[lys2012]

Velcade-Cytoxan-dexamethasone treatment: what to expect?

by lys2012 on Wed Jun 08, 2016 3:12 pm

So after my appointment on Monday, my M-spike is now 14 g/L (1.4 g/dL), so my doctor thinks better to start treatment sooner than later (before serious symptoms present).

We talked about treatment options, and due to my age (38 now), my doctor recommends another stem cell transplant with induction therapy of 4-6 cycles with a Velcade- or Revlimid regimen. (If I didn't want a transplant, I would go into a trial.)

I took Velcade when I was diagnosed in 2010, and it was provided as compassionate funding by the hospital since it was not approved yet for upfront treatment where I live. I handled it ok. Bowel paralysis and neuropathy were the worst issues for me. It is approved for relapse, so no issues now.

Due to my (child bearing) age, Revlimid is a bit more complicated, so if choosing between a Velcade- or Revlimid treatment, I said I prefer to take Velcade.

He said the treatment would be a bit different, as It would be Velcade, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and dexamethasone all administered together. I said I would not take high dose pulsed dex ever again. But I was assured it is one dose of dex a week.

I know this is a common combo, but would appreciate insight into what I should expect, in terms of effi­cacy and side effects or anything else important, in regard to the Velcade-cyclo­phos­phamide-dexamethasone treatment. Will I lose my hair from the cyclophosphamide? (I had cyclo­phos­phamide for stem cell collection and all my hair fell out a week later.)

[Little Monkey]

Re: Velcade-Cytoxan-dexamethasone treatment: what to expect?

by Little Monkey on Wed Jun 08, 2016 6:03 pm

A good number of people do not lose their hair during CyBorD treatment, as the dosage of cyclophosphamide is not the same as during a stem cell transplant.

[nizhoni]

Re: Velcade-Cytoxan-dexamethasone treatment: what to expect?

by nizhoni on Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:21 am

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, stage 2, in May. I started treatment that included weekly Velcade injections. I also received weekly 10 pills each of Cytoxan and dexamethasone, and a monthly infusion of Zometa. It was draining. I did have an array of side effects, the worst in my mind of being so tired. After just 4 months of this routine, I am amazed, as is my doctor, to say I am cancer free, and he has put me on a maintenance dose of Velcade every other week and Zometa once a month. I feel so blessed. I will accept whatever side effects Velcade exhibits to continue with being cancer free.

[Pepperink]

Re: Velcade-Cytoxan-dexamethasone treatment: what to expect?

by Pepperink on Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:09 pm

Nizhoni,

Wow! Con­gratu­la­tions! Very exciting!

I'm on Velcade three times a month and have had no reactions after three months, so I'm hoping you are lucky. I know things can occur farther down that road.

Keep us posted, eh!