Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Most of the time I (Don) find it amazing that people are actually interested in reading about our lives. But we thank you just the same. You are all so precious to us!
MEDICAL UPDATE:
We are now 66 days post-transplant. Don is feeling better and taking some time to regain his strength and stamina. He is taking one day off in the middle of the week to catch up on his rest and plans to return to 5 days a week in February.
For those of you who have been following the blog, you know that the cancer number has been a roller coaster ride (similar to the weather in Ohio during January). You may recall it had to be below a 1.0 in order for the stem cell transplant to happen. That occurred in October when the number hit .9. This allowed for the stem cell transplant to take place in November. Our first post-transplant cancer reading took place in December and the cancer number at that time was at .8. In all honesty we were surprised and a little disappointed that it was not lower. In fact, we thought it would be close to 0 because of the intensity of the chemotherapy during Don's hospitalization. However, our doctor advised us that it would be unlikely, as far as the medical expectations go, that it would ever reach that low. They are hoping for a .5 or below to be maintained for the foreseeable future. We should know whether this has been accomplished when the cancer number is measured at Day 90. We have been told from the beginning that Multiple Myeloma is not curable but it is "manageable." Of course we continue to trust God for His will to be done! We believe that God has really touched Don's body; his pain level is down significantly. In fact, he has not had to take any "break-through" pain medication for nearly 2 months. He is exercising regularly and even starting to jog without the aid of his walker but with the help of a couple of friends. "Jogging" of course, is a relative term! For most of you his "jog" would equal your fast walk.
Don still has to be cautious about falling because the bones in his back and hips are still compromised by the cancer. So if you see him occasionally still using the walker or his cane...be kind and don't make fun!
CHRISTMAS JOYS:
We had a wonderful time with our children and grandchildren during Christmas week! We truly wish you a very blessed New Year and pray that you will join us in anticipating 2013 as a year of celebration, healing and spiritual growth. We will keep you updated knowing that we could not enjoy these blessings without the continued prayers and support of all of you, our dear friends and family.
PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:
- Please pray for continued healing in Don's body; for the neuropathy he still has in his feet and legs and for his bones to be strengthened and rebuilt.
- That the cancer would stay in remission.
- That Don would have wisdom regarding his schedule, allowing for plenty of rest. as he returns to more active ministry,
- For me, Don (vainly speaking) :) that my hair would grow back!
Don and Marcie
