It was just about
a year ago that we checked into the hospital for Don’s stem cell transplant.
That procedure usually causes a bunch of years of remission. Don is proving to
be an exception. Unusual, but common enough that there is a diagnostic name for
it; “biochemical relapse.” That means that the cancer is inching up, but he has
no symptoms. There are good things and not so good things about this situation.
Good news.... He
continues to have no damage to bones and organs.
More good
news.... He will probably never have another transplant. After all, if it didn’t
work well once, there is no sense in doing it again.
Not so fun
news.... Plan B is to keep up with the emerging cancer cells with some level of
ongoing chemotherapy...varying between 'maintenance' (light) and 'active' (not
as light). It will be in cycles, with tests at the end of each cycle to
determine the nature of the next cycle. The chemo will probably be changed up
from time to time, as the drug’s effectiveness changes and as new drugs become
available. Dr. Godwin was highly confident that this mode will keep the cancer
at bay, just not as convenient as remission!
Hardly news, but
still great... We are doing fine. Its life as usual, only with frequent trips
to the cancer center, and some side effects. The chemo sometimes makes Don tired
and sometimes a little spacey, but we continue with our projects and hobbies. And
we still sit Oliver once a week. So, no complaints.
We count our
blessings; we have each other, we are well insured, we are unencumbered with having
to earn a living, or for that matter, most responsibilities, we are surrounded
by family and friends Did we mention
that we have each other - and that is fun!
 |
| This was our 50th Christmas together! |
