Light chains up; Swollen leg

The Lambda light chains have risen, and the Kappa have gone down. Ratio is still within normal limits but this is not what we want to see in the lab work. Dr. M, our Denver myeloma specialist, says that since Doug went completely off prednisone in June, this could be just a "reset" and it could level out. Otherwise, this could be early sign of a relapse. We will have to wait two months until the next myeloma panel and see what happens. We've been around the block a few times with myeloma, so we are not overly alarmed. But we are very aware.

Doug has had slight swelling in his left leg for over a year. It has been noted but didn't alarm any of the docs. Now in the past few weeks, it has gotten much worse. The whole leg is swollen, from groin to ankle, but no pain. Yesterday Dr. M ordered an ultrasound exam to check for DVT; Pomalyst can cause blood clots, necessitating blood thinners.  We were fortunate to get that test done while we were in Denver. Negative results. So we don't know the cause of the swelling but are glad it is not a DVT (deep venous thrombosis) which can be dangerous. Doug saw his cardiologist two days before the oncologist; cardiologist has ordered a study of the arteries in both legs but that requires a special tech to perform the exam and that person can't come until August 11. So more waiting.

The cardiologist says Doug's heart sounds good, but because of the swelling, he also wanted to get an echocardiogram. That was scheduled for today but we had to cancel. Last night Doug developed a bad cough and by 7:00 p.m he had a fever of 101.5. This morning we cancelled the echo and went to see our local nurse practitioner. She diagnosed bronchitis and prescribed antibiotics, codeine cough syrup, tylenol. His lungs sound clear. So he's been resting today and feeling lousy.

My sister and brother in law were supposed to come visit us from TN on Friday. This was going to be a side trip on their way to Seattle to visit their son. Under the circumstances, they are not coming to our house. They will be in the area for a week or so, so we hope Doug feels well enough to meet up with them before they leave for Seattle.

So a few bumps in the road on our myeloma journey. We will cope. We have a faithful God who is always with us.

Love to all.