Sunday, April 8, 2012

Before our journey ends.......

Exactly 18 months ago yesterday our lives were forever changed; when we began this journey. Like most, we knew that  Bob had just been given a diagnosis of cancer, but we knew nothing about this incurable though treatable, and often even called chronic, disease. How quickly we began to learn!

We learned early on, that everything on the Internet isn't the gospel and shouldn't be trusted. We found great Myeloma websites, and blogs, with information and support from other Myeloma "victims" and caregivers.  We've been surrounded by wonderful friends, caring family, and above all ... great doctors.  Finally, we learned that sometimes there are comments, and people, that we just have to ignore.

It has often been a stressful year and one-half filled with everything from the initial diagnosis to pain and infections, both of  which are not uncommon for Myeloma patients. During this leg of our journey, we've had quite a few hospital visits. Again, not uncommon for Myeloma patients. I was even beginning to think we might get a "frequent visitor" card! Other than being on a first name basis with a great group of nurses, there are no added benefits.

Bob's back pain has begun to be almost constant, even with pain meds. On Wednesday, Dr. S. will perform another RFD (Radio Frequency Dennervation) which will hopefully bring much needed relief; as it did in February, 2011.

There are days when my honey doesn't feel good, but on many of those days he makes an effort to go to his shop. Hearing the sounds of the sander, planer, saws, or even the "elevator music"that plays on the television in his shop allows me (and maybe both of us) to forget, just for a minute, that he has cancer. The cancer that invaded his body hasn't taken away his ability to design and build beautiful furniture......it just takes longer.

Cancer, regardless of the type, can be debilitating, painful, stressful, and emotionally draining on everyone involved.  Amazingly enough it also provides time........time to focus on the really important things in one's life. Time to realize that nothing should be taken for granted. Time to realize that each day is a blessing. Time for each other.

The next part of our unplanned journey begins as this beautiful Easter Sunday ends.  We can only hope and pray, that somewhere along the way, a cure will be found............before our journey ends.

14 comments:

  1. Hope the treatment helps! So good that he is still able to do what he loves doing, even if it is at a different slower pace.

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    1. Tracey: Thanks......are you an MM "victim" or a caregiver?

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  3. I've been thinking about you Sarah! I hope your honey contiunues to do well, even at a slower pace.. Tanner, too, has been having back pains so we are waiting on an MRI to be scheduled to check things out. Maybe both of our "boys" can find some relief. Love from Texas!

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    1. Angie: I'm anxious to know the results of Tanner's MRI. The RFD helped....Bob's pain has been greatly reduced.

      Hugs.....and hope to see you next month while we're in your area!!

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  4. Here's to two great things in life - no pain and doing something you love!! :D

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    1. Amen!! I'm not sure the "no pain" is going to happen...but the "doing something you love" is a possibility!!

      Hugs from across the pond!!

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  5. Roo: The RFD did help!! He's able to walk "standing up straight" (still a little pain - but not as much). His shop, and his creativity is what keeps him going.

    Hugs...

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  6. I am a 34 breast cancer patient (stage 3) and found your blog through one of my blog readers. My mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma almost 12 years ago and at that time was told she had, at best, 5 years to live. After many round of harsh chemo, a stem cell transplant that did not work, and some clinical trials, she still has the cancer, but is doing WONDERFUL. She has her bad days, don't misunderstand, but God is working a miracle in her. After reading almost your entire blog in one sitting, I see that God is working one for your husband as well. I will be in prayer for your family from here on out.

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  7. Kelly: Bless your heart - I am so sorry that you, and your mom, are both having to deal with cancer.

    Thank you for your prayers....and you, two, will be in mine.

    Thanks for reading!!

    Hugs.....

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  8. Hi Sarah. My husband David has also been diagnosed with MM. Oct of 2010. He has had 5 compression fractures and 5 inches in height. He had a sct in April of 2011. We can so relate to your blog entries. Each journey is unique. It just doesn't seem fair for them at all, but your right it has brought blessings to each of our lives. I just want to thank you for all your entries. There are times when I am reading our story. The ups and downs. The good days and the not so good days. Putting to words just how the caregiver feels. I am 56 and David is 60. We haven't even had the oportunity to retire yet. Matter of fact, I lost my job this week, after 38 yrs they have decided to send my job overseas. And the journey continues. We just never know where the next twist comes. I pray for both of you. I HATE CANCER. My cousin's husband will be going to be with the Lord soon - due to cancer. Thank you for your words. Terri Bayne in Lincoln Nebraska.

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    1. Terri: Just saw your comment...and I'm so sorry, amid everything else, that you've lost your job.

      You are so right in that every patient is different. And I, too, HATE CANCER. Just wasn't how we thought our "end of life" would be.

      Hugs...

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  9. hello sarah, just checking in on you and your honey and letting you know i am thinking of you both. i hope the break from your blog means you are enjoying days with less pain and more serenity. the recent loss of both sean and paula have reminded me that it's good to reach out to others with whom we share both struggles and triumphs with life in myelomaville. as a cg to hugh, and now, a breast cancer patient myself, i find my connection (i am only a commenter, not a blogger) with those who express thoughts and feelings that resonate, inform, comfort, and inspire is such a gift. so please know i keep you both close to my heart with gratitude and admiration for what you have shared during your journey. hugs, karen sutherland

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    1. Karen: I think I've just been "in a dark hole"!!

      Bob never feels good, in spite of being in CR, and he's in pain (takes his meds, but does lots of sitting down).

      Thanks for checking in on us. I've crawled back out of my hole, and will be back blogging. Too many words, in my head, that have to get out!

      Hugs to you and Hugh.

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