8th Anniversary! Doing well.

It was eight years ago this month that Doug was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. We knew it was not curable, but we did not know how long he had to live. I never dreamed he would be doing so good eight years later.
Some of those years had very rough times. Such as the life threatening complication with his heart during the recovery phase of the stem cell transplant. He was in ICU on a ventilator, and after his heart healed (thank you God) he was in rehab to re-learn how to walk. He came through that but it took a while. There were other difficult times but not as dramatic as that.

We both have gained from this myeloma journey; it has brought blessings as well as hard times. Our marriage is stronger, our faith in the Lord is steadfast now. God has brought us so many true friends who help us whenever we need anything. And we have a thankful attitude, taking nothing for granted.
 Quality of life is great despite Doug having glaucoma, diabetes and not so much stamina. So we are very thankful, especially for our myeloma oncology specialist in Denver.

We saw him in Denver three days ago. Dr. M is very pleased that Doug is doing so well. He says people can stay on Pomalyst for a long time without problems. So Doug will continue on this maintenance program. Doug will see Dr. M again in October.

Last week Doug woke in the night with painful "pins and needles" in the toes on his right foot. He has mild peripheral neuropathy but has numbness, not pins and needles. So that worried me, that somehow the neuropathy was getting worse. It happened one night and has not happened since. Whew!

Love and peace to all.

"I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength."  Psalm 138:1-3  NLT