The final diagnosis is in: solitary plasmacytoma. Meaning one isolated growth of cancer in my C6 vertebra. Yesterday, I met with the oncologist and received the results of the hip bone marrow biopsy. All clean! It was a very encouraging appointment. The doctor was awesome. The radiation therapy is the only treatment that we’re doing. Starting Wednesday, Dec. 11 to Jan. 9. Twenty-two days (M-F) with the weekends to rest.
I can’t tell you the weight the dropped off my shoulders yesterday. I’ve been at peace, trusting God and full of faith but until you get the final diagnosis, there’s always a possibility of a twist. The presupposition is that when you find a tumor on the spine it is multiple myeloma (meaning multiple locations - systemic issue).
My chart has said “multiple myeloma” as that was the working theory until final diagnosis. I’ve joked with caregivers that I’m on “Team Plasmacytoma.” I usually get a pleasant smile, but I know they see the vast majority of people not experiencing that hopeful more positive scenario.
I am deeply grateful and thanking God. Change the chart! Now on to attacking this growth with radiation. There’s a battle ahead, but it’s defined and confined. I am so ready to get started. Lets’ go. We will win. MADE STRONG.
Update on Nana’s horse accident. She continues to heal slowly but surely. She is on a puree food diet for six weeks until the bones in her face heal. She is still experiencing a good amount of pain and trying to manage it isn't always easy. We had a wonderful ENT surgeon from UNC review her imaging. He strongly agreed with the decision to not do surgery. All the breaks were significant but actually aligned quite well. So lots of rest and healing for Nana.