“What day is it?"
"It's today," squeaked Piglet.
"My favorite day," said Pooh.
~ A.A. Milne
Yesterday, I had my appointment with my oncologist and began the next cycle of chemotherapy. The first thing on my mind to ask him was about the elevation of the lambda light chain on the last blood work. He reminded me that what we really need to look at is both the kappa light chain number and the lambda light chain number and the ratio between the two. My ratio had stayed the same and that was a good thing. It would have been more alarming if there was a change in the ratio. So, for now, we are going to watch those numbers carefully and continue on with my chemo regimen.
One thing I love about my doctor is his great sense of humor. I have always felt it was a bonus to have an excellent oncologist who also has a sense of humor. I see him every three weeks and at each appointment, we laugh. Maybe some cancer patients wouldn't like this, but I do. Yesterday was no exception. I asked him what we will do if the lambda light chain goes up and the ratio indicates a problem. His quick response was, "I'll stop testing for it!" In all seriousness, my doctor said that if that happens, we will probably change my chemotherapy plan. Brent and I laughed so hard at his first response and, as we know, laughter is good for the soul.
"What does all this have to do with the charming words of Piglet and Pooh?" you might ask. Well, to me this quote is one of the simplest and purest expressions of the idea that we should enjoy and cherish each day we are given. When you have been told that the disease you have cannot be cured, it is a natural progression to spend a lot of time thinking and even philosophizing about life and death and I have had nearly four years to do just that. Talking to my doctor and being reassured and laughing hard reminded me that each today can be my favorite day. Even on a difficult day, when I am not feeling well and find it challenging to control the anxiety that living with cancer can bring, it can be a favorite day. . . I am still here.
It was my 6 month blood test for the urologist and 3 month blood test for the oncologist. I was getting both done in one “draw.” The nurse closed the hinged barrier in front of me as I settled into the “blood taking” chair. It’s kind of like being in an adult high chair, but has padded arm rests and a padded tray that closes across the front like a rail road crossing gate. I told her that because of my uncooperative veins, I often end up with the tiny, butterfly needle in my hand. She sounded a little board when she looked down at me and said, “I do this all day - every day. You see those vials?” as she looked toward a pile of about 5 cigar sized test tube looking containers, “I need to fill all of those.” Wow, that’s a lot of blood, I said, do what you've got to do. “You’re going to feel a sting” she warned as she poked the needle into my arm. I jumped as if it were an electrical shock and then said, “That wasn't too bad.” The nurse began laughing. I told her I hadn't noticed the seat belt when I first sat down, but maybe I should have strapped in. She continued laughing as she quickly changed vials, “I’m sorry,” she said, “I’m not laughing at you. I’m really sorry.” I told her I could hear the sincerity in her laughter. Now she was bracing herself with both hands against the counter, she was laughing so hard. We were both laughing. Laughter is good medicine. It was the most fun I've had giving blood. www.couldausedanotherday.com
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog and sharing your funny moment. It was a good one!! I had a good laugh when I read it. I visited your blog and really enjoyed reading your posts. We have been on a very similar path. All my best to you,
Carole Leigh
Carole Leigh - walking with you, on this journey given to you, continues to fill me with inspiration. I appreciate your honesty about the challenging times and rejoice when there is an upturn. Continuing prayers and gratefulness that you are with such a caring and thorough oncologist - who laughs when appropriate and helps to lighten the load. Then there is the wisdom of Piglet and Pooh - words we all need to embrace with gusto. xo Lynn
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
DeleteWe are lucky to be friends and inspire each other along the way. I am forever blessed that we met all those years ago at an Alpha Delta Kappa event.
Love,
Carole Leigh XOXOXOf
dear carole leigh,
ReplyDeletesuch great news - ah hah, The Ratio! and hahaha, the laughter your wonderful, caring oncologist provided. such a release from the stress of what we feel when there are possible cha-cha-changes afoot. he sounds like a marvelous man, a good man, and one who is able to instinctively lightens things us - so helpful to have that perspective, yes?
I am so glad to be reminded about that Piglet and Pooh exchange. hugh and I cultivated living in the moment quite well (after 3 years of practice); now I need to remember that he would want me to continue to carry on with that, to feel the gratitude of life lived as well as I am able to, and savor the joys of ordinary days. let's do it together, shall we?!
much love and light, XOXO
karen
Dear Karen,
DeleteI am always happy to see your comments and bask in your positive spirit.
Love,
Carole Leigh xoxox
Touche' ! Carole!! Beautifully said! Everyday counts and I love your lighthearted reference to beloved Pooh and Piglet :) And I love your Doc's sense of humor too! No matter how dark and depressing some of our news may be, as long as we are here... the sun is shinning! (well I try to be optimistic like that :) Hang tough Carole and you'll send myeloma back into remission in no time! <3 Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
DeleteThanks for stopping by for a read! Don't you just love Pooh and Piglet's philosophy! You hang tough, too, and we will prevail! I hope you are doing well.....Love and hugs,
Carole Leigh xoxox
Hi Carole, Happy new year! Just checking in and seeing how you are, as you haven't updated your blog recently. Hoping all your meds are working overtime and you are just too busy to be bothered with myeloma happenings! I know I went thru a stage where I didn't update often. Hoping 2014 brings great things your way, for you and your family! xoxo Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, Happy New Year to you! Actually, my meds stopped working about the end of November and my lambda light chain started going back up and on the last test it had more than doubled. :( I am now on a new treatment plan and trying to adjust to the drugs. The last three months have not been great. I see my doctor on Tuesday and am hopeful things will start to turn around. I have a new post in progress but I have been too distracted to finish it. I need to get busy! xoxox CL
Delete