Multiple Myeloma

Hi Everyone, I thought it was about time for some catching up. I've been home from the hospital for almost a month. I lost about 15 ils during my stay there. I have gained back about 5 of those lbs and seem to be staying about the same now. I'm bald, but my hair is starting to make an appearance on my head. I've wondered if my hair will grow back in blond or white.... Can't tell yet. I lost all of my body hair also, (except my eyebrows and eyelashes), it's not growing back an...ywhere except my head. Saves shaving time I'm still throwing up on a regular basis, which is daily and/or nightly. The world is a pretty lonely place when you're alone, throwing up at 3:00 am. There are the odd days that I don't get sick, ya, I love those days. So exhausted most days, I love to just lie on the couch, watch tv and nap. I do have more energetic days on occasion and am trying to get as much walking in as I can. My sister, Corri gave me a bunch of wigs when i first got sick, I'm having so much fun wearing them. I've walked right by people that know me, yet don't recognize me in my wig! Fun stuff. I must admit, as much as I hate being bald, it's great not having to wash/dry and style my hair every day. I cant ever tell you all how much I've appreciated the many meals that you all have made for me. So many days I wouldn't have bothered to make a meal, but theres always something to easily microwave. So many delicious meals, you guys are all amazing cooks, thankyou so much for so many amazing meals. A billion thanks to my "team" that supported me through "the crazy days" at the hospital. You guys were my rock, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou for helping get me through the dark days. So, thats about all thats going on with me at this time. I'm in between Dr's right now. Will be seeing my oncologist in August, see what the next steps entail. Until then I shall be getting lots of rest and helping my body to recover from the stem cell transplant.... One day at a time. Love to you all, Patti See more

Oh, "they just pull it out, they said, takes 5 minutes they said." What a load of crap I Say. This line was in my body for about a month...... It did not wish to leave. The Dr kept adding more local anesthetic and pulling. Then more anesthetic and more pulling. After an hour of this...... Excruciating pain and pressure......the Dr finally cut it out. Not a fun afternoon at all... Today it feels like I've been punched in my chest. Nevermind the nausea. Ahhhh cancer, you are a slippery jerk.

The joy of sleeping and then waking up in my own bed this morning..... Absolutely priceless!!!!!The joy of sleeping and then waking up in my own bed this morning..... Absolutely priceless!!!!!

Last time you're gonna see me in these designer slick yellow hospital pj's. Why, you ask??? Cause I escaped today, (with the aide of my nurses and Dr) I just couldn't be happier right now..... Like a very famous Dorothy once said, "There's no place like home, theres no place like home." I heartily agree

Good news today folks, as long as everything stays the same I'll be out of here.... vgh.... And heading home on Fri Woop Woop Woop

Been a while since I last updated. Was a rough go there for awhile but my mom has been SO much better these past few days. She’s still in the hospital as they’re trying to work out the best maintenance drugs to be on but as soon as they have that sorted she should be able to come home . Maybe this Friday!

Hi everyone...good news / bad news. Bad news, my mom has to be in the hospital for another 7-10 days . Good news is they’re taking her off of all other meds and trying her just on methadone. This should help with stomach issues, pain control, and keeping her clear headed. While doing this they need to monitor the transition hence the extended hospital stay. All of the nurses and doctors have been amazing so she’s in good hands. The food is crap but once she’s able to keep more down I’ll be bringing her all of the delicious meals you all made!

Morning everyone. Mom is still in hospital. Her numbers are recovering which is great! She’s having a lot of back pain and it’s all hands on deck to figure out the best cocktail of meds to get it under control while still keeping her lucid. She’s not getting much sleep in here so hoping to get her back to the apartment as soon as possible. Randi

UPDATE: sorry it’s been a few days. Mom’s numbers dropped drastically and we couldn’t get the nausea under control and she had a fever. She ended up being admitted to the hospital on Thursday and has been there since. They’ve done a number of tests and thankfully it doesn’t look like there’s an infection, a main concern when numbers are so low. She had a transfusion and her temperature is close to normal. Numbers are increasing and she’s stomaching a tiny bit of food. She’s staying in the hospital for now but we hope to spring her out soon. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts! -Randi

Hey Everyone, another not so great day. My mom has been admitted to the hospital. Before she was just going in in the morning for fluids and to check her numbers and then back to her apartment for the rest of day. Her numbers are down and her nausea is bad. She's in the best spot she can be and they're working on getting her numbers up and her nausea down. Will keep everyone updated! -Randi

Some days are just bleh, today was one of them. Very weak and no energy, sleeping on and off, nausea, burning throat... Not unbearable, just not good. Tomorrow it’s back to the hospital to get numbers checked, will keep you all posted

Just some stem cell transplant humour

Numbers are way down today. This was to be expected though and the doctors are monitoring closely. Very prone to infection for the next 7 days so being as careful as possible.