I’ve had several Emory visits lately, mostly related to the study, but today began the “maintenance phase.”
This past Monday, I underwent a procedure, similar to the stem cell collection process, but to remove Dendritic cells this time. These dendritic cells will be used, along with marrow taken months ago, to create the vaccine. The biggest difference was 2 sharp needles in my arms and keeping my arms still for 4 hours. I keep telling myself it’s worth it…. I was very thankful Kelly was there to scratch all the itches. It’s amazing how you just take care of them without thinking until you can’t.
While there, we found out we had to return Tuesday for labs to make sure I was ok after Monday’s procedure and Wednesday for research tubes. We’d not been told about either but luckily were able to combine them both on Tuesday. Tuesday then turned into a longer than expected wait on lab results, but eventually got out of Emory. I will say things usually run smoothly there. Oh, labs were great!
Today, I thought was my 100 day check, but turns out it was scheduled for next week and today was just a research check. Next week was put off till the next research check, in September, so no long trips to Emory for awhile. The good news today is they now think I’ve got only appx. 2-3% of myeloma left. It might not even be that much…. If I can just get my bones repaired, I’ll be even better. My back really aches, but I know it’ll get 100% someday. If not for the over 2 hour wait for meds, today would have been even better, but at least I started my maintenance meds.
The medicine prescribed today is what I took during the induction phase (Jan – Apr). I handled it well then and this dose is about 1/2 of that one, so I expect it to go well as well. My hair is coming back in (still grey and in the same places), I’m working, began teaching 5th grade boys at church and gained all my weight back (not as happy with this one). I’m blessed though and a lot better than the end of 2016, so I’m good!
Cancer 10-109D 