Denver specialist

Tuesday we went to Denver for a scheduled appointment with Dr. Matous, Doug's myeloma specialist.
He told us about new treatments in the pipeline. Before they are approved, new drugs don't get a name, they get a number. M-3258 is a drug in early trial now. Dr. M treated the first two humans in the trial! He was excited about that.

He has talked on the phone with our local oncologist, Dr. Arrambide. They have traded cell phone numbers so they can get in touch easily. Dr. M says because Dr. A is willing to take direction from him, we won't need to go to Denver so often. Dr. A will see Doug every month and keep Dr. M posted. That is great for us! Having the two docs on the same page will be wonderful. We will make the Denver trip every 4 months for now.

Doug weighed 155 pounds, not bad.
Dr. M emphasized to Doug how important exercise is. Studies have shown that patients who get regular exercise do better than those who don't.

Doug has a small lump on his head. Dr. M says it doesn't feel like a plasmacytoma to him, probably just a cyst. We will keep checking on it and if it grows, will get it biopsied.

I had to drive the last leg home in the dark. Not my strong suite! We prayed for safe travel and got home safely. Tuesday the roads were dry. Good travel weather. Much to be thankful for! Now we are getting snow.

Here is part of a devotional, Jesus Calling:
"A thankful attitude opens windows of heaven. Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity. Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me. A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations. I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present and well-proved help in trouble."

We hope you all enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving!