The morning started off innocently enough. My brother drove in from IN to drive me to my appointment today. Words cannot describe how much I love him, not only for driving me today, but also the support, the encouragement, and just plain being my brother. For those that have met him, you know he is defintely the comedian in the family and can turn a room to laughter in no time flat. The side that most dont get to see is the caring, concerning brother and I truly got to see that today, of course still mixed with the quick chance for some laughter. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful brother!
First up a full body CT scan. After drinking 900 ml of this YUMMY (NOT) tasting raspberry flavored "milk", I was hooked up to an IV (as with my previous scan) and shot full of concentrate. The CT machine is an interesting beast. Picture a large doughnut with you sliding back and forth between the hole. It makes all these funny whirring and grrring sounds, and never seems anything is really happening. In about 10 mins you are all done :) Yeahhhhhh. Now its on to the BMB, but first a quick check of my blood, which I am happy to report is ALL PERFECT (GOOD NEWS).
So what is a BMB you may ask ... it is the three letter acronym for Bone Marrow Biopsy. Since we are using this site to inform, I will also try to keep everyone up with our new found lingo as well :). Today, is probably the day I have been dreading most since my diagnosis. I have heard BMB's are quiet painful. I handle needles very well, but I have been extremely "anxious" about this procedure. During our first visit to Dr. Kuebler he said (and I quote), "I am the best around doing BMB. You will be in an out in 10 minutes, and unlike other doctors, I do both sides." I have to say the man was true to his word. Yes there was some pain, but nothing what I had been lead to believe. Actually as the title of this posts says "that wasn't so bad" :). During the BMB he made one of the funniest statements to the nurse. After extracting the first sample of tissue, he said, "That's a an excellent Kuebler sample right there". Yes the man is confident and I definitely like that.
So whats in store --- The two test today will stage my disease. We are leaning toward stage 3 at this point, but if it is in my marrow will make me a stage 4. If interested you can read more about grading and staging at this site.
Finally for today, I want to say many many many thanks to everyone for the birthday e-cards, the phone calls, gifts, and thoughts. It was very touching to know that I have surrounded myself (or you guys just couldn't get rid of me) with such loving, caring, and wonderful people. Mandy and I have been amazed at the outpouring of support and the unconditional generosity of everyone. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Well pal if you were trying to top my letter,you did!! :) I enjoyed spending time with you and wouldn't have missed it for the world. You forgot to tell everyone the best part, where the Dr. admitted that several patients were completely cured of this with a bone marrow transfusion. So we will all continue to cross our fingers and pray hard that we get the good news that you have clean Marrow! I love you too bro and don't hesitate to call me for anything! See you soon! Joe and Fam!
Post a Comment