Back of the Rosemont B&B
Dave: “What do they say?”
Lori (reading test reports): “Well, they say you get to live another 6 months.”
Laughter from Dave, the Nurse, and our new Doc.
All went well, as we expected. Dave is about as low risk as you can be and still have MM. We are monitored closely at home and with monthly tests mailed in, so really, we had no worries. It becomes more about how is he doing, did that last teeny lesion left disappear yet, adjustments to his treatment and idyll chit chat about life.
There are many things I love about UAMS. First that your test results are all completed within 24 hours or less and waiting for you in your own copy when you arrive to meet with the doctor. It’s a bit grueling in that you start your day of tests early in the morning and keep going from one clinic to the next to get them all done before you see the doctor. But it’s worth it for those who are from far away, like us, and most LR patients. Once you start your day of testing you tend to run into people doing the same thing at the next clinic and can have really lovely conversations.
So, for us, PET Scan at 6 am to start. This is great as you can’t eat before, so getting it out of the way early is always a good thing. I used to not eat or drink in solidarity with Dave. But I’ve stopped doing that. Having two of us hungry and un-caffeinated makes for two cranky adults instead of one. 🙂
We had trouble getting into the building! The new cancer center is still difficult for me to negotiate. The campus is large and I had it pretty much down during our treatment. But they since finished the new cancer wing and it connects now to the older buildings and I sometimes struggle finding those interior landmarks I remember. So in the dark we were meandering around trying to find our way in. An old tried and true entrance has been revamped and doesn’t exist anymore. Anyway, we were successful and even called the clinic and they were willing to come and find us to help us get there. How cool is that? But we didn’t need to and in the course of that found another MM patient here for her consultation visit and we joined forces to get her to her MRI on our way to the PET scan. We ran into them again later in the morning and I sat with them for a while talking while Dave was getting his MRI. Then blood work, and his favorite, the Bone Marrow Biopsy. They did another Gene Array test which we won’t know the results of for a while. That takes a bit longer. We haven’t had one since diagnosis, that I’m aware of, so it will be good to see that.
When I ran out to the car briefly, I ran into someone we met very early on in our experience here. Aaron and his wife. It was SO GREAT to see them both again as it has been a long time. They had a toddler who is now 4 and it was terrific to hear how he was growing up and all that they were enjoying in their lives.
Bruce & Dave after dinner
Of course Jan found me and I was able to introduce her to the new folks and she will be a great source of support and comfort for them while they embark on their journey.
Finally we decided to meet up for dinner the following evening and it ended up being about 13 MM patients and caregivers. We knew some of them, met new folks and had a grand time. One of my favorite things about returning every 6 months is to meet up with others we have met along the way and make new friends who look to us for inspiration as they are struggling with their diagnosis and treatment. More often though, we are inspired by them! Hearing their stories and experiencing their attitudes, perseverance, and humor. We always leave feeling a new sense of well being. All of this in the face of our own mortality. Talking about those who have not “made it” or having a hard time. Something you would expect to be dark and depressing, is anything but. The frankness, the jokes, laughing at ourselves…
We LOVED The Rosemont Bed & Breakfast. Gosh, I highly recommend it. Dave wants to check out the other rooms, cottages and suites before we head home. I’m hoping he will be willing to spend the little extra to stay here every time we come. It was peaceful, beautiful, perfectly located, with all the modern amenities we prefer while having an amazing charm.
Coming to Little Rock has been very much a part of our “new life” and we have found ways to enjoy it like going home to see old friends and family. We are welcomed by all those whose paths we crossed when we first came, looking like deer caught in the headlights. There are always changes and people have left, while others have stayed, and its fun for them to see us and to see Dave. Eyes get big, hugs are freely given, and it must be inspiring for them to see Dave looking so well, as when they met him he was at his worst. For those watching, wondering, and hoping they will be where we are, we say, “You will, you will. If any place can give you hope, it’s this one.”
Today, since our flight is late this evening, I’ll meet up with Jan for a coffee and head over to Little Rock’s sheshshee yarn boutigue. Just what I need… more yarn! Can’t wait!
Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and support!
Greetings from UK. Lori I just love reading whatever you have to say and how much detail you go into, so interesting. The Rosemont looks fabulous, not like a B&B, more like a luxury villa!
Congrats to you both on an excellent check-up.
All I can say is this, that word AWESOME really comes into it’s own with you two guys.
love and kisses Tricia and Nick
Thanks Rene. It just says that it is negative on a limited core biopsy. As you may be aware, the BMB is a diagnostic tool, but can’t be used in isolation because you may get a negative result in what you pull out, while there may be a “hot spot” of myeloma somewhere else that would show a completely different result. Which is why they typically, for us, do PET Scan, MRI and BMB. For instance, the MRI shows him completely clear, while the PET pulls up one last tiny lesion on his spine that has not yet disappeared completely.
Great news Lori!! Definitely an inspiration to all of us, no matter what part of the journey we’re on. Do you mind me asking what the results of Dave’s bone marrow biopsy were? Jeff just had one too so I was just curious. Your B & B looks full of hospitality 🙂
That is great news Lori. LoL……..the story about the police officer is great……..LoL I like cops 😉 Thank you for sharing
Doug
Ditto Karen! I love it too! My mother was like your dad. We used to say “Chris knows no strangers!”
lori, i love when you tell stories like meeting the police officer and him recognizing you. it reminds me so much of my dad, who had southern roots, and there was no one he couldn’t make friends with. as i have gotten older i find myself just loving doing the same thing. i am totally captivated about making eye contact, smiling a big friendly smile and seeing the way someone’s faces completely lights up when they smile back. often, it magically opens a door to say hello, then, as in the myeloma waiting room, asking someone how they are doing, then sharing stories. this happens all over – the store, a restaurant, on walks in the park. i think of it as “grace” personified; making a connection that uplifts spirits, and allows for a warm and friendly exchange, based simply on our humanity and the desire to create a bright spot in our day-to-day lives. i think of it as no small thing, and imagine when we leave this life, and have been on the receiving and giving end of these oh, so lovely smiles and chats, all the souls who were touched by such as these will meet and say, “i remember you” and that it will be such a joyful thing. it’s such a gift, and one ever knows sometimes how reaching out with a smile, or a few words of comfort, a bit of laughter, or spontaneous hug just makes one’s day. i bet that police officer was just tickled to see you again! good for you! and for him, too. i send you a smile, and a warm hug. karen
Thanks Karen!
So, as an aside, I just came through security. As I was walking through I saw a police officer, Robert Beasley that had struck up a conversation with me at the airport while I was waiting for Dave to arrive Tuesday night. I looked over at him and waved and his face lit up and he yelled “GIRL! How are you!” Came down off his stool and gave me a warm hug! I introduced him to Dave and he just chatted and chatted with us and said he looked forward to seeing us when we come back in 6 mos. Ok, so if you have to be sick, Arkansas sure is a friendly, welcoming, wonderful place to do it, not because of the location, for sure, but the people. That southern hospitality can never be underestimated. Dave freaked out a little bit wondering “What the hell…. Lori’s buddies with the Arkansas police now?” Yeah man! I’ve got friends in HIGH places.
hi lori – can’t tell you what a joy it is to learn that dave’s test results were so excellent. you both must be on cloud nine! how great that you have had such a positive experience – loved the photos of the rosemont, and the photo of dave, looking so healthy (and handsome!). you both are an inspiration to so many both in little rock and through your blog. enjoy every second of your sweet successs.
Thanks for sharing the great news on your checkup! Awesome. I hope dinner is possible in April next year! Continue to enjoy that wonderful son of yours. Hugs to Stacy and your good looking twin brother. 🙂
Lori, it was great to see you both. Dave is looking great! It is amazing the difference between almost 3yrs ago and now. I know that is relative and that in many ways our lives will never be the same. I echo your sentiments. Stacy and I have met countless inspiring people along the way. My news was great as well. I continue to be myeloma free. We will be back in 4mo, but may have to come back just for dinner.