Revlimid Cycle 2

Although this is my first cycle of Revlimid after the transplant, because I was on it for about three weeks prior to transplant, they are calling this cycle 2.

Yesterday was day 15 of the 21 day cycle. Up  until yesterday, I have had low platelet counts and required blood. From the blood test I had done yesterday though, it looks as though it is holding. Well least my bloods are anyway. I came out of the appointment feeling a bit more positive.

My HB was 9.9 and platelets 29, which is good for me and I don’t need anything over the weekend. I really thought I was going to have to go back in again today (Saturday) to have a top up of either blood or platelets. More good news is that my Creatinine level is within the normal range, it hasn’t been there for a very long time, if at all!

So what is it that is making a difference now, well I’m not 100% convinced it is just the Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide that is making a difference. I think I mentioned I was looking at the healthy options of treating Myeloma and in the past I’ve told you about the Sessamin, well I’ve started taking that on a regular basis as well

I will be posting more about my findings and what I’m taking, but it looks quite promising what I have found out. As a quick overview this is what I am taking so far, but this might change as I do more and more research into the different vitamins, herbs and minerals.

- Sessamin three times a day

- Vitamin D one daily

- Omega 3

- Milk Thistle

- Turmeric/Curcumin

- Green Tea

These are the things I’m taking regularly now, I have lots of other things as well that I’m dabbling with and I will let you know if they make  difference. I’ve bought various different products so that I can try out  the Raw whole grain cerial. – I’ve got a document that you can have  look at with all of the various wheat's etc.

The first time I made this though it came out far too thick, so I need to change a few things to get it right. Also need to make it a bit more exciting to eat as it was like chewing on plain flower. I’ve got some other products to add to it so once I have got something that works and tastes ok,  I will give you an update.

Even more good news yesterday, do you remember I enquired about the CD44 Protein. Dr Robert Orlowski’s lab had shown …

… in earlier research that a protein CD44 plays a role in interfering with the drug, and its presence usually indicates a poor outlook for the patient.

Well my results came back and I don’t have it, so at least one less thing I need to worry about.

Talking about Dr Robert Orlowski, I was speaking to Dr Salim about the DCA and the myeloma patient that Dr Orlowski has who is trying out the DCA, and he was enquiring if I had heard anything yet. I’d already sent a message to Robert asking if he had an update as he asked to me get in touch in a few weeks to find out how he was doing. I realise he is a very busy person and probably wouldn’t get around to replying to me for a while, but strangely enough, later on that day he did.

At 1st visit after DCA therapy he had a decrease in the M-protein. It will be interesting to see what happens at next visit.

I will continue to monitor what is happening with the patient and give the DCA a go if it seems to be effective in the treatment of Myeloma.

So I continue to have quite a few options open to me at the moment, so as always staying positive and looking on the bright side…. Talking of which…

Always look on the bright side of life. … I’m still waiting for all of your video clips to arrive so that I can create my little montage. I have received a few videos through, but not as many as I as hoping, please help me out or it will be a very small montage!