Infusion #9

Today Doug's blood counts were much better, and he gained three pounds! His fatigue lessened too.
It's amazing how much difference one week off treatment can make.

Labs:
WBC     3.7
HGB     11.7
PLT       199
ANC      2.0

So Doug got his Dara infusion, (with all the pre-meds too) and he got the go-ahead from the oncologist to go back on the Revlimid pill, at a lower dose of 10 mg. He started at 25 mg, then it was lowered to 15 mg, now he is at 10. Hopefully he will be able to tolerate that dose.

The lambda light chains have gone up, kappa has gone down and the ratio is low. Only myeloma nerds will know what I'm talking about, but that's not good news.  For the first two months of this treatment, the light chains dropped to a normal range. That meant the treatment was effective.
Rising light chains could mean the cancer cells are active again.

The local oncologist called Dr. M, the Denver myeloma specialist to find out how he wants to handle that. Dr. M does not get upset; he said a small rise can happen - don't worry about it yet, just stay the course and watch it. At the next infusion in two weeks, they will draw blood for another myeloma panel.

We will try to enjoy our latest "normal" for two weeks. I'm hoping Doug will be able to get out more.
It was a good day, but still tiring, in clinic for five hours. We are invited to our kids in Denver for Easter, but honestly, we are both bordering on exhausted. A two hour drive each way seems daunting right now. So much as I would love to see everyone, I think we will stay home.

I'm thanking God for keeping the caregiver strong and healthy to take care of Doug. I'd better pray for energy and stamina too!

Love to all.