Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

A Change in Plans

Sunday February 12, 2012

My last post was dated  January 31. 
I’m always a little behind,
actually
make it often a week behind, 
since I have to write the blog, add pictures etc.  
Don’t know how folks manage to do theirs the very next day
but try as I might, it doesn’t seem to happen.  
However, because of what has been going on here,
I’m skipping ahead for now to bring this not
so pleasant news.  I’ll be back to what else we’ve
been doing in the first 11 days of February after this post.


As some of you are aware,
David had been contacted by his doctor in Charlottesville
about some routine blood work he had done
before we left in December.  
The doctor saw some out of line numbers
and asked David to contact a hematologist,
which we did while we were at Hillsborough River.


Dr. Wright of Florida Cancer Specialists did some more tests
and based on those results determined
David should have a bone biopsy.
By that time we had left Hillsborough River
and moved on to Oscar Scherer State Park.
We drove back to Tampa, an hour and a half, to have that done.  


When our time at Oscar Scherer ran out,
rather than go on to the Everglades as planned,
which would be too far away should we need
to go back to Dr. Wright,
we returned to Tampa to await those results.
They came in  and the diagnosis was multiple myeloma with a 75% involvement. 
We are quite shocked as David has no symptoms. 


More tests.  This time chromosomal.  More waiting.


While waiting in the Tampa area, we kayaked, biked, ran,
spent time with good friends and awaited results
of a more intricate cytogenetic technique
for looking at chromosomes
known as a FISH test.
This indicates how aggressive this cancer is.


That test came back Tuesday and shows his
myeloma to be aggressive.
As a result,  he will have a longer
course of treatment to hopefully get into remission.
If he reacts well to the drug cocktail and
they can get him into remission, he will need a
bone marrow transplant from his own cells.
If not, he will need a transplant donor.


Treatment aimed at remission begins tomorrow.
This includes an IV of Velcade, and two pills,
Revlimid and Dexamethasone.  The
schedule of pills and doctor’s visits is
quite involved so I won’t bother you with it.
But it will take potentially 6 months
depending on how he reacts to these drugs.


Where to stay in this area that is as
inexpensive as possible has just moved
up on the ever lengthening list of things
to be dealt with.

We are trying to go on with our life as usual since as of now,
he does not feel badly in any way.
The only sign of illness is continuing weight loss.


But needless to say we are reeling from this totally unexpected shock
and dealing with its multiple medical appointments and crippling costs.
At this point, we have no idea what this will mean
for our future and full timing in the long run.


I’ve kept blogging through this
progression of bad news  which has been
controlling our minds for weeks.
But I haven’t mentioned it until we knew the full scope of the illness.


I intend to keep this blog as best I can.
I want a record of what we are doing and have done together.
Most especially the fun parts.
But this is our new reality, part of our life now.
However sad it may be for us both,
this too is part of our story.

33 comments:

  1. Oh Sherry and David. I a so sorry to hear this news. I am sure you both must be extremely upset.

    I have always been amazed at how much energy you two have and I have also noted the healthy meals you cook. It made me feel a little guilty :) What a shock to have something like this when you seem to take such good care of yourselves.

    There are a lot of places in the Tampa area that you can stay relatively inexpensively. Let me know what area you need to be in and maybe I can give you some suggestions. I would think you'd want to be as close to the doctors as possible.

    Saying a big prayer for you both!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so sorry to hear the results of the tests. I know how difficult to hear it is. I have been on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis and the mind numbing things that it brings about.

    We will be praying for that he responds to the treatments with great results.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ah, Sherry, i am so very sorry for this news, you guys are so vital and full of life and adventure!!!
    I pray remission comes fast and lasts long!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sherry and David --- so sorry to hear the medical news. Such shocking and difficult news ... and all the more unexpected because David wasn't feeling poorly. You are in our thoughts. May the treatment prove successful and remission be not far behind.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I am still enjoying my seeming good health (for one more day)and I am looking forward to returning to it at the end of the "poison tunnel" I am about to enter. See you down the road ...

    ReplyDelete
  6. We will be praying for you both...Two good people with a hell of a rough road to follow for now...All of us are behind you and send our love and best wishes for a successful treatment, David. We are glad that Sherry is going to be still posting, we really want to know how things are going, and if we can be anywhere near to help, we will ask you if you need some! Love and prayers, Jeannie and Eldy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my, what a shock! My best wishes to you both. Let us know should you need a donor. There are many of us out here willing to lend our support where it is needed. You will be in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can't even explain the overwhelming sadness we both feel that you two are having to deal with this shocking diagnosis. How could this happen to someone that leads such a healthy lifestyle? Please know that we're holding you both close in loving thought and prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  9. We're sending you healing thoughts, energy and prayers for speedy and long-lasting remission. Take good care.

    ReplyDelete
  10. We both are so saddened by this news. It's amazing how cancer can hit the healthiest of people. Know that our prayers are with both of you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say except that the reason I love reading your blog is because the two of you are so full of life and have such a great spirit about you......the way I want to be. Your positive energy will go a long way.
    Will keep you both in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  12. We are sorry you have to go through all of this. It just shouldn't be that way, but please know that you both are in our thoughts and hearts. We will be down sometime in March and will see you while we are there. In the meantime, let us know if we can do anything.

    Love and Hugs.........

    ReplyDelete
  13. So sorry to hear about David's diagnosis. Life can sure be unkind sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a shock. I am sorry to hear about this that you are having to deal with. We are sending you our thoughts and prayers.

    Just BS!(Bob and Sue)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sherry and David - You are in our thoughts and prayers. Virtual hugs to both of you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sherry and David - I came across your blog and have really enjoy reading it. I live in the Tampa Bay area and we were camping at Hillsborough River State park the weekend you guys where there. When you posted your blog about Hillsborough River only then did I realize it was you. Sorry to hear about your medical issues and although you don't know me my thoughts and prayers are with you. If I could be of any help at all please let me know. I have lived in this area all my life and if you need any advice for parks or location I would be happy to help out.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dang it! Phil and I will be thinking of you two and sending good thoughts your way. Good luck next week, and know that you are in the hearts and minds of many...

    ReplyDelete
  18. Look at all of the love and support for you two in these comments!! You know how we feel about ya too. If there is anything that we can do, please don't hesitate to call. Hugs to you both...
    Syl and Gin

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sherry and David, As many, I know you only through reading your blog, but I wish you the best. Seems like they got it early (before symptoms) and will treat it aggressively, and hopefully you'll be back out on the road when treatment is over.

    My little 7 year old granddaughter has been receiving chemo for Leukemia. There have been rough patches, but they are hoping in another month or so to have her on maintenance.

    They have come so far with treatment. Hang in there and keep us posted as you can.

    You will receive healing thoughts from many who know you through your wonderful blog.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sherry and Dave - such shocking news is never easy. We have a good friend (very young - in his 30's) who recently got this diagnosis, too. There are no words that haven't already been expressed by so many others, showing how well loved you both are. We will keep you in our prayers, and would be honored to be able to help you in any way... stay tough, and get through this miserable diagnosis.
    We are all behind you, cheering you on! *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have no words. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Send me a note if you need anything at all, we are only an hour away from Tampa.
    (((HUGS)))

    ReplyDelete
  22. Always shocking to get news of that caliber... my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemo and radiation, it takes strength for BOTH of you to get through this... it will be nearly as difficult for you during treatments as it will be for him... as you know we are here for your needs and support... always seek out the light at the end of the tunnel through these times...

    ReplyDelete
  23. We are stunned and saddened by this news. Hang in there David. Sherry, you are a strong lady and David will need your strength to get through these next few months. You'll be in our thoughts daily.

    ReplyDelete
  24. We are so sorry to hear this news. You and David are in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am touched by all the comments on this blog. As a daughter who is so close to this and as shocked as everyone else, there really are no words. I am just thankful that there is hope and that Dad has you with him. So much love.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh Sherry, we are so sorry to hear this. I sure hope that the treatment will work and put David into remission. We have some other close RVing friends that are in Spain right now and are also having to deal with similar circumstances. I like that you are keeping a positive mind and trying to conitue on with life as you know it. Keeping positive thoughts goes a long way. Wishing you and David the best.

    Kevin and Ruth
    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Such shocking news, but keep positive and good luck with your treatments.

    ReplyDelete
  28. We found you via Karen and Al's blog whom we follow regularly. So very sorry to hear this news..you will be in our thoughts and prayers as we follow along on this journey with you. Wishing you positive thoughts during your treatments.

    ReplyDelete
  29. We are humbled and touched by the out pouring of love and support from the folks we know who often comment on the blog and those of you whom we didn't even know were out there.

    It is just so heart warming to know that all over people are pulling for him and keeping him in their thoughts and prayers.

    You guys are simply THE BEST! Our gratitude in knowing you are with us in this knows no bounds!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I just came upon your blog and am so sorry to hear about David's diagnosis. Even the most positive individual can be brought to their knees with this type of diagnosis. My husband received a cancer diagnosis 4 years ago and was also stunned as he had no symptoms. I agree with others' comments, staying positive goes a long way to expand the quality and quantity of our lives. You will both be in our thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This makes me really f___ing mad, which is unhelpful, at best.

    Hugs to you both.

    Roxanne
    The Good Luck Duck

    ReplyDelete
  32. We are so shocked and so sorry to learn of this. We always hear about it happening to "other" people - not expecting it would be one of our loved ones. Carol and I will keep you in our daily prayers. Thankyou for this blog
    Roger and Carol

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dont even know where to start... as you said earlier... still reeling from the news. I love the well-written blog...all the adventures you two have. I am hopeful ....and prayerful.... that David's overall good health will help him through this trememdous battle. I know this will be the challenge of a lifetime... and so many of us are pulling for both of you. Thank you for sharing this as a blog. Every day since we have learned of the diagnosis you both have been in our thoughts and prayers. We are at your bidding to help in any way we can.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are the best part of this blog for me.
I LOVE hearing from you!