Things had been looking up as far as going to Santa Fe this year. But, my latest lab results escalated dramatically. It may be that my current trifecta of treatment (monoclonal antibody isatuximab, chemo revlimid and steroid dexamenaxone) aren’t doing the trick to suppress the cancer. If so, there are innumerable new drugs to try out, mix and match. The downside is that I’ve had minimal side-effects from my current treatment. I’m hoping if I have to switch I’ll have better outcomes with no side effects.

My oncologist has scheduled a bone marrow biopsy and PET scan to assess what’s going on and to "come up with a plan." Lately, I've been having some spinal pain that reflects my latest lab results. Usually the pain isn't overbearing, but I did decide to cancel my Santa Fe trip. Not just because I’m awaiting the results of these tests. I was also getting increasingly worried about plane travel (including plane changes) as well as not being up to snuff as far as walking around Santa Fe or hiking some of my favorite trails. I'm still doing water aerobics, walking and biking so I'm not incapacitated. And, I still enjoy cooking and gardening.

I'm determined to make it to Santa Fe in the Spring!

Devil's Claw (Proboscidea parviflora ) from Diablo Canyon, Santa Fe, NM from previous trips.