I was supposed to be starting "mobilization" for my stem cell transplant this week. Unfortunately, yesterday (Tuesday), they informed me that this could not proceed. Apparently, even though most of my numbers were very good, there were a couple that indicated that my cancer was still too active. This indicates that while the protocol I was on was working, it was not working quite well enough. They did not seem to think that a few more cycles of this protocol would make any difference.
In other words, my cancer is responding to the treatment, but it is not going into remission as hoped. The good news is that there does not seem to have been much if any deterioration of my bones since the last bone scan in January and, as I said above, most of my numbers look very good.
So - it appears that the next thing to try is a "clinical trial". We are currently looking at three different ones and we'll probably select one of these next week.
There is also a good chance that we will also try the kyphoplasty to "buck up" my spine and hopefully get rid of some relatively minor discomfort in my back. We had considered doing this back in March, but did not want to get in the way of the chemo or radiation therapy I was getting. This summer might be a better time for this.
Meanwhile, I continue to feel pretty good. While there are a few days when I am very tired, there are other days when I have a lot of energy and get quite a bit done.
Last weekend, we went to Barbara's 50th high school reunion. Barbara and a real blast and it was fun for me as well. I was amazed at how young and active everyone looked. Then I realized that we are used to the people at Fox Hill Village where the average age is about 15 years older. Of course Barbara's classmates looked young by comparison.
In other words, my cancer is responding to the treatment, but it is not going into remission as hoped. The good news is that there does not seem to have been much if any deterioration of my bones since the last bone scan in January and, as I said above, most of my numbers look very good.
So - it appears that the next thing to try is a "clinical trial". We are currently looking at three different ones and we'll probably select one of these next week.
There is also a good chance that we will also try the kyphoplasty to "buck up" my spine and hopefully get rid of some relatively minor discomfort in my back. We had considered doing this back in March, but did not want to get in the way of the chemo or radiation therapy I was getting. This summer might be a better time for this.
Meanwhile, I continue to feel pretty good. While there are a few days when I am very tired, there are other days when I have a lot of energy and get quite a bit done.
Last weekend, we went to Barbara's 50th high school reunion. Barbara and a real blast and it was fun for me as well. I was amazed at how young and active everyone looked. Then I realized that we are used to the people at Fox Hill Village where the average age is about 15 years older. Of course Barbara's classmates looked young by comparison.
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