REMISSION #4

Yesterday was our visit with the Denver myeloma specialist. He says Doug is now in remission!
 Doug has to stay on the present drugs for another six weeks, then Dr. M will begin to taper Doug off one or two of the drugs. He will need to remain on the Pomalyst at a maintenance dose.

This is Doug's forth remission. We hope it will be a long one!

• Remission #1 was in 2009 after the initial Revlimid and stem cell transplant. At that time the data wasn't in on the benefits of maintenance therapy, so he was off all drugs until he relapsed in October 2011. This is when the myeloma morphed into Light Chain Disease. He went back on Revlimid/dex.
• Remission #2 was in January 2012. That held, on Revlimid maintenance, until he relapsed in July 2014. 
• Remission #3 was in November 2014, on CyBorD. Unfortunately, Doug had to stop Velcade in January 2015 due to peripheral neuropathy. Doug did well off treatment for several months until the cancer numbers started to rise.
• Remission #4 in February 2016, on Pomalyst, cytoxan, prednisone. (PCP)

Fortunately, there are at least three drugs for myeloma that Doug has not been on. So in the advent of another relapse, Dr. M will be able to put Doug on one of those. 

We had good travel weather yesterday, and no traffic problems in Denver. When we got home, we celebrated with take-out Chinese food. Yum.

God is good, we trust in Him and we have His Peace! 

I would like to share part of our devotional this morning,  "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young: 

"You will not find lasting peace in the world around you, in circumstances, or in human relationships. The external world is always in flux -- under the curse of death and decay. But there is a gold mine of Peace deep within you, waiting to be tapped. Take time to delve into the riches of My residing Presence. I want you to live increasingly from your real Center, where My Love has an eternal grip on you. I am Christ in you, the hope of  Glory."

No news is good news

I owe an apology to those who read this blog. I haven't updated in a while. Had an email from a long distance friend who was concerned because she hadn't seen any postings recently. The old saying is true: No news is good news.

Eyes: Doug is having to do three kinds of glaucoma drops three times a day, but his eye pressure is holding at a high but acceptable (for him) level.  A lubricating drop has been added to the mix - we love the low humidity here but have to moisturize skin and eyes.

Myeloma: Had the last visit with the myeloma specialist Dec 21. Labs looked good. We now can see him every six weeks rather than every four weeks. Zometa will be given every twelve weeks. The longer break between trips to Denver is welcome.
The FDA has approved three new drugs for myeloma! That's really good news for the future, as we know the cancer cells will eventually "outsmart" the present drug regime.

He has had some GI side effects. Usually constipation but occasionally it goes the other way.

Diabetes: We are doing okay with the low carb eating. His glucose is higher than ideal but our NP says she knows it is due to the prednisone and she's not going to worry about it.
I'm glad eggs are now recognized as safe to eat every day (not that we do), and not a danger to cholesterol. We eat complex carbs in moderation, and a lot of healthy fats - nuts, coconut oil, olive oil, even real butter in moderation. No more "light" or "fat free" foods; they take away the fat but substitute sugar or other chemicals instead. Read the labels.
 Doug had a lipid panel done two weeks ago - his cholesterol level was the best it's been in years!

 We are staying inside during the cold weather and avoiding anyone who is coughing or has a sore throat. Glad our little dogs can get exercise playing inside.

So we are doing well and appreciating all our blessings, thankful for God's provision.

Love to all.