Camotherapy

Posted on January 15th, 2008 by Cam.
Categories: Let's talk.

Great news! I can begin my chemo as an outpatient for the first three months! This is brilliant as I get to stay home instead of having to be admitted. My preparation starts today though, with my first batch of oral chemotherapy being swallowed tomorrow.

We had a long session with the specialist as we looked through the X-rays and MRI’s together. The biopsy I had yesterday actually showed no abnormalities in the cells within that patch of pelvis. There is enough evidence though to get things underway.

I will be treated with cyto-toxic drugs together with a regime of steroids, nausea suppressants and other counter-active drugs for 4 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days, so about 3 months all up for this aspect of chemotherapy. Then the fun begins when we go on to the high-dose chemo and stem cell transplant. That is when I will have to be in hospital and remain in isolation for a time. We will find out more about that at a later date.

The specialist said that the stem cell transplant is very effective, and that 40% of people with multiple myleloma having this treatment will survive the next 10 years. The thing to remember here is that most MM patients are quite old and may add to the statistics through dying at a ripe old age. Some people find statistics offensive or in a way promoting a self-fulfilling prophecy of outcome. I personally find stats helpful as it makes me realise the severity of what we are dealing with. Non-favorable stats make a healthy come-back all the more triumphant.

8 comments.

John Masters

Comment on January 15th, 2008.

Hi Cam, it’s taken me a while to work our what a blog is! Now that I know what it is (with help from the next generation), I just wanted to touch base with you after reading your messages. You are a great encouragement to many people as you continually put your trust in God and as you walk this journey.
We want you to know that we the Masters Fam are praying for you and Elizabeth. From John and my girls
P.S. we will be in touch again!

Judi Jones

Comment on January 15th, 2008.

Well Dr Cam you are sounding like a real pro. So glad you can have your cocktail at home. Here is a little reading for you from the professor!!

http://cancerguide.org/median_not_msg.html

Lots of love from us all

Judy Moore

Comment on January 15th, 2008.

Very happy to read you are able to ‘work from home’ for this stage of your treatment regime. The annointing has taken place, the prayers are ongoing, let the healing begin!!

Leanne Pyle

Comment on January 15th, 2008.

Time to make some new stats Cam. xx

Toddy

Comment on January 16th, 2008.

I was wondering how you were going to continue TWB from a hospital bed – God be praised, you can keep it up from home!

(serious voice now,) – very pleased for you. It’ll be nice to have a few home-familiars with you.

So, how are you feeling after Sunday 2pm? It doesn’t have to be great, it doesn’t have to be poor… I’m just curious! (and, according to the last thread, just as twisted as James… hehehe!!) :)

Oh – I meant to ask last week… are you a cricket fan? I’m looking forward to watching every ball at least once. With the channel 9 commentary team, I may get to watch each one several times over!

Stay well, stay interested.
Toddy

Cam

Comment on January 16th, 2008.

Dear Toddy,
Feeling very peaceful after Sunday, and no anxiety at all. I took my first dose of Chemo just 5 mins ago. As far as I am concerned, in my opinion, this would be the only time to watch cricket and find it interesting- after a whackload of sedatives. I do believe you need to have a gift to be a cricket commentator. As part of their training they need to be able to provide a concise account of paint drying over a 24-hour period. These commentaries are far more gripping than the cricket.

Trav Fitch

Comment on January 16th, 2008.

Hey Cam and Elizabeth,
thanks for the privilege of journeying with you. we continue to ache in prayer for you both
Peace
Trav and Em

Rory

Comment on January 16th, 2008.

According to a recent poll 100% of us find your courage and example humbling and inspiring.

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