Little Rock's visit was pretty uneventful. We left here around 11, saw the doctor, left there at 5 and made it back to see American Idol in our jammies. Not too bad!

We didn't feel rushed with Dr. Barlogie and got our questions answered. At least the ones that he could answer. Our unanswered questions are reserved for the Lord. I know His ways are best. If we could see the future and get all our "what ifs" out of the way we wouldn't trust Him, we would run ahead in pride, or we wouldn't get out of the bed! So... we trust Him for each step of the way.
Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Frank's PET scan, bone marrow and blood work and kidneys showed no signs of active myeloma. The MRI of the spine showed lesions that appeared new to the doctor reading it, but he was comparing it to an October 2007 MRI. We read the chart before the doctor comes in, so this had us very scared.

But Dr. Barlogie read it over carefully, called the MRI doctor reading the scan, and called in another doctor to our room and we talked it over with all of them. Dr. B is dismissing the thought that these lesions are new as of May.

Frank's spine hadn't been scanned since Oct. During the relapse after the first of the year, only his shoulders and hips had an MRI. Those lesions could have been there since the relapse and just not seen until now. He says there is not way to measure it with nothing more current. So, in light of the other tests, he's saying things are fine.

Frank's blood work was still on the sluggish side. He was officially neutrapenic with his white count 1.5. Hematocrit was 25 and platelets 49. So, instead of starting the second "heavy" treatment, he wants Frank to take "light" chemo here for a month. The Velcade, Thalidomide, Dex combo. Then return on June 23rd for testing and plans to start the Mel, VTD-PACE treatment.

Sorry for all the details if they overwhelm you. I include them for many reasons. We have fellow Myeloma patients that read this. Sharing the specifics of treatment plans are important in the myeloma family. I also want those that like the detail, my nurse friends and esp our out of town family to be able to have the specifics. It also serves as a journal for us. We've gone back and read archives and remembered parts of his treatments we'd forgotten about. It's amazing that his 5 1/2 year journey is all right here. Anyway...

We have a plan. His big picture is still the same. He wants to do another transplant after the next round of chemo. He said he could try and collect stem cells after the next transplant.

I know this is a universal feeling but.... we are SO ready for school to be out!!! We need some down time! The kids have been more stressed than I've ever seen them this semester. It breaks my heart to see them so bogged down. Please pray for them. Pray this summer will be a time of renewal in their sweet spirits and they'll truly find rest in the Lord.

Love to each of you. We are so grateful.

Peggy