Update for August 12, 2008

We begin round two of the Revlimid today along with the steroid and aspirin. No bad side effects so far. We found out the elevated calcium last time was due to the Multiple Myeloma, not the Revlimid. Dr. Hadjenberg says I am doing very well.

What I did NOT realize is that I will be doing four rounds of the Revlimid, not three and he is anticipating an aggressive chemo after that. I asked him if it was probable that I would do the aggressive chemo round, loosing my hair and all that, and he said yes. This was a bit of news I had not anticipated. So, after round four of the Revlimid, I will get evaluated for the aggressive chemo.

He wants to see my physical therapy much improved ( don't we all) before he changes any treatment. The numbness in my legs is about the same, though I walk unassisted unless I go out. I use the cane more for self protection than for balance. The brace has been able to come off for a week and that is also a blessing. However, I have to ease into being without it 100%. When my back gets fatigued or achey, I put it back on. That will be the standard operating procedure I suppose until I can totally do without it.
The physical therapist I see once a month says our goal for this month is to be brace and cane free by my next appointment the beginning of September. No new exercises, just doing them now without the brace or cane.
Thanks for all the prayers. Ron is a rock, though I cannot say the same for me. That must be why he is a rock, so he can be my rock to lean on. Pray for him as well. I think sometimes the job of the caregiver is harder than the patient.