Cycle 7 goes well

Doug had his infusion on Thursday. Cycle 7. A cycle is one month, so Doug has been on this dex/Rev/dara combo for 7 months.
His blood counts were good; this is not the myeloma panel, but the 'qualifying' blood tests that are done before every infusion.
The Lexapro seems to be working very well. Doug has gained weight; Thursday he weighed 154 which compared to 147 last month is great! He is sleeping much better than he has for several years. He still has some fatigue, and always will - but he has been walking around the block with me and the dogs for two weeks now. He's finding that using a cane helps with his balance and footing outside.
He's pushing himself to do more. He is doing some small chores around the house, and he went to church with me last week. Praise God for all these things we used to take for granted.

With Doug doing so well clinically, it's hard to believe that this treatment is not controlling the myeloma. We go to Denver Sept 4, to see the myeloma specialist. I think Dr. M will try to coast for as long as possible before he switches Doug to a new treatment.

We are enjoying our good weather and just relaxing as much as possible. Soon the aspens up high on the mountains will start to turn yellow and gold. Our town has had lots of tourists and festivals this summer (and lots of traffic too!) but we are content to stay home.

Blessings to all!

PET scan results good

On August 5 Doug had his PET scan; it was a comparison study to one done last September 10. Both were done at Presbyterian St. Luke med center in Denver. It showed no new lesions - that's what we were hoping for!
It did show multiple old lesions in several ribs, right hip, right tibia and others. A PET scan can differentiate between old and new lesions.

One thing is mentioned that is new - "new consolidation peripherally in the right upper lobe of the lung." Consolidation means 'alteration of lung tissue from an aerated condition to one of solid consistency.' That could mean infection. Dr. M's nurse called to ask Doug if he was having any coughing. Which he is not. So because he is not symptomatic, no one is worried at this point.
We see Dr. M in Denver on September 4, and we are confident he will check it out.

Because Doug's scan was scheduled for early Monday morning, we drove to Denver on Sunday and had a wonderful visit with our son and daughter in law Kelly and Jamee and one of the grandsons. It was great to have some time with them.

Doug had Mohs surgery on his right ear two days ago. He had a spot of squamous cell skin cancer, but it's thankfully gone now. Looks like it is going to heal well.

I had to have a toenail removed July 31 and tissue removed for a biopsy. I had a streak under the nail that was suspicious for melanoma. Today I got a call that there is no evidence of cancer! Thank you Jesus!

We are praising God for so much this week.
Doug's next infusion will be August 22.

"I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety."   Psalm 18: 1-2