100 Days and Counting...

It's hard to believe, but it's already been 100+ days since my bone marrow transplant. Statistically, it's at 100 days post transplant when you see evidence of the "results" of your transplant. Since my last post, I have just continued to physically improve rapidly - no other way to explain it. I did not go through the slow gradual climb back to feeling normal that I was told normally takes from 6 months to one year; I did go through the initial "extreme tiredness" and appetite issues..but, it was like a switch was flipped and I just started "recovering" at warp speed. Looking back, it almost seems like a dream.

So, back to my point...I went in two weeks ago for my post 100 day restaging of the disease. Basically, did it work, how well did it work...Same tests I've done many times before, no surprises there. And yes, the test I love to hate...the bone marrow biopsy; but, even though I loathe this test (see past blog for reference), I was almost excited to do it, because I know it's the pudding wherein lies the "proof". Because of my last "painful" experience, they decided to add another drug to the one they had been using. I was still nervous, but pressed on. Hello, Ativan...my new friend. Neither of the sedation drugs they gave me had worked well independantly, but, apparently they have a synergestic effect when used in combination...and finally, I get to experience what I've heard other people say. I felt no pain, time felt like it flew by, and boom, we were done. Now, I do not recall how I got down the hallway to the "recovery recliner" area, but the next thing I know I've got cookies and juice, and I'm still a happy camper. Ya-hoo. The following week (which would be last week) I went back in to get a consult/results from my doctor. She walked in the room and said, "well, we got the best response possible from the transplant.' We went over my test results, and I am continuing to recover way ahead of schedule.

So, two objectives here - for my immune system to recover as quickly as possible and for suppression of disease. My other tests revealed all normal ranges, but the main evidence is in the marrow. For the first time in 7 years there "is no evidence of morphologic cellular activity" - put plainly, No evidence of any type of cancer. I am in a complete remission. I know I havn't felt this good/normal in a long, long time. I have come close on a few occasions, but was still dealing with drug side effects that hinder your overall feeling of wellness. There is still one more test to complete the package. It's a regular too, I just ran out of time on testing day, and this one takes a few hours. It's a harmless, non-invasive PET scan. I can no longer do MRI's because of the hardware in my back, but this is the next best thing. I drink radioactive "sugar" and take a nap while it circulates through my system. Since cancer cells love sugar, any tumors would automatically absorb the solution and then they show up on the pictures. Since last January the disease managed to hide pretty well, we have to cover all our bases. However, the bone marrow results last spring also showed 40% of my cells were cancerous, while this recent one showed no evidence of plasma cells.

I'm not going to tell you statistics on Myeloma in auto-transplant patients, or the odds the disease will "return". I know it's hard for some people to believe, but I really don't sit around and think about myself in relation to this disease. When that happens, it feels like the disease is getting the attention or glory. It's only purpose in my life, is in revealing how faithful and powerful God is and the many things He has done through this experience to work everything for my good. This test has helped equip me to be a better "fighter" and to understand that the enemy looks for any opportunity to take our focus off the real fight down here. It's easy to let something like a terminal disease consume your thoughts and actions, and I would have to say that's been one of my biggest lessons. It isn't about me..even when it seems like it is, it isn't. If I would have waited until I felt perfect to live my life, I would have missed out on a lot of stuff....birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, family holiday celebrations, working with some of the best people I have ever met at AM Design, the joy of helping with my precious grandson, and too many other events to even mention. God has taught me to live right now, good or bad...do it now. (the people at Nike got that one right, "Just do it")

Paul didn't allow the thorn in his flesh to move him from the goal..he kept pressing onward. Adversity not only builds spritual muscles and fortitude, but,it can actually sharpen your focus and teach you to discern between real problems, vs excuses. Most of all ,I know every day is a gift from God. There are no guarantees of tomorrow down here, and having to face that reality by walking through the valley of the shadow has taught me to live everyday to the fullest no matter how I may "feel" in the body. Also, that prayer is our most effective weapon, and we are encouraged to keep on praying for all the saints. Prayer is our ability to unite the supernatural with the natural...we are Gods mighty "conductors" of His amazing power...lets call heaven's power to work so His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Please continue to agree in prayer for God to be glorified through my healing; specifically, pray for restoration of my bones. They have been affected over the years and I have so many bone lesions they are innumerable according to pathology reports. They are most evident throughout my skull, spinal cord, ribs, and hips.
I believe all things are possible with God. Thank you, thank you for standing with me....and for the power of your prayers.