karl&myeloma

Today is Rm 5-17.

Today is also the 1-year anniversary of my beginning chemotherapy for myeloma. I remember it quite clearly. First thing was to swallow 11 x 50 mg tablets of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxin) on an empty stomach. Each tablet is about 1/2 inch in diameter. Swallowing 3 or 4 was one thing; swallowing 11 was quite another. It generally took 2 glasses of water. Then there was the 5 dexamethasone (Decagon) tablets. At least these were small and easy to get down. Then a drive to Lynn Cancer Center for my subcutaneous shot of bortezomib (Velcade). On my way home, I rewarded myself with a latte at Starbucks. Got home, drank my coffee while I dealt with work email. Then, I felt really tired, so it was off to bed for a 2-hour nap. Early on I tolerated this regimen quite well. Then, later in July, I started to get symptoms of peripheral neuropathy that only got progressively worse to the point where this therapy had to be stopped, even though it had done well against the myeloma.

So now since last December, I’ve been on a lenalidomide (Revlimid) therapy plus steroid. I’m in my 5th cycle. The first 2 cycles were with dexamethasone and the last three with methylprednisolone (Medrol) – this most recent will be my last on this steroid. One of the side effects at this dosage level is weight gain and redistribution of fat on the body; which I’ve particularly noticed over the last month.

I spoke with Warren today, and he agreed that I should discontinue the methylprednisolone which I will do by using the few tablets I have left to titrate myself down to zero by early next week. I’ll then restart the once weekly dose of the dexamethasone. I also sent a note to James’ office saying that was planning to do so after I had consulted with Warren.

I’ve also discontinued the curcumin therapy – I can’t see that it has been any benefit to me for the myeloma.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for my healing.

Amen.