karl&myeloma

Today is ASCT + 623 days.  

I had my meeting with Warren today to get my results.  

The very good news is that my cytogenetics are unchanged.  In cytogenetic testing, my DNA is evaluated to see whether there any abnormalities that might cause me to be in a higher risk category – so no change is very good news.  Also the amount of abnormal cells in my bone marrow is only 6%.  If I recall correctly, my level 2 years ago was about 40%; so this is a huge improvement.  

Yes, my M-Spike (or abnormal protein level) is 1.01 (it should be not detected) and my free light chains and immunoglobulins are also up.  In a nutshell, I go back onto therapy.  Technically then, this is my third relapse overall and the first since my ASCT in October 2013.  I think I’m doing well.  

On Monday, July 6th, I will start Kyprolis (carfilzomib) and dexamethasone for 2 days (Monday and Tuesday) for three weeks and then have a week off.  Both drugs will be given by infusion over about 3 hours in the afternoon.  In the summer of 2013, I was on these medications, plus one other and I tolerated the regimen very well.  I expect the same this time.  

On July 29th, I will meet with Warren again for a fresh set of blood draws to see the effect of my therapy.  
Overall, l am quite upbeat about this.  As of today, there is no cure for myeloma.  The trick is then to keep me alive long enough for a true cure to come about.  In the meantime, there a several new therapies that I have not even tried yet.  So I have a lot of arrows in my quiver yet with which to continue the fight whenever it may happen that the therapy I start on Monday is no longer working.  

Thank you for your continuing support, prayers, and love.  

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for my healing and for all the healing received by those for whom I pray.  

Amen.