It’s late, but I wanted to share a couple of final thoughts before hitting the sack.
First, I want to reassure all of my concerned readers that I’m not pushing myself too hard. Sure, I was dragging this afternoon. But today was a “dex day,” so my energy level was relatively high.
We did have some down-time before meeting for dinner at 7 PM. “I think I’ll just lay down for 15 or 20 minutes.” I told myself. An hour later I awoke, groggy but well rested. I rarely nap. Guess my body was trying to tell me something!
I had a chance to speak with Dr. Jesus San-Miguel after this afternoon’s IMF Satellite Symposium. Specifically, I wanted to ask him about his strong feelings concerning the importance of using MRI and PET scans to monitor bone health in smoldering myeloma patients–and how the Spanish health care system handles paying for them.
Dr. San-Miguel was thoughtful and direct. “Yes, the system pays for PET-CT and MRIs for younger patients.” “Younger patients?” I asked. “Can you define that, Doctor.” “Yes.” He replied. “Anyone under age 65.”
Hmm. I asked him what happens to myeloma patients over 65. “We can get them, but its a challenge.” He concluded with a smile. Having a top-notch physician like Dr. San-Miguel to help probably doesn’t hurt! Just like working with an experienced myeloma expert from a well-known cancer center here in the States. Some medical principals are universal, don’t you think?
Yesterday I shared a late lunch with a fellow myeloma survivor, Cindy Chmielewski from New Jersey. Cindy is a delightful woman with an amazing story. Remind me to share that with you sometime soon. By the way, Cindy’s Twitter handle is @MyelomaTeacher–and she Tweets like crazy! Check-out Cindy’s (and my) Tweets @ASH12.
We ate at a fun (and healthy) sandwich shop near our hotel in the Atlantic Station district here in Atlanta. On the way back, we ran into IMF Support Group Coordinator, Robin Tuohy and her husband, Michael. Here’s a picture of Cindy, yours truly and Mike:
It gets dark early these days. Did I mention that it was a “late lunch?”? Check-out those Christmas lights. Quite a site.
Well, the shuttle to the World Congress Center leaves at 6:30 am. I will share another post tomorrow morning.
Feel good and keep smiling! Pat
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