Waiting for test results is a way of life for cancer patients and it never seems to get easier. One would think that after nearly three years of monthly blood tests and daily blood tests during stem cell transplant, several MRIs and CT scans, and multiple bone marrow biopsies, waiting for results would get easier.
Last Monday, I had yet another bone marrow biopsy because my last blood work showed that the lambda light chain (a myeloma marker) had gone up out of the normal range. My oncologist keeps me on a tight rein so he said a bone marrow biopsy was needed to see exactly what is happening. So now, I am in "waiting for results" limbo. It isn't easy but I suppose in some ways it has become somewhat less daunting. I find that I don't spend every day worrying about it now and if the news isn't good, it won't be a shock. My appointment with my oncologist to get the results is next Thursday and I do know as it approaches, I will become more on edge. However, I have been through this many times and I have survived the ordeal before, so I know I can do it again.
I recently received the latest Patient Power posting and there is a very encouraging interview with Dr. Sagar Lonial, Professor at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Director Translational Research, Emory Healthcare. Dr. Sagar discusses "Using Combination Therapy to Treat Multiple Myeloma." In light of my recent setback, I felt more hopeful after listening to this interview:
www.patientpower.info/video/using-combination-therapy-to-effectively-treat-multiple-myeloma/?autoplay=1&utm_source=event-list&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=myeloma-2012-columbus&utm_content=thumbnail-title
Good luck, honey-girl. I need to call Tulane for Dom's M-Spike on Monday.... sending prayers your way! (BTW: Tulane just started testing the lambda light chain.... the results from 3 months ago were in normal range)
ReplyDeleteI will be sending prayers your way that Dom's M-Spike is where it should be.
DeleteLove,
Carole Leigh
dear carole leigh,
ReplyDeletei will wait with you, try to keep you company with cyber thoughts for hope, comfort, and a lot of helpful distraction. like-hearts, who know each other, who have faced the limbo time of waiting can do this. it's good when like-hearts who can feel and understand exactly what your intentions are can say - i know you know what it is like. so - just breathe, and just remember - you are not alone.
love,
karen, TC
Dear Karen,
DeleteThank you. Your words always mean a lot to me.
Love,
Carole Leigh
Carole Leigh,
ReplyDeleteI just listened to the interview you posted and I can understand how it is an encouragement to you and any others walking the same journey beyond a time of treatment with multiple myeloma. I am ever grateful for the excellent care you have received and knowing that you are with top notch doctors who also follow along with new information.
I have been praying for you and have Nov. 29th marked on my calendar. Waiting for test results is always an edgy time - no matter what kind they are when the potential for iffy news is there. I am heartened that you have many praying and understanding. I am heartened that you are checked regularly so that any bit out of a normal range is caught immediately. I am counting blessings with you - even though it is an anxious time.
Your opening thoughts in this post are the right ones to focus on. Look at all God has brought you through. And He is not changing now!
Love,
Lynn
Hi honey-
ReplyDeleteHave you heard anything? You're in our thoughts and prayers-
Nan and Dom
Hi,
DeleteMy bone marrow biopsy was good and it showed almost no change from a year and a half ago. Dr. and I were very happy about that. The lambda light chain had gone up again, so Dr. ordered a CT scan to rule out the return of a plasmacytoma. I'll get the results for that on Thursday.....more worrying. Thank you for checking on me. I was thrilled to read Dom's latest numbers!
Love,
Carole LEigh
Carole Leigh,
ReplyDeleteI just sent off an email to you and then thought to check your blog.
I am reading good news here and also precaution being taken with the CT scan.
Continuing prayers!
Love,
Lynn
Thank you Lynn! I will look forward to seeing you at ADK next week.
DeleteLove,
Carole Leigh
Yes, it will be a nice evening and everyone will be delighted to see you!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lynn