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Lowered cancer levels again
Last evening as I continued to get over an extended cold, story I took a walk in a grassy area to relax and enjoy the weather while the sun was going down. On Sunday I completed Cycle 4 Week 3 of my chemo treatment. Apologies for the delay, sick however a week ago Tuesday, I had my monthly blood test and I’m happy to report that my cancer levels dropped again. As I’ve stated before, in BC, I can use an online service called myehealth, to get free access to my lab results as soon as available (around 24 hours).
The igG is my cancer marker. My multiple myeloma resides in the Beta 2 Globulin region. As noted below, my myeloma cells continue to decrease there.
| Date | Albumin | Beta Globulin 2 | Gamma Globulin | igG | igA | igM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 34.0-53.0 | 1.8 – 4.8 | 5.1 – 15.0 | 6.7 – 15.2 | .70 – 4.00 | .40 – 2.30 |
| May | 42 | 17.2 | 2.5 | 18.7 | .28 | .33 |
| Apr | 44.4 | 19.2 | 1.5 | 21.4 | .29 | .41 |
| Mar | 39.1 | 27.1 | 2.6 | 27.5 | .26 | .50 |
| Feb | 38.9 | 33.9 | 3.0 | 36.1 | .33 | .53 |
| Jan | 39.3 | 30.6 | 3.7 | 33.4 | .29 | .22 |
My Hematologist (specialist of blood diseases) wants my cancer levels to remain below 18.0, which is half of 36.1. I’m almost there and remain optimistic about my June.
My Hematology Profile is the Complete Blood Counts test I have every 2 weeks that measures my overall health.
| Date | WBC | Hemoglobin | Platelet Count | Neutrophils |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 4.0 – 11.0 | 135 – 170 | 150 – 400 | 2.0 – 8.0 |
| May | 12.4 | 118 | 271 | 8.9 |
| May | 10.0 | 118 | 320 | 5.2 |
| Apr | 12.5 | 123 | 297 | 9.8 |
| Apr | 7.6 | 113 | 357 | 3.9 |
| Mar | 7.0 | 133 | 247 | 5.6 |
| Mar | 6.8 | 127 | 467 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 5.5 | 133 | 191 | 4.6 |
| Jan | 4.4 | 129 | 206 | 2.3 |
I can’t emphasize enough how well this treatment is going. Yes, I have significant weight from the steroids and I’m not that strong mentally, but overall the side effects have been minimal. I’m feeling super fortunate. I continue to get lots of rest, eat well, and I remain focused on positivity each day.
Thanks everyone for your ongoing encouragement and positive support!
To recap: I have Multiple Myeloma and anemia, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient. From February 9th 2015, I am on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). On May 31st, I finish Cycle 4.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
May 2014: Granville Island
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Thinking about the future
Each day I remain incredibly thankful that my Pomalyst chemo side effects have been so minimal. This is such a contrast from my Velcade chemo in 2013. It makes each day happier and gives me confidence to continue doing what I’m doing. I’m always thinking about my future, mind
and the possibility that my side effects could worsen. However, I’m not stressed, I remain calm. Everything’s going to be ok.
High positivity + low stress = minimal side effects
On Sunday I completed Cycle 4 Week 4. Last week I had my regular appointment (every 6 months) with my Glaucoma Specialist. I have had glaucoma scares in the past related to my treatment so I need to always be cautious. During my 2013 chemo, dexamethasone (oral steroid), increased my eye pressure requiring eye drops. Dexamethasone can also cause cataracts, so I’m thankful that my dosage has been reduced in half (20mg total) from June 1st (Cycle 5).
My eye pressure was normal, 14 in each eye. Afterwards, I had a Humphrey Machine visual field test. My face was placed in a machine where I acknowledged whenever I saw a flashing light in my periphery, so that any blind spots can be mapped out. lf the test results are different than in the past, I will see my Glaucoma Specialist later in the summer. As I haven’t received a call yet, I expect there weren’t any problems, meaning my next appointment will be in the Spring.
June 2012: Humphrey Machine Visual field test
Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement.
To recap: I have Multiple Myeloma and anemia, a rare blood cancer. It is incurable, but treatable. From February to November 2013, I received Velcade chemo through weekly in-hospital injections as an outpatient. From February 9th 2015, I am on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). On June 1st, I began Cycle 5.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
February 2014: North Vancouver
