[GregSydney]

Should I have started some of my treatments earlier?

by GregSydney on Wed Apr 20, 2016 6:09 pm

I have just commenced my 4th round of chemo (Velcade). I have only this week commenced taking cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone and Intragam IV (IVIG). Next week I commence Pamisol IV (Aredia, pamidronate).

I was told I needed this treatment for 6 months.

Is this unusual, or should I have started on these other drugs earlier ? I have reason to think I should have. If this is the case, would that delay my stem cell transplant?

I'd appreciate any input.

Cheers
Greg

[lrankin]

Re: Should I have started some of my treatments earlier?

by lrankin on Wed Apr 20, 2016 10:19 pm

Were you smoldering for a while? What were your key blood numbers (M-spike, IgA / IgM / IgG, kappa / lambda serum free light chain levels and ratio) or CRAB features that made you have to begin treatment. What stage were you?

I hope it is okay to ask for more background. Having said that, I don't know that I would offer an opinion. There are so many opinions out there about treatment - do you treat smoldering or not?, etc.

But, having some of the background data that was a catalyst for treatment might allow someone else to offer some thoughts.

[Davidg]

Re: Should I have started some of my treatments earlier?

by Davidg on Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:32 am

It does seem slightly odd, but I doubt it will make much practical difference. You are still in your first cycle, so it is very early days. Also, there is one advantage of sequential addition, which is that you will have a much better sense of what is causing any side effects.

[NStewart]

Re: Should I have started some of my treatments earlier?

by NStewart on Thu Apr 21, 2016 5:35 pm

You didn't mention that you are taking an antiviral such as acyclovir. I know that it is normally prescribed to those who are taking Velcade. Velcade apparently increases the risk of you developing shingles. Ask your oncologist about this.

Nancy in Phila

[lrankin]

Re: Should I have started some of my treatments earlier?

by lrankin on Thu Apr 21, 2016 6:40 pm

i apologize – I misunderstood the post. I thought you meant the myeloma treatment. I missed the palliative care stuff. So sorry!