New Bone Lesions - Relapse # 2

We got a phone call today from the myeloma specialist's nurse navigator. The PET scan shows increased activity, which means there are new bone lesions. This is pretty much what we suspected, so its no shock. But it is Doug's second relapse.
Doug is to stay on Revlimid for now, but there will be a drug therapy change the next time we see the specialist. We have been prepared for that. Doug has an appointment for August 20.

Doug's rib pain is much less now. He feels pretty good and has been doing a lot around the house, like cleaning out the garage and pressure washing the deck in preparation for staining it. I think he is trying to get as much done as he can, since he may not feel like it when the new side effects hit. He has also been volunteering on our church's building maintenance committee.

It took two weeks to get the PET scan results; we were not surprised as we know there is usually a communication problem between two different hospital systems. The scan was done at our local clinic. Results were delayed in getting to the specialist. We think we know where the problem lies, but it was worth it to avoid another trip into Denver to get the scan done there. The radiologists in Denver review and compare the new scan to the older one, so we are not dependent on the local radiologist's expertise (or lack of).

There has been a development on the nephrology front. The clinic in Fairplay abruptly closed with no advance warning to the physician, staff or patients. One day they were in business, the next day computers and furniture were being moved out. The physician, who was Doug's nephrologist, did not even get access to her patient records. In our opinion, the clinic owners, who own a chain of clinics, acted in a horribly unprofessional manner. The physician put a notice in the Fairplay newspaper, stating that she would like to continue providing care to her patients but has no way to handle insurance, no building, and cannot open a private practice due to her own health concerns. She did give a phone number to contact the clinic owners to obtain our records. We have done so.
We have a lead on a nephrologist who is to start practicing locally; we hope that works out. If we like him it would be nice to avoid the big city.
Fortunately Doug's kidney disease has been stable so he doesn't need a nephrologist immediately.

My ankle is healing nicely from the torn ligament. Having the cast off is a huge relief! I am going to physical therapy and strengthening the ankle and starting to get flexibility back. I am gradually able to resume my activities.

We are living in the moment, enjoying our friends and family and our two little dogs. We know that whatever is ahead, we are held in God's hands.

Love to all.

I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them and honor them. Psalm 91:14-15