The Journey Continues

The Journey Continues

We may not know what is around the corner but we know that we will have a great ride.

We got wonderful news from our visit with the BMT doctor this week. He assured us that the BMT was successful even though there is still a small M-Spike measurement. Studies show that those go through BMT have a longer time before recurrence of M-Spike advancement.

Ten years ago treatments to extend life were not available for Multiple Myeloma. Today, there are wonderful maintenance drugs that help keep it in check for longer periods of time. Also, there may be other developments in the future that will do even more.

The VRD treatment received greatly reduced the bad proteins from the time of first diagnosis and may play a role in maintenance going forward.

Below are the M-Spike measurements:

September 2013 - Diagnosis

VRD Treatment

January 2014 - Before BMT

BMT

June 2014 - 100 Days After BMT

We will be keeping a positive attitude throughout the journey.

All Aboard!

All Aboard!

Chris enjoyed our trip to Durango Colorado to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.

The journey continues as we came home to go in for her 100 day follow up tests. We went in and she had pulmonary tests, full body x-rays, and blood work. We will find out results next week in consultation with the doctor. However, looking at some of them online is very encouraging. 

Here are some more pics of our wonderful vacation:

Alta in April

We took what was to be a short ride to the bank to deposit some checks but it turned into a longer ride. Here's how the conversation went after leaving the bank:

Me: Do you want to take Wasatch Blvd to go home?

Chris: Sure

Chris: Oh look ... there is the road that goes to Alta

Me: Do you want to go up the canyon for a little bit?

Chris: Sure

We ended up at the top of the canyon.

A Selfie with the Wifie

Nice Outfit!

Hot Chocolate and a Cookie is a Must!

Counts on the Rise

A visit to the BMT clinic today. Chris's grades look like they are good enough to graduate. She may even be named valedictorian! 

Back in the Saddle

Back in the Saddle

If only for a short ride around the block

She even got back behind the wheel after over 5 months of not driving. We went for a trial trip around the neighborhood to test out her skills. She did AWESOME! 

We went out for lunch to our favorite Chinese restaurant, Joy Luck, and her fortune cookie was PERFECT!

HOME!

HOME!

Released for Good Behavior

They released Chris from the hospital yesterday and we were home by 6 pm. There is not too much more to add other than we are all very grateful to have her back home.

Daily blog posts will end but we will add to posts as important or interesting details come about.

Day Plus 12

Neutrophils Take Off

Rocket Neutrophil

Yesterday they said Chris may be able to come home on Sunday or Monday depending on how she is eating and how she reacts to reductions in antibiotics that she has been getting. More to come ...

Look Pa ... no bags or lines!

The physician assistant that came in and talked with us said he has never seen someone Chris's age do so well with the transplant and get to go home so soon.

He also said we can even go for a walk outside ... have to check  with nurse fist.