November 2011 addendum

Just realized my last entry was August and I forgot to include my trip to Boston for the Multiple Myeloma Conference. These conferences are worth every minute. I dreaded going thinking I would meet a group of negative, sick or depressing stories. Actually is was just the opposite. The doctors who presented the conference were all experts in the field of Myeloma and talked about all the research and clinical trials being conducted in the area and gains being made. They also said that although Myeloma is a small percentage of all the cancers, this group is light years ahead of other research areas as they begin to unlock what the initial cancer point is. In fact their research is opening new doors for other cancer discoveries! Nice to hear. Met all the research leaders and had the opportunity to speak to them about the future of the disease/condition. By the time I left, I felt so much was being done to find a cure for this and they aren't that far away.

I did share the information with my Oncologist who said this is a very active group that is making great gains. The presentation was much like a Med School sharing of information, but my love of medicine and research made this very informative! I was excited to know that I actually could understand 70% of what those doctors were presenting. Then at the end, they allowed small groups to meet to discuss ideas that they shared which really helped. Found a couple of great solutions to my neuropathy, which still continued to be a problem, but not now.

Greta conference, worth the day trip to Boston!

Update for November 2011

I haven't taken the time to update this blog and should. The last few months have been a lot of doctor visits, mostly to be sure everything is OK. The Rheumatologist is trying to regulate my medications with what I can take being on maintenance drugs for the Myeloma. So we have HOPEFULLY come up with the right formula, at least for now. This makes me much more settled that I am able to come to some resolution with two difficult conditions: Myeloma and Rheumatoid arthritis. What i am finding is that not many doctors know how to treat both effectively. So I am again a blazing a new trail! I did meet with my Oncologist today who gave me some great news. Mainly, my Myeloma recovery and reaction to the medication was as she said, "Miraculous". She also shared that all the cancer is gone, so they label you in complete remission, but the unknown is how long this happens. She is very optimistic that this would be for a very long time. My wish as well!!

I have certainly learned to have an optimistic outlook, always trust your instincts and get a second opinion. Although I truly trust my doctor, she too, encouraged me to consult with another specialist which gave me peace of mind.

I continue to have the opportunity to utilize all the support systems of the Cancer Center. I participate in massages, reflexology, yoga, a trainer to get back into shape and numerous other programs, all free. I still get my weekly rose to put in a vase and know that I am beating the cancer!!

I still am on maintenance, which means I go for chemo treatment (which is a very low dosage) once a week for four weeks and then off for two weeks. I will continue this for a while to ensure I stay cancer free. I actually like it as the days of and for three days after are my most energetic days. Now I understand why people get hooked on drugs!!

That is the latest, stayed tuned for additional updates and thank you for reading this!!!