Elizabeth and I are exhausted and quite frankly still in shock. The news yesterday was very good, brilliant in fact, but it has bowled us over with as much force as the initial diagnosis.
In one week we have been told to prepare for high-dose chemo-therapy, marrow and stem cell transplants, and to get things in order. We were sent some information on Myeloma that had a section talking about the positive aspects about this particular cancer. It said that people with Myeloma often remark that they feel a lot closer to their friends and family after their diagnosis. That was it! Not to take away the value of deeper relationship, but the bumpf that had been on the internet and in the publications we were sent weren’t all that positive.
When we saw the specialist for the first time, he asked, “Have you looked up information on Multiple Myeloma?” We had. “Great, I like it when people do that because I always have better news than what you’ve read.”
We took a lot of comfort in this and remained positive. We read the Cancer Council material they had sent us on treatments and what to expect. Very helpful information, but it was then we realised the severity of what we could be facing. I have the utmost admiration for those that go through this treatment, and for the medical staff that look after them.
Last night, Elizabeth and I just flopped down on the floor listening to a CD that was given to me for this time. It has a song that is Psalm 69 from the Bible that is so spot on for where we are at. The emotional wrenching has taken its toll and my t-shirt took its fair share of tears, snot and dribble, but I have told Elizabeth that next time she has to use her own shirt.
So my brother-from-a-different-mother (and father) Damian arrived from China this morning so we have been catching up today.
I have another biopsy on my sternum coming up Monday. This will be to confirm this initial good news that it is a Plasma Cytoma. The radiation therapy will start soon after that. Our understanding at this stage is that the Cytoma can be treated effectively with radiation, and continual checks will be made for Multiple Myeloma from here on. I am not sure what is to be done with my sternum at this stage. The lesion at this stage has damaged a significant part of my upper sternum. I am considering whipping up a prosthetic sternum out of silver at the workshop just to give my strength back and protect my heart. Either that or some termi-mesh as it is cheaper.
Song of the day:
Plasma Funky Music White Boy
The Dunns
Hey Cam,
Don’t worry Focker, we’ll find some shoes to match that frock so we can all walk side by side in style! Thinking of you lots, praying for you lots and are going to walk with you lots!
Heaps of love, Gra, Wend, Jess, Nick, Josh, Brea, Gen, Pelly and Liv. XXX
What a week this is. Probably the two most difficult and longest weeks in my life too! You’re still in our prayers. My kids are praying for you all the time – I’m sure they’ll see some results. Elizabeth – you’re amazing. Your strength and support really gets Cam going. Thanks guys for sharing your journey with us. gm.