Doug is not having any pain in the arm. Dr. H said there is a possibility of pathological fracture, but she can't be sure if that would happen.
We decided to wait on the radiation. We'll know in about two more weeks if the Revlimid/Dex is successful in lowering the light chains. If the light chains go down, and Doug does not develop pain in the arm, then radiation might not be needed.
We saw today the result of the baseline FreeLite test that was done on 12-13 before Doug started the Revlimid/Dex chemo; we knew it would not show any improvement.
July 5 the light chains were 41.3 mg/dL
Oct 6 the number was 47.3
Dec 13 was 83.0
The scary part here is how fast the light chains are rising. In 10 weeks they almost doubled.
The light chain numbers are the indicator of disease progression. Going higher is not good. We need them to come way down.
The next FreeLite blood test will be done Jan 2, after the first course of chemo. We see the oncologist Dr. M on Jan 4. Hopefully he will have the results then. If the light chains don't go down, then we go to Plan B. Waiting is hard.
Doug is feeling pretty good with only slight side effects from the chemo - some fatigue and altered taste buds and constipation. He manages to stay calm and his sense of humor is intact. He does take Ativan to help him sleep at night. On the Dex days he needs a sleeping pill; the Dex 'wires' him.
The roads were good with only slight snowpack. Snow on the high mountains was gorgeous. On the way we saw 7 or 8 Bighorn Sheep - they crossed the road in front of us. Magnificent animals.
Love to all.
Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7
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