It has been awhile since I have blogged. Not sure exactly why. I'd like to say that it has been because I have been living a life apart from being a cancer survivor as many of you know, but also, as many of you also know, I have been challenged by the multiple myeloma and required an ever changing series of treatments to keep it under control. Some required hospital stays with long recuperations followed by maintenance treatments that occurred weekly, bi-weekly, or, if lucky, monthly. Some of those days would require 10-12 hours in the clinic.
I am writing you now because my last series of treatments was not as effective as the doctor would have liked so I am now in the hospital again for a 96-hour (4 day) infusion of an 8 drug cocktail to see if we can knock it back. I am feeling fine now and have a beautiful room which overlooks both Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue. The view today is gorgeous. Many thanks to my nurse who knew the room was opening up and moved me down here from my room with no view.
The infusion will end Tuesday, but then my counts will fall and the crash begins around the end of the week when fatigue and other side effects will set in. The doctor wants to keep me for at least another week and a half or so until my counts (and my immune system) come back up. That cycle is the most difficult time and I do not look forward to it.
Terri comes to visit everyday and Elizabeth stops by before/after her shifts as she is a transport nurse for Lurie Children's hospital just across the street. I enjoy those times together as well as calls from Andrew checking up on me. Both Andrew and Elizabeth, as well as Katie and Mike, share tales of our grandkids which I love.
I'll try to keep you posted as the days progress. In the meantime, please keep both Terri and me in your prayers and your thoughts. Feel free to share our story with others in your church or social groups. We know how miraculous prayers can be working together. I would love to hear from you via email or text although I can't always assure you that I will respond especially as my strength fades. Know I will appreciate and enjoy them very much.
As always thanks for your care, love, and support for both of us. It means so much.
Bob and Terri
You are in excellent hands, Bob! And blessed with the love of your wonderful family. The boys and I are thinking of you and sending prayers your way!
ReplyDeleteHey, friend, I am sorry to hear you are in the hospital, but I am brimming with hope, strength, and good cheer for you, fully expecting that you will be well by Opening Day(Cubs opening day, not the REAL opening day, SOX opening day, heh, heh). You can bet I will be thinking of you in the meantime and remembering you every day in my prayers. Hugs to you and Terri too. Your friend and fellow cancer and Q survivor, Pat
ReplyDeleteHey, Bob, I am sorry to hear that you are in the hospital, but I am brimming with hope, strength, and good cheer for you, fully expecting that you will be well by Opening Day (Cubs opening day, not the REAL opening day, SOX opening day, heh, heh). Hugs, prayers, and all good thoughts to you and Terri in the meantime. I'll be thinking of you every day, friends!
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