Fresh Flowers Every Week

hmmm I can't remember when I last blogged, but I don't think I shared the information from the oncologist on Monday. Yes, it is myeloma; no, we don't know what type or stage; yes, I had to have a biopsy (which had been "advertised" as horribly painful by the general public); no, it wasn't; and finally, the good news: it isn't in my urine, meaning it isn't attacking my kidneys. The biopsy will be sent to U of I or Mayo or some such to find out more about it and how to best treat it. For now, I am just taking prednison to reduce the stealing of calcium from my bones. I will hopefully get more information around the 23rd, when the labs should be completed and a treatment plan can be discussed. I am scheduled to meet on that day for the first time with another oncologist from this practice who serves Creston one day per week, so I won't have to travel each time to DM. I really should have gotten him to begin with, but my knee surgeon's office made the appointment and probably weren't thinking about where I live. The good thing is that I've only heard positive things about this new doc who comes to Creston.

I have so appreciated my DM friend Chris's attendance at my first two appointments at Mercy. I also stayed overnight at her house after the last appointment confirming the cancer. She has been a godsend. Her place is also where I went after the MRI to wait out the valium so I could drive. She has fed me, napped me, sent good inspirational books home with me, gone in to the doctor with me, driven me, and just done anything that was needed. A wonderful friend. Now that is making me get started on all the other wonderful friends and what they have done, but I have to leave that for another time. It is humbling to receive so much care and attention.

But back to the cancer. For now, it is hard to know how to think about this. Should I take off for Europe next week or really watch the pennies for trips to Mayo or best of all to have plenty of money for the rest of my long life. :) Basically I've decided that if it is for something that is generally good for me, yes, I should buy. So fresh flowers every week sounds like a winner. I think a new recliner is also in order. I've never had one, but I've spent plenty of nights unable to get into bed or get comfortable in bed, so it seems like a good idea now.

Today I am doing virtually nothing to make up for the first half of the week--Monday at oncologist, returning home on Tues and sharing the news with friends all day, then yesterday I did laundry (lots) and prep for cleaning lady, and 3 calls to BC/BS plus 3 calls to Jane Brown and lots more. I was literally busy or taking needed rests until dinner time and beyond. I wish I could pace myself better. I'm worried about losing muscle tone in my right leg. I don't think that should automatically be a side effect of the cancer and need to work on getting stronger. I have to use the handle of my cane to lift my R leg onto the bed, sometimes onto the ottoman. It could still be an aftereffect from the almost fall I took on Saturday morning. But I do wish it was more like swimming weather as I think the pool would help. Still, it's great to have a lovely afternoon to sit outside and enjoy.