I was diagnosed in December 2014 and went through induction therapy with Velcade, Revlimid, and dexamethasone (VRD) for 3 cycles and Revlimid and dexamethasone (RD) for 1 cycle. The bad cells were at 70% and were reduced to 5% after the 4th cycle. My oncologist sent me to MD Anderson on February 4, 2015 for the beginning of many tests before stem cell collection and transplant. I responded very well. I have never been sick except for 1 day in the hospital during my stay for the autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).
After I was released from the hospital, I recuperated at home and went back to work full time July 1, 2015. After my August 5 appointment with my doctor at MD Anderson, I was put on Revlimid 10 mg for maintenance. I developed a rash and the Revlimid was reduced to 5 mg and no problems. Then in January this year I had to get a new authorization for Revlimid from my insurance company. So I was off Revlimid for 6 days. Then I started it again and have been on it now for a couple of weeks.
My problem now is anxiety. I have had anxiety for years and take medication for it. It has been under control. Now for the last few days I am having the anxiety and it comes and goes all day long.
Has anyone experienced this?
I am in a very good partial remission (VGPR) and will be in complete remission (CR) soon according to my doctor at MD Anderson.
This is my first post although I have been a member since I was first diagnosed. I really have appreciated everyone's stories on their respective journeys.
Thanks for any input.
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DWH - Name: Doug
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 29, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Anxiety while taking Revlimid
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your posting. But I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety you've been experiencing.
I've not experienced the same thing, but I was wondering if there are things that make you sure the Revlimid is causing the increased anxiety. For example, if you don't take the Revlimid on certain days, does the anxiety lessen?
Also, have you changed any medications recently, either adding new medications, or dropping medications you were taking previously?
Thanks for your posting. But I'm sorry to hear about the anxiety you've been experiencing.
I've not experienced the same thing, but I was wondering if there are things that make you sure the Revlimid is causing the increased anxiety. For example, if you don't take the Revlimid on certain days, does the anxiety lessen?
Also, have you changed any medications recently, either adding new medications, or dropping medications you were taking previously?
Re: Anxiety while taking Revlimid
During my induction using Revlimid, dex, and Velcade (started December 2015), I too got a rash on my legs after the first cycle. I came off the 25 mg Revlimid for a cycle and now reintroduced it, lowering the dosage to 10 mg and adding in prednisone as a prohibitive. I don't like taking prednisone; it's worse than dex because it lasts a lot longer in your system but I always feel foggy now. Would love to try the lower dosage of Revlimid like you did without the prednisone.
Have you had any rashes since lowering the dose?.
Have you had any rashes since lowering the dose?.
Re: Anxiety while taking Revlimid
To f cancer - No rashes since lowering to 5 mg.
To TerryH - I take Revlimid everyday for maintenance. I have not changed any medications. This new anxiety is what I would call low grade and only started in the last week. Today, I went to church and was fine. I will be going to a Super Bowl party later and that will be a test for me.
I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow and will address the anxiety with him. But the list of side effects does list anxiety as one in a certain percentage of people.
Thanks for both of ya'lls input.
To TerryH - I take Revlimid everyday for maintenance. I have not changed any medications. This new anxiety is what I would call low grade and only started in the last week. Today, I went to church and was fine. I will be going to a Super Bowl party later and that will be a test for me.
I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow and will address the anxiety with him. But the list of side effects does list anxiety as one in a certain percentage of people.
Thanks for both of ya'lls input.
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DWH - Name: Doug
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 29, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Anxiety while taking Revlimid
Hi everyone,
My husband is currently getting the treatment of Revlimid, Velcade, and dex. Today will be his 3rd shot, 8th pill. He has suffered from mild anxiety in the past (he takes medication). But oh boy, the last 3 days have been horrible for him. He is coming out of his skin. Even the sound of the dog licking his foot was freaking him out. He is on the 25 mg dose. He hasn't had dex in 2 days. He does also have a rash.
Did anyone ever come up with a solution for the anxiety? Did it get better with a lower dose? Or did you take a better anxiety medication?
His head is very foggy, very foggy! Can't hardly even work. If he goes to a lower dose, will it prevent it from fixing the myeloma?
My husband is currently getting the treatment of Revlimid, Velcade, and dex. Today will be his 3rd shot, 8th pill. He has suffered from mild anxiety in the past (he takes medication). But oh boy, the last 3 days have been horrible for him. He is coming out of his skin. Even the sound of the dog licking his foot was freaking him out. He is on the 25 mg dose. He hasn't had dex in 2 days. He does also have a rash.
Did anyone ever come up with a solution for the anxiety? Did it get better with a lower dose? Or did you take a better anxiety medication?
His head is very foggy, very foggy! Can't hardly even work. If he goes to a lower dose, will it prevent it from fixing the myeloma?
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godschickee - Name: Shauna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 47
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