July 2014: Waiting for my blood test
In October I was told by my Hematologist that my multiple myeloma + anemia had returned. During that appointment I learned that since July, my cancer levels had been gradually increasing. Last month, the blood test revealed that my level continued to rise. There have been challenges this Fall as my cognitive abilities have been eroded. Concentration, focus, remembering, and thinking is much more difficult. Conversations can be mentally draining. Writing a blogpost takes much longer than expected. Trying to follow storylines in a book or tv show can cause confusion.
Last week I had my blood test and I was able to view the results the next day online through a free service called myehealth, that is available here in British Columbia. During my October Hematologist appointment, I was told that if my cancer levels spiked or if I experienced bone pain, then the next appointment would result in a discussion about chemo options. Sadly, my cancer levels have spiked. With multiple myeloma being a cancer of the blood plasma, it is in my bloodstream, rather than concentrated in one particular area.
| Date | Albumin | Beta 2 Globulin | Gamma Globulin | igG | igA | igM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 34.0-53.0 | 1.8 – 4.8 | 5.1 – 15.0 | 6.7 – 15.2 | .70 – 4.00 | .40 – 2.30 |
| Dec | 42.4 | 17.9 | 5.1 | 24.3 | .33 | .38 |
| Nov | 41.3 | 11.8 | 5.5 | 16.9 | .37 | .36 |
| Oct | 46.2 | 9.5 | 6.4 | 14.8 | .39 | .27 |
| Sept | 45.1 | 6.2 | 7.1 | 12.8 | .36 | .21 |
| July | 45.9 | 4.9 | 6.9 | 10.8 | .34 | .25 |
| June | 45.3 | 4.0 | 6.6 | 9.9 | .33 | .30 |
| May | 46.5 | 3.5 | 7.3 | 9.2 | .33 | .26 |
| Apr | 47.9 | 2.8 | 7.0 | 9.2 | .28 | .23 |
| Mar | 48.3 | 2.8 | 7.0 | 8.9 | .31 | .33 |
| Feb | 51.4 | 2.8 | 6.4 | 7.7 | .24 | .38 |
| Jan | 47.6 | 3.0 | 6.2 | 7.5 | .17 | .33 |
| Nov | 45.6 | 3.5 | 5.1 | 7.1 | .14 | .10 |
Test comment: There is a monoclonal band (approx. 9 g/L) in the beta 2 region. This band was previously identified as IgM lambda.
The igG is the general marker used to measure cancer levels in multiple myeloma. For me, my multiple myeloma resides in the Beta 2 globulin region, in others it lies in the Gamma Globulin. That’s why you can see my Beta 2 mirroring my igG outside of the normal range, while my Gamma Globulin remains within it.
In November 2013 following 9 months of chemo I thought I would have 3-5 years before I would have to concern myself with chemo. In October I thought I would have 1-2 years without needing to worry about treatment. Now I’m facing the reality that chemo may begin in February with the details being finalized during my January Hematologist appointment.
| Date | WBC | Hemoglobin | Platelet Count | Neutrophils |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 4.0 – 11.0 | 135 – 170 | 150 – 400 | 2.0 – 8.0 |
| Dec | 3.8 | 128 | 235 | 1.9 |
| Nov | 2.7 | 130 | 265 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 4.1 | 139 | 305 | 2.1 |
| Sept | 3.7 | 135 | 241 | 1.8 |
| July | 2.9 | 133 | 247 | 1.4 |
| June | 3.4 | 135 | 265 | 1.8 |
| May | 3.2 | 138 | 294 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 2.3 | 137 | 243 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 2.0 | 135 | 211 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 2.0 | 132 | 208 | 0.9 |
| Jan | 1.9 | 124 | 217 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 2.2 | 118 | 220 | 1.1 |
I’m focused on staying positive and making sure I’m adequately prepared for whatever comes my way in 2015. Chemo side effects won’t be easy, but I’m confident with the help of my friends, I will get through the dark days.
Although at the moment I don’t have a macbookpro for my photography and my camera is on its last legs, I view my upcoming chemo as an opportunity to continue to share knowledge about multiple myeloma to other patients, caregivers, and anyone touched by this disease. I will do my best to document my chemo like I previously did in 2013 using photography and social media. I also have a personal project I want to pursue called Cancer Sabbatical once my circumstances improve.
To recap: I have Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient.
I love photography and use it for personal health and healing. You can view my photos on Pinterest.
May 2014: Lonsdale Quay Market
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