sjgcbm's Cancer Blog
September 29, 2008
I got out of the hospital just about a week ago. I have been so exhausted that email didn’t even come on my radar screen for days and days and days.
I am pleased to report that the treatment (autologous stem cell transplant) seems to have worked! My cancer is currently in remission; which was the goal. This type of cancer (myeloma) I have is not fatal, but there is no “cure” either, remission is the goal of treatment.
In a few weeks they will put me on a combination of a few drugs that I will stay on until there is some new breakthrough and the treatment changes. But for now, all is well. Life expectancy is about 10-15 years – which will probably be extended as research continues, the treatment I got is only about two years old.
I will also say that this has been the hardest few weeks – harder than I could ever have imagined. I found my faith in God really did help sustain me through it. Any and all intellectual doubts about whether God exists disappeared the first day of chemo. I had one night in the hospital when I really was convinced my Dad (who died back in 2000) was in the room letting me know all would be well. So my pain meds were either that good or I had a lovely hallucination, or as my Rabbi suggested, I simply stopped trying to process my cancer experience intellectually and landed in a very spiritual place.
I lost all my hair and about 30 pounds. I bought a wig and since my appetite is not back yet, the weight may stay off for awhile – no way to tell. Perhaps for the first time in my life my weight is not my highest priority :-)
As my energy continues to return, I will start writing a bit more.
Post Hospitalization - The Transplant Worked!, 
13 comments)
Thanks for your support - 
Hi Sarajane,
It’s good to hear that you’ve come thru the worst of it! And though it’s not a fun way to slenderize, every gay man lives by the words of our patron Saint Wallis of Simpson, who said “you can never be too rich or too thin.”
Let me know if I can get you anything next time I go to Wegman’s. I’m stocking up on kosher foods for the Holidays.
xoxox,
– AlexHi Sarajane, so glad to hear you are in remission! What a nice way to begin the new year. Best wishes for a shana tova, a year of renewed health and energy and good spirits – to you and Catherine, Loretta
I am glad your faith has seen you through. I have learned to rest on God’s word and allow that He has a plan and a purpose even when my eyes fail to see it.
Blessings to you sister
Mac
I am so very happy for you. Rest up and take care of yourself, my friend.
My love, thoughts and prayers will be with you each and every day.
Hugs, Joyce In NC
Remission…now that’s a beautiful word. I hope you continue to regain your strength & be well.
Blessings,
Monica
What wonderful news,
Keep updated on how you are doing.
Hug all around, Sherri
That is fantastic! Reading your post is a nice way to start the day. ;-)
It is good to see you blogging again. And great news about the transplant! Keep in touch with us all.
Glad things worked out I know it is a relief..
Cheryl
Hi Sarajane…it is good to hear that your treatment is working! YAY! Happy New Year to you and Catherine.
With a hug,
...Sari
Dear Sarajane; Just opened my email from over a week ago. I had 30 BFAC emails. I’m just starting to tackle them. So sorry you were feeling so sick but am happy you are now on the road to recovery. How grand. I suppose each day is a little better and in your case I hope it’s a lot better each and every day. Get well and yes I guess it is Happy New Year.
Weezie
hi SJ
I’m glad that you’re posting again, that things went well, and that you’re sounding better and feeling better, even if a little bit each day.
Much love and good thoughts (and good health)
pam
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hoped you have a positive update for me…