3rd Velcade Treatment

Yesterday I had my 3rd Velcade/dex treatment. Won't overnight more blood to Little Rock for myeloma tests until Aug. 3rd.

My red and white counts had risen, which is great. Platelets had dropped to 110, but still in safe range.

Test Results

I overnighted blood to UAMS on Tuesday so they could do tests for the myeloma. I got the results this morning, and the myeloma numbers have dropped some. This is great news. Hopefully, this means that the Velcade/dex I'm on now is working.

Thanks for everyone's concern and prayers.

God Bless,
Dotty

Started Velcade Today

I had my first IV of Velcade/dex this afternoon. Hopefully, when I get blood test results of the myeloma markers a week from Friday, they will show that the Velcade is making the myeloma decrease.

We have been overrun the last 3 week with inch long millipedes. When we get up each morning we kill between 30-50 inside the house. We live pretty surrounded by trees (woods) and they like that environment. They tend to appear about every 3 summers.
When they are finally gone, I plan to have the carpets cleaned, as I know they are full of dead millipede pieces. YUK!

:)Dotty

Starting Velcade

Saw my local oncologist today and will start the Velcade/dexamethasone tomorrow. Hope it makes the myeloma numbers continue to drop.

Home From Little Rock

Spent Tuesday 7/6 having tests from 7:30 am until around 4:30 pm. They revealed that the myeloma in my marrow is at the lowest it's been since I was diagnosed a bit over a year ago, which is good. The doctor took me off Thalidomide because it was causing severe neuropathy -- pain, swelling, numbness in arms/hands & legs/feet. She put me on Neurontin to see if that will help the neuropathy. I'll be starting Velcade and dexamethasone next week. Will be having them once a week by IV. I took Velcade/dex for 6 weeks last winter and it did seem to help. We're hoping this will bring the myeloma numbers on down.

We didn't get away from the clinic until after 5 pm yesterday. After we stopped for a quick supper, it was 6pm before we left Little Rock. So, we didn't get home until 9:40pm.

Over all, the results were positive. Your prayers and thoughts are very much appreciated.

Love,
Dotty

Back to Little Rock

George and I will be going back to Little Rock Monday, July 5th. I have tests all day Tuesday -- blood work, MRI, bone marrow biopsy and PET scan. Have nothing on Wednesday and see my doctor Thursday around 2pm. I'll then learn the test results and recommendations for continuing treatment. Prayers for good test results would be appreciated.

:)Dotty

Home

We made it home today. Packing up the apartment in LR was almost like moving! So glad to be home.

I won't be posting daily, but will try to do updates once a week.

Home, Home, Home!

Today I was discharged by my doctor to go home for a month! Just after July 4th we'll have to come back for some tests, but don't think any long stays are in our near future.

I will be taking medications to help suppress the myeloma that remains.

Thanks again for all you support and prayers.

Another Day

Just had blood tests today. Will see the doctor tomorrow to learn what the next steps in treatment will be and if we'll be able to go home for a while.

Just Waiting

Not much has been happening the last few days, which is really good. My blood counts have been rising like they are supposed to do. I'm still having IV antibiotics and anti-fungals each day.

Hopefully, tomorrow we'll learn when I will be discharged to go home.