Velcade Dose Reduction

Yesterday we went to Denver for the monthly myeloma specialist visit, Zometa infusion, and CyBorD treatment. Last week we saw the general oncologist in Salida, and she ordered a myeloma panel blood test. It showed another drop in light chains (cancer marker)!
The Denver specialist decided, since Doug is showing an excellent response to the Velcade, and he has such a problem with diarrhea -- that it would be good to lower the dosage of Velcade by 15%. He said he has never had a patient with such a severe diarrhea side effect from this drug. This specialist is always concerned with his patients' quality of life and doesn't want Doug to be confined to the house several days a week. Doug will be followed closely of course, to make sure the lower dose is still effective.
We did get a valuable aid against diarrhea from the chemo nurses in Salida - BanaTrol, formulated to treat chemo related diarrhea. It is a powder; Doug puts it in applesauce or oatmeal. The nurse said it is okay to take Immodium also.  So if anyone has intractable diarrhea from chemo, check it out. We got samples to see if it would work and then ordered a case from Amazon. No prescription needed. Is there anything you can't get from Amazon?

Once the full six cycles (six months ) of CyBorD been completed, Doug will have some tests, such as a PET/CT scan and others, done to see if in fact he is back in remission. If yes, then he can go on a maintenance dose.
Doug is having some slight neuropathy in his fingers now but thankfully it is not affecting his ability to do things such as fasten buttons.

Doug's blood counts are fine, with the exception of a high glucose - 203. That is way too high. The dexamethasone could be partially responsible, but lack of exercise and too many carbs are probably a factor too. He will have an A1C blood test done by our local nurse practitioner and go from there.

We had an early appointment in Denver, so left home at 6:00 a.m. On the way we saw the most gorgeous sunrise ever! First a hint of yellow light behind mountains, then orange reflected on clouds, then red and gold that made the clouds glow brightly. Then a softer pink and light blue. It changed every minute. What a beautiful gift from God's creation. Have you ever noticed there can be no beautiful sunsets and sunrises without clouds? Isn't that like life - without difficult times, we can't really appreciate beauty and goodness.

Love to all.

Light Chains Down!

We got the results of the latest MM panel: Lambda light chains are down to 22.93 - this is a dramatic drop from 261.96 last month.  Very good news! Praise the Lord!

Doug emailed and asked the specialist if this means he could drop the Velcade dosage. The answer is no; he wants Doug to complete 6 full cycles. We figure it will go through February. The side effects are a worthwhile price to pay if it puts Doug back into remission.

"May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5