Announcement #5, November 20, 2008

Just a short announcement for today folks. Dr. Vemuri, my Kalamazoo hematologist, has decided that it would be best if I were to throttle back on the narcotic painkillers that I am taking to deal with the array of bone and muscular pains that come with multiple myeloma. These pain killers, especially Vicodin, have become very close personal friends of mine over the past six weeks, and I am loath to see them go. Nonetheless, I have begun to dial down on the Vicodin, replacing it with alternating doses of Extra Stength Tylenol and Ibuprofen. So far, this has meant more pain to deal with, but not an unbearable amount. Florence might tell you that the "bear" has been unleashed in my temperament, but I'm sure she's just kidding. More on this new adventure to share soon. Tomorrow will mark the halfway point of my second round of velcade therapy, and hopefully the increasing success of the chemo will reduce the pain, thus making this narcotics-weaning process easier. I'll close by thanking you for the hundreds of cards, letters and notes--they lift my spirits and often make me chuckle at the wit, and appreciate the wisdom, of my friends and family.