There are several lab numbers we're following but the best indicator of myeloma activity is the protein M spike. When he was first diagnosed, it was 3.5. It started coming down well with the thalidomide; it was 1.9 when we stopped at the end of May and 1.4 when we started the Velcade on June 23rd. It's come down more slowly, but steadily, until this lab.
Three weeks ago it was .7 and this week .72. It may mean nothing; it could be a little statistical variance, but my fear is that this drug is starting to be less effective, though it really is too early to conclude that.
His kidney function is holding steady, and we're back on the low uric acid diet to hopefully help clear out kidney stone growth and maybe that will help those kidney function numbers improve.
He's mostly over the "ear sinus" infection, but may be starting to get more "sicky" side effect from the tues/friday chemo. It seems like it's happened these last few times. Hard to say what causes what, though.
So, not the most uplifting post. But he's fine, off playing golf at some snazzy course with friends. His sleep is MUCH better! The last three "dex" nights he's gotten between 5 and 6 hours sleep so maybe he's become a little more tolerant of the dexamethazone.
He's been working up a storm with his tractor, shaping our driveway, preparing for winter. I've been freezing and canning and tending the turkeys (sold out for Thanksgiving but still taking orders for Christmas!). So life is good.
Kathleen
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