Multiple Myeloma

12-12-14

I had intended to get to this yesterday (Thursday) after having started a new regimen on Wednesday, thinking that I would be able to report effects.  The effects prevented me from getting here until now.

The regimen is a 30 minute infusion of chemo (Kyprolis) followed by a 30 minute infusion of steroid (Dexamethasone) neither of which were bothersome at the time.  I was, though, more tired than usual and crawled into bed soon after 8pm.

Yesterday started as usual, awake very early with a "nap" about the time you normal folks are starting your day.  In the afternoon as I thought about the blog, I began having temp increases.  Since such is a warning sign, half-hour readings continued to rise and by evening I reached the trigger for action: 100.4.  Mary Ann spoke with Dr. Abonour and he suggested  Tylenol every two hours to see if the temp would come down to avoid an ER visit.  That worked.  Temp is now normal.

Today, however, I am exhausted, on the couch in my cave most of the time.  I continue to be aware of the "hotspot" on my right, rearward, rib, but no severe pain as I have reported earlier.  No hair loss. No nausea. No weight loss.  I hope to continue avoiding the 30+ side effects noted for the Kyprolis.

I have two more Wednesday infusions, then an analysis, but likely a Wednesday off and then another three, proceeding on that schedule for who knows how long.  Neither does anyone know if the effects these two days following the first regimen are likely to repeat,  There is much wait and see in all this. 

So, if nothing remarkable happens in the interim, I will get back here next week with an update.

Enjoy the season.