One year later

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!