Thankful Thursday - 18 Months Post Transplant

On March 28th it was that time again...time to head out to the Duke ABMT Clinic for a visit with Dr. Gasparetto. Though deep down you are always a bit anxious, praying for continued complete response and no detectable M-spike, we also always look forward to seeing the same familiar faces we came to know and love during the whole transplant process. From the ladies in the lab, to the nurses at the desks, to the physicians assistants and coordinators, to the oncologists, we are grateful for their care and dedication to helping those who are battling blood cancers.

And...WE GOT GOOD NEWS once again. Thank you Lord! All lab work looked good, with the last bit of good news coming at the end of last week in an email from Kerry, Dr. Gasparetto's Nurse Practitioner. Here is a snapshot of what she said:

Here are a few more readings for those in the MM world who can relate to the importance of these numbers:

Hemoglobin - 13.2

Hematocrit - .39

Red Blood Cell Count - 4.29

White Blood Cell Count - 4.7 

Platelet Count - 154

Creatinine - .9

Calcium - 9.3

EZ remains on 10 mg. Revilimid every day, as well as Lyrica, Metanx, Valtrex, Oxycontin, and Hydocodone (as needed). Dr. Gasparetto decided to add Celebrex to see if that would help alleviate some of the sacral pain and/or peripheral neuropathy. He continues to receive an Aredia infusion every other month at which time he sees Dr. Kritz. Otherwise, he simply has labs done every month at the CCNC.

In addition, a six month dental check-up this week revealed no cavities, no gum problems and no concerns. This is always good news when it comes to MM and the fear of ONJ associated with the use of bisphosphonates.

And so, we breathe a sigh of relief and feel extremely grateful for good reports. Though life for EZ in this "new normal" is wrought with uncertainty, ups and downs, change, sleeplessness, and most definitely pain, we remain hopeful for our future, and count our blessings. Researchers are working tirelessly for a cure, strides are being made with new treatments, and we continue to have confidence in EZ's doctors and their decisions. The prayers and words of encouragement from our family, friends, and even those who read the blog that we have never met, mean the world to us. Thank you so much for following along in this journey.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.