Dr. Padavanija had already called Dr. Clay Smith at the University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora, Colorado) and discussed the results with him. Dr. Smith suggested a couple of protocols that might help me. However, both will probably require "rescue" blood and platelet transfusions. In addition, I will have to get medical insurance approval for the protocols.
Option 1: carfilzomib/pomalidomide/dex
Option 2: bendamustine/Revlimid (Lenalidomide)/dex
For right now I went with Option 2: Bendamustine since I've not had that medication before. St. Luke's Hospital will begin trying to get my medical insurance approval ASAP - this approval does not occur overnight. I will see Dr. Padavanija again this coming Tuesday, 7 May 2013.
I will also look for a clinical trial at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
However, I'm not willing to move to a clinical trial city at this point in time. Perhaps, one of the clinical trials, if I can find one, won't require local residence.
This Adventure may have reached the cliff jump stage! But, I'll still be wearing my hiking boots!
But, again, hard to believe since, although tired, I feel good today. Went to the Lost River Highway District Open House in their new shop this afternoon.
JM,
ReplyDeleteSorry the results weren't more positive, I love reading your blog and hope for the best for you ad finding the magic protocol.
Cindy Walsh
Judy,
ReplyDeleteKeep hangin' and don't give up the fight.
One foot in front of the other, one day at a time.
I have been getting blood & platelets for the last 3 wks. This week had neupogen shots on Monday & Tues. The white and abs neuts came up some but still low and outside the limits.
Platelets were 17 on Monday (received plates) and 19 Thurs. (received plates)
ritz
Hope you're doing okay ritz and that you don't have to travel too far for the rescue transfusions. Thinking about you. jm
DeleteJM,
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Preying for you. Keep positive
ReplyDeleteJM,
ReplyDeleteYou know we are thinking about you here in Charlotte. Keep focused on that you feel good. Cheryl
JM, your blog has been such an inspiration for me in so many ways. Even though we don’t share the same type of cancer, I am a woman with terminal cancer diagnosed in 2008. I ran upon your blog this last month by chance, surfing and searching for info on my current chemo. I refer to MSTI as my home away from home, same Oncologist, nurses, etc. as you.
ReplyDeleteYou hang with it. I am praying for you. I also am awaiting some great new treatment.
I know Idaho gals are a strong breed, and you certainly foot that bill, but it’s also very reassuring to know one has such a great support team, and you do! Hang in there!
P.S. I love your dog.
Hope you're doing ok Anonymous. The care at MSTI has been excellent - just wish I could "drag it" closer to Mackay.
DeleteThanks for all the positive thoughts everyone. I'm really feeling better than my lab values reveal for the moment! Just have to be super careful with such low platelets (blood clotting). Will get my blood tested again on May 7th and perhaps some news on the medical insurance approval process for the new chemo plan which is really a lymphoma protocol and not a myeloma one. Take care and have a nice day. jm
ReplyDeleteJudy,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration. I have watched you just go go go for the last two years without complaining and your head held high.
Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you,
gretchen