[rick mendes]

Does myeloma become dex resistant?

by rick mendes on Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:34 pm

My husband (41) was diagnosed in Nov '12 with stage 3 non-secretory multiple myeloma. His lambda lc count was over 70k! And his kappa lc was 220. His kidney function was 12%; h&h 6&20; SED 100; bone marrow biopsy showed >90% plasma involvement. He has 3 genetic abberrations including t(4;14) and a Ki-67 rate around 15% . His bone scan was negative, and his PET/CT showed no lesions or soft tissue involvement.
Now after 5 rounds of 40mg/day for 4 days on and then 4 off of dex, allopurinol, protonix, and sodium bicarbonate his latest blood work shows his lambda lc count is down to 3192.6, kappa is 8.24, h&h 10&29; SED 35; and his kidney function has improved to 74% (though creatinine is still 2).
We are waiting on insurance approval for Velcade and jumping thru all the hoops associated with getting Revlimid, and when we saw the dr. today he said he had never in his career seen such a dramatic response on just dex, but that makes me wonder...multiple myeloma becomes treatment resistant, and my husbands #'s now seem comparable to some other posts of newly diagnosed people on this forum, so what could it mean later when he relapses (even though he's not yet in a remission).

Lisa

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Does myeloma become dex resistant?

by Ron Harvot on Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:50 pm

You are just starting on the journey. Once they put your husband on Velcade and Revlimid along with the Dex, he probably will see greater improvement. Your oncologist may recommend a ASCT (Auto Stem Cell Transplant) or continuatin with the VRD. I personlly would not worry about relapse now as you are just starting and as you acknowldgee, he is not yet in a remissive state. Many of us reached remission and have been fortunate to stay there without yet experiencing a relapse. If and we do, we will deal with it. You have to take it one step at a time and don't worry about the future what ifs.

Ron

[rick mendes]

Re: Does myeloma become dex resistant?

by rick mendes on Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:39 pm

His dr already told him that an ASCT has to be done due to his genetic abnormalities. And I can't help but think about the future, but thanks for the advice.

Lisa

[Marie64]

Re: Does myeloma become dex resistant?

by Marie64 on Wed Jan 16, 2013 8:48 pm

Lisa,

My husband was diagnosed 3 years ago at age 45 although we have reason to believe that he had it back in 2007. The tests just weren't around that finally diagnosed. I understand how you can't help but wonder what the future is going to bring. I had the whole gambit or emotions. However, Ron is right. You have to take it one day at a time. If you don't, you are going to drive yourself crazy. My faith has been the glue that has held me together for the last 3 years. The best advice I can give you is to stay positive, don't be afraid to ask questions, and take time for yourself. This is going to be a journey for you, too. You need to keep yourself healthy both mentally and physically. Remember that you are not alone.

Praying with you for a cure.

[twizzler]

Re: Does myeloma become dex resistant?

by twizzler on Wed Jan 16, 2013 11:13 pm

Thank you Marie.