After having breakfast, I got all my medicine out this afternoon and checked each off the list as I took the required doses out of the vials. I took the medicine with a prayer for it all to work. My sister LeiLani sent this prayer to me;
Almighty and Eternal God,
You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You.
Hear us for Your sick servant, Donna, for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health; she will be able to give You thanks, through Christ our Lord.
I have received many email messages from my IAWP colleagues and friends. In addition, the board sent a beautiful Dieffenbachia plant with a “Get Well” balloon. It is very much appreciated by me and thoughtful of them to send their show of support in this manner.
My Mom called Friday to say that she has included my prayer intention on the prayer list in her church and several of her Garden Club members have done the same. I can feel the healing prayers.
My Niece, Laine has sent some quotes to me because she will not be out-done by other family members. The last sentence she wrote, I thought was a quote and laughed when I realized it was her way of saying she had to one-up the rest of the lovely quotes I have received and about which I have written. Here is her submission:
"We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within.” -Earl Nightingale
Great advice, if I ever heard any!
Donnie & I “celebrated” our wedding anniversary on November 30th, (23 + 4 years, if you know what I mean.) He gave me a dozen beautiful red roses that have really opened up today.
Therefore, I have a display in the living room and in the kitchen to admire every time I pass by them. They are very uplifting!
I haven’t felt too much difference since taking the medicine cocktail today. It’d be nice if this continued. I read the pamphlet that came with the Thalidomide and they suggest taking it an hour after dinner. I think that this may be the way to go. I will start taking it at night tomorrow evening and see how I respond to it. I have started down that long road…
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Thursday/Friday November 30/December 1, 2006
I spent these two days working with the doctor's office, the pharmacy, my prescription insurance carrier, and the drug manufacturer to obtain the needed oral chemo medicine at a feasible cost. Originally, I was informed that this medicine costs $4000.00 a month. Our secondary pharmacy insurance carrier submitted the request and came back with my co-pay of $1500.00. Uh, a little steep even for one who wants to live. My primary insurance returned with a co-pay of $998.00. No wonder people chose to forego treatment! I guess this is what they mean when they refer to the under-insured or the insured poor. So, Thursday ended on a low note knowing the medicine was at the pharmacy, but just out of reach financially.
On Friday, more phone calls by my pharmacy technician, Izzy, and me. She has been in contact with all of the same people I was calling. At about 4:30 PM, Izzy called me to say that she had gotten an approval from my primary pharmacy insurance carrier to provide the medicine at a co-pay of just $15.00. That's right, negotiations were successful!
After work, I stopped and picked up the medicine. I had the beginning of the treatment for this cancer in my hand. Saturday would be the day.
On Friday, more phone calls by my pharmacy technician, Izzy, and me. She has been in contact with all of the same people I was calling. At about 4:30 PM, Izzy called me to say that she had gotten an approval from my primary pharmacy insurance carrier to provide the medicine at a co-pay of just $15.00. That's right, negotiations were successful!
After work, I stopped and picked up the medicine. I had the beginning of the treatment for this cancer in my hand. Saturday would be the day.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
I saw my hairdresser today and told them about my diagnosis. More hugs and support. I received a neat quote vial e-mail from my sister Charlotte; "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson
Another person posted for me to check out www.myeloma.org which I did. One of my colleagues will be bringing me his copy of Lance Armstrong's book. I have my reading list started.
I went to the oncologist to get a new Thalidomide prescription because of problems getting the drug in this area. I turned it in to my local (chain) drugstore and hopefully, they will get it by Thursday. Let's get this party started. It'll be the only cocktail I'll be having for quite some time. :(
I went to work and received supportive news on my job position during my illness. I actually started working for a while and ended up putting in four hours. I saw HR and they are on the case now.
I told a couple more friends and, though it's bad news, I have support and prayers from that many more people.
I received some great e-mail messages, one from my sister-in-law, Debbie and a follow up message from my Niece, Heather. They are both riot's. I look forward to more of their fun messages and demented disease humor.
Another person posted for me to check out www.myeloma.org which I did. One of my colleagues will be bringing me his copy of Lance Armstrong's book. I have my reading list started.
I went to the oncologist to get a new Thalidomide prescription because of problems getting the drug in this area. I turned it in to my local (chain) drugstore and hopefully, they will get it by Thursday. Let's get this party started. It'll be the only cocktail I'll be having for quite some time. :(
I went to work and received supportive news on my job position during my illness. I actually started working for a while and ended up putting in four hours. I saw HR and they are on the case now.
I told a couple more friends and, though it's bad news, I have support and prayers from that many more people.
I received some great e-mail messages, one from my sister-in-law, Debbie and a follow up message from my Niece, Heather. They are both riot's. I look forward to more of their fun messages and demented disease humor.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday, November 27th, 2006
I told the people at work today about my cancer diagnosis. My colleagues, Sgt. Nick, Randy, Shannon, and Gloria were very supportive. My Sergeant will call the Chief tonight and fill him in on what's happening and how to proceed. After I told them, I went home, literally exhausted from the experience. I received an organic fruit basket from my sister, Dolly, to keep me healthy. I also received phone calls from my sisters Charlotte & JoJo and from my Niece, Heather. Heather said that she sent a package and I should be looking for it. When I picked up my mail, there it was! The package included a great bookmark that reads, "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is~Emerson. Will do, Niece, will do. There are also two books; "Bald in the land of big hair" by Joni Rodgers and "Cancer Schmancer" by Fran Drescher. The card that came with the package was as awesome as the sender. It made me cry, but in a good way. I know I have an incredible support team; the women in my life. I love you all so very much.
Miscellaneous Info
The diagnosis of Anemia made me feel that at least I had a reason for feeling tired since summer. I had been feeling fatigued since late July and now I had a cause. However, the cause turned out to be a symptom of something worse. I just never figured that I'd be a cancer patient. I do plan on being a cancer survivor, though.
The first time I saw my Oncologist, Dr. Rowland Mbaoma (pronounced "Boama") he surmised I had MM, but I let the name go in one ear and out the other. He sent me to a Gynecologist to make sure everything was okay in that area, and it was.
I have been reading up on the disease but Dr. Mbaoma urges caution on the Internet information. Besides the MMF http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/ , People Living With Cancer http://www.plwc.org/portal/site/PLWC , and the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/docroot/HOME/pff/pff_0.asp ,
I will be careful of the information I read.
I have started to tell extended family and close friends. People at work will find out on Monday when I go in.
The first time I saw my Oncologist, Dr. Rowland Mbaoma (pronounced "Boama") he surmised I had MM, but I let the name go in one ear and out the other. He sent me to a Gynecologist to make sure everything was okay in that area, and it was.
I have been reading up on the disease but Dr. Mbaoma urges caution on the Internet information. Besides the MMF http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/ , People Living With Cancer http://www.plwc.org/portal/site/PLWC , and the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/docroot/HOME/pff/pff_0.asp ,
I will be careful of the information I read.
I have started to tell extended family and close friends. People at work will find out on Monday when I go in.
Treatment Plan
I started Coumadin (blood thinner) on Friday, November 24th and begin the full oral regimen on Monday, November 27th, 2006.
I will have weekly and bi-weekly blood tests and analyses once treatment is started. It is estimated that I will continue the oral treatment for approximately four months. After the oral treatment is finished, I will go to the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital for in-house chemotherapy and bone marrow therapy.
I will have weekly and bi-weekly blood tests and analyses once treatment is started. It is estimated that I will continue the oral treatment for approximately four months. After the oral treatment is finished, I will go to the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital for in-house chemotherapy and bone marrow therapy.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is an incurable but treatable disease. Multiple myeloma (also known as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma) is a progressive hematologic (blood) disease. It is a cancer of the plasma cell, an important part of the immune system that produces immunoglobulins (antibodies) to help fight infection and disease. Multiple myeloma is characterized by excessive numbers of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and overproduction of intact monoclonal immunoglobulin.
Hypercalcemia, anemia, renal damage, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired production of normal immunoglobulin are common clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. It is often also characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, usually in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.
It is normal for plasma cells to develop from B cells in lymph nodes as an immune response to disease or infection. Transformation of a normal B cell into a malignant plasma cell involves a multi-step process that includes multiple genetic abnormalities. Finally, the resulting plasma cells become malignant, meaning they continue to divide unchecked, generating more malignant plasma cells. These myeloma cells travel through the bloodstream and collect in the bone marrow, where they cause permanent damage to healthy tissue. We have recently learned that the interaction between the plasma cells and the bone marrow microenvironment is as important as the genetic changes in the development of these malignant cells.
As tumors grow, they invade the hard outer part of the bone, the solid tissue. In most cases, the myeloma cells spread into the cavities of all the large bones of the body, forming multiple small lesions. This is why the disease is known as "multiple" myeloma. In some cases, collections of plasma cells arise either within bone or in soft tissues as masses or tumors.
Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It represents approximately 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths. Recent statistics indicate both increasing incidence and earlier age of onset. The average age at diagnosis is about 68 years, and only 1% of cases are diagnosed in individuals under the age of 40. Approximately 50,000 Americans currently have myeloma, and the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 15,980 new cases of myeloma were diagnosed during 2005. A recent study found the incidence of myeloma to be 4.1 cases per 100,000 Caucasian Americans.
Although a tremendous amount of work has gone into the search for the cause of multiple myeloma, to date no cause for this disease has been identified. However, the search for a cause has suggested possible associations between myeloma and a decline in the immune system, genetic factors, certain occupations, certain viruses, exposure to certain chemicals including Agent Orange, and exposure to radiation.
It is important to remember that in most cases, individuals who develop multiple myeloma have no clear risk factors. Myeloma may be the result of several factors acting together.
http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/
Hypercalcemia, anemia, renal damage, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired production of normal immunoglobulin are common clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. It is often also characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, usually in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.
It is normal for plasma cells to develop from B cells in lymph nodes as an immune response to disease or infection. Transformation of a normal B cell into a malignant plasma cell involves a multi-step process that includes multiple genetic abnormalities. Finally, the resulting plasma cells become malignant, meaning they continue to divide unchecked, generating more malignant plasma cells. These myeloma cells travel through the bloodstream and collect in the bone marrow, where they cause permanent damage to healthy tissue. We have recently learned that the interaction between the plasma cells and the bone marrow microenvironment is as important as the genetic changes in the development of these malignant cells.
As tumors grow, they invade the hard outer part of the bone, the solid tissue. In most cases, the myeloma cells spread into the cavities of all the large bones of the body, forming multiple small lesions. This is why the disease is known as "multiple" myeloma. In some cases, collections of plasma cells arise either within bone or in soft tissues as masses or tumors.
Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It represents approximately 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths. Recent statistics indicate both increasing incidence and earlier age of onset. The average age at diagnosis is about 68 years, and only 1% of cases are diagnosed in individuals under the age of 40. Approximately 50,000 Americans currently have myeloma, and the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 15,980 new cases of myeloma were diagnosed during 2005. A recent study found the incidence of myeloma to be 4.1 cases per 100,000 Caucasian Americans.
Although a tremendous amount of work has gone into the search for the cause of multiple myeloma, to date no cause for this disease has been identified. However, the search for a cause has suggested possible associations between myeloma and a decline in the immune system, genetic factors, certain occupations, certain viruses, exposure to certain chemicals including Agent Orange, and exposure to radiation.
It is important to remember that in most cases, individuals who develop multiple myeloma have no clear risk factors. Myeloma may be the result of several factors acting together.
http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/
Sunday, November 26, 2006
How it all began...
In May, 2006, I was finally given a diagnosis after suffering from "bronchitis" for a year. The diagnosis was streptococcal pneumonia, which was treated successfully after diagnosis. A routine blood test showed a few elevated elements but within limits for someone with pneumonia.
In August, 2006, just prior to arthroscopic ankle surgery, another "routine" blood test was conducted.
When the results came back, there was cause for concern due to "abnormalities" that were noted. On September 1st, I was called by a nurse to tell me that she had scheduled me for an appointment with an Oncologist on September 5th after the long Labor Day weekend. Needless to say, I was a basket case for the entire weekend and dreaded the long wait. Prayers were on order from my family. When Tuesday came around, I was in the doctor's office 30 minutes before my appointment. He said that the blood test showed elevated proteins and the problem appeared to be monoclonal anemia, meaning that there was one source for the anemia and from his experience, he was leaning toward a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.
Over the next two months I was scheduled for numerous diagnostic tests from an upper and lower GI to a bone marrow biopsy. The biopsy came on November 16th. Afterwards, Donnie and I went to Wisconsin for a previously scheduled vacation since the results wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks. Late on Friday afternoon, the day after the biopsy, the Oncologist's nurse called to say that he had called from the hospital and wanted to see me on Monday. I wanted to make sure that I needed to come home from out of town, but we couldn't reach the doctor. So, on Sunday afternoon, we headed back to IN. My sister, Charlotte and her family were in town for an early Thanksgiving visit, so I asked her to bring my Mom and accompany me to the doctor. The results were in---I have Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the plasma in the bone marrow. It was good to have Donnie, Charlotte, and my Mom there with me when I got the bad news. I chose to tell my sisters prior to the holiday but will tell the rest of my family after Thanksgiving so I don't put a damper on their event.
In August, 2006, just prior to arthroscopic ankle surgery, another "routine" blood test was conducted.
When the results came back, there was cause for concern due to "abnormalities" that were noted. On September 1st, I was called by a nurse to tell me that she had scheduled me for an appointment with an Oncologist on September 5th after the long Labor Day weekend. Needless to say, I was a basket case for the entire weekend and dreaded the long wait. Prayers were on order from my family. When Tuesday came around, I was in the doctor's office 30 minutes before my appointment. He said that the blood test showed elevated proteins and the problem appeared to be monoclonal anemia, meaning that there was one source for the anemia and from his experience, he was leaning toward a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.
Over the next two months I was scheduled for numerous diagnostic tests from an upper and lower GI to a bone marrow biopsy. The biopsy came on November 16th. Afterwards, Donnie and I went to Wisconsin for a previously scheduled vacation since the results wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks. Late on Friday afternoon, the day after the biopsy, the Oncologist's nurse called to say that he had called from the hospital and wanted to see me on Monday. I wanted to make sure that I needed to come home from out of town, but we couldn't reach the doctor. So, on Sunday afternoon, we headed back to IN. My sister, Charlotte and her family were in town for an early Thanksgiving visit, so I asked her to bring my Mom and accompany me to the doctor. The results were in---I have Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the plasma in the bone marrow. It was good to have Donnie, Charlotte, and my Mom there with me when I got the bad news. I chose to tell my sisters prior to the holiday but will tell the rest of my family after Thanksgiving so I don't put a damper on their event.
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