All posts by James Tenser

Rainy day in Nikko

Two Years – Still Kickin’

inspiration, Myeloma, survival, travel

SURVIVORSHIP IS AN IRONIC GIFT. Throughout my life before Myeloma there was rarely a doubt or concern about the future. Since my Myeloma life began, simply waking up and engaging in daily activities takes on a higher level of meaning and value.

This is a good thing. I think I’m a better human because of it . More than any other emotion about this illness, I feel lucky.

Last week, Oct. 14, marked two years since my formal diagnosis and a full year since my release from hospital following my autologous stem-cell transplant. I’m still kickin’ – still as annoying as ever. I’ve consumed a fortune in exotic medicines. I’ve lost all my hair, and grown it all back. I’ve received every form of childhood and adult vaccination you can think of, Continue reading Two Years – Still Kickin’ →

Brokaw Speaks

celebrities, media, Myeloma

VETERAN JOURNALIST TOM BROKAW, as many of you know, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at about the same time I was. He hasn’t shared a great deal about his experience publicly,  until now.

Tonight (Thursday, May 7, 2015) at 10 PM ET, he shares his cancer story on a special edition of NBC Dateline “Tom Brokaw: A Lucky Life Interrupted.”

In the special, Brokaw, a member of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees, interviews his Mayo Clinic doctors. Part of his goal is to “raise the level of dialogue between the patient and physician.” Continue reading Brokaw Speaks →

Counting to 100

100 days, Myeloma, transplant

A Couple of Cool HeadsSO I GOT SPRUNG in just 15 days from the transplant center, but that doesn’t mean I’m really free — at least not yet. For the next 2-3 months I need to live on guard against the stray germ, while my immune system rebuilds and my blood counts come back to normal.

One of our new friends from the Myeloma patient support group called it “100 days of house arrest,” which drew chuckles and knowing nods from others who had gone through the  transplant experience.

Most of the precautions make intuitive sense if you give the matter even 10 minutes of thought: Avoid raw or undercooked foods (alas, no sushi or eggs over easy). Wash vegetables carefully. Stay away from crowds and public spaces. Wash your hands a lot. Continue reading Counting to 100 →

On Parole

hair, Journal, stem cell

Free at LastTHEY SAY time off for good behavior is seldom granted in the stem-cell transplant penal system.  And yet, there I was yesterday afternoon with my bag packed, climbing into the car with Val at the wheel to make a quick getaway.

It was 15th day of my hospitalization and the absolute shortest time frame anyone said was possible. I win!

That’s not to say the entire sentence is fulfilled. My medical parole officers insist that I check in daily for blood draws, catheter care, and various infusions over the coming weeks.

Still, it was pretty sweet sleeping in our own bed last night, even if I awakened every two hours or so without reason. It was as if I was anticipating those wee-hours nurses’ visits for medications and “vitals.” Continue reading On Parole →