My 70th birthday party!

Bill Haid

First post: Nov 13, 2016 Latest post: May 7, 2023
I’m starting this health journal to communicate with all my family
and friends while I’m facing a serious health issue.  I want to provide this information to you
myself rather than have you start to hear rumors or such. While adjusting to
retirement and starting to realize that I wasn’t just on a long break from work
we received some news that puts our family on a journey we weren’t expecting.  

As background, my doctor has been monitoring my blood counts for
several months for indications of anemia, even before I retired. 
Recently, I have had more blood tests and have been referred to the
hematology/oncology department in Kaiser. 

I was diagnosed on October 31st, 2016 with Multiple
Myeloma.  It is a cancer of the blood.  You can read more about this
online and I found that WebMD has a good article on it.  There is no cure
for this kind of cancer, but it can be treated and managed.  My symptoms
are relatively mild at this point, but the lab results all indicate that the
disease is advanced and I will be starting chemotherapy treatments on November
15th, 2016. 

I will appreciate your prayers or good thoughts for both me and Joan
as we start this journey.  As you probably know, the chemo drugs are
strong and I don’t know how I will respond to the treatment.  I have
several good factors working in my favor and of course, I am clinging to God
and His promises to walk this valley with me.  I intend to maintain a
“normal” level of activity, but will need to modify my activities to focus on
the treatments and other health issues that may arise.  I am already
coming to understand that “normal” will mean following all the directions and
cautions of the treatment which may mean that I minimize contact with others
because of the risk of infection.  Apparently, my immune system will be
weakened by the chemotherapy.

I am claiming Psalm 23, all of it, for this journey.  I would love to receive other Bible
promises or inspirational thoughts and encouragement you may wish to
share.  This site allows you to post your thoughts and comments for me
here.  You may share this news with
others as you think may want to know. 

My family and I will use this site to post news, progress, and
thoughts overall.  Thanks to all of you
who want to stay connected with us here as it may be difficult to communicate
individually during this journey. 

Love,
Bill

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