Met with my oncologist yesterday.  A teeny bit of M-Protein was detected.  This does not necessarily mean I am now a secreter.  In fact, it probably does not mean much beyond providing some additional evidence that the diseased cells are back and active.   

 

We once again discussed the three possible treatment protocols.  In the end, we are going with the most aggressive and difficult protocol….which has the highest chance of extending my remission.

 

So, the plan is:

Starting week of 2/14, I’ll be doing an induction regimen of Velcade, Dex and Cytoxin, as we expected.  I’ll get Velcade on days 1,4,8 and 11.  Then off for a week.  Total of six cycles which will take me through the end of May.  Then off to England and back for the transplant.  Dex will be administered on days 1,2 8 and 9.  Cytoxin gets folded in there with the Velcade, at a moderate dose.  Dr. Dickey says I may experience some nausea and some hair loss from the Cytoxin, although she says that if I do lose hair, it is more likely to be a thinning as opposed to going bald.  She said “ you might not have to shave every day”. 

 

Not much else really to report.  I’m not sure how necessary it will be to get a second opinion for Durie at this point.  I’ve actually tried to do so, but he has been travelling and not scheduling appointments.  But I don’t think there is much he would or could say that would cause me to reevaluate the plan.

 

I continue to feel fine physically.  I’m a little jittery about the coming storm. It will be an ordeal for about 9 months.  During that time, I will be tired, nauseous, moody and self conscious about my appearance.  Hmmmm…..sounds like being pregnant.   If women survive pregnancies and then do it again, I guess I can soldier through.