John Schlim Jr

Symbolic of my life right now: simultaneously dedicated to the challenges of reality while still chasing my dreams. #WriterSky

They bedazzled my ID band with kyber crystals for today’s chemo. #CancerSky #Jedi

Jane Goodall 💔

Thank Dog It’s Friday! #DogSky

So we’ll talk about all of that, look at updated testing data, take into consideration the nephrologist’s input, and put together a plan. I’m looking forward to it. ✌️

Next week is our big summit meeting on next steps. Many times this has already been planned out for patients, but in my case I have a few rare circumstances that must be factored in.

I had another consult with the nephrologist this week and she said my kidney function seems stable, but we’ll need to see if my hematologist/oncologist is more concerned in regards to the myeloma.

This week was back to my full treatment routine. Blood tests still look good for the most part, but there have been upticks in some of the troubling markers in the urine tests.

Some of these weekly hospital trips are very early, but my daughter chauffeur is a trooper and never complains. 🌞 #CancerSky

Another treatment day targeting the bad guys! #CancerSky

Thank Dog It’s Friday! #DogSky

I went in the bookstore simply to keep my daughter company. 🙄 #BookSky

If you’re going to celebrate a birthday, then CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY! Amirite? 😜🍰

My 62nd year arrives with a challenge I never foresaw. But that challenge also provides an eye-opening perspective that I’ve come to cherish. Honestly, I had reached an age where birthdays had become irrelevant. Yet now I celebrate the gift of each new day, so today feels incredibly special. 🎂🥳

PS this week’s treatment day was extra special because I got loving attention from Myrtle, the sweetest Labrador Retriever who roams the hospital spreading joy. ❤️

In the meantime, I’m feeling good. My eye infection seems to be clearing up. And this week I’m going to celebrate my birthday! I can tell you right now, this one is going to be extra special.

But this week, out of nowhere, the urine tests showed normal levels. This, of course, is amazing news! But since it’s such an abrupt turnaround, further testing is needed for confirmation.

You see, even though my blood tests have been showing encouraging early response to treatment, my urine tests have remained discouraging with continued reports of a high level presence of both glucose and proteins. That indicates an ongoing problem with my kidneys and complications for future care.

In fact, the numbers from my blood tests looked good. They were quite pleased to let me know that they had held steady during the time off. But she hadn’t anticipated that she’d be sharing more good news. It turns out my urine tests also showed positive results, a completely unexpected development.

More Good News (Maybe) - This week was the beginning of cycle #4 of my induction therapy. I was anxious to see test results after my week off from treatment. Would my numbers see a negative spike without the drugs in my system? It turns out, no! #CancerSky

🤣

Road trippin! #DogSky

Fit drop! This custom Carhartt with embroidery by Safari Sun provides many options for Ovation Comics: premium Kickstarter Stretch Goal for my best backers, surprise Christmas gifts for my amazing collaborators, and this one is going to be my cool weather top for my chemo appointments. #ComicsSky

Meal prepping! Another homemade taco experiment with black beans, mashed chickpeas, diced tomatoes, corn, onions, red peppers, chopped cabbage, sour cream, sriracha aioli, and queso blanco.

In action

Somebody shared a custom Lego build that let me create my own Mother Box (aka ultimate fidget cube). #jackkirby #lego

It might also be that the regimented routine provides me with a sense of purpose while facing this. Or maybe I just missed my weekly post-treatment “reward scone!” Anyway, it was a relaxing week for me and I hope it was for you too. Back at it again this week. Go @patriots !

What stood out to me during the week was the part of me that kind of…missed going and seeing the nurses. They are so supportive and uplifting, and due to the increasing isolation from my vulnerability, that trip is fast becoming my social life!

No Scone.
This week was a break from chemo, allowing me to catch up at work. I’ve been working 4-day weeks, missing treatment day each week. I felt more fatigued than during treatment weeks, but maybe it’s the cumulative effect. Or more likely, it’s the lack of the steroid energy source. #CancerSky

It might also be that the regimented routine provides me with a sense of purpose while facing this. Or maybe I just missed my weekly post-treatment “reward scone” Anyway, it was a relaxing week for me and I hope it was for you too. Back at it again this week. Go Patriots!