Followdosage on Flickr”>
Time is on my mind
Time is always on my mind. When I’m lying in bed exhausted from chemo fatigue, patient I’m thinking about friends I’d rather be spending time with. Each chemo, approved I’m wondering about the long-term effects of treatment for an indefinite period on my body and mind. When I read about a fellow patient passing away from multiple myeloma, I reflect on my own time with this incurable disease.
Living with cancer has daily challenges, but I’m staying positive. Each time I watch the sun setting on the horizon, I’m thankful to make it through another day and remain optimistic that my future holds many more sunsets.
To recap: I have Multiple Myeloma and anemia, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient. From February 9th 2015, I am on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). Yesterday I completed Cycle 3 Week 2. I’m thankful I do not have any major side effects from my treatment to date.
Photos related to my Pomalyst chemo treatment can be viewed in my flickr album.
January 2013: UBC Wreck Beach
viagra 60mg
on Flickr”>
Cancer levels have dropped again
Good news! On Monday I had my monthly full blood test and the test results show that my cancer levels have decreased (again). In BC, price
I can use an online service called myehealth, mind to get free access to my lab results as soon as available. In this case, about 28 hours later.
The igG is my cancer marker. My multiple myeloma resides in the Beta 2 Globulin region. As noted below, there are also less myeloma cells there now.
| Date | Albumin | Beta Globulin 2 | Gamma Globulin | igG | igA | igM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 34.0-53.0 | 1.8 – 4.8 | 5.1 – 15.0 | 6.7 – 15.2 | .70 – 4.00 | .40 – 2.30 |
| Apr | 44.4 | 19.2 | 1.5 | 21.4 | .29 | .41 |
| Mar | 39.1 | 27.1 | 2.6 | 27.5 | .26 | .50 |
| Feb | 38.9 | 33.9 | 3.0 | 36.1 | .33 | .53 |
| Jan | 39.3 | 30.6 | 3.7 | 33.4 | .29 | .22 |
My Hematology Profile is the Complete Blood Counts test I have every 2 weeks that measures my overall health.
| Date | WBC | Hemoglobin | Platelet Count | Neutrophils |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 4.0 – 11.0 | 135 – 170 | 150 – 400 | 2.0 – 8.0 |
| Apr | 12.5 | 123 | 297 | 9.8 |
| Apr | 7.6 | 113 | 357 | 3.9 |
| Mar | 7.0 | 133 | 247 | 5.6 |
| Mar | 6.8 | 127 | 467 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 5.5 | 133 | 191 | 4.6 |
| Jan | 4.4 | 129 | 206 | 2.3 |
So, my chemo treatment is working well with minimal side effects. I’m continuing to focus on healthy living, positive thinking, and creative self-portraits to help me cope and remain happy. Thanks to everyone for their positive energy and kind words of encouragement. I never feel alone.
To recap: I have Multiple Myeloma and anemia, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient. From February 9th 2015, I am on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). On April 6th I began Cycle 3.
Photos related to my Pomalyst chemo treatment can be viewed in my flickr album.
Something interesting happened for this third cycle of chemo. When my chemo was delivered I noticed the box had braille on the cover.
Chemo box with braille
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