I hadn’t realized it’d been so long since I posted anything, and I’ve been “scolded” more than once that I hadn’t updated my blog. There’s obviously been a lot going on since my post of the 15th. My dad’s visitation and funeral were Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th. Both were very well attended and we received several comments about the services. I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion how great the folks I work with are. My family was absolutely amazed at how many Bank people showed up at the visitation and funeral, and how many cards and donations were received. Again, these are very special people that I’m very fond of.

I started radiation treatment Monday the 21st for the spot in my lower back. The “myeloma deposit” is away from the spine, on the sacrum, with tissue growth in and around the bone. This guy’s been pretty determined. He’s been growing since at least April, and continued to grow throughout the chemo therapy. In case you’re wondering, no I haven’t named him; I don’t want to give him that much respect, but he is tough! They’re not being as careful with the dosage of radiation as they were when it was located directly on my spine. I’m getting roughly twice the dosage this time as I received the first time; but only 10 scheduled treatments and no steroids. Dr. Wall thought I’d start receiving relief from the pain by the end of the first week, and I think I can feel some difference. I’ve been really tired since I started treatments, so I don’t know if it’s directly related to the radiation; the fact that life’s been a little hectic the last several weeks; or a combination. Regardless, I still have a good attitude and had some folks laughing a bit at work explaining some of the “equipment” I acquired while in St. Louis.

This weekend I’ll try to give a little more info on the St. Louis trip, include some pictures of the aforementioned equipment and the process of collecting my stem cells. In the meantime, as always, no worries. If you don’t hear from me, I’m just busy, tired, or both; never down, it will never get me down!