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I had my appointment with my Hematologist the week after my October monthly blood test. He stated that my blood test results were very positive. He was extremely happy as my cancer results were stable showing that my Pomalyst chemo continues to perform exceptionally without bad side effects.
There are 3 protein markers called Immunoglobulins that give info about my immune system (igG, decease igA, web igM). igG is the general marker that is used for measuring multiple myeloma levels. For me, search igA and igM have always been suppressed below normal range by the myeloma cells (abnormal protein) in my blood plasma. He said that this is the first time in some time that my igA and igM were in the normal range.
With my particular type of multiple myeloma, the specific protein marker used to measure my cancer levels is the Beta 2 microglobulin. Basically, my myeloma reside in this protein. So, if it is in the normal range (1.8 – 4.8), then I’m in complete remission. Right now that is not the case. But, my Beta 2 marker continues to decrease and that means there is less myeloma in my bone marrow. (re: Sept: 9.2; Oct 9.0).
Anemia is defined as low red blood cells meaning the hemoglobin is below the normal range. As I am a multiple myeloma and anemia patient, my anemia is caused by my cancer. The test results also showed my hemoglobin to be in the normal range, meaning that it wasn’t being suppressed by my myeloma.
So all of this taken together, my chemo treatment (Pomalyst chemo + Dexamethasone steroid) is working exceptionally well at fighting my multiple myeloma and it continues to be effective in reducing my cancer levels.
Life is good!
To recap: On Sunday, October 18th, I completed Cycle 9 Week 4. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex). I started Cycle 10 on October 19th.
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
May 2014: Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver
Whenever I need a quiet moment around nature, side effects
I like to wander around the forest by my house. The quiet and tranquility is peaceful and I use the time to reflect on my health and how fortunate that everything is going ok. I’m feeling great, decease
staying positive, case and enjoying life.
I have my Complete Blood Count (1 tube blood test) every two week and it measures my overall health. My most recent results were good as usual, my hemoglobin (130) was below normal levels as was expected as I have anemia.
| Date | WBC | Hemoglobin | Platelet Count | Neutrophils |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference Range | 4.0 – 11.0 | 135 – 170 | 150 – 400 | 2.0 – 8.0 |
| Oct | 6.2 | 130 | 441 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 10.5 | 139 | 329 | 8.8 |
| Sept | 5.3 | 130 | 363 | 4.4 |
| Sept | 13.7 | 122 | 304 | 5.2 |
To recap: On Sunday, October 25th, I completed Cycle 10 Week 1. 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. Since February 9th 2015, I have been on Pomalyst and dexamethasone chemo treatment (Pom/dex).
Weekly chemo-inspired self-portraits can be viewed in my flickr album.
June 2014: Sixth & Willow, Vancouver
