No more Revlimid!

Yesterday we saw Dr. Jeff Matous in Denver. Our appointment was a make-up since we had to cancel the last one when Doug got sick. This one was for 8:15 am! I was a little apprehensive to drive in the dark but I did okay. Thanks to all who were praying for safe travel; your prayers worked! We left the house at 4:15 a.m. since we didn't know what kind of going to work traffic we might run into. We got to PSL (presbyterian St Luke) at 7:00 so we went to the cafeteria for a bite.

Doug's weight was 150, not the worst but disappointing because he has been eating as much high calorie food as he can, with the good fats.

I had told the doc's nurse navigator that Doug has been feeling very tired and 'deflated'; he doesn't have any interest in doing much but he has been pushing himself. So when Dr. M came in the room he sat down at Doug's eye level and asked Doug how he was feeling. Doug said the usual, but finally he admitted that he doesn't want to get out of bed. Dr. M said that Doug's quality of life wasn't good right now. We both agreed. In addition to losing weight and fatigue he feels cold all the time.

Dr. M said it is the Revlimid causing the problems, not the Dara. Doug's body just can't tolerate Revlimid any longer.
He ordered a blood draw to check for low thyroid. Doug has been checked for that but not in a while.
Dr. M is having Doug stop the Revlimid immediately. He wants to wait a few weeks until Doug feels pretty good, and then he will replace the Rev with Pomalyst, a drug Doug has taken before but not in combination with Revlimid.

The Lambda light chains are still creeping upward. Last time they were 36.9 and now they are 41.2 mg/L. Dr M is keeping a close eye out but still feels he doesn't need to make any immediate change.  Right now Doug is on a once a month infusion. In the future he could change back to every two weeks.

Doug has an infusion tomorrow. He will be getting just the Dara/dex.
We will see Dr. Matous in Denver in two months.

Doug's PCP (primary care provider) has increased his dose of Lexapro from 10 to 20 mg. She said if he still feels 'down' after a couple months she would add another drug. He now has a diagnosis of Dysthymic disorder. It's a type of depression; in Doug's case caused by all the powerful drugs he is taking and has taken in the past.

We are thankful that Doug has a medical team who care about his quality of life, not just how long they can keep him alive. We continue to be blessed by the people God has surrounding us.

Love to all.

May you grow to love and accept the you God is making you to be. May you walk in a new level of grace and gratitude that gives you peace and leaves others encouraged. May you be more apt to look forward with hope than you are to look back with regret. May your heart spill over with joy at the very thought of the story God is writing with your life. Rest in His love. 

Philippians 4:4-5