For my medical friends, I will start with a riddle and then explain to the others why this day has been so pivotal, and good. Bernie Sanders would even say this is Hoouge!
Table of my basic labs this week:
| Tests | 1/11/2019 | 1/12/2019 | 1/13/2019 | 1/14/2019 | 1/15/2019 | 1/15/2019 | 16-Jan | 1/17/1900 | 1/18/2018 | 1/19/2019 | 1/20/2019 |
| Creat | 11.5 | 10.36 | 10.28 | 9.93 | 9.52 | 10.03 | 9.65 | 7.16 | 6.6 | 4.86 | |
| Bun | 125 | 123 | 115 | 124 | 128 | 141 | 144 | 98 | 61 | ||
| Ca | 8.3 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.9 | 7.7 | ||||||
| Hgb | 9.6 | 9.5 | 8.6 | 8 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 7.5 | ||||
| HCt | 27.7 | 26.4 | 23.3 | 22.4 | 21.1 | 20.4 | |||||
| K | 6.9 | 5.9 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.7 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.9 | |||
| Anion Gp | 13 | 13 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
I will point out that I had dialysis on 1/17 and 1/19. Do you see it? It is coming! My creatinine dropped on 1/18, a non-dialysis day! I have kidney function!!!!! I don’t know how much, but my kidneys are not completely dead. My nephrologist had a big smile on her face.
This is a big help in the battle going forward. Yes, I still have an incurable cancer, but it takes you out by killing your kidneys and bones (as well as more complicated ways).
Now, to the practical. I was feeling better this morning in direct relationship to the numbers coming down. I washed my hair, by myself. Today, was my 4 – hour plasamaphersis, which removes the bad cancer plasma from my blood (so I do get more kidney damage). After this treatment, when all my blood is practically taken out and put back in, leaves me quite wiped out.
I joined a Multiple Mylenoma support group today, online, and finally heard “horror” stories from people who started out like me (or worse in a couple of cases) and survived, some for several years. All I had been hearing is, “People rarely recover from where you are.”
I am happy to say that after living near death for several days, I am now serious with a long-road ahead, but I feel I’m out of the woods for a respite. I can refocus from saying goodbye to my dear family, into planning for treatment, with a hope for a remission. Thanks for so many of you who have prayed for us.
I am sorry for typos. I am very high on steroids, I have to type with IVs in my hands and tubes in my chest and the time I can type is so limited that I don’t have time to proof-read. I have also read many “well-wishes” from people and I would love to respond when I can, but I do read them.
J. Michael Jones 
11 responses to “Pivotal Day – The Crampon is Laced!”
You are a survivor! You have overcome more desperate situations than anyone I have ever know. You are a fantastic father, brother and husband! Our Mother loved you the best and most of all of her children but we knew it and admired her for always being so proud of your accomplishments. You were the baby of the family and as such got special attention from all of us. And I have had so many conversations with Mom this week in heaven. I told her to cook a buffet for anyone who could help you through this as we know cooking was her first love. We are all fighting for you with you and beside you. We love you more than life itself. So keep praying and fighting with us. Mom usually gets what she wants and having you here with your family for a long long time is her is what she wants! Love you Bro!
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Only a survivor of the first bad, nasty battle. Many battles ahead. I’m feeling good physically, not in pain.
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Such good news! I know you’re not out the woods, but it seems that mountain is shrinking a bit. I’m grateful to be watching your story unfold and remain in prayer for a celebration-worthy recovery. For remission. For hope. For God’s kindness toward you each step of the way! Rest well, friend…
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Lynn, you’ve always been so kind, I first noticed when you offered me your dry sleeping bag.
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We’re happy and thankful for your good news Mike.
Praying for a deep well of strength for you to draw from.
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Great news! Enjoy your family visits this week. We are all praying.
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Oh Michael, such good news on your blood tests and so good to hear a little glimmer of hope in your writing!! We all continue to pray that the cancer is arrested in those kidneys and that they resume their full function!! Keep looking up. Blessings. Kathy Dalseg
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Not only prayers for healing tonight but also prayers of thanks for the blessings you have been given. Thank you for the update. Now get a good night’s sleep.
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Not only prayers for healing tonight but also prayers of thanks for the blessings you have been given. Thank you for the update. Now get a good night’s sleep.
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Oh Michael, such good news on your blood tests and so good to hear a little glimmer of hope in your writing!! We all continue to pray that the cancer is arrested in those kidneys and that they resume their full function!! Keep looking up. Blessings. Kathy Dalseg
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Those numbers are very encouraging Mike!. Your kidneys are definitely still in the game. My church in Portland is now praying for you as well.
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