It's been a while since I blogged about FL and his (our) myeloma. Even though most of my blog-visitors come here for that reason!No news has been good news. As you will have noticed from the photo in August, FL has been looking and feeling pretty good - woo hoo!
However, it was his 2-monthly Haematology appointment today, so it's time for an update.
The good stuff:He has been golfing five times a week.
He has been identifying workmen to carry out essential house repairs (new front and back doors, guttering, drainage, septic tank, kitchen lights). The jobs aren't done yet, but just finding someone willing to do the work is a major task around here, and he has found the energy for the quest!
He spoke to his brother on the telephone.
He went on a mushroom-identification walk and is now obsessed by scouring the forest for new specimens. (Hence the photos, all from our own woods.)
The bad stuff:He has been suffering severe cramp every night, which wakes us both up from sleep.
He finds sitting painful - so much so that he sometimes adopts a reclining driving position, which is frankly scary.
When we walk the dog, I have noticed he takes wide detours to avoid stepping on stones or gravel. When I asked, he said it was really painful to walk over rough ground.
I jokingly jostled him while we were out in the fields and he almost fell, saying that I had knocked his spine out of alignment. Um... sorry! It was just a nudge, honest!
And the other night he kept me awake in a terribly maudlin state, complaining about the pain and how he couldn't go on like this... so I consoled him and stroked his forehead until he fell asleep again. In the morning, he denied it ever having happened.
And the Doctor says:
His Freelite test from early August shows a very slight increase from zero to 0.2 "not worth noting". Speak for yourself, Doctor! I noted it well. And she ordered another Freelite test today.
So all is well for now... but we may be entering a new era of fragility. I have booked us another short break, at my most-favourite holiday cottage by the sea.
Not too far distant in time.
Just in case.
8 comments:
Horay for holidays and having things to look forward to. I am trying to find somewhere for us to go in November..
I'm sorry to hear about your anxieties and sleepless nights. And, of course, that your FL is having downs as well as ups. Thinking of you. Great plan re the short break.
Well at least one of the place's FL has not been ringing is the University again!
Tonic water I believe is very good for cramps - it's the quinine. A friend takes it every night before bed and not even that much and swears by it - something like 'Work you bugger'! ;D
Thanks for updating us about FL, I had been wondering how he was doing. I'm glad about the golfing, the mushrooms - beautiful photos - and your upcoming break.
Keep being your positive self/ves, as much as you can. (As my daughter says, re. high school: apap, as positive as possible!)
Mike tried drinking tonic for his cramps, but the vodka cancelled out any benefits! ;-)
I agree, the photos of your local fungi are wonderful.
I'm so glad FL is mostly doing well and that you're planning time away. A change of scenery can be a tonic in itself. My dad says tonic water helps the cramps - he was even prescribed quinine at one point, I think during one of the courses of chemo he had. I hope the new era of fragility is still a good way off for you both. X
Me again! Was just chatting with dad -he's been prescribed quinine again recently and he says it's really helping with the cramps.
Thanks everyone!
Clare - thanks for the tip about tonic water! We have a bottle by the bedside but FL hasn't opened it yet!
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