Numbers

We got "the numbers" last night and I'll try to put them in some context. I've written about the M spike which is what we've been using to gauge his progress. When he was first diagnosed it was 3.25, after the stem cell transplant it was down in the .7 range. It had started to creep up and then last week jumped to 1.27, hence the decision to do a bone marrow biopsy which shows exactly what percent abnormal plasma cells are there.

When Gil was first diagnosed his bone marrow showed 40% myeloma plasma cells. By the time he'd done the thalidimide and switched to Dr Callandar, he was down to 30%, after the transplant he was about 3% (anything under 5% is remission)

We found out last night that the abnormal plasma is back up to 30%. And there are a few other numbers that are changing rapidly enough that it's clear it's time to call out the troops.

Fortunately there's still a plum of a chemo next in line, Revlemid. It's taken orally, has very little side effects and no neuropathy. He will need to do the dexamethazone to muscle the effect up but we're starting on half a much as what used to keep him up 2 nights a week. He had a chance of being part of a study which would have used Avastin (reduces blood flow to rapidly growing cells like cancer) in addition to the Revlemid and dex but which required every 2 week IV.

But we're about to leave to for a 4 week vacation! His doctor said keep our priorities straight, and she was right! He should do well on what he's going to be taking.

So enough of the numbers! He's back on a good drug which given his history as a responder to these chemos, should get his numbers in line soon. Meanwhile we prepare for sun and fun. I'll write more before we leave.

Oh well...

Gil's numbers are up. His doctor called this afternoon to tell us. He's getting a bone marrow biopsy this Friday (hopefully without "la Cocaracha" moments, I believe I told that story in an older blog) Anyway, the biopsy will probably confirm what the blood/urine tests have indicated, his myeloma is moving again. It's such a clever morphing cancer, able to find a way around any chemo walls we put up. The chemo that Gil will probably go to next, Revlemid, is the least side effects chemo commonly used for Myeloma, AND it's oral! Whether or not he'll need to take the dreaded dexamethazone is yet to be decided.

So as of now, our planned trip to the south east (New Orleans, North Carolina, Wash DC and NYC (for another nibble of the delectable morsel!) is still on. It's fun planning to see old friends and places (New Orleans and the mountains of N Carolina ) as well as the new and exciting Washington DC, staying with our nephew and his fiance and exploring all the riches our country has stored there! and of course, springtime in the south, a particularly lovely idea while we are in the middle of a blizzard. Speaking of which, Gil is as I write, is out in the teeth of the storm trying to snow blow our walk. "Why?" you might ask, as I did. "because there will be less to do tomorrow" says the snow man, ever the optimist in the face of an expected additional 10" by morn.

We are well in general. Gil has been fighting the last residue of a cold from the fall but seems to be winning when he has enough sleep. We are trying a variety of herbal supplements to boast his immune system (with the blessing of his doc) notably Elderberry and Andrograshis. It seems to help. We've been getting something called Quick Defense by Gaia herbs, in case anyone wants to look it up. He reluctantly drinks ginger tea with me, of an eve, but hasn't strayed too far from his historical appetites.

I will update the blog after the biopsy and decision re chemo, but all in all, life is good.