Dana Farber Visit

Dave and Kathy's visit at Dana Farber went well. I spoke with Dave on Wednesday and he gave me the scoop. It seems that most people in Dave's position opt for the stem cell transplant the second time that the Myeloma becomes dormant. After being ill for so long, remission is a welcome break from feeling lousy, and it is very difficult to make a conscious decision to have the stem cell transplant which will make you sick again. So, they stretch out the 'feeling good' stage past the point of being in the right state to have the stem cell transplant, and therefore, would have to wait until the treatment knocks the cancer back down to the dormancy stage. Understandable.
The doctor would prefer that Dave do this the first time around, now. It sounds like Dave will follow Drs orders, but time will tell. In the last few weeks, the 'good' days have out-numbered the 'bad' for Dave, and he is enjoying them, which ultimately makes this decision even harder.
Happily, though, he is fortunate to be in the situation where a transplant is possible.
Please join me in a happy thought for Dave and Kathy,
Marilyn

If you would like to read more about what is in store for Dave concerning this procedure, you can Google 'Autologous Stem Cell Transplant'; 'Dana Farber'; or go to the Multiple Myeloma Site.

It's 'Beachy'!

Kathy and Dave set out today on a very well deserved little get-a-way, compliments of Dave's Mom. They are actually alone and spending a few nights at Ogunquit, Me. It is an 'oh, so happy' thing that Dave feels well enough to go and spend some quality time with Kathy and spend some energizing time at the ocean. The nurses at the Cancer Center were so excited at the prospect of Dave having a little vacation from illness, that they re-arranged his Chemo treatments in order to 'get the party started' as early as possible. Happy thoughts for Dave are very contagious, have you noticed?
So, all is still very good. He and Kathy go to see the Docs at Dana Farber next Tuesday to discuss the transplant and after this redeeming time at the beach, he will be ready.
Keep a Happy thought!
Marilyn

The 'Freedom' of 'Independence'

Well, I am very happy to report that Dave is feeling terrific. He has had some back pain still, but for the most part he is having some very well deserved good days. He followed Kathy up to the Manchester Airport, on the 4th, to pick up her family who decided to visit for a bit. Her Mom will be staying on for a while. And he spent the afternoon frolicking at Brian and Pat Corey's for a little cookout and a boat ride!! He has been driving himself around, actually went and got a haircut! Kathy has been his barber for the last five months. His spirits are enormously positive, it's amazing what a little freedom can do for a person.
I guess 'Independence' Day has a new meaning for Dave.
It's all good for now.
He has an appointment with the Dana Farber Docs-so check in later for an update.
Keep a happy thought!!
Marilyn