tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398956932575790.post8771688764092261014..comments2024-01-23T21:37:27.869-08:00Comments on Nick's Myeloma Blog: Blood counts good!Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733312143898687572noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398956932575790.post-80890891891492780092009-11-26T05:30:22.338-08:002009-11-26T05:30:22.338-08:00Nick,
Do you get the Freelite test done? My under...Nick,<br />Do you get the Freelite test done? My understanding is this test is more sensitive than the immunofixation test for low numbers of myeloma counts.Jerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08334002321240267987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398956932575790.post-29197091034011140592009-11-26T01:00:08.933-08:002009-11-26T01:00:08.933-08:00Nick:
Happy Thanksgiving! I count your drive and ...Nick:<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving! I count your drive and passion for defeating myeloma as nothing but a a blessing, for which I am most grateful. Let's see if some overindulgence in turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes has a miraculous affect on hemoglobin counts and neuropathy! My taste buds are finally back and I'm going to use them! :)<br /><br />This last year of my MM journey has added an amazing paradigm to my life. I am incredibly thankful to be at home with my family this year, in CR and motivated to help the Myeloma fight in any way I am able. As always, thanks for your frank and cogent dicussion via this blog. It continues to be important to me, and, no doubt, to many others.<br /><br />Nick, I agree with your assesnment of the Health Care initiatives proposed. We need help, but this isn't it. I've had some interesting conversations with Missouri's legislators in Washington, including Sen. Kit Bond (MO) who is quoted as saying "On this Thanksgiving, this is one turkey no one could be thankful for." Pardon the turkey, kill the legislation.<br /><br />And if I may:<br /><br />Steve Ritter: First of all, thank you for your service to this country. As you know, there are no former Marines. No matter that you served in peace time, you stood on-guard against those willing to take away our freedom. We owe you a great debt.<br /><br /> On 10 November of this year my company produced the 234th USMC Birthday Ball in Branson, MO. Col. Oliver North (USMC-ret) was the keynote speaker and we had hundreds of active duty, retired and reservist Marines and their guests in our midst. To say that this time-honored ceremony was inspiring is a gross understatement. I suggest that anyone rub shoulders with a Marine, you will be better for it.<br /><br />Though I have never worn a uniform of the armed services, the courage, sacrifice and an esprit de corps that I have witnessed through years of working on national Veterans events has left an indelible mark on my life. Men and women of all branches have unkowingly taught me how to battle Multiple Myeloma head-on. My day spent in the UAMS Stem Cell Transpant Ward with a Marine Corps helicopter pilot from Alabama, via Viet Nam, changed my life. BTW- that's where I met Nick and Jill, too. Difficult way to meet people, but the fruit is tremedous.<br /><br />Again, thank you for your service, Mr. Ritter. Semper Fi! You deserve so much better from this country and the VA. I will pray for your complete healing. Uh-Rah!<br /><br />Thanks, Nick. Happy Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Sean M.Sean Murrayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06954782169183374420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398956932575790.post-40362362027063520682009-11-25T21:50:47.923-08:002009-11-25T21:50:47.923-08:00The political plan for healthcare is not CARE at a...The political plan for healthcare is not CARE at all. I hope readers will wake up and realize what is going on.<br />And, it is really great news that you are progressing so well, Nick. I hope others facing MM find the combination(s) that work for them to have similar results!Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02265922352726668243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398956932575790.post-8113355878248326492009-11-25T08:30:44.402-08:002009-11-25T08:30:44.402-08:00Nick: I have a perspective on what will happen if...Nick: I have a perspective on what will happen if we go national on health care. I'm a former US Marine. I last my job in July and as such lost my health care. I said to myself "you were in the Marines, go to the VA, Well they turned me down flat. If I was in a "special" group I could have got it. If I was a minority, was in during a conflict, if I had a service disability etc.. I did my 4 years, enjoyed it, got out went to work and paid my own way, so no benefits. The VA is national health care and is a picture of what Americans can expect. There will be "special" groups that will have access, and the rest of us who pay our own way will be left out. If, I did get the coverage, I would have lost my Dr., my oncologist and my ability to go to UCSF or the hospital of my choice. I would also have to use the "traditional" treatments... no trials etc. So I'm with you.... Keep what we have and say no...Steven L. Ritterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12148066800302703765noreply@blogger.com