Great News!!

My father met with his specialist yesterday, and I was, fortunately, able to be there with him when the doctor told him he does not have Multiple Myeloma. He does have Myeloma, which is this plasma cell over production, but that is not enough of a concern that it need be attended to now. The doctor will monitor his blood every month, to stay abreast of this condition.

Now, he does still have the osteoporosis, which is being treated with a bone marrow drip called, Zomeda, which is a biphosphorus that enables the bones to re-mineralize. The other condition, was a low platelet count, and for some reason, his platelets are up, so that is also less of a concern. This specialist discovered that my father does have low testosterone, which could be causing the low platelets, so he has will be taking testosterone, in addition to having the drip once every six weeks.

The net/net is that all of these symptoms could have been related, but they are not; at least, not as far as Dr. Siegel can see. So, I cannot tell you how happy my father was to hear the words, "You do not have Multiple Myeloma." He just sat there, stunned, for a second, or two, so I repeated it, and then he just smiled, and said, "You're kidding." It was very heart warming.

For those of you that know my Dad, he would love a call. And, yes, be prepared for him to talk, as always.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, love, and support. It has meant so much to me, my father, and our family.

With love,
Sharon

Me and my Mom at The Gates. Yes, we liked The Gates; sorry..... 

Update on My Dad

Last Tuesday, my Dad went to see a specialist named, Dr. David Siegel, who is at Hackensack University Medical Center. Fortunately, my brother, Bryan, and I were both able to be there, so we could hear, firsthand, the details of my father's prognosis.

It's a bit complicated, so I will try to be accurate, and brief. He has myelin, and/or a 20%-30% plasma cell count in his blood. This percentage is not that high, relatively speaking, and is truthful via a certain steroid; however, he does have an acute stage of osteoporosis, for which he is receiving a once monthly bone marrow drip (as an outpatient). Dr. Siegel is questioning the cause of the osteoporosis, as he is not certain the plasma cell growth is causing it, so he is running a test to see if it could be due to low testosterone. Low testosterone can be treated, as well. If it's not the testosterone, then Dr. Siegel is going to assume it's being caused by the plasma cell growth, and take a more aggressive approach to reducing the plasma cells.

In addition to all of this, my Dad also has a low platelet count, and Dr. Siegel also ran a test to see if he can find what is causing that. So, as you can see, there are several things going on simultaneously, and require attention and treatment. We should learn more this week when the test results are back, and when we do, I'll write another update.

Love,
Sharon

This is a picture of me and my Dad from the Fall of 2004. 

Our friend, Brooke Olstein, is headed to Brazil to spend time with a healer. She will be updating us on her journey, via her Blog http://thejellybeanjar.blogspot.com Blog on, Brooke! 

Pictures from our One Wish reunion at Heather's apartment on January 24, 2005, here in NYC. Sam wasn't there, but I added him to the collage for fun! 

Dad Goes To An MM Specialist

My Dad will be meeting with an MM specialist named, Dr. David Siegel, at the Hackensack University Medical Center on February 8. The specialist will determine whether or not my Dad has MM, and if so, prescribe a specific course of treatment. If not, our hope is that he will be able to deduce what, then, is going on with my Dad, vis-a-vis, his low platelet count, and other Myeloma indicators/symptoms, such as elevated measures of his plasma cells, IGG count, and a protein called an "M Spike." He does not have any of the other known symptoms of MM, such as tumors, and bone lesions. It is for this reason, that we felt it was important for my Dad to get a second opinion from a specialist, and gratefully, my Dad agrees.

He is adverse to any "alternative" form of treatment, unless it can be determined that these "treatments" do not interfere with his other medications: Lipitur (sp) for cholesterol, and Digitek for his heart. Many of you have provided me with suggestions and recommendations of natural/"alternative" treatments; however, until he has been properly diagnosed, he is reluctant to move forward in any direction, other than where is he is right now. He is receiving a once monthly drip of Pamidronate, to fortify his bone marrow (for his osteoporosis), and is just completing a two week course of Prednizone to raise his platelet levels. His platelets were down to 50 when he first started having tests for MM in early December; the proper average is 140-400, or 150-450. This past Friday, after the two week course of steroids, his platelets are at 127, so they are still below the lowest average. Until he sees the specialist, it will be hard to know what that means, and what more can be done. Whatever is determined regarding his condition following his visit with Dr. Siegel, his condition is treatable.

For those of you who know my Dad, he would be happy to hear from you. He is doing well, and in good spirits. Some of this has been a bit overwhelming for him to digest, from an information standpoint, but he has a great grasp of where he's "at," and is happy to be in the care of such good doctors.

Thanks for all of your love and support. Please feel free to send me any of your thoughts and suggestions, as you've been doing.

Much love,
Sharon

Maiden Entry

Hi, everyone. This internet stuff just keeps getting better and better. At first, I was hesitant to create a blog, because I had only seen people use blogs for updates on their travels while traveling, and other important life issues, like my friend Gordon McCormick, that uses his to keep his friends and family informed on his progress with Multiple Myeloma. But then I realized, with my Dad recently being diagnosed with first stage MM, I could also use the blog to allow my friends and family access to updated information about my Dad, at-their-liesure, and have it enable me to share all there is, at one time. Kind of like, one-stop-shopping. So, here it is.

In the meantime, I guess I'll have fun with this, and start posting pictures and stories about the wonderful people and experiences in my life, like the one I posted today about our One Wish reunion at Heather's place last Monday night. That was a great night, and a powerful way to usher in the New Year. Pictures, courtesy my Palm Treo 650. Not bad, huh?

I look forward to sharing with you!

Love,
Sharon