Well, his numbers now are on the move again, so I suspect I'll be getting back into the blog habit.
On Feb 6th, six weeks after his previous Dr Callander appt., we saw an increase in all his numbers, most significantly in his IGG and M spike. We discussed with her this time our desire to wait until Oct/Nov (if possible) for the stem cell transplant, the next major attack on the Myeloma. She had felt that this was doable with various interum meds, as long as the M spike didn't really go through the roof. Our next visit with her on March 20th will be very informative.
We've been gathering more info from friends in the support group and our doc, about what all we'll be heading into with the stem cell transplant.
The first step will involve harvesting Gil's own stem cells through meds and a dialysis type procedure which will flush out his stem cells. Those cells will be frozen as he has a 2 to 4 week recovery. When he goes into the hospital for the actual transplant, he'll be given meds which effectively kill off almost all of his bone marrow. This will involve about 3 weeks of pretty extensive vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced immune system. (she said to expect about a 20# weight loss, but didn't recommend it as a dieting strategy!) At the razors edge of bone marrow death but before Gil's, his stem cells will be reintroduced and, hopefully, multiply and be fruitful. When he leaves the hospital his immune system will be in the early stages of rebirth, so we'll probably spend some time at a friends' clean house in Madison before returning to the wilds of the flora and fauna we live with on the farm.
On an unrelated but somewhat disconcerting note, the remnant of Gil's desmoid tumor in his right shoulder has started growing again. When we get back to Madison (we're in NYC at the moment, helping Adam and Kate move into their new appt), they'll do a biopsy of the growth and see what there is to see.
To be continued....
