100 Days “Huge Milestone!”

“You’re at 100 days! This is a huge milestone!” Quote from Rob’s hematologist at his doctor’s appointment yesterday. 🙂

We are so excited to celebrate with all of you 100 Days!! Rob is officially 100 days post stem cell transplant!!

Rob continues to make milestones along the way, including:

1. M Spike: His M Spike ( also called M Protein) is normal, or undiscernable!

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, “Higher levels of M protein mean the disease is more advanced.”

2. Walking: He is regularly walking two blocks, and even did some mall walking.

3. Eating: He continues to try more solids to his Ensure diet, and is drinking more water. For any other cancer fighters following here, we learned a helpful tip. If you have a metallic taste from the chemo, put a slice or small wedge of lemon in your water. It helps the water taste more like water, and less like metal.

4. Energy: His hematologist noticed him having much more energy, and he navigated the hallways and parking deck at Levine with such ease! This used to be a huge struggle, and it was amazing to see how far he has come!

5. Restrictions: Since reaching 100 days post transplant, Rob has fewer restrictions. He’s able to drive, and doesn’t have to wear his mask as often! His hematologist said to wear it when walking by yard work, construction areas, and in crowds.

What’s Next:

Rob is going to begin Tai Chi classes at Levine to help his core strength continue to improve. He still has trouble pulling himself up from lying down. The doctor thinks this class will improve his core strength.

Chemo: Rob is continuing  maintenance chemotherapy, and is currently on the 2nd round. He schedule is three weeks on, one week off.

Labs and appointments: Labs are checked every four weeks, with a follow up appointment by the hematologist a week later (the week gives the lab results plenty of time to come back). This will be the norm for a while. Rob will continue to get the IVIG and Reclast infusions, as well as future palliative, rheumatology, cardiology and pulmnology care.

We are grateful to have such an outstanding medical team on our side! And, equally as grateful to all of you!! Thank you so very much for helping us get to 100 days post transplant!!

Please keep Rob in your prayers as he gets stronger each day and continues to Keep Pounding multiple myeloma!