It was two years ago that we went to the hospital and we received the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. This past year has been a roller coaster ride. Here are some highlights:
Last September Chris was getting stronger after the bone marrow transplant and feeling good. However, by the end of October a pain developed in her back that radiated into her front and it became worse over time. She had a CT scan for kidney stones, x-rays for broken ribs, and finally in early December an MRI of her spine showed a lesion in one of her vertebra caused by the MM.
Radiation treatments were ordered and she had 15 'spot welding' sessions to attack the tumor. She ended her last session with a certificate of completion, some sparkling cider, and a ring of the bell. She finished just in time to head to Hawaii with the kids.
We flew to Hawaii the same day as we finished radiation and had a wonderful week of fun in the sun.
Chris developed a cough as the week went on and by Sunday, the day before we were to leave, it became much worse. By Monday morning it was a trip to
Maui Memorial Hospital's ER.
Her systolic blood pressure was down to about 60 with very low sodium levels in her blood showing dehydration. She was going into septic shock. They started immediately giving her fluids and placed a port into her in anticipation of giving her drugs to bring the blood pressure up. However, the fluids started working and brought her pressure back up. She was also diagnosed with influenza type A and was placed in quarantine. For a while it was touch and go but she is a FIGHTER!
By Thursday we were given the green light to return home. It was an answer to prayers.
Blood tests after returning home indicated that the MM had started to return and that additional RVD treatments were needed. Her body responded and her M-spike numbers dropped from 4.5 to 0.1. She is now on a maintenance dose of a Revlimid pill once per day. Hurray for modern drugs.
We are living each day at a time and enjoying God's creations.
 |
| Trip to St. George |
 |
| Early trip to the cabin |
 |
| Trip to San Diego Zoo and Safari Park |
 |
| At the Cabin with the Whole Family |
 |
| A Trip on Her Mule up Farmington Canyon |
More trips to the family cabin to enjoy God's wonderful creations!
And much, much more to come!
