No news on Thalidomide use

Today is the day I expected to learn whether I will resume taking Thalidomide or whether I can stay off it for longer. But I had forgotten that when the bloodwork includes determinations of the Myeloma markers they are not reported for another day or two. Abby reminded me of this delay today, but said she will get the report Wednesday on the blood collected today and she will talk to Dr. Zangari about my status with respect to the Thalidomide and will then give me a call to let me know whether I should resume taking it. The neuropathy is even more reduced in my feet (and fingers) and I no longer have a balance problem; I can put my trousers on while standing and feel no need for assistance in going up and down stairs. I carry the walking sticks that Emma gave me for Christmas when I take my morning walk around the block, but unless there is snow on the walks I only carry and do not use them.

The time spent in the BMT clinic last week was the shortest that I can remember and did not justify a post to the blog. I did wait a bit at the pharmacy and waited again today after another short stay in the clinic even though Abby had sent them new prescriptions for all 3 needed refills. The charges for the drugs seem very high perhaps because I have had the Thalidomide prescription refilled only once this calendar year so that that huge charge, which usually propels me right through the "donut hole," early in the year has only been paid once.

Emma was subjected to an early birthday dinner yesterday because Nancy and all her family except Laura will be out of town next Sunday on her actual birthday. Both of her granddaughters told her that she looked quite good and quite thin, which surprised her a bit. Laura insists that she will take us out to brunch as her gift to Grandma next Sunday and we are to choose the place. Nancy's gift to Emma was tickets for both of us (and herself) to the gymnastic meet Friday at the Huntsman Center where the University of Utah hosted the Pac-12 conference championship. We were disappointed that the U. of U. team came in second after the UCLA team by a few percentage points because they had to count one of their 2 falls from the balance beam.