Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Back to Oncology...Thanks BMT!

Yesterday I completed my fifth bone marrow biopsy and it didn't come with a prize, although I am holding my breath for a decrease in the M-Protein come end of week once I get my results back from UMCCC.

Today we officially transitioned back to our beloved oncologist and his staff after working over four months with a great team in Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). Hats off to them as I stayed infection-free the whole time under their care and supervision. Including the last couple of months being completely drug-free...hooray!

As for returning back to Dr. Jakubowiak (J), I am very excited. I could not ask for anything more from a team so devoted to both patient care and finding a cure for everyone with Multiple Myeloma. I hope to share more about Dr. J as I continue to feel better/stronger because he is just a monumental person and our hidden gem here in Ann Arbor. Although if you talk to any of his other patients, they are in on the secret as well.

So by the end of the week we will have another checkpoint. Two weeks from today we jump off into the deep end again and return to chemotherapy.

On a powerfully awesome note, the domiNATION is taking off. I fortunately don't have the capacity to be too involved, so fortunately volunteers are stepping up and running with it on their own. The mission is inspire others affected by cancer and other life-junk, raise awareness for Multiple Myeloma and raise funds to accelerate the work Dr. J is doing at UMCCC to find a Cure. There is no reason why the research coming out of UMCCC can't lead to a cure for all MM patients.

If you would like to learn how you can get involved in the domiNATION, click here. I'll be creating a blogpost on this topic in the near future.

4 comments:

Kindred Spirit said...

I'm still praying for you every day, Phil. May God bless you, Cassie, and the little ones. May the Holy Angels never leave your side. Courage!

Julie said...

That's awesome news Phil! Waiting for results of my 3rd BMB... you're 2 ahead of me! And wow!!! so impressed you've made it thru all this with NO infections!! That's what almost killed me... and now just surviving my first head-cold challenge. Better today. Chemo again for you... wow Phil you are so strong to endure all that you have and will.. What type is next for you... I need a break... I couldn't endure more right now. No doubt, you are THE DOMINATOR. Hi to Cassie also, as she's beyond amazing too! Julie from CA

Sean Murray said...

Always, ALWAYS, praying for you, Phil! I know how tough the going is, but you are tougher. A Wolverine like you can move this mountain. Blessings to you and yours. Sean M.

Unknown said...

KS- you continue to me the ultimate prayer warriors. I doubt doubt for a moment your prayers are not be heard as we continue to experience God's love poured out on us during this crazy-challenging journey.

Julie- So good to hear from you! How have your results been? Much love to you and your family from Ann Arbor!

Sean- your encouragement hit a deep cord within me. Thank you so much for joining us and others in the sort of prayer that moves mountains and turns little seeds into redwoods!