Hello, everyone. I am pleased to report that the 5th Cycle of my treatment during the month of April went off just fine. The dose of the experimental drug (Revlimid) was decreased and that helped keep my blood counts up and things moving along. As far as Amyloid "numbers" go, I am in a plateau and I will probably continue this treatment up through October or November. So by reducing the drug amount, it is lengthening the time of treatment. On the other hand, I was able to complete the entire cycle and felt pretty good all month.
I got to spend quite a bit of time with the kids, other friends and relatives, and Steve. We even went out one night to the Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham with my brother John and his wife, Laura. We saw Jim Kweskin who was one of my folk heros from the Cambridge scene in the 60's. (Does anyone else remember Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band??? Probably not! :) ) Didn't get home until 11:30pm which is VERY late for me these days!
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| Steve & I out celebrating- 42 years & counting! |
We celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary and had a very nice evening out for an early dinner at Sky Restaurant. This last year was definetly a test of the marriage vows (in sickness and in health) and Steve has passed with flying colors!
Easter Sunday was a perfect day! We went to church (I worshiped for the first time in months and months). Beautiful inspirational service and I had a wonderful surprise when Carrie, Paul and the girls came down from Melrose to join Sarah and Matt, and Brooke, Alan and Casey. We all squeezed into one pew and it was so heartening to look down and see my whole family in church with us. The other part of the surprise was the Easter Hats all my girls were wearing, plus lots of other women in the church. I am known for always wearing a big Easter "bonnet", so this was all done in my honor! Very emotional morning. Here are some of the fabulous ladies at United Church:
I just finished a five day "respite" with no experimental drugs and just started Cycle VI yesterday, May 2. So far, so good! So keep the prayers coming that this month continues in the same positive manner that April did!
xxxxxxx
Cilla
Fantastic report! Can't wait to see pictures of the Easter Parade :) LOve you, Carroll Anne
ReplyDeleteThis is great news Cilla. And Steve has done a fantastic job taking care of you. Hope things keep progressing and that you can make a trip to Salem soon. We miss you guys.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jackie and Steve
It's nice to hear you so upbeat and positive! I'm glad you're able to enjoy life through this tough trial. You and Steve are both very blessed to have each other. The 2 young ladies in the Easter picture are looking quite grown up!
ReplyDeleteKeep your chin up and your smile handy!
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." (Is 52:7)
Love, Laura
glad to hear things are going well for you cilla! we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!! hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeletelove, meg
I have AL amyloidosis and have been doing revlimid 5 mg/dex. Just stay positive and those kappa light chains will go down. I am just .6 off to get my kappa light chains to be in the normal range. God Bless
ReplyDelete