The Myeloma Beacon

Independent, up-to-date news and information for the multiple myeloma community.
Home page Deutsche Artikel Artículos Españoles

Forums

General questions and discussion about multiple myeloma (i.e., symptoms, lab results, news, etc.) If unsure where to post, use this discussion area.

Almighty numbers or ... ? Feeling great!

by Kate on Sun Nov 16, 2014 1:00 pm

Are numbers (e.g. IgG and M-spike) really THAT important for extending life expectancy and/or quality of life?

I am aware that there are low-numbered patients who are in pain and high-numbered patients with practically no pain.

The latter is my case. I've been OFF 15 mg Revlimid x 21 and 20 mg dex once weekly since August, just to give my body a rest. I lost 20 lbs (had gained 45!!) and edema is gone (couldn't quite pinpoint the cause for the edema as it only showed after the dex was stopped and Revlimid had been continued for another month)

My numbers went from IgG 7300 to IgG 1400 in August, now up to 2200 and M-spike followed in line. (BTW, at 7300, I felt just as good as now).

I feel wonderful and energetic despite the recent increase in numbers. My doctor wants to restart treatment before I go over 3000 (which I am probably by now; it's been 6 weeks since last testing)

So, should I try to get on Revlimid again with dex or onto another protocol?

My doctor mentioned melphalan and prednisone but I'm not hot on that. Prednisone gave me terrible eye pressure after surgery. No Velcade for me. I had decided against a stem cell transplant from the beginning. In fact, I would prefer to just stay off the meds. :-)

Are there others who felt like I do and what did you decide and what meds are you on now?

Kate

Kate
Name: Kate
Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: Dec. 2012

Return to Multiple Myeloma