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Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
See Dan's comments in this posting regarding the bubble injection technique to avoid the patch of redness after Velcade injections.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Thanks so much, Multibilly.
I read Dan's post right away and sent the info to my oncologist.. My oncology team should take this seriously; particularly with an institution like the Mayo Clinic using this technique.
Side Effects Update:
Must be the Revlimid after the 4th dose last night. Whole body exhaustion, but strong appetite.
I hope a good breakfast, banana, and the sugar in coffee will give me the needed boost for a good walk.
My heart starts racing as the heart rate goes up when I walk my usual fast pace. I have to slow down after a few hundred yards of fast paced walk.
The red / pink patch near the Velcade shot is tolerable, seems to be darkening after a little steroid cream twice a day (as ok'ed by the oncologist), and the patch did not burn during a warm shower.
No real problem sleeping last night. Must have been the exhaustion. I did have to drink an Ensure at around 2:30 a.m. Then I could go back to sleep till almost 7:00 a.m.
Thanks again for valuable advice and compassionate comments.
K_Shash
I read Dan's post right away and sent the info to my oncologist.. My oncology team should take this seriously; particularly with an institution like the Mayo Clinic using this technique.
Side Effects Update:
Must be the Revlimid after the 4th dose last night. Whole body exhaustion, but strong appetite.
I hope a good breakfast, banana, and the sugar in coffee will give me the needed boost for a good walk.
My heart starts racing as the heart rate goes up when I walk my usual fast pace. I have to slow down after a few hundred yards of fast paced walk.
The red / pink patch near the Velcade shot is tolerable, seems to be darkening after a little steroid cream twice a day (as ok'ed by the oncologist), and the patch did not burn during a warm shower.
No real problem sleeping last night. Must have been the exhaustion. I did have to drink an Ensure at around 2:30 a.m. Then I could go back to sleep till almost 7:00 a.m.
Thanks again for valuable advice and compassionate comments.
K_Shash
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
My Chemo (RVD) Experience - Day 7
No problems yet with eating or digesting (see below). No new problems with sleeping. No aches or pains. Reduced stamina.
I have been drinking a lot more water and it must be causing me to go to the bathroom every two hours at night. Fortunately, I have been able to sleep right after the bathroom 'wake up call'.
I thought I had a little constipation, but after my second or third mug of coffee, I had a good bowel movement and I was hungry soon after. A big sandwich later I felt my usual energetic self.
The sun was shining bright and the forecast was for a sunny 70 degrees!! Almost perfect for an avid golfer like me. However, I knew that the golf courses around us, here in the Bay Area, are soggy and I hoped I could play a quick round of golf without any big crowds on a 'soggy golf course'. However, many golfers, some on vacation from schools, were out in big numbers and the course was very slow.
I found out very soon that my usual capacity to walk the 180 - 200 yards to the ball after a decent drive is greatly affected and I was getting exhausted and feeling the heart racing if I walked fast. The soggy fairways didn't make it easy. Just a couple of days ago, I had no such symptoms until I walked over 400-500 yards. I managed to keep up with the other three golfers till the end of the 9th hole and decided not to push my luck any further.
I may have avoided a 'misadventure' because, even though I stopped after only half the round, I felt exhausted and felt the chest pressure for almost an hour. My physician wife agrees that this is going to get even worse as the cumulative effects of the daily Revlimid sets in. And the dex and Velcade shot are scheduled for tomorrow.
This log will help me graph my Walking Distance Range at my usual fast pace (approx. 4.5 mph). From now on, I will certainly take a cart and play golf only on a dry day during this treatment. I am bracing myself for my ability to walk at a fast pace to be reduced to 50 yards. I need to just get used to a slower pace and walk the usual 2-mile round trips on the city streets.
Surprisingly, I am not feeling tired or sleepy after today's golf, and I hope I get a good 8-hour sleep tonight.
I would appreciate any information related to your personal experiences with the chemo and how it may have affected your physical activities and exercise routines.
K_Shash
No problems yet with eating or digesting (see below). No new problems with sleeping. No aches or pains. Reduced stamina.
I have been drinking a lot more water and it must be causing me to go to the bathroom every two hours at night. Fortunately, I have been able to sleep right after the bathroom 'wake up call'.
I thought I had a little constipation, but after my second or third mug of coffee, I had a good bowel movement and I was hungry soon after. A big sandwich later I felt my usual energetic self.
The sun was shining bright and the forecast was for a sunny 70 degrees!! Almost perfect for an avid golfer like me. However, I knew that the golf courses around us, here in the Bay Area, are soggy and I hoped I could play a quick round of golf without any big crowds on a 'soggy golf course'. However, many golfers, some on vacation from schools, were out in big numbers and the course was very slow.
I found out very soon that my usual capacity to walk the 180 - 200 yards to the ball after a decent drive is greatly affected and I was getting exhausted and feeling the heart racing if I walked fast. The soggy fairways didn't make it easy. Just a couple of days ago, I had no such symptoms until I walked over 400-500 yards. I managed to keep up with the other three golfers till the end of the 9th hole and decided not to push my luck any further.
I may have avoided a 'misadventure' because, even though I stopped after only half the round, I felt exhausted and felt the chest pressure for almost an hour. My physician wife agrees that this is going to get even worse as the cumulative effects of the daily Revlimid sets in. And the dex and Velcade shot are scheduled for tomorrow.
This log will help me graph my Walking Distance Range at my usual fast pace (approx. 4.5 mph). From now on, I will certainly take a cart and play golf only on a dry day during this treatment. I am bracing myself for my ability to walk at a fast pace to be reduced to 50 yards. I need to just get used to a slower pace and walk the usual 2-mile round trips on the city streets.
Surprisingly, I am not feeling tired or sleepy after today's golf, and I hope I get a good 8-hour sleep tonight.
I would appreciate any information related to your personal experiences with the chemo and how it may have affected your physical activities and exercise routines.
K_Shash
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
P.S.:
Forgot to mention that my weekly blood test showed no appreciable change in CBC with Differential, WBC with Differential – except my 'borderline' hematocrit came in just below the low end of the normal range.
Based on the minimal change on these parameters, I was hoping that my overall health wasn't affected much.
Forgot to mention that my weekly blood test showed no appreciable change in CBC with Differential, WBC with Differential – except my 'borderline' hematocrit came in just below the low end of the normal range.
Based on the minimal change on these parameters, I was hoping that my overall health wasn't affected much.
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Just a quick update on early morning of Day 9:
Day 8
Took my dex in the morning and the Velcade shot around 2:00 p.m.
The chemo nurse was familiar with the air bubble technique from a previous cancer clinic where she worked. I hope there is no rash at this needle mark. Will keep you posted.
I was almost panting and my heart started pounding after my routine evening (8:00 p.m.) stretches, a few squats, and 'slanted' push ups. This is usually a 2 or 3 minute routine and I hardly ever feel any stress. I can feel major changes in my physical abilities in this 'chemo- Induced / influenced' state.
Had a hard time falling asleep. I had to take a full adult dose of Benadryl after a lot of tossing and turning until 1:00 p.m., to get a 5 hour sleep.
I remember the sleeplessness last Wednesday (the first day of the Velcade and dex), but I did not feel exhausted, nor the heart pounding after just a few blocks of walking. This morning, I had to forget the pushups and walk at half my usual pace.
K_Shash
Day 8
Took my dex in the morning and the Velcade shot around 2:00 p.m.
The chemo nurse was familiar with the air bubble technique from a previous cancer clinic where she worked. I hope there is no rash at this needle mark. Will keep you posted.
I was almost panting and my heart started pounding after my routine evening (8:00 p.m.) stretches, a few squats, and 'slanted' push ups. This is usually a 2 or 3 minute routine and I hardly ever feel any stress. I can feel major changes in my physical abilities in this 'chemo- Induced / influenced' state.
Had a hard time falling asleep. I had to take a full adult dose of Benadryl after a lot of tossing and turning until 1:00 p.m., to get a 5 hour sleep.
I remember the sleeplessness last Wednesday (the first day of the Velcade and dex), but I did not feel exhausted, nor the heart pounding after just a few blocks of walking. This morning, I had to forget the pushups and walk at half my usual pace.
K_Shash
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Day 10 (early morning)
Day 9 and night was the 'day after' the dex and Velcade on Day 8. I seem to have regained a part of my endurance. I was able to do light push ups at night around 8:00 p.m. I ate well and slept like a log for over 8 hours without any Benadryl. I hope I can walk a couple of miles today.
The air bubble in the Velcade syringe that Dan wrote about and Multibilly told me about worked wonders for me. I had to look for the redness around the needle mark! No itch or burning, hence no need for any steroid cream. I feel a slight discomfort only if I deliberately rub on the reddish spot. I can wear my regular jeans with the belt rubbing on this area. I had to wear the uncomfortable hipster pants to avoid rubbing the burning patch last week. Again, thanks Multibilly for directing me to Dan's article. And, of course, thanks Dan for letting a lot of us know about this technique. I do not understand why we should have to ask our oncology team for this.
And I forgot to mention to Mikeb that my oncologist OK'ed the occasional use of Benadryl.
I seem to have gained a couple of pounds by eating regularly but not burning the calories. Just did not have the urge to walk any distance yesterday. Ate a few chocolate biscuits and candies, and did not have any sugar-related reaction.
The main concern: how much weaker am I going to feel as the weeks of treatment go by?
On a personal note:
Christmas Day was peaceful but overshadowed by our grandsons still being sick. We did the 'gift showing' via video conferencing. Our son has fully recovered and came over with our gifts, a lot of precious photos, and photo calendars. As good as it gets under the circumstances!
K_Shash
Day 9 and night was the 'day after' the dex and Velcade on Day 8. I seem to have regained a part of my endurance. I was able to do light push ups at night around 8:00 p.m. I ate well and slept like a log for over 8 hours without any Benadryl. I hope I can walk a couple of miles today.
The air bubble in the Velcade syringe that Dan wrote about and Multibilly told me about worked wonders for me. I had to look for the redness around the needle mark! No itch or burning, hence no need for any steroid cream. I feel a slight discomfort only if I deliberately rub on the reddish spot. I can wear my regular jeans with the belt rubbing on this area. I had to wear the uncomfortable hipster pants to avoid rubbing the burning patch last week. Again, thanks Multibilly for directing me to Dan's article. And, of course, thanks Dan for letting a lot of us know about this technique. I do not understand why we should have to ask our oncology team for this.
And I forgot to mention to Mikeb that my oncologist OK'ed the occasional use of Benadryl.
I seem to have gained a couple of pounds by eating regularly but not burning the calories. Just did not have the urge to walk any distance yesterday. Ate a few chocolate biscuits and candies, and did not have any sugar-related reaction.
The main concern: how much weaker am I going to feel as the weeks of treatment go by?
On a personal note:
Christmas Day was peaceful but overshadowed by our grandsons still being sick. We did the 'gift showing' via video conferencing. Our son has fully recovered and came over with our gifts, a lot of precious photos, and photo calendars. As good as it gets under the circumstances!
K_Shash
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Hi,
Greetings to all .... I hope all of us have a very good 2015.
My dad, who is close to 80, just finished his 8th chemo, which has been a weekly 2 mg of Velcade and 20 mg of dex. He was very active prior to his diagnosis this November. After the first few chemos, he had taken to the walker and also my sister or I had to stand behind him for all basic day -to-day activities. He could practically not walk.
But now, after his 7th and 8th chemo, he seems to have gained confidence and strength to walk on his own with the walker, which is very encouraging to him and all of us.
So it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel for my dad.
I wish you speedy recovery and a great 2015.
Anu
Greetings to all .... I hope all of us have a very good 2015.
My dad, who is close to 80, just finished his 8th chemo, which has been a weekly 2 mg of Velcade and 20 mg of dex. He was very active prior to his diagnosis this November. After the first few chemos, he had taken to the walker and also my sister or I had to stand behind him for all basic day -to-day activities. He could practically not walk.
But now, after his 7th and 8th chemo, he seems to have gained confidence and strength to walk on his own with the walker, which is very encouraging to him and all of us.
So it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel for my dad.
I wish you speedy recovery and a great 2015.
Anu
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Cmouli - Name: Cmouli
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My father
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov 4, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 78
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Hello Anu,
I hope your Dad keeps making good progress!
It is wonderful that he is actually improving and regaining his balance / confidence after the 7th and 8th chemo. As that is the 7th and 8th week of chemo (20 mg dex and 2 mg Velcade, almost identical to my 20 mg dex and 2.17 mg Velcade), is the oncologist going to check his blood and urine soon? I hope these tests show a major improvement.
I am also taking a 15 mg Revlimid daily, 3 weeks on 1 week off, AND acyclovir (to prevent shingles, herpes, and other viral infections), aspirin 81 mg (enteric coated). So far, I have not needed the prescribed pills for nausea.
My Chemo and Side Effects - Day 10
Day 10 was a mixed bag.
I was full of my usual energy, hauled a big heavy box of a new purchase almost half a mile, and walked at least 3 miles altogether. But, towards the end of the day, I had lost all my appetite and felt distended. It may have been something I ate the day before, or the big latte I had in the late morning; and / or the medication or the combination. I had, but could not eat much for, lunch, or for dinner. I kept passing a lot of gas and was unable to sleep well and finally resorted to a 'half adult dose' of Benadryl around 3:30 a.m.
The small dose of Benadryl was so effective that I had to make an effort to get up around 8:00 a.m. to take the chemo supplements (aspirin and acyclovir). Finally, after a couple of mugs of hot coffee, I had a good bowel movement and could eat a hearty breakfast. But that is already part of Day 11.
No pounding in the chest or racing pulse yesterday.
Happy Holidays!
I hope your Dad keeps making good progress!
It is wonderful that he is actually improving and regaining his balance / confidence after the 7th and 8th chemo. As that is the 7th and 8th week of chemo (20 mg dex and 2 mg Velcade, almost identical to my 20 mg dex and 2.17 mg Velcade), is the oncologist going to check his blood and urine soon? I hope these tests show a major improvement.
I am also taking a 15 mg Revlimid daily, 3 weeks on 1 week off, AND acyclovir (to prevent shingles, herpes, and other viral infections), aspirin 81 mg (enteric coated). So far, I have not needed the prescribed pills for nausea.
My Chemo and Side Effects - Day 10
Day 10 was a mixed bag.
I was full of my usual energy, hauled a big heavy box of a new purchase almost half a mile, and walked at least 3 miles altogether. But, towards the end of the day, I had lost all my appetite and felt distended. It may have been something I ate the day before, or the big latte I had in the late morning; and / or the medication or the combination. I had, but could not eat much for, lunch, or for dinner. I kept passing a lot of gas and was unable to sleep well and finally resorted to a 'half adult dose' of Benadryl around 3:30 a.m.
The small dose of Benadryl was so effective that I had to make an effort to get up around 8:00 a.m. to take the chemo supplements (aspirin and acyclovir). Finally, after a couple of mugs of hot coffee, I had a good bowel movement and could eat a hearty breakfast. But that is already part of Day 11.
No pounding in the chest or racing pulse yesterday.
Happy Holidays!
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Thanks for your post.
Today after the chemo my dad did not sleep till 2 am. He was wide awake and talking all along.
My father takes quite a bit of supportive medicines through the day during and after chemo:
Anu
Today after the chemo my dad did not sleep till 2 am. He was wide awake and talking all along.
My father takes quite a bit of supportive medicines through the day during and after chemo:
- Morning : Perinom (metoclopramide, anti-vomit), Rantac (Zantac, ranitidine, anti-ulcer), acyclovir, ashwagandha (supplement)
- Afternoon: Perinorm, cabodex (supplement), ashwagandha
- Night: Perinorm, Rantac, acyclovir, ashwagandha, herbolax (herbal laxative), and, if he is very disturbed on account of lack of sleep, then Anxit (Xanax, alprazolam).
Anu
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Cmouli - Name: Cmouli
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My father
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov 4, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 78
Re: K_Shash's RVD induction therapy experience
Hello Anu,
I hope your dad can get some sleep on the night after the Velcade / dex with the help of a small dose of Benadryl. In some ways, your Dad is so lucky to have you and your family giving him such TLC! I am fortunate that I started this chemo in an early stage and that I am able to manage most of these side effects, but I'm also very grateful for the love and support from my wife and son, too.
K_Shash
I hope your dad can get some sleep on the night after the Velcade / dex with the help of a small dose of Benadryl. In some ways, your Dad is so lucky to have you and your family giving him such TLC! I am fortunate that I started this chemo in an early stage and that I am able to manage most of these side effects, but I'm also very grateful for the love and support from my wife and son, too.
K_Shash
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K_Shash - Name: K_Shash
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
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