Fortunately, my oncologist got home and I was able to see him two days later because of a cancellation. What a relief it was to talk to him. He doesn't sugar coat things, but he always calms me down. Together we decided that a bone marrow biopsy is in order. After we get the results, we will know what the next steps are. He may want me to go back to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for a second opinion. SCCA is where I had my stem cell transplant.
It is so hard to think about beginning the battle against multiple myeloma again. In yoga class it struck me that I was there trying to make my body strong, but the myeloma cells may be on attack trying to harm me. I am trying to keep positive thoughts and am thankful that my doctor has kept me under monthly "surveillance" which makes it likely that any misbehaving cells may just be getting started.
If it turns out that I have relapsed, then it is time for a SLAP DOWN!
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Me with my beautiful daughter, Marisa
Hi Carole, I hope that this is just a fluctuation outside normal range and it will go down again, which is what happened to me and on the next test they went back within normal range. Flucuations in light chains are normal.My understanding is that the trend has to go upwards over a period of 3 to 4 tests before they will treat unless they are rising very dramatically or you are feeling unwell. Hard not too worry though and a BMB biopsy wont do any harm. Hopefully its not time for a slap down yet!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your comment and it is encouraging to know that this has happened to you and they went back into the normal range. It truly is hard not to worry as you said, but I am trying hard to keep this in perspective. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I hope you continue to do well.
DeleteLove,
Carole Leigh
dear carole leigh,
ReplyDeletewasn't it lovely of wendy to share her own experience with you?! and i loved the comment about taking "mini breaks" that will take you back to your fabulous european adventures (as per your previous post). i will be BELIEVING for you that all will be well. you are blessed with a heart that is receptive to the love and care of others, and i am sure it has made your shoulders wider and stronger as you have encountered all the support and understanding your blog has facilitated. keep writing and reaching out - there are so many who care greatly for you, myself included.
with love and lots of positive vibes coming your way,
karen (sutherland)
Dear Karen,
DeleteYour lovely comments are always so uplifting and supportive and I truly appreciate them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to read my posts and cheering me on along the way.
Love and hugs to you,
Carole Leigh
Praying your biopsy brings good results and that you are able to take one test and one step at a time, always remaining hopeful that you are keeping your MM at bay, or slapping it down when need be. You are obviously feeling good and enjoying life...keep it up! EZ and I will be cruising out of Seattle (my birthplace!)to Alaska in mid May, spending about 3 days on the front end to do some sightseeing in Seattle. Any must sees? We will be doing this with my mother, two brothers and their spouses. Can't wait! Been on our bucket list for a long time!! EZ hasn't flown since his diagnosis in January 2010, so we are hoping for the best! If you can do 23 days, multiple time zones and countries, we can hopefully handle 10 days!
ReplyDeleteDear Linda,
DeleteThank you for your prayers. I am remaining hopeful that if the biopsy shows myeloma cells, there won't be many. My doctor checks my blood every month, so there hasn't been much time for any cells to start misbehaving.
Seattle must sees: Pike Street Market - it will be crowded if you are there on a weekend, but it is fabulous - all the produce and flowers and seafood including the fish tossing that has become famous. Also, the original Starbucks is at the market. A trip to the top of the Space Needle provides a panoramic view of Seattle, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades and best of all, Mount Rainier. Of course, if it is cloudy, the panorama gets smaller. The Great Seattle Wheel is a new attraction on the waterfront and the views are pretty amazing. Shopping in downtown Seattle is great and you can visit the flagship Nordstrom. Seattle is a really beautiful and vibrant city. I just bet EZ will be fine and you will have a wonderful trip.
Carole Leigh - do add me in with these other friends who are praying and who are so grateful for not only you, but your medical team who sees to it that you get the best attention from then and thorough evaluation.
ReplyDeleteIt is normal to worry when any such news hits and one's thoughts go zinging back to a rough time of treatment. It is helpful to keep the perspective that can come from others who have walked this same road - Wendy sharing about her experience.
Hugs of care, as always, go along with my prayers.
Lynn
Lynn,
DeleteYour words are always so encouraging and uplifting. I always appreciate what you have to say. Thank you for your caring support.
Love,
Carole Leigh
dear carole leigh,
ReplyDeletei want to wish you a very happy thanksgiving? hope you gather with friends and family and enjoy a wonderful day savoring all the gifts of life.
love, xxoo,
karen, TC