On Friday, Ralph will have a pick line placed at the Washington Hospital in preparation for his chemo treatments that will begin on Monday. A pick line is an IV that stays in your vein so that the patient does not have to be stuck with a needle each time. Later, he will have a port placed for the stem-cell replacement. The catheter for that procedure needs to be thicker and the diameter larger than a regular port for chemo.
Ralph will have up to 4 rounds of chemo, which is understood as up to 4 months, in preparation for a stem-cell transplant. (That part was a little confusing, but as time passes, it will be better understood.) The chemo treatments, fortunately, will be given at UPMC in Meadowlands. He does not go back to Hillman until there is a 3 hour intake meeting to discuss how well the multiple myeloma has responded to chemo and to explain the stem-cell transplant. That date has not been given. He will also receive a drug to strengthen his bones.
The only restrictions Ralph has been given is to be careful because his bones are weak. He is not to do heavy lifting or bend over, too much, to protect his spine. He hopes to be able to find more relief in his shoulder without pain medication and to be able to work part time, at least. Ralph seemed relieved that aggressive treatment would begin. He is anxious to get started, be able to golf again, and have this all behind him. The doctor assured him that he would golf and that Hillman would take care of him.
The past weeks have been a fog for Ralph. Yesterday, he read over his visitor list and through his cards. He was touched by so many who care and became quite emotional. Your visits, cards, phone calls, emails, etc. give him motivation to fight. Thank you!
Those who have reached out to our family in sincere concern and support give us strength, as well. Kind words and generous offers and actions will never be forgotten and are greatly appreciated. Bless you!
Please continue your prayers for Ralph's strength and courage and for the guidance for doctors and researchers to find the cure.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment