This morning began early with Stevan being transported to the Cancer Clinic for his AM radiation. When we got back the BMT resident Dr Arlwas told us that the 24 hr. urine test came back with immunoglobulin A Kappa. What does that mean... the multiple myeloma is back. Then came in Dr Jackson from the Eye Institute came in to check on Stevan. They eye pressure behind the eye is about the same.
Dr Arlwas came back later with Dr Selby. They discussed with us Stevan's drug options since he has had his transplant. At first Dr Selby wanted to look at putting Stevan on Kyprolis but after some researching some he found out that Stevan has to go through the regiment of Velcade first. He will be given it as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection on Day 1, 4 and 8. Side effects could include fatigue (which is what the radiation also does), peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling of the hands and feet), nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, constipation, low platelet count, fever, and low red blood cell count (anemia). They were going to start it today, but after figuring out how the days would fall they decided to wait til Friday before beginning to start the Velcade.
He then went off to get his spinal MRI done around 1pm. It took about 2 hrs for it. He was then snatched from there and transported for his PM radiation. He already is having some symptoms from the radiation this morning. His spit glands are swollen on both sides. He looks like he has the mumps. He is complaining that his ears hurt. They are giving him pain pills to help, but tomorrow I'm going to ask if there is something else they can give him to help.
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| We are trying to track the swelling and the changes in his face. |
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| You can see the swelling in his right cheek |
I have been following your blog for a while now and just want to say how terribly sorry I am to read that Stevan is having such a rough trot. Keep strong and Make sure you try and look after yourself too.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Sharyn
Sydney, Australia
Thank you Sharyn. I have quite of few people in my life that remind me to take care of my self. That is sometimes hard to do when there is so much to do and it's just me that can do it. I think I have found the hardest thing is to ask for help. And when people ask to help its difficult to know what I need help with. I do try to take some me time out through out the week. But then I feel guilty not getting things done around the house that has to get done. It's a balancing act.
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