OK - got the results of my bloodwork today. Boy, this is tiring, and I haven't even started anything yet. Numbers are up, not a lot, but up nonetheless. While I love my oncologist, I hate the things he tells me (LOL). He believes if this trend continues - I go back for more testing in six weeks (oh joy, oh bliss), that I probably will be receiving treatment within six months.
The good news is that this gives me time to LOSE more weight because, of course, the type of treatment needed for Multiple Myeloma consists of chemo, thalidomide (you know the drug that caused birth defects and was taken off the market in the 50's), and steroids. Thank God I'm not planning on getting pregnant anytime soon.
The bad news is that the steroids will cause weight GAIN - weight GAIN????? What the fuck...everyone else I know who has ever had cancer, gets skinny with treatment; me, NO - I'll end up looking like a severely inflated balloon, with my face looking like Jerry Lewis' did at the Telethon several years ago when he was unrecognizable! Geez! Shouldn't surprise me, right? Oh well, you can laugh, or you can cry - guess I'll do a little of both. Vanity, thy name IS WOMAN!
Hey, just thought of something - Tuck better be on his best behavior, cuz look out for a woman on steroids - could cause some serious damage - ha ha!
My Doctor tells me that when stem cell transplantation becomes part of the equation, it will take place in Portland over a period of a month or so. The doctor who will be doing the procedure comes down to Medford once a month, usually towards the end of the month, and he is scheduling an appointment for me with him to discuss timing. He just might want to do the procedure before attempting any treatment first - gonna leave that in their capable hands.
Scary either way you look at it. I was told that when they "take you down" with mega doses of chemo for the stem cell transplantation, if they don't give your stem cells back to you, you can kiss your ass goodbye. Guess I better be really nice to the folks who give your stems cells back, huh?
OK, now you know as much as I do. And I promise to keep you posted.
Given your wonderful, loving personality - what smart stem cell wouldn't want to be given back to you. Bet they couldn't think of a better place to be ....
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