Time, Remission, and the Future
Does time really fly when you’re having fun? Appears to be true. Vacations seem to be over before they begin, summer never lasts long enough, and long anticipated visits by friends and family are way too short.
Time also seems to fly or at least blur for other reasons, stress and harsh circumstances being a couple of them. This occurs not when you’re in the middle of what you’re going through, but in looking back. You find yourself saying something like, “has it been a year since…” or, “Is it really that time again.” Holidays, birthdays, sports events, movie releases, and music can trigger our awareness that time has passed, and passed by very quickly.
That’s where I find myself. I haven’t written anything since the end of November. That was just before the really dark effects of the chemo therapy began to surface, accompanying positive effects. In my final post of last year, The Real Jesus , I posed the question, “Is this treatment strategy working?”
The answer was both yes and no.
The purpose behind the chemo therapy was to slow down and even stop the production of amyloids. The lab results in December showed the chemo was effective in doing just that. My light chain numbers and ratio had been brought down to normal levels. I was now in a state of remission.
I was also in a wheel chair.
Because of my extreme fatigue, dizziness, and muscle weakness, I needed a walker to get around the house. In my mind, that was bad enough. Needing a wheel chair to get around outside the house was worse. This made my vulnerable, physical condition public, something I didn’t want to disclose being in denial about how bad things really were.
While the chemo had done the job it was designed to do, my body had taken a beating in the process. In January I stopped the chemo therapy so my body could get a rest. Currently I’m on a “drug holiday.”
Remission is a temporary state for those of us who have amyloidosis. It can last months, even years. Being in remission means your organs, while damaged, are no longer under attack. The “amyloid factory” as we like to call it, has been shut down.
In my case, the light chain numbers are still in the normal range but are starting to creep up. I will have start chemo again soon but anticipate a less aggressive approach. Since going off chemo I’ve regained some strength, no longer using a walker or wheel chair, and am driving once again.
My plan is to start writing on a more regular basis. In some ways, putting my thoughts on paper is therapeutic in and of itself. We’ll see how this goes.
In terms of the services Basic Skills provides, you’re in good hands. As we enter the testing season, please visit our testing page to see when we will be testing at our Basic Skills office as well as around the state.
Thank you all for your prayers and kind words. They mean a lot to Jenny and me as we move forward into 2019.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Praying for you. I have often wondered how you are doing and lifted youbto the Lord in my thoughts.
Our hope is in Him!
Thank you, Tammy. The update was a bit overdue. You’re right; our hope and focus is (definitely should be) on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. And when I get derailed, I find the Holy Spirit brings me back.
Still pray for you every evening, Cuz. You’re still here, so I’m praising God as well as modern science (which I believe is a gift from God). I’ve read a little about this disease, and it is an aggressive sucker. Clearly, you ain’t done yet, so keep fighting.
Hi Cuz. Your right, Amyloidosis is terrible and a killer. 40% of those diagnosed with it don’t make it beyond a year. I’ve got a good team of doctors, and people praying for me so I hope to beat those odds. Getting to remission as quick as I did is a good sign.
So good to hear from you! Prayers have been said and continue. Chemo can be a real tough thing, but our God is stronger! This last years been a booger for many of us in tough health situations but Christ draws ever near us. I continue to pray for you Kurt and I thank you for all the help you’ve given me with Micah.
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isa. 43:1-2
Thanks, Vickie, for the encouraging words. I know you’ve had your share of health challenges. As he said, Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen to that.
So glad to hear that you’re in remission, Curt!
Just last week, I was wondering about you as I drove down Mollala Ave.
Thanks for the update.
Praying for you and your family.
Enjoy the lovely spring weather.
It’s been a journey, and will continue to be. But, I’ve got a tremendous support. Thank you for your prayers.
Thanks for the update. Rest, while we all still pray.
I’ve been thinking about both you and Jenny and you’re right, time goes fly! I can’t believe it’s been as long as it has been since we last spoke with Jenny. I’m so sorry to hear of the struggles you’ve been going through but happy to hear that you are in remission and doing better right now. Stay strong and may your journey be a little easier as you move forward. Sending prayers from all of us.
“Doing better right now.” Right now is what I have, and today was a good day. Looking forward to tomorrow, but not looking too far into the future. Thank you for praying.
Kathie, I like that arrangement!
Thank you for the update we have all began thinking about you and praying you weee feeling better. Sending our love to you and the family.
Thanks, Donna. Good memories of you and your family’s visits up here.
Thinking and praying for you Curt. Much love 🙏❤🙏❤
Thanks so much, Madeline.
Love to you, Curt. Keep fighting the good fight. think about you every day. Looking forward to catching up with my favorite cousin Jenny tomorrow. Love you and God bless!
Love to you and your family, Curt. Praying for a little normalcy for you amidst this difficult time. I appreciate the updates.
I think of you often Curt and pray for God to give you and Jenny all you need for each day. Thanks for taking time to write.
Hi Curt and Jenny,
So appreciate the update. God brings you and your family to mind and encourages me to pray for you. I am so glad He is your strength and is walking you through these tough times. Much love to you and yours.
Oh, the wonders of social media; though time has flown since our days in Washington, the Lord has brought you to mind, Curt, and we are praying for all of you as you walk through this difficult journey. We have a son who is struggling with chronic Lyme and other serious afflictions, and understand the “taking it one day at a time” mentality, rejoicing in the little things, and resting in His promises. We rejoice in your current remission status, and will continue to ask the Lord to uphold you each day. Blessings from ‘Bama!