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A week ago Monday, website I had my monthly blood test and I’m happy to report that my cancer levels dropped again. As I’ve stated before, in BC, I can use an online service called myehealth, to get free access to my lab results as soon as available (around 24 hours). Recall I began chemo Feb 9th. The igG is the cancer marker we use to measure progress.
My multiple myeloma resides in the Beta 2 Globulin region. As noted below, my myeloma cells continue to decrease there.
| 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 |
| Aug | 47.7 | 10.7 | 3.0 | 14.8 | .62 | .32 |
| July | 45.8 | 11.4 | 3.6 | 15.7 | .56 | .37 |
| June | 41.2 | 15.2 | 3.9 | 16.5 | .49 | .40 |
| May | 42 | 17.2 | 2.5 | 18.7 | .28 | .33 |
| 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 |
As I previously stated, my Hematologist (specialist of blood diseases) wants my cancer levels to remain below 18.0, which is half of 36.1. Each day I try to remain positive, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and reduce stress in my life. Doing what I can to maximize treatment effectiveness, while minimizing chemo side effects and cancer symptoms.
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 |
| Aug | 12.0 | 133 | 329 | 8.3 |
| July | 12.8 | 131 | 302 | 9.47 |
| July | 4.8 | 123 | 386 | 3.8 |
| June | 10.6 | 124 | 281 | 8.0 |
| June | 6.5 | 122 | 439 | 4.7 |
| May | 12.4 | 118 | 271 | 8.9 |
| May | 10.0 | 118 | 320 | 5.2 |
| 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 |
I will remain on chemo treatment indefinitely, as long as it is remains effective in preventing my cancer levels from rising without a major health concern (e.g. liver damage).
After each monthly big blood test, I reflect on the positives in my life and how really fortunate I am to be responding well to chemo treatment. This photo represents how important it is that I continue to concentrate on actions and activities that benefit my physical and mental health so I can best face multiple myeloma symptoms and the continual side effects of chemo.
I believe in the power of me, I draw strength from the power of we.
To recap: On Sunday I completed Cycle 7 Week 3. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). I start Cycle 8 on August 24th.
Thank you for your positive support.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
February 2014: UBC Wreck Beach
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One of the side effects of my chemo treatment is that my cognitive abilities, website like this
such as remembering and memory are diminished. Remembering how to complete a simple task such as boiling eggs can be quite challenging (e.g. Cold or hot water? Cover pot or leave lid off). So to make sure I don’t make mistakes, I first ask google: “How do I boil eggs?” and then follow the instructions verbatim.
Overall I have been feeling ok and haven’t had any major problems regarding my health. This is encouraging as chemo side effects can be quite harsh. I’m not letting cancer get me down. Staying positive each day and focused on keeping stress in my life to a minimum.
To recap: Last Sunday I completed Cycle 7 Week 4. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). Last Monday I began my eighth 28 day treatment cycle, 21 days on (4mg Pomalyst chemo pill), then 7 days off. I take 3 dexamethasone pills (4mg) every Monday.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
One of the side effects of my chemo treatment is that my cognitive abilities, rx Overall I have been feeling ok and haven’t had any major problems regarding my health. This is encouraging as chemo side effects can be quite harsh. I’m not letting cancer get me down. Staying positive each day and focused on keeping stress in my life to a minimum. To recap: Last Sunday I completed Cycle 7 Week 4. I have multiple myeloma and anemia, sick 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). Last Monday I began my eighth 28 day treatment cycle, 21 days on (4mg Pomalyst chemo pill), then 7 days off. I take 3 dexamethasone pills (4mg) every Monday. Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album. page One of the side effects of my chemo treatment is that my cognitive abilities, malady Overall I have been feeling ok and haven’t had any major problems regarding my health. This is encouraging as chemo side effects can be quite harsh. I’m not letting cancer get me down. Staying positive each day and focused on keeping stress in my life to a minimum. To recap: Last Sunday I completed Cycle 7 Week 4. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). Last Monday I began my eighth 28 day treatment cycle, 21 days on (4mg Pomalyst chemo pill), then 7 days off. I take 3 dexamethasone pills (4mg) every Monday. Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album. One of the side effects of my chemo treatment is that my cognitive abilities, such as remembering and memory are diminished. Remembering how to complete a simple task such as boiling eggs can be quite challenging (e.g. Cold or hot water? Cover pot or leave lid off). So to make sure I don’t make mistakes, I first ask google: “How do I boil eggs?” and then follow the instructions verbatim. Overall I have been feeling ok and haven’t had any major problems regarding my health. This is encouraging as chemo side effects can be quite harsh. I’m not letting cancer get me down. Staying positive each day and focused on keeping stress in my life to a minimum. To recap: Last Sunday I completed Cycle 7 Week 4. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). Last Monday I began my eighth 28 day treatment cycle, 21 days on (4mg Pomalyst chemo pill), then 7 days off. I take 3 dexamethasone pills (4mg) every Monday. Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album. When I’m on chemo, erectile This photo represents that positive feeling I get when I’m in my own space listening to music (love dubstep), reading a good book (e.g. an Ansel Adams autobiography), or eating yummy food (sea salt rice chips are my go-to snack). I haven’t had any major side effects with my chemo treatment and no significant symptoms have arisen due to my cancer. To recap: On Sunday August 30th, I completed Cycle 8 Week 1. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). On August 24th I began my eighth 28 day treatment cycle, 21 days on (4mg Pomalyst chemo pill), then 7 days off. I take 3 dexamethasone pills (4mg) every Monday. Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
May 2014: Lonsdale Quay Market
such as remembering and memory are diminished. Remembering how to complete a simple task such as boiling eggs can be quite challenging (e.g. Cold or hot water? Cover pot or leave lid off). So to make sure I don’t make mistakes, shop
I first ask google: “How do I boil eggs?” and then follow the instructions verbatim.
how do I boil eggs?”>this web
how do I boil eggs?”>
such as remembering and memory are diminished. Remembering how to complete a simple task such as boiling eggs can be quite challenging (e.g. Cold or hot water? Cover pot or leave lid off). So to make sure I don’t make mistakes, I first ask google: “How do I boil eggs?” and then follow the instructions verbatim.May 2014: Lonsdale Quay Market
physician
how do I boil eggs?”>nurse
how do I boil eggs?”>May 2014: Lonsdale Quay Market
I find that ordinary noises can bother me or create distractions in my everyday life, such as when I’m on the bus or sitting in a cafe. What I like to do is create a personal ‘me’ space that blocks out everything around me and lets me be free and alive in my own world.
September 2012: Sunset at Pacific Spirit Park
