We have been home from Texas for about 3 weeks. 

That time has been busy with appointments, and we are ready to update. This weekend is supposed to be 70 degrees, so spring is very close. I (Jo) will finally be able to show off my Texas brown legs! 

Darwin had a bladder biopsy when he got home that did not show cancer in his bladder. He hasn't visited yet with his urologist about that, as the tests he had showed cancer cells in his urine before the biopsy. So we will be asking more questions. 

Darwin's PET scan when we got home showed skeletal disease advancement. He has new spots that showed up in two new rib areas, in his  hip area, and in both femurs. 

He had his last PET scan ( this test shows areas with more cancer activity) in October 2023. We know the cancer treatment he was getting last fall quit working, as the cancer markers they watch (in his blood tests) were going up. Since starting his new treatment in Dec. 2023, his counts have looked really good.

So, the big question is... Did all the new spots come last fall when his treatment wasn't working? That is what his oncologist thinks. Our Multiple Myeloma specialist in Omaha also thinks this is a likely guess. 

The spot he got radiation on in his jaw still shows up on the scan,  but it is stable so they will just watch it at this time. He has a spot in his hip that is concerning, as it could break if it continues to grow. So he will get radiation on this spot to make sure it is dead. 

His treatment will remain as it has been unless his counts start going up again. He will get another PET scan in a few months to monitor what is happening. 

Update on Jo: 

The hip I got replaced has continued to hurt. So the orthopedic doctor ordered an MRI which shows a couple bulging discs in my back and spinal narrowing. I will be receiving shots in my spine to see if that helps with the pain. If it does, I can get the shots every 6 months. If it doesn't help, I will see a back specialist in Sioux Falls. 

We rejoice for each day we have. Even with health issues, we enjoy life and each other. We pray you are well and enjoying life, too. 

Thanks for caring and praying.

Jo & Darwin