Barry Lubeck

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Barry's story starts September 2019. He was diagnosed with Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma ....in a very advanced stage. We were referred to a wonderful oncologist that specializes in cancers if the blood, Dr. Yoo. He worked hard trying to get it under control to the point he could qualify for a bone marrow transplant. Infusions twice weekly, then once weekly...and sure enough, his numbers came up to a point he was referred to a bone marrow transplant specialist, Dr. Fauble. She is wonderful and we have all the faith in the world in her. Many appointments later, brings us to today! Barry will be admitted to the hospital Honor Health off Shea, tomorrow at 9am. He will receive a mega dose of CHEMO. It will kill off everything except him! All immunizations dating back to infancy, will be wiped out. He will not be able to receive any new vaccines for 1 year. That in itself, places him at high risk for any and all infections. Undoubtedly will be a scary time in our lives. The next day, Thursday, they will put the 7 million stem cells they harvested and froze ( a little over a week ago) back in. The hope is they will produce healthy stem cells in the bone marrow since they won't be fighting the cancer cells! But it takes time for them to wake up (after being frozen) at least 5 days. His blood counts will continue to be in the very dangerous zone. Because of that, and Covid he will remain in the hospital for at least 2 weeks, where they can keep a very keen eye on him. We are hoping for a release on Dec 31, New Years eve. Wouldn't that be something to celebrate!!
No visitors are permitted, including me.
When he returns home. he and I are attached at the hip for 30 days. I cannot leave his side, even to get mail.
For 90 days after release, we will make 2 to 3 trips a week to the cancer center for close continued follow up.
So there you have!
I will update as the process progresses!
Barry can see this , so if you feel like leaving a note, please do!
Thanks for being part of this journey!
Mel and Barry