REMISSION!!!

Jim is in total remission. The doctor says that he can't fix him anymore. His bloodwork is amazing. He feels great, he has energy, he is feisty. We appreciate each and every person that helped us during this long process. God bless you all.

Jim's Journey - Day 49 post transplant April 18

Met with the new cancer doctor at St. Mary's today. Dr. James Cunningham. He seems very nice and knowledgeable. Jim's numbers continue to rise. Jim asks about mowing the lawn and Dr. Cunningham gives us a more detailed explanation of why Jim cannot do yard work. Jim seems more satisified and reserved to the idea. (Yeah)

His legs are felling much better today and he is more active than ever (a good idea?) He likes to be busy, busy, busy - getting his old self back. His customers and friends are glad to see him back.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 48 post transplant April 17

Guy, Jim's newest hire stops by this morning to give Jim a full deep tissue message. Jim says it feels both good and extremely painful at the same time. Guy is amazed at the amount of stress on Jim's muscles. Instead of the original 1/2 appointment, Guy actually worked on Jim's legs for an hour plus. He cautions Jim to stay off his feet for several hours today so the work he did gets a chance to relax and revitalize the muscles. Jim naps off and on until about 3:30pm. He states that his legs feel amazing. Off to work on the lawn mower with Norm.

About 7:00 Jim hobbles in, extremely worn out. He has been working on the lawn mower since 4:00, without a break, and has overdone it a little. Norm stays for dinner and we have a good conversation. Jim is very relaxed and animated. It is nice to see he is feeling very good.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 42 post transplant April 11

We have a follow-up with Dr. Bronstein today. Jim's weight is good, his numbers are good. He feels good, except for his legs, which are very painful. He has decided to not use the pain medications that have been prescribed to him. He will continue on the Neurontin for the next week or so, then determine if it is worth continuing.

Dr. Bronstein questions Jim's return to work. He gets agitated when I "nag" him about washing his hands, using sunscreen, wearing gloves, etc. but he is very forgetful right now.

We go out to dinner at La Ramada across the street. It is very awkward. Jim requests his food cooked very well, fresh made guacamole, questions how long the salsa has been made (doesn't eat any). We tell the waitress about his illness and hope everything is hot enough when it gets to the table.

After dinner, we decide it is not worth the risk of going out again. We don't want to subject Jim to any unnecessary food problems.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 39 post transplant April 8

What a wonderful feeling waking up in our own bed. Jim slept very well and so did I. It is amazing how comfortable our own bed feels after sleeping in a motel for 6 weeks.

Jim is working already! He promises to be careful, but I am apprehensive. He just can't say no.

Casey's birthday today and we have been invited to Gloria's for shortcake. I don't think we should go, but Jim really wants to.

Jim just can't keep away from others. He shakes everyone's hand, and gives a few hugs. This is what I am afraid of, his inability to follow the plan. The shortcake is very good. Strawberries and Blackberries over homemade shortcakes. Casey is 16 this year.

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 38 post transplant April 7

Jim is up with the rain! 6:00 am and he is ready to leave. Not me, I am sore and aching and tired. Have breakfast to fix, dishes to wash, and a few things to pack.

On the road at 10:15am. Jim and I are in separate vehicles and will drive at our own pace. We will keep in contact with the cell phone. Jim is very excited to be going home!

Uneventful trip, good to be home!

Deb

Jim's Journey - Day 37 post transplant April 6

Labs, clinics, line pull today and we get to go home! Jim is stoked. He is so ready to leave the rain and overcast skies of Seattle for warmer, brighter days in Walla Walla. He feels great!

The doctor says Jim's numbers look good. He will need to continue to have follow-ups for the next year. He will have weekly follow-ups for the next month, then they should taper off to once a month. They will re-stage his myeloma at 60 days to determine how well he responded to his treatment. There is no cure for myeloma, but Jim should be able to maintain for many years.

We start packing. It is hard to believe the amount of paper, piles of it, we have received from the SCCA; bloodwork, instructions, pamphlets, books on myeloma, books on cancer in general, what to eat, what not to eat, etc. We also had to purchase pots, pans, dishes and silverware. I can't believe we have amassed so much stuff in the last 6 weeks! Thank goodness we have two vehicles to move it all in.

Jim says goodbye to the night manager, Jay. He has been a big help to us while we have been here. Always has a smile, is very jovial, and quick to lend a hand when needed. Jay says he will miss our dog.

Exhausted, time for bed.