Bubbles

     As it seems, the world is on the verge of, hopefully, emerging from the pandemic, and we've been talking a lot about what this means for us.   We both were, finally, able to get vaccinated in April.  Chris didn't have any negative side effects, and I only had a sore arm for a few days.   Being able to get the vaccine gave us peace of mind and a little bit of courage to expand our bubble.   The week of my birthday I was able to see and visit with several friends and family who have I haven't seen in a long time.  It was nice, and made for a very memorable birthday.   With delicious food, sunshine and good conversation it was a bit easier to forget the pandemic and troubles of the world and just have a wonderful time.   

      However, the following week when talking with his oncologist he encouraged us to continue to be very cautious.  With a cancer of the immune system, the immune system is out of kilter and it's unknown how myeloma patients will respond to the vaccine.  There are studies being done, of which they invited Chris to participate and he agreed without hesitation.  The said they won't likely know for another year how effective it is or how long it lasts.   At chemo they drew labs to check his response.  The results came back and we were unsure how to understand them.  So we called for an explanation.  In simple terms, we learned there are two ways your body fights infection.    T-cells and B-cells.   They only have the ability to test the response of B cells.  Chris showed no anti-bodies, which means as far as the B cells, it didn't work for him.   The fact he didn't have any reactions was a bad sign.    It's possible that his "T' cells could fight it, but there's no way to know.   Ugg....  

     What does that mean?   Well for us, probably not too much.   When we were talking about things going back to normal we realized is actually not that much different than pre-Covid.   It's still important to not be around any who is or could potentially be sick (Covid or otherwise), socially distance and wash/sanitize often.   Avoiding large crowds, choosing fast food or curbside options instead of eating at a restaurant.  One blessing from the pandemic is far more places offer these convenient options.  it's important for us to be aware of the vaccination status of those who we do interact with, because those who are fully vaccinated are safer to be around. 

      On a positive note, Chris has been feeling better than he has in years.   The reduction of Revlimid and Dex from has chemo has been a blessing.   He has finally been able to shed some of the fluid that he's struggled with from the kidney damage and has lost quite a bit of weight.   We also have finally been able to solve an issue that has been stumping us since the fall.   His blood sugar levels have been really high, and we've been trying to work with his primary care doctor for a solution.   The week before we finally had an appointment with the endocrinologist we finally realized the issue.   His thyroid medication was recalled in the fall and we were told likely wouldn't be back on the market for a couple years.   He had been allergic to the other versions we had tried and since we hadn't really noticed a difference being on it, we let it slide.  Wrong move.   As part of the endocrine system it helps regular blood sugar.   His doctor confirmed that likely was the case and now that he's taking another version things are finally stabilizing.   Such a complicated mess of medications!   

     This week was chemo week.   You would think as long as we would be doing it, it would be routine but Chris still gets nervous.  One comforting thing is that the nurses there have become like family and it's always great to catch up with them.   This week he had a new nurse, who although experienced with ports was so nervous that she missed both times.   Ouch!   As well we also found that two of our favorite nurses are no longer there.   Charlotte, who was one of the first friendly faces we remember from South Jordan has moved onto a new department, and we didn't even get to say goodbye.  Keen has decided to retire, and at least we were able to snag a picture with her.   We are sure we will get to know the new nurses, but it does feel a bit bitter-sweet.

 As well, this week was myeloma labs.  It's always a worry to see them pop in.   This weeks results are concerning.    His lamda light chains are flagged as high, the first time since early 2018.   We have a meeting scheduled with Dr Sborov next week.  After which we will know for sure but we think that it's very likely that the break from so much chemo is probably over.   Sad day!   He very likely needs to add back in Revlimid and Dex to fight along side Dara.   Wish it didn't come with so many side effects, but grateful it works.

     I've often thought about how to finish this phrase.   "Cancer is..."   Often the first words that pops into my head is lonely.   However, as we face the upcoming week filled with appointments, we  also look back on the past few months and some of the people who have blessed us with kind words and love.   The cards, messages and phone calls are a great reminder that while we may be in a bubble, we are not alone.   There are more, but here's a few highlights.