Greatest Gifts

     This week on Tuesday we were surprised when instead of a friend from work and her kids, a large group of people showed up in the cold fog singing carols.   Not only was it my friend and her kids, but several other managers, members of their families and my old manager and friend Holly and her husband.

     This time of year is crazy at work, and I know I feel like it's a never ending and exhausting battle to keep ahead of all of the boxes of shipment all while helping customers find meaningful gifts for their loved ones.  Having them take the time out of their very busy lives to bring some Christmas spirit was the highlight of our week.

      After they finished singing, they then proceeded to come up and shower us with some very thoughtful gifts, and embrace me in many hugs to let me know how much they cared.  As one friend said their hope was to shine a light on the love everyone has for us instead of what's happening to us.  They very much succeeded and we both felt very loved and uplifted.  I'm so grateful for Edie who organized it all and to those who came (or were there in spirit but unable to make it).   She said it started so simple and quickly grew.   I'm so blessed to work for a company with so many amazing people. 
   
     With chemo on Wednesday they asked at the last minute for us to come up to the main Huntsman.   The neuropathy in his feet has been making it increasingly difficult to walk and the constant tingly feeling also makes it hard to sleep.  They wanted to check on it and are concerned.  It is a possible side effect of the Bortezomib (Velcade) shot and they decided to skip the dose this week.   This is the last week of the current cycle, so depending on blood tests next week they may change his dosing.  It could also be a sign of lesions in his bones which is a common problem with myeloma.   The x-rays they did in October gave them a small glimpse, but they really want to get a CT or MRI.   His kidney's can't handle the contrast plus his wide shoulders and trach has make getting the needed imaging difficult.

      Good news however from his blood work this week is that his creatinine levels are down to 2.18, almost a full point from last weeks 3.13 and the lowest they've been since they originally caught his kidney failure in October.  Normal range is .7 to 1.25 and at his peak it was 11.23.

      We are very hopeful that his kidney's are recovering and an end to dialysis is on the horizon.  With all that he's battling, having one medical challenge respond to treatment and improve is a priceless treasure. 

     With so little time until Christmas, and a lot on our plates next week, I wanted to make sure to express my appreciation to each of you.  I couldn't have survived this difficult year with out the friendship, support and encouragement of so many around me.  Thank-you sincerely for surrounding me in the trying times and lifting me up when the days are difficult. 

      May this Christmas you all enjoy a beautiful holiday and make many priceless memories.  Give those in your life an extra hug, and love deeply.