August 5 You are history!

On Monday, we were back in Seattle for a series of visits with doctors. Early on we went to the UW Hospital for a CT scan on my lungs. A few weeks ago there was concern that the image seen on my lungs was a pneumonia either caused by a bacterium or fungus. The image showed that the shadows were diminishing in size. Some of the medications I had been receiving were effectively knocking this infection back. This was good news. I then had a visit to an eye/nerve doctor who had performed some tests on my eyes. Apparently the amyloid protein has affected parts of my right face so I have mild neuropathy similar to Bells Palsy. The right eye lid will not close completely on a blink. It is uncertain if this will reverse itself or not. This is not so serious that I am unable to drive, which I am grateful for. Late in the day we saw the hematologist at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. He wanted to put me back on chemotherapy for the month. Starting this week, I will have four infusions over eleven days (Tuesdays and Fridays) and then a week off. I will then go through one more cycle before the month is over. The infusions are being given here in Wenatchee. Right now there are no scheduled doctor’s visits in Seattle for August. I have gained a little more independence with taking myself to the local doctors and drug store. At the drug store I wait in line to pick up my prescriptions behind guys who need some device (cane, walker, wooden stick) to help them with their balance. It is a little humiliating for me to join this crowd. But this is where I am and I am grateful for it.

Here is an update on my friend Greg. His heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic was a success. He is very tired post surgery, but he moving through recovery well. I remember post surgery; I was tired and wanted to be left alone. I will get bits and pieces of information from him to pass along for you who are concerned for him. Thanks for your prayers.

The other day, Rose told me, “You are History.” There are two ways to take this statement. Either she was so tired and disgusted of taking care of me that she was seriously going to trade me in for a healthier and younger model, or she wanted me to know my medical experience will help those who follow me in treatment of amyloid. While she will tell you she meant the second explanation, I am sure there are those days that the first explanation is what she feels. I would be in big trouble if I did not have her with me.