Today's consultation with my oncologist was an important one. Within the next few weeks, a determination will be made whether or not to undergo a second stem cell transplant. Blood tests taken this morning will help in making that decision.
The good news is that my blood results today were terrific. Red and white cell counts and plasma readings all look great. I've gained six pounds, thanks in part to the recent holiday and lots of good home cooking. I'm being well taken care of! (Probably too well.)
Not all blood readings could be processed today, however. On December 9, I have a consultation at Albany Medical Center with my stem cell oncologist. At that time, he will look at my recent history and at the full battery of blood tests to determine if a second stem cell transplant is needed. It's 50-50.
I must admit I'm a bit apprehensive. A second transplant and subsequent recovery period would seem like a step backward to me. The first procedure was tough, though not as bad as I expected. I sure would like to avoid a second one. But I've rallied through worse before, and I know I can do it again. Bring it on.
Tonight, at the Brunswick Library, an organizational meeting will be held to begin organizing the benefit "(Make It A) Great Day" half-marathon and walk, scheduled for Sunday, June 5, 2011 (the corrected date). Donations will support the Capital District Cancer Resource Foundation, a charity that offers assistance to area cancer victims who lack the full resources needed to treat this illness. I've witnessed this event's chief organizer, Heidi Bentley Barcomb, in action, and she is a tornado in running shoes. I will help this initiative in any way I can, and I know an army of former students is doing the same. I admire you all, and thank you, too.
Now go out and make it a great day!
P.S. Contact Heidi at heidibarcomb@thedragonflyadventure.com to find out how to help. Learn why the dragonfly has become the symbol of this event.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
I didn't think there could possibly be any miracles left in store for Donna and me. Surely, I had concluded, we have more than exhausted the store of heaven's favors allotted to us.
But I was wrong. Yesterday, one of the most astonishing events of my life occurred. And we weren't even here to witness it. The story of my life: always a day late and a dollar short!
While Donna and I were away, a horde of friends descended, locust-like, on our home, armed with rakes, tarps, leaf-blowers, gardening gloves, and incredible hearts, and proceeded with a vengeance to attack the leaves that had buried our lawn. A case of beer and a few hours later, the grounds looked like the gardens of Versailles palace.
That, folks, is the very essense of the term "miracle."
I'm not sure, but I think this story perhaps begins the day before, Saturday, with a visit from two Beths: Beth C and MaryBeth. We have concluded that they were serving as spies in the guise of guests. They made note of the despicable condition of our lawn, shin-deep in dead leaves. They then, it seems, proceeded to organize a surrepticious attack on our property, like a Chinese human-wave, its goal to eradicate the botanic enemy. It was an astonishing show of generalship.
I can testify that the deadly foe never had a chance. Not a single leaf was left to threaten our position. The attack was a huge success. The Taliban would quake with fear when faced with a strike-force of this fervor. Unbelievable!
How does one thank an army? I don't know, but I must try. To the incredible team of Beth C and MaryBeth B, I add David C, Drew C, Barry B, Tom B, Sarah B, Ralph D, Terri M, Mary L, Christine S, Brennan, Jeff C, Ali C, Brendan C, Emma C, Mike and Jeanine B and family, Patti L, Kerry O, Sue N, Evan L, Amy S, Maizie S, Angie W, Margaret M, Paul N, Eric M and family, Michelle M, Taylor, Amie B, Torin B, Dr. Alex S, Mary Lynn W, Don W, Michele J, Sharon L, Chris S, and last but not least, Reilly M. I hope I didn't accidently leave anyone out.
I don't know what I could possibly do here to truly thank everyone. The only answer, I think, is to "pay it forward." I'm going to start by doing all I can to help my 97-year-old, widowed neighbor with her leaves. As you could see, her situation isn't all that different from mine. Only she's in better health.
God bless you all.
But I was wrong. Yesterday, one of the most astonishing events of my life occurred. And we weren't even here to witness it. The story of my life: always a day late and a dollar short!
While Donna and I were away, a horde of friends descended, locust-like, on our home, armed with rakes, tarps, leaf-blowers, gardening gloves, and incredible hearts, and proceeded with a vengeance to attack the leaves that had buried our lawn. A case of beer and a few hours later, the grounds looked like the gardens of Versailles palace.
That, folks, is the very essense of the term "miracle."
I'm not sure, but I think this story perhaps begins the day before, Saturday, with a visit from two Beths: Beth C and MaryBeth. We have concluded that they were serving as spies in the guise of guests. They made note of the despicable condition of our lawn, shin-deep in dead leaves. They then, it seems, proceeded to organize a surrepticious attack on our property, like a Chinese human-wave, its goal to eradicate the botanic enemy. It was an astonishing show of generalship.
I can testify that the deadly foe never had a chance. Not a single leaf was left to threaten our position. The attack was a huge success. The Taliban would quake with fear when faced with a strike-force of this fervor. Unbelievable!
How does one thank an army? I don't know, but I must try. To the incredible team of Beth C and MaryBeth B, I add David C, Drew C, Barry B, Tom B, Sarah B, Ralph D, Terri M, Mary L, Christine S, Brennan, Jeff C, Ali C, Brendan C, Emma C, Mike and Jeanine B and family, Patti L, Kerry O, Sue N, Evan L, Amy S, Maizie S, Angie W, Margaret M, Paul N, Eric M and family, Michelle M, Taylor, Amie B, Torin B, Dr. Alex S, Mary Lynn W, Don W, Michele J, Sharon L, Chris S, and last but not least, Reilly M. I hope I didn't accidently leave anyone out.
I don't know what I could possibly do here to truly thank everyone. The only answer, I think, is to "pay it forward." I'm going to start by doing all I can to help my 97-year-old, widowed neighbor with her leaves. As you could see, her situation isn't all that different from mine. Only she's in better health.
God bless you all.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 5, 2010
It's Guy Fawkes Day in England, celebrated, I'm told, with bonfires and effigies and parties, all to observe a failed 1605 Catholic plot by that terrorist and his co-conspirators to blow up Parliament and rid the country of its state church. I imagine its ultimate effect was to solidify Anglicanism instead, earning much reprobation for Catholic radicals.
Here in America, we have enjoyed a pleasant week. Our friend Theresa was married on Saturday in a spectacular ceremony and reception. She deserved to be on the cover of Brides magazine! On Monday our long-time colleagues Sue N and Val D brought lunch and companionship, always a pick-me-up from these friends. What's more, we enjoyed at the same time a short surprise visit from our old friend Vinnie, a boost that no medication could ever duplicate. Thank you for everything, folks!
In the meantime a surprise package arrives in the mail. A handsome edition of the King James Bible, a gift from our friends Bill and Linda. Cancer centers often tout the value of religion in contributing to recovery, and my friends have helped make sure that heaven's help is made part of my healing process. I owe them. What's more, in recent years I have read a couple of fabulous books on the story of the creation of the KJB ("Wide As the Waters" by Benson Bobrick, and "God's Secretaries", by Adam Nicolson), and one becomes convinced that divine intervention must have been a part of the team that created this stunning work of art. Thank you Linda and Bill!
Santa Claus also came early! On Friday November 5th Shawn H. and Sue D. dropped off a delivery of 4 days worth of dinners from the Meyers Center VOTEC Culinary Program. These students will eventually end up on the food network! Shawn and Sue saved the day. (Actually four days!)
On Tuesday I consulted with Dr. Mccomber, a plastic surgeon who will remove a mole from my scalp, a procedure now scheduled for December 15. If I end up with a bald dome, a choice I may very well elect to make, I want it to be as smooth, defect-free, and handsome as possible!
A major event, however, occurred earlier today: an appointment with my stem cell oncologist, Dr. Shapiro. I am two-thirds of the way through my 100-day hiatus, at the end of which a bone marrow test will determine if there is any cancer left in my body. If there is, I will undergo a second stem cell transplant, sometime after mid-December. If no cancer is detected, no transplant will be needed. I imagine, in that event, that I would commence some sort of maintenance medication. For now, I am on no anti-cancer meds at all.
My appointment with Dr. Shapiro is highly encouraging. Blood numbers continue to improve. I appear to be in good health. My energy level, my eyesight, and the neuropathy in my feet are all slightly improved.
My feet are currently my biggest concern. They continue to be alternately numb and painful, with discomfort that feels like pins and needles, and shards of glass poking through my skin. My soles have been quite tender. A number of recommendations have been made to me by medical personnel and friends: apply cocoa butter, or capsacian. Neither appears to help. In fact, they seem to increase the discomfort. Also, begin a program of vitamin and supplement therapy that includes lots of B vitamins, vitamin E, acetyl L-carnitine, omega-3 gelcaps, etc. This gets expensive. However, under the theory that one cannot put a price on health, and that it must be good for you even if it does nothing for the neuropathy, I cheerfully begin this regimen. Finally, on a whim, I mail-order from Hammacher-Schlemmer an electric foot massager, a device consisting of a rotating drum festooned with knobs that massage the soles of my feet while I'm seated in an easy chair reading or watching the news. I experienced a large lump in my throat while signing the sizeable check, but I now realize there was no need for my trepidation. The massager is terrific! It seems to do my feet much more good than any other approach. Definitely worth the money.
So for now, my recovery slowly continues. But I await with some anxiety my December 9th appointment with Dr. Shapiro, where I learn of my next step in my fight against multiple myeloma.
Here in America, we have enjoyed a pleasant week. Our friend Theresa was married on Saturday in a spectacular ceremony and reception. She deserved to be on the cover of Brides magazine! On Monday our long-time colleagues Sue N and Val D brought lunch and companionship, always a pick-me-up from these friends. What's more, we enjoyed at the same time a short surprise visit from our old friend Vinnie, a boost that no medication could ever duplicate. Thank you for everything, folks!
In the meantime a surprise package arrives in the mail. A handsome edition of the King James Bible, a gift from our friends Bill and Linda. Cancer centers often tout the value of religion in contributing to recovery, and my friends have helped make sure that heaven's help is made part of my healing process. I owe them. What's more, in recent years I have read a couple of fabulous books on the story of the creation of the KJB ("Wide As the Waters" by Benson Bobrick, and "God's Secretaries", by Adam Nicolson), and one becomes convinced that divine intervention must have been a part of the team that created this stunning work of art. Thank you Linda and Bill!
Santa Claus also came early! On Friday November 5th Shawn H. and Sue D. dropped off a delivery of 4 days worth of dinners from the Meyers Center VOTEC Culinary Program. These students will eventually end up on the food network! Shawn and Sue saved the day. (Actually four days!)
On Tuesday I consulted with Dr. Mccomber, a plastic surgeon who will remove a mole from my scalp, a procedure now scheduled for December 15. If I end up with a bald dome, a choice I may very well elect to make, I want it to be as smooth, defect-free, and handsome as possible!
A major event, however, occurred earlier today: an appointment with my stem cell oncologist, Dr. Shapiro. I am two-thirds of the way through my 100-day hiatus, at the end of which a bone marrow test will determine if there is any cancer left in my body. If there is, I will undergo a second stem cell transplant, sometime after mid-December. If no cancer is detected, no transplant will be needed. I imagine, in that event, that I would commence some sort of maintenance medication. For now, I am on no anti-cancer meds at all.
My appointment with Dr. Shapiro is highly encouraging. Blood numbers continue to improve. I appear to be in good health. My energy level, my eyesight, and the neuropathy in my feet are all slightly improved.
My feet are currently my biggest concern. They continue to be alternately numb and painful, with discomfort that feels like pins and needles, and shards of glass poking through my skin. My soles have been quite tender. A number of recommendations have been made to me by medical personnel and friends: apply cocoa butter, or capsacian. Neither appears to help. In fact, they seem to increase the discomfort. Also, begin a program of vitamin and supplement therapy that includes lots of B vitamins, vitamin E, acetyl L-carnitine, omega-3 gelcaps, etc. This gets expensive. However, under the theory that one cannot put a price on health, and that it must be good for you even if it does nothing for the neuropathy, I cheerfully begin this regimen. Finally, on a whim, I mail-order from Hammacher-Schlemmer an electric foot massager, a device consisting of a rotating drum festooned with knobs that massage the soles of my feet while I'm seated in an easy chair reading or watching the news. I experienced a large lump in my throat while signing the sizeable check, but I now realize there was no need for my trepidation. The massager is terrific! It seems to do my feet much more good than any other approach. Definitely worth the money.
So for now, my recovery slowly continues. But I await with some anxiety my December 9th appointment with Dr. Shapiro, where I learn of my next step in my fight against multiple myeloma.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Our last day in Virginia's incredible Blue Ridge country. As the weather is sunny and temperatures moderate, we elect to make the 45 minute drive to Staunton, Virginia to visit the birthplace of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson. The son of a minister, the site is the former Presbyterian parsonage there, now part of a complex containing a museum and Wilson's presidential library.
Staunton turns out to be a wonderful, quaint town with many narrow, one-way streets, interesting-looking shops, and a plethora of large, stately, old homes. A terrific place to spend lots of quality time, it seems to me. The parking lot is small, the site less than busy, and we are given a private tour of the home by a pleasant, knowledgable staff member. Some of the furniture is original, including the bed in which the president was born. Later, we tour the museum itself, filled with artifacts, and supplemented by its World War I exhibit, perhaps a fairly recent addition designed to recognize the approaching centennial of that conflict. Equally fascinating is the Wilson limosine on display, a handsome Pierce Arrow, complete with a terrific display detailing its near-demise and eventual preservation, itself a wonderful story. How it could be left for years rusting and vandalized in a field and shed is beyond me.
We leave Staunton after our interesting day, sure that some day we will return to see more. Our vacation, sadly, nears its end.
Staunton turns out to be a wonderful, quaint town with many narrow, one-way streets, interesting-looking shops, and a plethora of large, stately, old homes. A terrific place to spend lots of quality time, it seems to me. The parking lot is small, the site less than busy, and we are given a private tour of the home by a pleasant, knowledgable staff member. Some of the furniture is original, including the bed in which the president was born. Later, we tour the museum itself, filled with artifacts, and supplemented by its World War I exhibit, perhaps a fairly recent addition designed to recognize the approaching centennial of that conflict. Equally fascinating is the Wilson limosine on display, a handsome Pierce Arrow, complete with a terrific display detailing its near-demise and eventual preservation, itself a wonderful story. How it could be left for years rusting and vandalized in a field and shed is beyond me.
We leave Staunton after our interesting day, sure that some day we will return to see more. Our vacation, sadly, nears its end.
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