I'm Back

I have been subtly reminded (well, maybe not so subtly) that it has been over 4 months since my last post.  I confess.  It's true.  What can I say?  Time just flies when you're having fun, right?

Well, maybe it hasn't been so much fun.  There have been some major changes in my life that have nothing to do with MM.  Gretchen and I are now separated.  There!  I said it.  I didn't really want to address this in my blog, so I have been procrastinating on updating my posts.  But I couldn't really go on posting and pretending that everything is the same as it was could I?  I suppose I could have, but that wouldn't really have been fair to you, my loyal (?) readers.

Suffice it to say that I am now living in an apartment in Salisbury, MA.  As they say, stuff happens (or words to that effect).  It is a difficult time, but I'm glad go say that I will be celebrating Easter Sunday dinner with the family as usual and partaking of our traditional smoked lamb, along with other delicious accompaniments.  I'm looking forward to that.

Normally, at this time of year I would be raising funds for the Boston MMRF 5k Walk/Run to be held on April 28.  I am very proud to note that over the past three years, Team Epic for Bill has raised about $30,000 to fund Multiple Myeloma cancer research.  For that, I am very thankful for the generous contributions from my family and friends.  For those of you who contributed, I am very grateful.  However, given the recent changes in my life, I have decided not to continue the fundraiser this year.  However, I would still encourage you all to contribute to the MMRF in support of this worthy cause.  Here is a link to the website if you care to make a donation:  https://walkrun.themmrf.org/boston.

Grandpa with Khoren

I'm happy to report that Jeff and Christine welcomed a new baby boy into the family in February.  His name is Khoren.  As you can see from the picture, he's adorable!  To add the the excitement, Holly and Ryan are expecting a baby girl due to be born in October!  What an embarrassment of riches!  I'm so happy for them all.

As for me, I am still continuing on my amazing journey of remission from my MM.  It's closing in on 8 years since my intial diagnosis.  So far, so good.  I'm biting the bullet and paying the $730 monthly copayment for the Revlimid, but as long as it works, it beats the alternative!

I'm still volunteering weekly at Habitat for Humanity.  I'm becoming a bit of an expert in plumbing (which I used to hate), having helped to install six heat/hot water boiler systems to date.  I'm feeling like I could do that in my sleep by now.  My next adventure with Habitat will be to help build houses in Romania for 10 days in October.  That should be fun!

I'll end this as Jimmy Durante used to say, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are".