Fourth Sunday in Advent

The bone marrow test came back confirming the MGUS diagnosis, but it did rule out the multiple myeloma!  

My primary physician, Adam Law, is now going to request that the UPittsburghMC send the amyloid sample to a specialist for further analysis.  Apparently, exactly how the proteins line up on the site has a relationship to what kind of amyloid it is.  A primary amyloid would be characteristic of systemic disease.  A secondary amyloid would suggest that it is "reactive," or in response to a particular inflammation.  Preliminary tests done by UPMC pathology pointed to the latter.  Because amyloidosis is such a dangerous disease -- most people diagnosed with it have an 18 month prognosis (largely because they do not know that they have it until it is quite advanced and affecting the vital organs), it is entirely appropriate that the sample taken during the surgery be tested extensively.  I am very hopeful, however, that I do not have the systemic disorder.  My EKG was good and the 24 urine test showed no kidney malfunction.   I may be coming out of the woods of possible further disease or disorders following the surgical finding of an amyloidoma on the trigeminal nerve, certainly at this time.  And as noted in the previous blog entry, all of this experience may be a gift because with the MGUS diagnosis I can be vigilant about being tested in the future for a range of possible disorders, which provides a great advantage in treatment and control of disease, and all of that is preceded by a big IF. 

Last night Denise and I attended a most resplendent wedding of the daughter of our close and wonderful friends Clare McMillan and Karl Pillemer.  Hannah Pillemer, a young and talented film maker, married Michael Seville, a film professor at Boston College, at Sage Chapel on Cornell Campus, followed by a grand, stylish bash in Memorial Hall of Willard Straight Hall. The bride was outstandingly beautiful and the groom amazingly handsome.  Family members beamed with pride.  Perhaps it is because we love this family so much that I felt more personal joy in the celebration of their vows than I have ever experienced as a guest at wedding.  To be a part of something so filled with love, commitment and bonding of friends and family reminded me all the more of what it means to be truly alive. 

Today is the fourth Sunday in Advent; Christmas is just a few days away.  As a historian I know full well the pagan origins of this holiday.  That knowledge only makes the season more meaningful for me.  People in the western world in the northern hemisphere for thousands of years have brightened up dark nights with light.  They have looked towards winter with anticipation.  Hope to survive the short days and see the first sprigs springs eternal indeed.  I think I know exactly what those traditions mean.

Denise just now has found the invitation to a party we are to attend in Rochester today.  She got the 5:30 part right, but it turns out to be when it ends not when it begins.  I have many, many words of appreciation to say, but I am told to get up and take a shower NOW!  I also have a story to tell you.  I'll make it my Christmas gift.  And in the meantime allow me to burst blessing upon you all with the full measure of holiday joy!