Complete Remission

I've noticed that some of the most important days in life often don't start out that way. Today was such a day.

Mom and Dad made yet another trip to Dallas this morning for a 10:00 AM doctor's appointment. We have become accustomed to a bit of uncertainty as to what will happen in each of her appointments at Medical City, so it wasn't surprising that all we knew for sure today was that Mom would receive a 3-hour infusion to strengthen her bones as well as the results from her recent biopsy.

11:00 AM passed without much ado and Mom needed some lunch to help her take her medicine. So, I headed out to snatch a couple of burrito bols from across the street. Mom had already said she thought everything must be fine, or she would be a higher priority for Dr. Bhushan. :-)

Finally around noon, Dr. Bhushan's PA came over to meet with Mom. Smiling, she was quick and to the point: Mom was in "perfect" condition ...100% cancer free!!

We were a bit taken back - We didn't expect the news to be that categorical!!

After several rounds of Thalidomide, Velcade, more Thalidomide, three rounds of chemo, an auto stem cell transplant, 27 days in the hospital, 41 days of transplant recovery, a couple dozen orange popsicles, two full-time caretakers, and MANY MILLIONS of prayers, Mom is in complete remission.

Obviously, a little dinner celebration was in order tonight as well as shopping for a new tube of lipstick to match Mom's upcoming stint as a bona fide blond (boy, those stem cell transplants do wonders!) ;-)

As for what lies ahead, Mom will continue to be monitored on a bi-weekly basis to ensure her white blood cell counts rebound completely. After that, she will undergo maintenance therapy to ward off any unwelcome myeloma cells. Even though there is no cure for myeloma, we know we have achieved the best result possible at this time. We hope this remission will last long enough for Erin's prayer request from last year to be answered - that is for cancer research, specifically multiple myeloma research, to progress at amazing speed.

We think this is perfect timing with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a Lil' Sears just right around the corner.

All the best
Mica

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

- Psalm 23