Getting Some Shut-Eye

Maybe it's the cool rainy weather that's helping Clancy sleep these days.  Whatever it is he's starting to get longer periods of sleep (2-3 hours) and nearly 7 hours total for a night!  He still has many dreams, but they don't wake him up like they had been.  One dream in particular stands out.  Todd Morigeau (a classmate of Clancy's) is having a party at his parents house.  All his classmates are there acting like they are teenagers, but looking like they do now.  Todd is serving potent potables and cooked oatmeal in shot glasses.  Of course, his mom comes home and is mad.  Not that he's having a party, but that he dirtied so many shot glasses.  The brain is an amazing thing.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Take a moment to reflect and smile about those you've known who have passed on. 

Building Back Up - Round 3

It's time for Clancy to build up his strength and stamina again.  He had to do that after the first stem cell transplant in November and the second stem cell transplant in February.  The recently completed chemo didn't involve another stem cell transplant, but the impact on his body was significant.  He's been home for one week, working light duty and trying to take it easy.  The last time he slept through the night was April 28, the night before he started the chemo.  He's gettting more sleep now, but is still awake for several hours every night.  The lack of sleep inhibits the recovery and hopefully will disappear soon.

A fellow myeloma patient and friend of Clancy's passed away this week.  Not only had Beverly been fighting multiple myeloma, but she had also contracted MS in the past year.  Beverly had a stem cell transplant four years ago and her cancer returned late last summer.  The sadness of her case is heightened as her husband passed away in December.  Clancy fondly remembers her energetic voice and encouraging manner.

Enjoy the warmer spring weather and may the next post bring stories of physical improvement and sound sleeping.

Transition Time

The time has come to officially transition to the remission maintenance phase!  Clancy will wrap up in Salt Lake this week and get a whole month of no chemo of any sort!  In June, he will begin the maintenance program where he'll receive two injections a week everyother week and take a pill daily.  The side effects will still be present, but lessened.

Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings and this feels like one.

Improving

Clancy is feeling much better.  It's likely a combination of purging chemo drugs from his system, going back on the steroid that also serves as a stimulant and him being sick of being sick.  As expected, the chemo drugs made his white blood cell count drop.  He will need to be careful the next few days and stay away from raw food, herds/flocks of animals and confined spaces with children or adults who may be sick.  That sounds pretty darn doable.  Once the white count rebounds he will be released.

He's hoping to be headed home by May 12.

Saturated with Chemo

Much like a saturated sponge or paintbrush never seems to rinse cleanly, Clancy is again working the chemo drugs from his system.  They are leaving, but they have left quite a mark.  The 24-hour pump was disconnected Monday.  Tuesday was a day of miserable physical symptoms and sleep.  He's hoping for a gradual return of strength as the week progresses.  He has grown weary of waiting to feel better, but will never overlook the gratitude he has for the fine treatment options and the overwhelming support of friends.