Close to Christmas

Hi everyone. This is Stephi writing for myself today.

Sib is out in Hollywood celebrating and entertaining with her daughter(s), Phaedra and Ricki. Ricki was an international exchange from Sweden who stayed with Sib and Phae 25 years ago. (1982-83 ..I have have brain drain these days.) Any way, Ricki and her husband have 3 boys and they all decided to be together for Christmas. Phae is hosting the family in her apartment and Sib is roughing is out in a hotel.

This cancer is a tricky and devious one. The pain moves around to the 9 areas in my bones that seem to be most affected. The cancer cells grow is the bone marrow squeezing out the red and white blood cell and are therefore pushing against the bone and causing the deep jabbing pain. These cancerous plasma cells can also form tumors within the bone marrow and my doctor is trying to stay ahead of this stage. On Thursday I had a appointment with Dr. Slovick(hematologist and oncologist). The blood tests showed that the M-Protein was down some but not a great deal. He reminded me that it has only been three of the oral chemo and this small decline was a good thing. He did however tell me that this summer I would be going through the high dose chemo that would help me to save and grow my own stem cells. It will also completely wipe out my immune system in order to grow a new one. This is where the plans are vague. I want to go to the best place that does many, many bone marrow transplants and one that has been highly successful with this procedure. For me, this is really scary place because I know I will have to get much sicker to get better.

I try to stay positive and your notes, e-mails, blog comments, and phone calls truly help me. I won't say I never have a bad day but I try to kick those feelings. My friends here in K.C. help to keep me moving forward. I want all of you to know I am so thankful that I have each and every one of you. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I love you all.

Stephi