Sunday, March 17, 2013

Optimism Required

Last night I heard the frogs singing in a nearby wetland for the first time this year.  Slumbering frogs awakening into song portending spring is one of my favorite soundsWhen I hear them, I can't help but be reminded that spring is near and know that it is a time of rebirth and and a time for optimism.  

As 2012 ended, I was looking forward to the new year with hope that good things would happen in 2013. So far, I have had to resume treatment because of my rising lambda light chains, I have had another cold and cough, and just last Thursday I woke up with shingles!  All of this sounds worse than it has been.  My cold kept me down and at home, but considering my weak immune system, I think I recovered rather quickly.  When the shingles made their ugly debut, I called my oncologist right away and he prescribed an aggressive regimen of acyclovir and it seems to be working.  I haven't had a lot of pain and I am thankful for that knowing how bad shingles can be.  

My last blood work showed that the lambda light chains had increased by nearly 22 points.  Before that, they were rising about10 or 11 points a month.  When I saw the latest results, it was upsetting and even a little scary.  I have to keep in mind I had only two low dose injections of Velcade prior to that blood work. I have now had three injections with a fourth one scheduled for this week - if the shingles don't get in the way.  At my last appointment, my doctor reassured me that we are treating a miniscule amount of myeloma.  We hadn't seen the latest light chain results at that time, so I need to remember that a 22 point increase of a miniscule amount should be kept in proper perspective.

The year 2013 hasn't had an auspicious beginning, but there is a lot of this year left and I am optimistic that things will get better.  After all, I heard the frogs singing.
 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day
This is the centerpiece for our 
 dinner table.  

6 comments:

  1. Carole Leigh,

    I came rushing over to your blog site after seeing your post on FB as I wanted to know "more".

    I am encouraged from how you share the shingles is being treated and that you are not in any severe pain. Often, that is not the case with shingles and for that I thank God.

    I also like the way you share how your doctor encourages you with the numbers you are having with the testings - hope that in the future tests, a better alignment will show up because of how you are being treated with the Velcade.

    Yes, it is good time for optimism and those sounds of spring are good reminders that we are entering a bright season, one we can all enjoy.

    God bless - much love,
    Lynn

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    1. Lynn,
      Thank you so much for your ever encouraging words! You always know just the right thing to say.

      Love,
      CL

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  2. Optimism is a great thing, and I have always chosen to see the cup half full rather than half empty! Good for you being positive and moving forward with hope that things will go well as your doctor has tried to reassure you! EZ had shingles a little over a year ago, no fun! Glad they seem to be under control now. His oncologist kept him on Valtrex all year and he will continue on it until we return from our cruise in May. Just too much exposure to viruses with that many people on a big boat! Your centerpiece is beautiful by the way!

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    1. I, too, have always looked at the cup half full and that hasn't changed since this all began. Have a wonderful cruise in May. That does sound wonderful!

      Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
      Love,
      Carole Leigh

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  3. dear carole leigh,

    i am so happy to have an update; i know the being down with the cough, cold, and then the shingles has not been the way you pictured the begining of 2013 - to say nothing of having to resume treatment. but your attitude, one of eternal optimism and putting things into perspective bodes so well for you.

    you are blessed with so much that will ALWAYS see you through - no matter what. the comfort and delight you feel from the natural world around you - the frogs singing, the gorgeous centerpiece - it's all so condusive to healing and feeling peaceful.

    keep living it, keep writing it; it's such a wonderful help and encouragement for others going through similar journeys - and for you, too! it helps reaffirm the the mind/body connection, and the truth that how we chose to frame every experience in life, the good stuff, and the not so much makes all the difference. but never forget the value of a good rant - we'll have your back for that, too!

    love, XOXO

    karen, TC

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    1. Thank you Karen. I always look forward to your insightful and inspiring words.

      Love,
      Carole Leigh

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