Although this pre-treatment phase is outpatient, you have the chance to meet other patients in the waiting room, as well as in the stem-cell suite. Since no two patients are at the same phase of their "cycle" , you get to talk to folks at all stages of treatment. And
while everyone's amyloid deposition may be different, and treatment protocols vary based on diagnosis, you can still get a pretty good idea of what is in store for you. I can't explain it...but in a strange way, it makes it a little less scary.We are in it together...and ...we are there for each other...nice.
Two days of steroid-induced activity was quickly followed by a major crash landing on Thursday, finding me in bed for a 12 hour nap! That was certainly a new one for me!
Then Friday, it was back to BU with "Freddy, my lo-ove" for another "happy hour". I also got some pretty good news this week...after my first cycle of chemo, my numbers have improved! This means the Velcade is working to attack the amyloid proteins, and it is also a good indicator that my system will respond to the future Chemo and Stem Cell Transplant (SCT). This is an answer to my prayers! Now if my eyeballs would return to normal (blepharitis- just another side effect!) and they would just tell me that I don't have to come back next week...I'd be real happy!
Only a few minutes to rejoice on this fabulous news though...after a quick trip back to Easton, it was time to concentrate on final preparations for Bret's Senior prom and Hayleigh's freshman dinner dance. These are truly welcome distractions that are not to be missed, and definitely help to make "treatment" a distant memory. Plus its a great way to channel all the energy of the massive steroids I just received!
Celtics in...Magic out! Chemo in...amyloids out...I'd say that's a win-win this week!
It's so great hearing from all of you and I cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and encouragement! They are a bright spot to my day and keep my spirits in the right place!
Love,
Cheryl
Go Cheryl! Great news.. and Jen & Fred super job of keeping her in good spirits during treatment. Cheryl, I am sure you are your usual self - a breath of fresh air- in that out patient clinic...so everyone will chat with you---everyone always has! Keep up the positives, and I'm sending another email with some smiles attached.... Keep up the good work and enjoy the prom, dance and graduation activities... Love, Caryl & John
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to read your updates, Cheryl. Jim and I think and talk about you and Fred so often. After dinner tonight I asked him if he'd talked to Fred and when he said no, I popped on here to "check on you." Freshman dinner? What a great idea! Hope that and Brett's prom was fun. I can just see you buzzing around on those steroids. You put us all to shame when you're drug-free! Keep your chin up. Love, Susan (and Jim)
ReplyDeleteDear Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteAnother great post! Glad to hear that your numbers are looking good. You look beautiful, as usual, in the pictures and what a treat to have Jennifer with you. Everything, I guess even chemo, is better when shared with friends. I hope we get to see a picture of Bret from the prom in the next post - but no pressure. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Love,
Margaret (and Paul)
We Celtics fans always come out big winners. It's that remarkable power of "yes, I can". I'm wondering how I can get one of those special friend's assignments when I'm in the Cape area Jun 27-30? I think I'd look especially good in a green cap & gown if there's a color choice.
ReplyDeleteDan Pacek, interior design guy, is here in Lisbon with me for the week with all his cool architechy software measuring and planning our unfurnished Lisbon rental that we move to in August. Dan & John send their love. Me too, Susie.
Sounds like you are kicking it!! Keep up the good work. It is really amazing how much comfort you get from those around you fighting the same fight! Take care. Sending you our best always. Jack and Cheryl Zaney
ReplyDelete