Today was a long day, much of it spent on the road. We had a bit of traffic on our way to San Francisco, but checked in at the UCSF medical center at 10:03. The 10:00 appointment was drawing blood and other basics. Our 11:00 meeting was with Doctor Wolf and Nurse Bridget Mazzini. We talked about the upcoming stem cell transplant and its risks and benefits. Dr. Wolf told me that based on last week’s tests, my myeloma is in “complete remission.” Yahoo! That’s good news! Now, we have to remember that I won’t be cured, the myeloma isn’t gone, just that the various indicators are within acceptable ranges. It also means that I’m in great condition for the stem cell transplant.
We set up some tentative dates for medical work at UCSF: Stem cell collection August 16-20, Chemo and transplant September 1- 21. These dates could change. I will need help at home when I return from UCSF after September 21.
I believe that God has carried me through this cancer adventure. God has certainly blessed me with fabulous family and friends. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for and helped me so faithfully since May. Thanks to my friends and family, I feel very well taken care of. We’re at the half-way point, and I hope you’re staying with me!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Good News!
Posted by Susan at 10:45 PM
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8 comments:
Isn't it amazing how more information and moving forward is reassuring? Here you go! Still praying for you!
On your to do list of preparing, here are a few items you might want on your journey. Hint hint, great gift items:
1. Short sleeved zip or snap front robes. I know, I know, they look old-ladyish but, they do allow for easy dressing with I.V.'s and cords and such. Plus when you don't feel well they are easy to don and who doesn't love fresh, new, soft cotton pajama wear. Plus wearing "street" clothes always makes you cheerier than hospital gowns.
2. Comfy pajama pants and shirt - very clothes-like but yet so comfy.
3. New socks with those nubbies on the bottom to allow for gripping on floors and prevent slipping. Hmmm, perhaps one in every color would be jolly!
3. Slippers with shoe-like bottoms for when you brave a walk around the unit or your room.
4. A satin pillow case in your favorite color. Cool and silky just to spoil you!
5. Music. My parents brought a radio and always had classical music playing. I loved the atmosphere of our hospital room with music playing when we had each of our babies. iPods and players are so handy these days. Bring a radio, iPod & player, or anything else that passes your musical fancy.
6. Bring tape for hanging up pictures of loved ones and well-wishing cards.
Hi Susie~
Of course we're sticking with you. . .like white on rice, like a duck on a June bug, like mayonnaise on a Tuna sandwich, like sauce on ribs...I can only imagine how much this reassures you.
I'm so glad that you've connected with Dr. Wolf and Nurse Mazzini and their very competent team. I'm also glad that the next two events are scheduled so that you can plan around them. I'm on board for ANY help that is needed before or after September 21.
Everyone sends their best to you from Sactown. We love you lots and hope to see you soon.
~Cynthia
We will continue to pray for you as you go to the next step of you "cancer adventure". Praise God that you are in remission and that you can move forward to the stem cell transplant.
Sorry we missed a chance to meet you when we were in S. CA. It was fun to go to the beach and nice to get to meet Aunt Audrey. We enjoyed our time with Luke and Jessica.
Take care and know that you are in our prayers!
John, Neola and Boys
Aunt Sue,
I have literally been thinking about you and your family and the journey you have been going on EVERY day. I know i haven't been present for it, but i want you to know you're constantly in my thoughts. I've requested prayers from a lot of my close friends and co-workers out here and i hope its helping. You've always been a fighter and it's paying off and i'm glad you have such a strong support system at home. If I was there, I would be there for you. I will continue to send good thoughts and prayer requests and if there's anything i can do from here please let me know.
Love
Jacquie
Hi Susan. I have been memorizing Psalm 139 and have struggled with vs. 11 and 12. So thankful to God that I have because they mean more to me because I have had to keep them in front of me and say the words over and over. The truth of God's Word is so comoforting and I wanted to share:
If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me and the light about me be night, even darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day. For darkness is as light with you. Psalm 139:11-12
There are a lot of words but they all point to the truth that even in our darkest moments God is NEAR and He is our light. We need not fear.
May your days be blinded and your heart be quieted. You have blessed me.
Kathleen Scrivner
What a good report. My prayers continue for you and your family and friends. Love, Janice
Hi Susan..Just found your blog..I am a "Suzi"/ diagnosed at 53 in April, 04 and still kicking/getting it all done...Also had 2 auto stem cell xplants in 04 and 05...YOU CAN DO THIS.....YOU WILL GET THROUGH it...and you're right..while Myeloma is NOT (technically) curable, we are living WITH it, more and more of us... thanx to new meds and awareness of the disease..The LLS is a fabulous organization..You are in my thoughts and prayers...Suzi (suzi323@yahoo.com...if you would like to touch base...)
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