went to see Dr. Te - pretty good news

It's been 2-3 weeks since I posted last, not really to much to report during that time other than some definite issues with side effects from the Pomalyst, I kept thinking to myself that it sure would be nice if things keep working like after the last set of blood results, because it would be not good to put up with my internal issues if the numbers weren't improving in a like manner. The good news is that that the Pomalyst seems to be working very well. I gave blood on June 6th, about half way through my 3rd round of Pomalyst. When I went to Dr. Te's office on June 11, he showed me the results and it was very good, encouraging news. My IGG score that was 3450+/- before Round 1 was down to about 1150 - in the normal range. Also the M-Spike that was up to 2.2 was down to 0.7 - they want it down around 0 to have the best results for my transplant when that is ready to happen later this year. Of course, I'm still anemic, probably always will be, but my liver, kidney, glucose and other general items were all looking pretty good as well. So, I'm starting Round 4 in about a week, and going back to Dr. Te's office on July 18th after giving blood on July 11th. I will probably go to Salt Lake to LDS Hospital for all the pre-transplant tests either the last week of July, or first week of August if I can work it out with them to work out the schedule with Chris and Liz's wedding on August 2. I hope it will work out that way. I still haven't found out for sure if PERS is going to approve my retirement, I know I am on the agenda for this Wednesday (June 18) Agenda, they said last month that I could call Thursday morning some time to find out the results while I wait for the official letter to let me know. I'll also have news of our trip to Knotts Berry Farm this weekend, I think we may be asking for some trouble, but everyone (read Patty and Amanda) really want to take Holden to an amusement park while we still can, so we are going down Friday and looking forward to a great time on Saturday. I will report our trip and how everyone got along on my next report. Patty is having some issues, we hope it's just a small dip that will come back, we also have a pretty steady supply of caregivers, cna's, nurses and others coming in and out of the house to help her. It's still a little weird to always have people around, but it's been a big help to Josh and myself to have some relief to help us most days and 3-4 nights a week especially when my side effects are in full force. When we signed up with Creekside Home Care, we didn't realize just how involved in our life they would really become, we are starting to find out. In a way it is pretty strange because of all the work we have been doing with Patty over the past couple of years. Creekside takes over much of that most times that is good, other times it still feels somewhat intrusive. But it's getting her better care, so we'll do it. I understand that the Pronks have made it safe to Alabama, we wish them well and hope for the best for all of them as they start their new adventures in the southeast part of the country. We also are very thankful for all the good thoughts and prayers that are on our behalf, they do work and help us greatly. Until next time We hope everyong is having a great summer, having fun and doing new things.