Sunday, September 29, 2013

It's good to be back...

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Hello, hello, everyone!

I'm back!! I'm still very much jet-legged and move around like a zombi, functioning on about 3-4 hours of sleep a day.

Thank you all for your comments on my last post. I'm happy to say that things somewhat improved since and before I left. First, they finally started my Mom on chemo. It's a low-dose that they usually give at the very beginning of treatment. They started her on Tuesday, and at the moment, she's getting a double dose every other day. So far, she's handling it like a champ. I'm so proud of her!

And in the past week her whole demeanor has changed. She was really excited to finally start her treatment. And honestly, spending three weeks in the hospital with no change would be hard on anybody. It was nice to see her smiling again! We finally sat down with the guy who is in charge of the hematology wing of the hospital and had a hard and long talk. He promised us to do everything in his power to help her. Eventually, she will have to be transferred to a different facility in Moscow for continuous treatment because there are some procedures that they just don't do in my hometown. This guy is a medical professor, and has a degree specifically in hematology (I tried to think of the American equivalent to all of his degrees but I'm too tired, and my brains don't function properly :). He seems to be pretty knowledgeable and gave us hope.

He also told us that her disease hasn't touched her bones yet which is good (if you are curious to read more about multiple myeloma,  here is one of the links). But it did affect her kidneys quite a bit. After this round of chemo, they will do dialysis on her. We are not sure yet, if it will be a one-time thing or a continuous treatment. I guess, we'll have to take it one thing at a time...

We also told her quite a bit about her condition, and she's ready to face it! The only thing we omitted are the statistics on possible life longevity because we don't see how it would help her, especially right now. She will be getting a few more rounds of this treatment and then they will start her on a stronger kind of drug (Velcade) in about a month.

We know that her future is very much unknown but every day of her life is important and precious right now. Whether she has five or twenty five years ahead of her, we want to enjoy this time as much as we can.

Eventually (aka when my husband finally finds a job...), we want to start saving some money every month to be able to go back more often and as a family.

And now we will just try to get back to normal, the new "normal" that is... I'm still trying to catch up on many-many things (including all of your comments and e-mails. Did I mention before that you guys are awesome? :) but, hopefully, I can resume regular posts next week or as soon as I catch up on some sleep :)

I also can't wait to read all of your blogs and to see how all of you are doing. Thank you for being here for all of us during this uncertain and scary time!

Love you all,

19 comments:

  1. I'm so glad that the treatments have started and your mom has a positive attitude. That's very important. Good luck on finding your new norm soon.

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  2. So glad you made it back home safely. Lena, I know your mom must have been so happy to see you. Such a blessing!

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  3. Lena,
    I'm so glad that there is a little positive news for your mom. I'm sure you being there was also a big comfort to her.
    Rhonda

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  4. Glad you are home and will be praying for your family

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  5. Glad you had a safe trip home, Lena... it sounds like your mom is getting more positive, which is a very good thing! I'm so glad that you were able to go spend a little bit of time with her, that probably did her heart good! :) Your family is in my prayers... ((Hugs))

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  6. Welcome back and I have been praying for safe travels and for your mom to heal and your husband to find a job.... Remember God is bigger than everything.... (((HUGS)))) Lisa

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  7. welcome back. Praying you will be back to "normal" in no time :)

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  8. I'm thinking of you & your family & wishing you all the best during this difficult time.

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  9. So good to hear there has been some improvement. You have been on my mind so often! Don't worry about replying to us, etc. You have much bigger things to do and we understand!! Hope you can get some sleep. Keep the faith.

    XOXO,
    Meredith

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  10. Welcome back. Glad to hear that your mum has started treatment and that she is feeling positive. You also sound positive and less anxious.
    Carolx

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  11. Welcome back! I am sure your boys are so excited to have you back. I am so happy to hear things are beginning to look up..keeping you in my thoughts,

    Nan

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  12. Happy you are home safe & sound, and I am certain your "boys" are very happy you are home. x

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  13. So glad that you are back and that things are at least moving. 3 weeks in a hospital with no change would be hard on anyone! Good thoughts and prayers to you and yours!

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  14. Lena, I tried to comment before but my tablet would not let me! Your mom and family are in my thoughts, and I am happy to hear she is in better spirits and your home safe and sound. May she continue to handle her treatments well!

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  15. That's definitely godsent that her mood perked up. That will make the treatment work better. Glad you were able to leave with a good note, and best of luck and best wishes in the upcoming months as you find your new normal!

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  16. Glad her treatment is under way. Kia kaha

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  17. Glad you are back Lena! Sending prayers that your mother starts feeling 100% better and that she will be in remission soon!!

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  18. Glad your trip went well! Hoping for wonderful things for your mother!

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  19. Welcome back. Glad you are home safe. I pray that your mom's treatments produce positive results.

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