The latest news

Still trying to blog more than I have in the past couple months. Last week was a busy one. I have begun seeing 2 new doctors, a neurologist and a neurourologist, to see if there is something more that can be done for this neuropathy in my feet and calves as well as some other related medical issues I have been experiencing. That has resulted in a number of additional medical tests which take a lot of time, especially since Terri and I have to travel downtown for the tests. The good news is that I am still leading a fairly normal life even though there has been little change in the neuropathy. The neurologist overseeing my EMG test last Wednesday found the results interesting ( a term I have found I don't like to hear in medical testing) because he had rarely if ever seen a case like mine in which the feeling ends abruptly below my knee rather than ending more gradually. He will discuss with my neurologist to see what, if anything, can be done. The key words here are if anything as there are many cases of neuropathy that cannot be treated and do not recover. Please continue to pray that this is not the case. In the meantime I continue with physical therapy to compensate for the neuropathy and do fairly well in getting around with and without my cane. Terri and I try to get away to Michigan most weekends to enjoy the beautiful fall color and cooler weather. It's great to be able to get away and decompress. The best news remains that, as far as the cancer, I am in complete remission. The other great news is that Terri and I will be babysitting for Anna next week while her mom Katie, our daughter-in-law, will be at a conference in the Chicago area. Andrew will be down for a few days and Elizabeth will come over to help out so we are looking to having lots of fun.

A Perfect Day (cont.)

Our team just before the run

Terri and I on a beautiful morning!

Ready to go

Elizabeth and I before the race

We're off!

When the going gets tough, the tough call Bob!

Marty, Terri, and I on our way

My brothers and I taking our one and only break

Closer and closer to the end!

I did it! Cheers from Elizabeth and Sister Sue!

A  kiss from my angel!

Celebrating my success! Andrew, Elizabeth, me, Terri, and Mike. We missed Anna and Katie, but they walked the weekend before with Andrew in MN!

A Perfect Day

I did it!  I walked the entire 5K of the MMRF Race for Research on an absolutely beautiful fall day in Chicago.

We did it!  With over 40 team members in 2 cities and the hard work of Terri, Elizabeth, and Andrew we were able to raise over $11,000 to go towards research in finding a cure for multiple myeloma. Thanks to all of you who took part in the race/walk and/or contributed to our cause.


Enjoy the video as I crossed the finish line below.  More to come.

It's been awhile

It's been awhile since I blogged. I can't believe how much is going on in my life, but the time just flies by. Got some very good news yesterday. The doctor is very happy with my progress. He has reduced my pain medication and taken me off the daily injection I have been giving myself for the last year. That is GREAT! He's also delayed the reintroduction of my main chemotherapy maintenance drug for another month for which I am happy.

Time to celebrate AND WE WILL after the 5K MMRF Race for Research this Sunday. Thanks to all of you who have signed up to walk or run. We have had over 40 team members in either Minnesota whose race was last Sunday or Chicago for this Sunday's race. Thanks to all of you who have donated to the cause which has had a significant effect on my life. The maintenance drug I mentioned above is a direct result of the funding provided by MMRF for research to accelerate clinical trials.

If you'd like to join our team in Chicago there is still time. If you'd like to donate to our cause, there is still time, too. Go to

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/bobsyouruncle to sign up or make a donation. If that's too confusing, just make out a check to MMRF and send it to me.

Our goal is $10,000 and though we have a ways to go we have made a significant dent in it. We'd love your support! In the meantime enjoy the photos from the Minnesota MMRF Race for Research. Cousin Jey took 3rd place!! Way to go, team!!

Anna, one of our younger team members

Family spirit

When the going gets tough, the tough call Bob.

Our MN team--what  family spirit!

Success!!

One Year Anniversary

It's been one year since I got the news about a tumor on my spine that required an immediate operation and resulted in my diagnosis of multiple myeloma. And what a year it has been! Fortunately I had the greatest surgeons and doctors who not only operated at the highest skill level but also had bedside manners that helped to carry me through this difficult time. And the majority of nurses and therapists were outstanding both in skill and manner as well. That technical care and skill was critical to the recovery which I have made so far. But I cannot forget the tremendous support I have received from Terri, Elizabeth, Andrew, Michael, and Katie and my siblings and their families, our pastors, chaplains, and countless friends, church members, and even strangers who helped us all in so many ways, including their well wishes and prayers. I am here today by the grace of God in response to the care and concern of so many people and for that Terri and I are most grateful.

Terri and I did not realize it at the time, but we chose this week to spend in Michigan with the family. What a wonderful time we have had, especially sharing the beauties of Michigan with little Anna! The weather could not have been better. Sunny blue skies, warm--not hot--days, cool nights, and warm water for swimming. The sunsets have been spectacular. Elizabeth and Michael even sang in church last Sunday. What better way to celebrate how far I have come!

Just a reminder that the 3K walk/run for MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) is October 2. If you live in the Chicago area, please plan on joining us for a good time on what hopefully will be a beautiful fall day. If you don't live in the Chicago area, we would appreciate a donation to the cause. MMRF has made great strides in the treatment of multiple myeloma over the past 10 years. Whether you are participating in the walk, want to come down to cheer us on, or are interested in making a donation, please go to our team's website Bob's Your Uncle at  http://support.themmrf.org/goto/bobsyouruncle
We'd love to hear from you.

Thank you.

Who? When? What?

Found this sign while I was out and about! Kind of describes my last 6 months, especially my time in the ICU!

Save the Date: MMRF Race for Research, Sunday, Oct. 2 @ 9:30 AM

If you live in the Chicago area, please plan on joining us on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 AM for the MMRF Race for Research in Lincoln Park. Many of you may remember that last year the race was held just a couple weeks after my diagnosis of multiple myeloma. My daughter Elizabeth and niece Heather organized a team they called Bob's Your Uncle, which is an expression in England that means "It's ok" or "all will be well" and raised over $2000. Given recent tests, showing my cancer is in remission, it seems to be a fitting name for our team again this year.

Last year's team

Over the last 10 years the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) has aggressively been funding research to cure the disease. Its founder, herself a MM survivor, was recognized last year as one of Time Magazine's Top 100 People in Medicine. Her story was featured on the Today show earlier this year. A link to that interview appears on this blog.

Please give serious consideration to joining our team this year. The distance is 5K and you can make it a leisurely walk or a race. Last year I was in the hospital at the time of the walk, but I am looking forward to being a part of it this year. We hope to have a tent and special T-shirts and refreshments.

And if you don't live in the Chicago area or can't make it that day, please consider making a donation. Our goal this year is $10,000. Please follow this link attached to either join the team or to donate to the foundation.

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/bobsyouruncle

Looking forward to seeing you in October. We are hoping for a beautiful autumn day in Chicago.

Progress

Lots has been happening over the past couple weeks--so much so that I just haven't had a chance to post an update until now. About 2 weeks ago I began outpatient physical therapy at a new location, Lutheran General which is closer to my house. While things are going well with my new therapist and he is trying some new treatments with me, I do miss the infectious personalities of my day rehab therapists at the Rehab Institute. And since I am now only going twice a week for an hour each, the pressure is now on me to keep exercising on my own in-between times.

My new therapist also recommended that because of my progress I get a new set of leg braces made of graphite instead of plastic. They are lighter and more flexible than my prior ones which is great. I'll also be able to wear them with any of my own shoes rather than the larger athletic shoes I had to use with the plastic braces. I'm going through a break-in period with them now, but I know how much more flexible they will be once I make the transition, especially when I tell you my next big news.

I had an appointment last week with an occupational therapist who specializes in adaptive driving systems. After some pencil and paper exercises and a vision test, she had me drive with an adaptive driving instructor for an hour and a half. Side streets, main streets, and finally the HIGHWAY! What a surprise to me! And all in my plastic braces with no adaptations! And guess what? I passed! I haven't been driving since, but I hope to practice in Michigan where the traffic is less. We'll see how it goes.

While all of this is good news the fact still remains that the neuropathy in my feet and legs has not changed much. Hopefully it will improve in the months ahead. I do need to practice patience and remind myself that just 5 months ago I was critically ill in the ICU. Thanks to the prayers and hard work of so many I have come this far. Hallelujah!