This past 11 months have been such a roller coaster that we are naturally quite guarded in receiving any news. Good news has been rare and unfortunately temporary. We are ever mindful of there being no cure for this nasty disease but always hopeful for a turn towards greater control over the propogation of bad cells or even a push into remission. With that in mind we happily received Dr. Rifkin's report today that my IGG numbers have moved downward since we started the velcade. The IGG is "the enemy" in Rifkin's words. My numbers had been rising just before going on the velcade--they went from 2840 in late December to 3220 by January 9th, just before we started the trial. They have now dropped back down to 2850, as of Monday, Feb. 6th. Definitely a move in the right direction and seen by Rifkin and my study coordinator as a good response to the velcade, particularly in light of my having only received 4 shots as of the testing. Our whole family is relieved and guardedly hopeful. The failure of the transplant was so difficult to hear and then the apprehension of waiting for these tests results was quite unnerving. I just didn't feel prepared to deal with a nonresponse or worse yet, continued rising of the numbers. This has been such a mental struggle and even a bit of good news can carry my attitude a long way towards hope and recovery. So, today is a good day and we are ever hopeful that we will establish a long trend toward normal numbers and remission. I know, because I can feel it, that so many of you are waiting for this news and that we are in your thoughts and prayers today. Susan, Catherine, Julia and I are so very grateful that you are all in our lives and for all of your support. It feels like we are encircled by a wall of friendship that protects, prays and supports us. It is a very nice feeling. Thank you once again to all of our friends. We will get through this.
Incidentally, the vitamin regime has had a very positive effect on my neuropathy, having reduced the frequency as well as the severity of the shooting pains. Is it time for the herbs? Do I even want to start that debate again? Never mind, I think I'll just stick with the velcade for awhile.
So, I got my second velcade shot today for this cycle and will get 2 more next week, then a week off--thank god. They'll do more IGG blood work the morning I start my 3rd cycle--which will be in 2 1/2 weeks. I should finish the first regime of 4 cycles sometime in late March/early April. Then another bone marrow biopsy and a decision whether to undergo another 3 month cycle of velcade. That's all for now. In light of today's news, I feel much better prepared to deal with the side effects these next weeks. As always, Love, Dan
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4 comments:
I am cheered by the numbers, I am cheered by the tone of your latest posting. I can't even begin to imagine what a disease like this does inside ones head. I can only begin to imagine the feeling of joy you felt when you heard the numbers and received the positive encouragement from Dr. Rifkin. As always we will walk this path with you and we all celebrate your progress.
HOORAY!
Good Morning Dan. Great news and as always the bloggers wait for the news of your journey! It is amazing how we now look for the things that are really important to put our days into a better perspective. None of us can even come close to imaging that roller coaster ride that the Patterson family has been on for the past months. We are off today to see Dr. Doolittle and dinner somewhere downtown. We will raise a glass of wine and continue to think positive thoughts for all of you. Love to you, Susan, Catherine and Julia. The Seals
Dan,
Wonderful news!! So good to hear you with your spirits high and hopeful. Happy too that your side effects are easing if only a little. Hang tought Big Dog.
Love,
Shawn
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