As promised a recent photo! August 30, 2010 Terry is 55!Sorry for the long wait, but it looks like I haven’t made it to the fork in the road yet. Some of you might remember, or you can read back, basically…after this last biopsy (Sept 8th), I was to be at a “fork in the road..” One way would be remission, if not it would be the other way, back to looking for a different treatment. Well, according to my last test, I am at neither place just yet. That is GOOD news. I really don’t want to hear, “this treatment is not working.”
Last June my marrow showed 60% plasma cells (plasma is a nice word for cancer), and now I am showing only 30% plasma cells. Now, while that is not “remission,” NE status (no evidence of cancer cells), it is still very good news because it does show that my present treatment IS WORKING. Amen! I am not yet in remission but I still could get there in a few months or so. The most important thing is the Velcade is still working and killing the cancer cells. It is just taking a little longer. Right now I am finishing my 4th cycle of chemo and I am not sure if I will take a 5th or do a break. I am sure they will be taking another biopsy within a few months to see where I stand.
I do feel great. I have very little pain now, just tired, but that is to be expected. So keep praying for remission. I know it is coming. My blood is 100% donor, and my marrow is 92% donor. I didn’t realize that there was a difference between the two. So we are waiting for those last few bad cells of mine to get killed off ,out of the marrow, and we will be in good shape.
Here is some fun news! AJ, Lazar and Teal left for Germany last Wednesday for 10 days. They are attending the 200 anniversary of the Octoberfest, and their hotel is right in the middle of it all. Between the 3 of them, liters and liters of beer are being consumed, along with shank meat and kraut! I estimate a substantial weight gain for all. I talk and text with AJ daily and they are having the time of their lives. Lots of male bonding! Keli and I are not so sad that we were left behind, because BEER is not our thing. When they get back, I will post a photo. This is a trip that AJ has been planning for years. I am so happy he was able to make it, and I pray for their safe return.
Love to you all. T.
What is faith?
"It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead." Hebrews 11:1
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Terry and AJ (and Lasar, Teal, and Keli) -- our hearts are breaking for your family at this time and we continue to pray for you all daily. Terry, you continue to be an inspiration -- you have never given up, you have stayed strong, and your faith has not faultered.
ReplyDeleteCompared to so many of your dear friendships, ours is very young at almost three years ~ but I want you to know that I feel blessed having you in my life as my friend. And although young, our friendship is very dear to my heart and one that I will always cherish.
Love to you all,
June and Erik
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. Have an awesome ThanksGiving!!!
ReplyDelete“Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.”
God bless!!!
Paul Mery III & Family