The last few months have brought a change in health, and attitude. Thankfully we have a new administration coming into the White House in only a few weeks. The first African American president is holding the hopes of so many in his hands. We want so much for him to be a different kind of man, of politician. What huge responsibility sits on his shoulders. Our world is in such trouble and we need help badly. He needs to be our hero -- I think that he can be both a man and our hero.
I am on a more aggressive treatment now, which is what a lot of patients are doing now for Amyloidosis. It is a combination of Dexamethsone (every 4 weeks, for 4 days) and Melphalan (every 8 weeks with the dex). I have had a nice reduction in the free light chains in the blood (13.00 to 5.34 lambda, normal is 0.57-2.63). My NT-ProBNP has gone down from 3900 to 2360 (normal is 0-125). That is all really good news. I need to talk with the oncologist about what seems to be a plateau in the last couple of blood draws and the lambda free light chains. I wonder about being a little more aggressive in treatment if I don't see more normal readings. Of course with that comes more side effects, some of which are even worse on hearts.
Garden update: We ate some amazing spinach from the garden (planted in September), saved through the cold with frost blankets. The spinach was so sweet... even here in January. I was shocked at the taste of fresh spinach. It is so tasty, and must loose it's flavor rapidly because it taste nothing like store-bought. I am also planning to start seeds inside toward the end of the month - mostly so flowers at this time.
I've discovered another "complementary therapy" that I recommend for anyone going through a difficult time. I am working with an old friend of mine who is a personal coach. She has her certificate from a coaching school. Sometimes you hear these folks called executive coaches, but certainly I am not an executive. I'm finding it so helpful! Once a week we talk on the phone and she helps me sort out my thoughts and feelings so easily and in such a short time. It is so helpful to have scheduled time to do this! It gives me a week to reflect and take notice about my progress, resistance, or changing perspective. I recommend coaching with someone who has gone through the training. It is been hugely helpful to me so far.
Thats all for now. I am on day 2 of the Dex and Melphlan and it causes fatigue to hit you suddenly. At least it does for me. It's like the dex gives you a lift but then the fatigue takes over.
Best wishes for a joyful, healthy, and love filled year to all who pass by here!
