Choir for fall?

My most recent bone marrow biopsy at the beginning of this month showed that the cancer has not responded to my first treatment and has increased significantly. I begin a more intense therapy on Monday, August 25. Arrangements have been made for me to receive treatment locally, so my trips to Stanford will not be so frequent. The hematologist I am working with locally has encouraged me to continue doing the things I enjoy as much as possible. So, I am postponing the beginning of choir until the second or third week of September to see how I get along with the first few weeks of treatment. Depending on how I am doing, Xpress choir would begin sometime in October.

My blood test from Friday shows an improvement in my blood counts which has been encouraging to see before I begin treatment.

Thank you for your continued prayers on my behalf.

Ty Time

We’ve been keeping our grandson, Ty, two days a week to help Jeremy and Holly with child care while they work and try to catch up after being unemployed for several months. We’re happy to report that they both have good jobs now. We’ve really enjoyed our time with Ty, and it has certainly helped the days pass as we await the news we’ll get at Stanford on Tuesday. Ty brings a lot of joy to our lives. Here’s a little snapshot from the other day. Ty is 9 months old now and the puppy is 9 weeks. The puppy is a pure bred Jack Russell Terrier, the last one of a litter, that is for sale. The baby is not for sale for love nor money. Enjoy!

2nd Bone Marrow Biopsy

On Thursday morning I had my 2nd bone marrow biopsy at Stanford. I was being covered by many prayers that morning and I am happy to report that it went smoothly. In fact, it was the “least painful” one I’ve had so far. The Nurse Practitioner, who does bone marrow biopsies everyday, agreed that the biopsy needed to be taken from a different location as the previous three (2 last summer and the most recent one) had all been taken from the same location in the right hip. This one was taken from the left hip and she was able to get plenty of marrow quite easily. In fact, I was very happy to be able to donate marrow to the myeloma research program, knowing that even if it doesn’t immediately benefit me it will benefit patients in the future. They were especially happy to receive marrow from me, as the morphology (form or structure) of my marrow does not have the usual appearance for myeloma. This is what made it difficult for my initial diagnosis.

My blood counts continue to be low and do cause concern and caution for daily life. I do all I can to minimize my exposure to anything or anyone that could possibly contaminate me. Everyone has been very understanding, however, now that I am officially a “germophobe”! My doctor did tell me that I don't have to completely isolate myself, but that I do need to take lots of precautions.

I live each day depending on the Lord for His strength and protection of my health and am grateful for all of your prayers.