We're back from St. Louis and the Siteman Cancer Center, it was a fast turnaround. First, a couple of things I forgot to mention in earlier posts. The results from Mayo of the soft tissue at L-3 and L-4 came back, and it seems it's the same as C-4 & 5 after all. So only one kind of cancer to worry about. Also, I'd been taking Ambien to help me sleep, but it totally messed with my moods and emotions, so I quit that and started taking an over the counter sleep aid. My mood changed back almost immediately, my emotions are in check again and I'm still sleeping pretty well, so I'll stick with that as long as I can.

Okay, Siteman. I got 5 vials of blood drawn around 7:30 a.m., then met with Dr. Vij around 8:15. He reviewed my history, previous test results, etc. and has come to the same conclusion as Dr. Hart: that I have multiple myeloma. He definitely knows his multiple myeloma and we ended up wishing we would've recorded everything he said, there was just so much information. After meeting with Dr. Vij I had another bone marrow biopsy and they drew another 5 vials of blood. They wanted to use some of the biopsy for research along with a skin sample, so after the biopsy was complete they "punched" a sample of skin around the incision site. I was totally sedated so I don't remember any of it. Probably a good thing!

We're supposed to get results of the blood work and biopsy no later than June 2nd, then meet with Dr.Hart on the 4th to review everything and presumably decide on a treatment plan and schedule. I'm assuming I'll start chemo very soon after that. The whole treatment plan for multiple myeloma is pretty extensive, and it sounds like I'm going to have an interesting summer.

Wednesday morning I have x-rays and an appointment with the neurosurgeon. I get another break from doctors for about a week after that!