fresh air and haze

This morning our Singapore received showers of blessings, the early morning rain cleared our sky from the haze which came from the forest fires in Indonesia. It's really shocking that the Indonesian minister's response to our complaint of haze with the PSI reading at over 100, that we should be appreciative of the many months of no forest fires and their provision of good oxygen. Our Malaysia neighbour was not happy too, they are much closer to Indonesia.

The air was really fresh and clean, breezy too. Lots of people were out at the East Coast, school children riding bikes, there was a group out picking up litter on the beach.

We cycled almost 10km. Last week because of the haze we were homebound and yet my throat was scratchy with little phlegm build-up and started a 3-day course of antibiotic - that stopped it from becoming full blown!

We should be just as thankful for the greenery along the roads and the many parks, a concerted effort on the part of our government, especially due to our Minister Mentor LKY's green policy of planting trees. These are the trees that provide us with the oxygen and possibly filter those hazy particles from the forest fires.

Quasimodo

I really feel like Quasimodo on the week ends. My body cramped and twisted; face puffy, eyes bulging and blurry; and extremities numb. I feel terribly bloated. My ears deafen and I raise my voice because I cannot hear myself. What an awful state... post dexa. (Every now and then I have to ramble on about dexa...it helps for me to speak out... )

But comes Monday, there is always some improvement. Incredibly, I was able to go to the clinic for my monthly bloodtest by myself. Paul had a whole day meeting. I insisted that I can manage. I am glad I did. It is my first. I also went for the bone density test. It is a good feeling to be able to do something by myself. I should try every now and then, to take steps of "independence", of course always exercising care in whatever I do.

I just read the testimony of a mm-er who actively participates in marathons and ironman races. A week after his 17 year-old son died in a car crash, he was diagnosed with mm. What a challenging and trying time, yet together with his wife, he managed to go through the various treatment cycles and reached a reasonable state of response. We are all different and we need to know our capacities, but we can learn to stretch our possibilities and live our lives as normally as we can.

Here is the link to his story. It is an inspiration.

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2010/10/iron_will_midland_man_battling.html

the "original" porridge man

Amazing, this story I must tell.
Some weeks ago, our lawyer friend remarked that there are many good eating places (there I go again, eating, eating, eating... blame it on steroids!) along Keong Saik Road, that is where his office is located. And at the end of the road, there is a good porridge stall.
Last week, early one morning I woke up up dreaming of frog porridge. I was told by a mds patient that double-steamed frog with tiny cucumbers provides energy and it worked for him whenever he needed to recover from a cycle of treatment.
Now where to get frog porridge in the morning? I searched the web and yes, there are places in Chinatown and Geylang but most of them are opened for the evening. Anyway, we headed to Chinatown but the coffee shop was closed, what a disappointment. But Paul remembered his friend said there was a good porridge stall at the end of Keong Saik. Thankfully, it was a porridge stall for morning patrons like us and it was not too crowded like Ah Chiang at Tiong Bahru.
And even more wonderful, it also has frog porridge. After the meal, we talked to the cook and amazingly, he remembered Paul as an old patron from almost 20 years ago when he was running his porridge stall at Chin Chiew Street! This man was working alongside his father at that time and now he has taken over the business. Wow, Paul must have an unforgettable face and so recognizable! But it was good to have found him again in this way. We remembered frequenting the porridge stall at Chin Chiew Street where every bowl was carefully cooked over the charcoal fire. To us, he is our "original" porridge man.

tennis again

We made it for another round of tennis this morning, by GOD's grace - my source of physical strength and energy. I am very thankful to be able to return to some active routine. Let's hope it will continue and help me with my fitness. Since I am eating "so much" because steroid (dexa) increases appetite, I have to think of ways to expend the calories. Walking around the neighbourhood, cycling two or three times a week and Tai Chi on Saturdays. That is quite a lot of physical activities! I have received quite a lot of comments about having put on weight....I know because my clothing size has increased!

happy lunch ladies

It was lovely to gather again for lunch at Sun and Moon at Wheelock. The last we met, same place was 6 months ago (15th March) and within a 24 hour notice by SMS, all could make it. Sometimes I think my friends try their "best-est" to be available for me. I, on the other hand cannot plan too far out. We had a lovely time of cheerful fellowship as can be seen in this photo (see 15th March's photo). Thank GOD for friends!

an accidental tourist

Yesterday it was raining early and we waited till 10am to load up the bikes and made to East Coast. The sky was still overcast with a slight drizzle. By the time we got there, it was clear but cloudy, cool and breezy, just wonderful to do a leisurely ride of over 10km. 
We parked at the Lagoon end and headed to Fort exit. There we met a German tourist on a bike who has been visiting Singapore every year for 17 years. All brown and tan, he had wanted bright sunshine, though just came in a week ago from Bali. He'll be biking to Changi Airport and estimates 3 hours.
He speaks fondly of all the changes he sees each time he visits and this year he's been up the Marina Bay Sands, totally impressed! He has photos of the changing skylines from past years and the new look. It's amazing how a tiny country like Singapore metamorphosized. But actually the best of Singapore is not just in all the newness and advancement and economic success,  he prefers going back to the original - he finds it in Kusu Island. Oh yeah... the first day into Singapore, he takes a boat ride to the island and spend the day there taking in all the old rustic, kampung style living, quiet tranquil, no rush, clean and clear freshness in the air. He's flying back to Germany tomorrow. Maxing out this last day with his bike to Changi Point. An amazing and unconventional tourist! A delightful encounter for us.     

eating an elephant

A fellow mm-er, Sean wrote this in the Myeloma Beacon website, and I quote this para - it's really speaks true emotion in a funny way.

"As lay people, learning about and living with mm is daunting and confusing. I look at it like eating an elephant - one bite at a time. Especially for a sometimes dullard like me! And sometimes I really get tired of elephant...."

Yes, I agree elephant meat must be tough and horrid, just like myeloma! And we face a big-size enemy, which can easily stomp us to injury or death...
Many correspondents to the mm listserv and the beacon, provide much encouragement to keep each other stay afloat in their myeloma journeys.
For many of us, some with CR complete response, PR partial response, some even after autologous SCT stem cell transplant, the myeloma inevitably returns and we have to get back on treatment again. Looking at it positively, doctors are seeing it as a chronic disease but painful and traumatic because of possible concomitant bone problems, kidney/organ complication or clots.

So I like the way this gentleman describes the way he deals with myeloma. We must have a good sense of humour when faced with a deadly "pestilence" and let's give cheer to the community, we desperately need to lift one another up. 

I do feel frustrated many times because I seemed to be going on and on with treatment after treatment if not for mm, it's for mds. I have a double whammy. But then again on a positive note, I am a 3 and half year survivor and going on stronger, by the grace of our Almighty God, who upholds me with His righteous right hand! 
  

3:57am

I am with my trusty companion, the iPhone at 3:57am. Oh well, it's one of those nights when I'll be wakeful and I try to keep less active though the mind is quite alert. I could lie in bed with my iPhone and navigate the web, connect with the mm listerv, check my mail, prepare my "to do" list, write my blog - truly it has been a faithful companion, keeps me occupied in the quiet of the night without disturbing Paul (rather than packing and clearing up the store....yes dexa makes one do crazy things in the middle of the night!) 
Whenever, I can also look at some photos recently taken, even short video clips, mostly of Thadd. These surely will cheer me up.
My iPhone has overtaken the laptop, it practically almost replace it! Such a pleasant gadget. Never thought I could be such a bigtime user, it used to be that a mobile phone is just a phone. With this, I take more photos, videos, check for traffic, locate directions etc. Remarkable!

Saturdays, my "off" day

I noticed that for the last 2 months, Saturdays, and Sundays too, have become my "off" days. The weekly dexa dose for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday really give me the "high" until Friday and first thing Saturday, I will wake up all "zonk" - the head is dense, the eyes can't focus and ears deaf; my body cramps up and feels twisted. Awful feeling! My mouth is constantly dry despite drinking plenty of water. The fingers and toes are numb and sandy. My mood crappy! Social interaction is best kept minimal. 
By Monday, there is slight improvement and when I restart the weekly dexa dose, I will re-enegise again. What a roller-coaster!
As long as I know what is going on, I can cope. Hopefully no other more serious complications, I have read enough to know it can be worse. So I am very thankful to be getting by reasonably well. Still enjoy eating, and this crazy fixation with cleaning and clearing. I will be hitting the storeroom and wardrobe next.   
(At 20mg for three days a week, I felt super-charged. At 16mg for three days a week, still energized but more subdued.)
 
        

GOD's tender mercies Isaiah 41:10

Last Tuesday, we were studying chapters 40 and 41 of Isaiah and the key points of learning were:

• When GOD had Isaiah to prophesy the captivity and deportation of Israel for 70 years, He also included His word to comfort the people. This prophecy was written 100 years before the event took place. It was to prepare them and teach them ahead of time what will happen and how to respond. This same message is given to us also; to strengthen us and prepare us to deal and cope with actual difficult situations in our lives.
• Isaiah gave the assurances that GOD remembers His covenantal relationship with His people, they are His, despite the punishment, GOD does not severe ties with His people. The time of discipline is not punitive, it is corrective. 
• Their hard services is completed after 70 years. It will end. It is only for a period. 
• Their sin has been paid for.
• The punishment is ample.
• The transience of man as contrasted with the permanence of GOD's word, the omnipotent and omniscience GOD; man's life is like the grass, frail, temporary and changeable, yet it has its moment of glory, sporadic and brief. 
• GOD is the tender Shepherd, cradling the lamb, nurses, tends and empowers us to go through the most difficult times, gently under girding and sensitive to our pain and discomfort. He comes with rewards, so immense.
• A series of rhetoric questions to illustrate the greatness of GOD and to stretch our mind. Who GOD is. How incomparably great!
• GOD is personal. He deals with us individually. We need to look to GOD eagerly, if not confidently. He will give us strength to soar above the troubles, to keep going, to stand up and to bear up under the stress. 
• GOD's people need not fear, He is ready to rescue and uphold us with HIs righteous right hand. He will lead us, He will turn weakness to strength. Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• He will make the desert into a garden. Isaiah 41:18 "I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."

I recalled and testified my personal encounter with this verse from Isaiah 41:10 on 13th October 2007. This had been written in my journal, a record of GOD's faithfulness, His grace and His tender mercies toward me. During my early days into this illness, I was rather sickly and I received much comfort through the word of GOD sent to me in so  many ways - sms, emails, cards etc.  On 13th Oct I received news that m-band went up and was rather distressed, this was also written in my blog - Bad News. 

I remembered this verse of not to fear and that GOD will uphold me but I could recall where it was from and I asked Paul. He said it is in Isaiah but he did not tell me the reference. Through the morning, I tried hard to look for verse by flipping the Bible (of course I could easily have gone to Biblegateway to check but some reason I didn't). Later in the evening, it was our regular daily practice for Paul to read the day's devotion and reading from Our Daily Bread. Amazingly, the portion of reading for the day of 13th October 2007 was on Isaiah 41/42. When Paul came to the part on 41:10, instantaneously I said this was the verse I had wanted since the morning. I was and still am just truly astounded by how the word of GOD came just at the right time to minister to me and to assure me that GOD's word is real, it is alive, it is personal to me. My GOD tenderly knows my need, gently under girding my fear and distress and affirms His grace to strengthen and uphold me with His righteous right hand. He will give me strength to soar above my troubles. I am just filled with so much gratitude as I experienced GOD's grace in such a personal way. How to describe the joy, that selah moment!
To GOD be the glory, such are the great things He has done in my life!

Bloodtest results 2007 -2010

This is an overview of the bloodtest and bone marrow aspirate results since diagnosis May 2007 with brief description of treatment with targetted drugs, no harvest of stem cells nor SCT done. (sorry, a bit technical for non-mm readers, but helpful for mm-ers).

	2007	2008	2009	2010	21/9/10
	L - H	L – H	L – H	L - H	cycle 1
M-band g/L	3.4 – 20.7	4 – 10.4	4 – 9	7.5 – 14	6.2
IgG	10.4 – 37.8	9.1 – 15.4	9.5 – 16.6	13.1 – 18	11.1
(6.5 – 16)
B2M	1040– 2961	1276-2679	1254-1634	1241-1682	1628
607-2454
Albumin	29 – 46	37 – 45	39 -42	40 -52	37
(37 – 51)
WBC	1.8 – 8.9	2.8 – 5.4	2.3 – 6.2	2.7 – 7.4	4.6
(4 – 11)
ANC Neutr	1.0 – 8.0	1.4 – 4.3	1.1 – 3.4	1.2 – 5.0	2.9
K/uL
RBC	3.1 – 5.5	4.2 – 4.8	3.8 – 4.6	4.2 – 4.8	4.5
(3.8 – 5.4)
HGB	9.5 – 16.1	12.7 – 14.4	11.9 – 13.8	12.9 – 14.3	13.3
(11.5 -16)
PLT	57 – 614	183 – 466	125 – 512	166 – 399	166
140 – 460
Plasma cell	44%	4%	3-5%	4-6%
Cellularity	80%	60-80%	60-80%	40%
Red cells		20%*	20%*	normal
Myeloid	normal	~10%*	~10%*	<5%*
Platelets	normal	~50%*	~10%*	~10%*
BMD-hip	T -0.1	T -0.5	T -0.1
BMD-lumbar	T -0.5	T -0.6	T -0.0

L - lowest for the year

H- highest for the year

* dysplastic cells

First M-band 20.7 was taken after 3 weeks of treatment therefore pre-treatment reading was not available, it could be in region of 31 or 32g/L, deduced from IgG which is a composition of good and bad monoclonal proteins.

Commenced induction treatment for MM with Dexa, Thalidomid/Revlimid, Zometa, Velcade.

Vertebroplasty to T6 and T9 Jun 2007.

Mild wedge compression fractures on T6, T7, T9, T11, mild disc degeneration C6/7, hyperintensity at C2 and T11.

Radiotherapy to spinal and cervical columns Dec 2007.

Re-commenced treatment for MM with Velcade 6 cycles Aug 2008.

Commenced treatment for MDS with Vidaza 5-Azacytidine 5 cycles May 2009.

Re-commenced treatment for MM with Revlimid, Dexa, Zometa Sep 2010.

Diagnosis Apr 2008 - MM not in remission, likely VGPR, very good partial response. Myelodysplastic Syndrome MDS - IPSS Stage Intermediate-1.

Diagnosis Apr 2009 - MM at VGPR, MDS - IPSS Intermediate-1 del(7), there is obvious interval improvement, however there is significant plasma cell aggregates.

Diagnosis Apr 2010 - MM at VGPR, MDS - Unclassified, there is significant interval improvement, clearance of plasma cell aggregates, no del(7).

Bone Mineral Density showed improvement over 2007 and 2008.

Changi Ferry Point 10.8km

Yesterday, we went all the way to Changi Ferry Point, parked at Ferry Point Road carpark and cycled through the beautiful tree-lined Coconut Grove - where there are more tall coniferous Firs rather than coconut trees. We went past the SAF Ferry Terminal where all our young men transit to Pulau Tekong for military training. Across the road on the left we cycled past the Airline and Cargo Complex but that stretch was busy with vehicles and more exhaust pollution. The cycle path was in quite close proximity to the main road. Towards the end, it was quieter at the Changi Point with a few bumboats taking visitors to Ubin Island. We stopped at Changi foodcourt to refuel with some nasi lemak and mee pok. Paul still find the nasi lemak at Binjai Park, the best, in his opinion. Re-energised we cycled the return, making a total of 10.8km, again a reasonably good performance for me!

Back to tennis

Truly it is by GOD's grace and enabling that I was able to go to the court for tennis with Trixie. I am very thankful. And if I can resume it on a weekly basis, it will be wonderful! Our Lord is the Giver of life and if He grants me extra days, praise Him. Each day that we receive, we can be thankful and rejoice in it.

We started out with just half an hour and that was enough. We spent the next half an hour remembering some kiddie songs in Scriptures. Trix was saying something about "complaining" and not having a complaining attitude. I shared and sang for her our Kindergarten Sunday School song that goes - "Do everything without complaining, do everything without arguing, so that you might become blameless and pure, children of GOD" Philippians 2:14,15
Then I couldn't resist singing another one - "Be joyful always, pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is GOD's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonian 5:16,17,18
After that, it led on with more Scripture-based tunes from Trix. What a delightful way to spend the rest of the morning!

visit to Stantley

A couple of us drove up to KL to look at venues for next year church camp. Paul and I stayed one night at PutraJaya and drove into KL city and stayed another night at Hotel Maya, a boutique hotel with award for its architectural design. On Saturday night we called Stantley, we heard he had relocated from Tokyo with his family. On the phone he told us that his boxes and crates of furniture had just arrived and he was unpacking. We asked to drop by, if possible, and then we learned his new home is at PutraJaya. So we decided to visit on our drive back to Singapore, as it would be along the way down south. We called the rest to let them know our plans and they also came along. It was good to catch with Stantley and Jasmine, the three children were at S's brother's home, so that S & J could be free to do the unpacking without interruption from the children. We would have loved to see them, they would have grown much. For those of you who know S & J, we must continue to uplift them in prayers as they settle and set up a new home, that they may find a suitable church community to be a part of, be warmly welcomed and for the children to settle into the schools and make new friends.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain;

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."

Psalm 127:1

A masterpiece

What is masterpiece! A work of art! This is the handiwork of Paul. It does not only look good but it tasted fabulous! For someone who doesn't know how to fry an egg a week ago, this is quite an achievement. He can now flip a decent mushroom/tomato omelette.
A simple steamed tomato in dashi. He made everything from scratch, including the dashi stock - boiling the kelp with bonito flakes.

I am looking forward to more exciting creations! I know he has already told many friends of this new activity. There is a long waiting list of "to be invited" friends.
Be patient, my friends.

Let's reflect on GOD's word.
"Then I realised that it is good for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labour under the sun during the few days of life GOD has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when GOD gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of GOD. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because GOD keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

M-band down

After one cycle, Revlimid and Dexa, M spike went down from 10.6 to 6.2g/L. This is really very good news and we thank the Lord. I will continue with the same regiment with a small decrease of Dexa to 16mg for 3 days in a week for 3 weeks in the next cycle starting Monday. Infusion of Zometa at 3 monthly interval. 
I will continue to be vigilant and stay clear from crowds, so that I don't pick up an infection and interrupt the cycle. 
I am thankful that I can function normally and am not too tired.  



 

mid-Autumn festival

Our grandkid, Thadd with his best friend Ally, at their first mid-Autumn festival, each carrying a lantern. They seemed to be growing up so fast!

The other picture was taken of a tree-carrying lanterns at the East Coast cycle path. We did 10.2km this morning, receiving a good dose of Vit. D from the sun! Vit D is needed for healthy bones.

Rickshaw noodle

After sending Tutik to the airport, it was still too early to head to Gleneagles for blood test. We had time to walk at East Coast. We took the Fort exit and walked briskly in the cool morning air for about 3 km and worked up a sweat.
We needed breakfast and didn't want to be caught in the morning peak jam so we headed out to the city. We decided to try Maxwell Market Food court and was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of food. We ventured through the aisles and glanced at the food some people were eating and one clue for good food is to look at stalls with a queue. Stall 87 had a number of people waiting. We went closer for a look - quite unusual, we have never tried this before - Rickshaw noodle. There were two large pots, one with meesua and another yellow noodle. The noodles were stewing in hot soup with bits of mushroom and chicken. We ordered both to try and at a unbelievable price of 70 cents a small bowl. It came piping hot. It was delicious! What an authentic experience. I think its name, rickshaw noodle, alludes to it being a staple meal of the poor rickshaw pullers of the early years - possibly it was a meal concocted from leftovers stewed in a big pot and ladled out in bowls from which the rickshaw pullers would slurped up as they sit on wooden benches in the back alleys of Chinatown.

tutik to Solo

Early this morning we took Tutik to the airport. She has diligently served our household for over 8 years and we are sad that she had to leave. But it is timely for this young woman to start a new phase in her life. She is going back to get married. She has matured and learned many skills. She is confident, intelligent and communicates well. We wish her God's blessings for a good future and for her to remain steadfast in her Christian faith.

songwriter Daniel

Finally after 3 years, we met Daniel the writer of this song Carry You, which is appended to this blog. He wrote and dedicated this song to me and a young man who also has cancer. We met Daniel at the wedding of G&A, he is the church-mate of Adele. Amazingly, he is also the son of ex-BKC members from Sunday School time!
After talking to Daniel, I sensed a quiet and gentle young man, who has thoughtfully decided to spend time with OM to work in the book ministry of MV Duolos/Logos. Both his parents also spent their early years in service with MV Logos. He speaks of this little struggle to not conform with what other young people are doing with their lives, busy with establishing a career, earning a livilihood or even getting married. It takes some boldness and courage to walk a different path and be willing to devote one or two years to "give and serve". It is very heartwarming to see a young man desiring to give the best years of his life in service. May our LORD guide his inner compass and direct his steps.

Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do your will, for you are my GOD; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

cleaning frenzy

It must be the dexa, after three weeks of dexa, I have been supercharged into a cleaning frenzy. We have gone through the kitchen and living room, lots of things have been junked. Old files, the kids's school notes, university books, old toys etc all were cleared!
This is definitely a big POSITIVE effect from dexa... it really gave me so much energy! Practically every room in the house has been cleared up. I feel very happy and satisfied.

Look at the number of posts I made this September, my mind is superspiked by the dexa!

Written by Sandy

This was written by Sandy, a fellow blogger some 2 months ago and it has been kept in my folder because it is meaningful and thoughtful and I felt I must share it with my friends and readers.

"And it brought home to me, in yet another way, that we are interconnected. That each smile, each touch, each effort made on behalf of another does have value.
So if you are reading this and you know someone who is facing a difficult time, perhaps you will be led to offer up some of your time to do something to ease their challenge. Not because someday you might be facing your own mountain, but because today is all we have... and what we give is our presentness... our being... and letting another living man or woman or child know that they have been seen or heard."

I like the part on "interconnectedness" -there is no distance in this world wide web - we are quite like nextdoor neighbours in this vast cyberspace.
She talks about giving our "presentness" and today is all we have to touch the lives of people in need.
This attitude of giving, loving, reaching out, sharing through the written word or a photo of a scenery from another side of the world that I would not have experience or can enjoy. A little story or encounter that gives cheer and lift one's spirit. This desire to ease the pain and suffering of another is a praiseworthy trait.

Let us help each other to live every day a little happier. Today is all we have.
Thanks, Sandy.

A right time, An affirmation

On Sunday, I was asked if I could spend some time to talk someone who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer stage four with metastasis in the brain. To share on how to cope physically, mentally and spiritually. How did I cope with the physical onslaught of radiotherapy, chemo drugs etc.
Monday night, I sat down to list my thoughts- Physical, Mental and Spiritual. When I got to the last part on spiritual, I remembered I wrote in my blog, some 6 months ago, on the webarticle from John Piper - "Don't waste your cancer" The article helped me and I wondered if it would be helpful for this person. What is good for me, may not be good for him, is it the right time to share this. I prayed and asked the Lord.
On Tuesday afternoon, Paul and I have confirmed to visit at 3pm.
In the morning, I went for my weekly Bible Study. After the study, we had fellowship lunch, one of the ladies came to stand next to me. She turned to me and say, "Some time ago I read your blog entry on - Don't waste your cancer- I made a copy of it for my friend.", we talked briefly.....
Wow, quietly, I was stunned. Just at the right time, this is an affirmation, an answer to my prayer to share or not. I am just totally astounded how God works silently in my life and in such astonishing ways. I am truly humbled to know that my God is interested in every little thing that I do, to share this or that, to speak what words. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my life, my journey. I am willing to tell my story of God's faithfulness and goodness to me. I will speak of the peace and hope and joy.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.

Treatment cycle update

For the two weeks since I resumed the treatment cycle, I am taking it well. I am not as tired and have energy for exercises and eating well (but of course when one is on steroids). I am able to go out for all regular activities and really feel my old self! Drive sometimes on my own. When my friends see me get out from the driver side, they never fail to break out in big smiles! 

The present combo is Revlimid 15mg 21days and Dexa 20mg/3days a week ( rather high dose ) Zometa monthly, maybe once in 2 mths. 
I will be going for blood test and review on 22 Sep. 
Hope and pray that this combo will bring down the m spike 10.6g/L to lower level.
I probably need to get eye checkup, it's 6 months now. When I don't go for regular review, my eye doc gets very upset because she knows the problems steroids can cause - cataract and glaucoma. 

 

proud Grandpas

This photo of Paul and David carrying their grandchildren - Thaddaeus and Allyson - both grandpas are good friends and both babies are good friends too! Here the babies are about 15 months, they are now 18 months and are very active - walking, climbing, running. Both love to join in the singing at the kindergarten sunday school - not really singing the whole songs but able to vocalise some of the words in My GOD is so BIG, Read your Bible, Pray everyday...

They are bringers of joy and laughter to their grandparents!

I knitted these two dolls - one for Thadd and one for Ally. Looks like the dolls are also best of friends!