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This photo taken at Wreck Beach represents my attitude right now. Although there was a steady rain falling, click it didn’t matter. I’m in a happy mood, enjoying life, and focused on positivity each day.
About a week and a half ago, 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 | |
| Sept | 44.1 | 9.2 | 3.2 | 12.9 | .66 | .31 | |
| 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 |
| Sept | 13.7 | 122 | 304 | 5.2 |
| Aug | 6.1 | 130 | 378 | 4.9 |
| 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 |
To recap: On Sunday, September 14th I completed Cycle 8 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 9 on September 21st.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
May 2014: Fraser River, Richmond/Vancouver
Chronic fatigue is one of the side effects of my chemo and a common symptom of my cancer. I try and nap whenever I can (e.g. on the bus or train), medicine
to give me an energy boost for the rest of the day. Beyond fatigue, information pills
I’m thankful not to have more serious health problems at this time. Staying positive each day!
To recap: On Sunday, September 27th, I completed Cycle 9 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). My treatment cycle is 21 days on (Pomalyst chemo pill), then 7 days off. I take dexamethasone, an oral steroid, every Monday.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
May 2014: Granville Island, Vancouver
Each morning I wake up, and
I feel fortunate that I’m healthy enough to explore, stuff
to wander, advice
to enjoy what life has to offer. I try not to let whatever side effects I may be experiencing keep me down or dampen my spirits. I remain inspired by what nature has to offer and excited for the adventures I will experience tomorrow.
To recap: On Sunday, September 20th I completed Cycle 8 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). I started Cycle 9 on September 21st.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
January 2015: Vancouver through raindrops
