Will Start PCP treatment

We made the trip to Denver to see the myeloma specialist.
He just got back from a myeloma meeting in Rome Italy. Myeloma specialists from all over the world meet every two years to discuss this disease and learn from each other. We're so fortunate our Dr. M goes to these meetings. He is so well informed about the latest treatments. There is a new monoclonal antibody called Dara that will be approved by the FDA by the end of the year. We would have to come to Denver very frequently in order for Doug to receive it, because the local oncologist is not familiar with it. So that's not a good option for us.

The chemo vacation is over. Doug's light chains continue to rise so he needs to be on treatment. Dr. M gave us two good options:
1. Carfilzomib (Kyprolis), Revlimid and Dex.
  The combo is known as CRD. This treatment would be given by IV two days a week and would require that Doug get a port. Possible side effects include heart and kidney problems and lung damage.

2. Pomalidomide (Pomalyst), cytoxan and prednisone.
  This combo is known as PCP and is all oral, so Doug can take it at home. The pred is not as strong as the dreaded dex, so he wouldn't have the insomnia and "wired" feeling as with dex. This particular treatment is used for patients 70 and older. Doug isn't quite 70 but he's close.
Possible side effects include fatigue, weakness, low blood counts, gastrointestinal effects, shortness of breath. We'll continue to go to Denver every month for monitoring, and Doug will get blood tests done locally every week at first.

We thought it was a no-brainer. PCP is less toxic and is all pills. Dr. M says it is a good choice for Doug. Doug will start this as soon as the insurance hurdles are complete.

Dr. M dropped the Zometa back to every three months now. Doug is glad of that.

We've been getting out to enjoy the fall color and the beautiful weather. We've done several geocaches which we really enjoy.

Both Doug and I feel so blessed. The availability of good treatments, our excellent specialist, insurance and grants for the expensive drugs, our faith in God, supportive wonderful friends. God is good!

Love to all.