going through the medical screening now. The date for the transplant has been set for December 2, 2009, but I will be admitted to the hospital for a week of conditioning (chemo every day for 5 days) on November 24, 2009. No idea how long I will be in the hospital, it depends on how my body reacts to the new stem cells. I'm hoping I'll only be in the hospital for about 3-4 weeks and that's what I'm working toward. I thought I had 3 months to get in shape, that's now down to about 6 weeks!! Double yow!!
I am feeling great, very few side effects, and eating better than I've been able to in a long while! And REALLY enjoying seeing everyone at work again!
I am looking forward to this next stage of my little adventure and the new experiences it will bring. While I am in the hospital, I will be working remotely, and updating my blog pages.
Even more interesting, they have found a donor for my Bone Marrow Transplant! Whoo hoo!! My younger brother is a full match and is going through the medical screening now. The date for the transplant has been set for December 2, 2009, but I will be admitted to the hospital for a week of conditioning (chemo every day for 5 days) on November 24, 2009. No idea how long I will be in the hospital, it depends on how my body reacts to the new stem cells. I'm hoping I'll only be in the hospital for about 3-4 weeks and that's what I'm working toward. I thought I had 3 months to get in shape, that's now down to about 6 weeks!! Double yow!!
I am feeling great, very few side effects, and eating better than I've been able to in a long while! And REALLY enjoying seeing everyone at work again!
I am looking forward to this next stage of my little adventure and the new experiences it will bring. While I am in the hospital, I will be working remotely, and updating my blog pages.
Wow, do I ever like my chemo! I am now halfway through the 3rd cycle of
the 3rd type of chemo, and it is working wonders. The doctor has
decided he is going to keep me on this chemo for a while. Best news so
far, the cancer has now disappeared from my blood and has been gone for
about 3 weeks now! My spleen is cooperating nicely by shrinking at a
very nice rate also. The liver is shrinking, but not as fast as the
spleen. Ah well, one thing at a time! I have also gained 20 lbs in the
last 6 weeks. What a difference the Velcade has made for me.
Good news everyone!! Actually, freaking great news!
This new chemo is doing the trick! My appetite is almost back to normal, and my energy level is far greater than it has been in the last 3 months! Also, the doctor has told me that the cancer levels in my blood have dropped considerably, double major WOO HOO! I can also start going back to work a couple of half days a week as long as I don't tire myself out, woo hoo! Whoa! I never thought I'd be saying that about going back to work! 8-)
This new chemo is doing the trick! My appetite is almost back to normal, and my energy level is far greater than it has been in the last 3 months! Also, the doctor has told me that the cancer levels in my blood have dropped considerably, double major WOO HOO! I can also start going back to work a couple of half days a week as long as I don't tire myself out, woo hoo! Whoa! I never thought I'd be saying that about going back to work! 8-)
I had my 5th chemo yesterday and it was changed again. Same thing as with the first type, the cancer was responding, but not as well as the dr wanted to see. So he put me on another new one. Now I get to deal with new side effects, but this chemo is a lot less harsh and only takes an hour! Major wooo hoooo! Bad part is I now have to receive the treatment twice a week for the next couple of weeks to see how it is working. The dr's want to see my spleen and liver back to a normal size before proceeding with a bone marrow transplant.
Let me know if you have any questions.
I am feeling better every day and starting to get my appetite back and put on some more weight, more major woo hoo!
I would like to thank everybody for all the well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers. It makes a huge difference to me and I really appreciate it!
Let me know if you have any questions.
I am feeling better every day and starting to get my appetite back and put on some more weight, more major woo hoo!
I would like to thank everybody for all the well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers. It makes a huge difference to me and I really appreciate it!