Progress at last

Today we spent an hour at the oncologist's office. Doug's kidney function is down. The GFR is now 51, was 54 last week. We would like to see the GFR at least 60.
So Dr. M. ordered the Revlimid dose lowered to 10 mg instead of 25.

His assistant spent at least 30 minutes on the phone to Accredo, the pharmacy; she talked to five different people. Since the dose was not the same as originally ordered, there was confusion on their end; Medco/Accredo does not have the most efficient organization. At one point it seemed like we might have to start over with the paperwork. Finally they agreed to ship the Revlimid - it should come tomorrow. Yeah, at last! Doug should have been on Revlimid two weeks ago.

Now we have ammunition to fight this cancer. We should know in a month if the Revlimid is knocking back the myeloma light chains. If yes, Doug stays on it. If no, then we go to Plan B, which is adding another chemo drug.

Although Doug's kidney function is worrisome, at this point it is considered adequate. Dr. M. told us that he thinks we will see improved kidney function when the chemo reduces the light chain load.

We were supposed to have a consult with the radiation oncologist in Edwards tomorrow -- we have put that off until next week, as we need to be home to accept delivery of the Revlimid. Doug will go to the hospital tomorrow to get a blood draw so we can have a baseline on the light chains right before he takes the Rev. I will stay home to sign for the Rev.

There have been a lot of emotional ups and downs lately, but now we feel we are doing something to attack this disease. Feels good.

I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them and honor them.   Psalm 91:14-15