July 23rd, 4 months

Sorry it’s been so long since my last entry. Things have been busy and at times difficult. I have a lot of shakes and tremors, so couldn’t type. Also very, very fatigued.

Fantastic news! A.J and I celebrated our 35th anniversary on June 14th. I wish such happiness for everyone.

On not such great news, June 23^rd, 90 day check up after the transplant, my bone marrow biopsy showed cancer still present. I don’t know how much, the percentage… but the doctor said it wasn’t important to focus on that, at this time. The ALLO transplant does seem to be working but either the cancer is reproducing more quickly than it is being destroyed or my body may need more time to kill and build up better abnormal cells. They are just little babies in there and not to many of them either!

I have been released back to my oncologist, Dr. Dice, and both my doctors, LesMaistre and Dice, have formulated a new plan of action which I began in early July. I am back on the chemo (Valcade). I have responded well to this medication in the past and look forward to similar results but the cancer possibly has grown to a more aggressive mutated form so any results are very day by day. I was classified as “critical”, meaning few options available. The good news is that there are options. I’ll be on this routine for a couple of months, 21 day cycle; chemo day 1, 4, 8, 11, and 10 days off. Second cycle starts tomorrow. Any we will see where this takes us. Not jumping to far ahead.

Also, I had two vertebrae, causing a good amount of pain, that had cracked or on there way to collapsing. They fixed in the same surgical procedure that was used when my L-1 collapsed in March of last year.

I want to thank all of you for your concerns about my condition and after more research, I want you all to know that I remain firm in my belief that my medical team is the right one for me, hand picked by lots and lots of praying.

If you pray, please pray for me to have strength, fighting the fatigue and better mental health. God is good. He never promised life without strife but he did say he would always be there…and He has for me, still now every moment.

“God did not give you a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power, love and sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I am not fearful…. But I sure could use MORE of a sound mind! I thank God for the work he is doing through me, and for me. I love all my friends and family. My kids have been here all the way, AJ is amazing, and other family and friends I could not be here without all you prayers, well wishes and love. <3, T.