A lot has changed since the last update 3 weeks ago.
First, I am getting a lot better. As I described last time, I started to eat, slowly and small quantities. In parallel I continued with nutrition and liquids via IV every day. It was a hassle: 14 hours per day with waking up every few hours at night, going out with the bag and pump, not being able to take a normal shower (I had to cover my arm), thinking twice before rolling in bed, and many more inconveniences. After gaining some weight I was really happy because it reversed the trend of losing my precious pounds.
Ten days ago I went to my check-up visit and the last two tubes were taken out. I am free! Finally! Now I eat and drink on my own. To all of you, eating and drinking is no big deal. I guess it is only when you are deprived of something as basic as eat and drink, you get to appreciate it a lot more (and enjoy it too). And so, since 10 days ago I try to eat as much as I can, three meals a day and everything in between. I feel a lot better and going more times to work. The left over problems to deal with are mostly stomach pains and this is really minor. The numbers look good and as a result the frequency of check-ups is decreasing.
It looks like after almost two years of treatment, I did it!
I wasn't alone. The team in Dana Farber and my physician Irene did a great job in taking care of me and keeping me out of troubles. It was a roller coaster with ups and down and they were focused all the time. The close family who gave me the unconditional support, moral and physical. My Orbotech colleagues and my friends who called from time to time, invited me or wrote me emails.
On Sep. 26th 2009 we'll have the MMRF walk, like we had it in May 2008 in South Boston. This time I feel like a NASCAR driver doing a victory lap. It has been almost 2 years of treatments and now after the stem cell transplant it looks like I am clean and done.
If you live in the Boston area, please go to the link below, register, donate and come to walk with me on the 26th. If you live far away, you can go to the link to donate. It goes for a good cause. Since Dana Farber is the best research center for Multiple Myeloma, they get most of the contributions. It is a nice way to say thank you to the organization and people who successfully took care of me.
http://321cure.themmrf.org/goto/orbotech
On this coming Tuesday Inbal will take off to Uganda for an extended period work there. This will close a circle of almost two years. When I got sick in Oct. 2007, she decided to come home from Uganda right away. I am grateful and moved by her long time-out . Having Inbal and Pierre with us was so nice and important to me. Typically kids go away after high school. Extending their stay at home, especially at a time of need, is a true benefit and a blessing. Now that I am healthy, Inbal is going back to Uganda to continue her mission. Get ready for her wonderful blogs!
Summer is almost over. Very soon Shoshi and I will become empty nested: Lior went to college last week, Neta is in Spain and Inbal and Pierre move to Uganda. We now have a big house and too many cars...
However, no regret. It is perfect timing: once I got better, everyone can continue with their plans.
I look forward to getting stronger, getting back my lost 20 pounds and having less restrictions (like not eating certain foods and no air travel).
This blog has been a great tool for you and me, as I predicted on my first posting. I haven't decided what's next and we'll take it one day at a time.
So, until the next time - Ciao!
Yours always optimistic,
Guy
