Friday, January 29, 2010

Cycle #5 Results - RVDD Continues to Dominate

For those who just started following, I have been on a clinical trial to dominate Multiple Myeloma using a four drug combination known as RVDD (Revlimid, Velcade, Doxil, Dex). From what I read and hear the most common protocol these days for newly diagnosed MM patients is RVD (no Doxil). The MMRF funded trial that I am on throws the more old school Doxil into the mix and the results from the 60+ patient study has concluded that everyone has responded to this chemo cocktail.

After Cycle #5, I still haven't achieved Very Good Partial Response (90% reduction), but my numbers are still looking solid and all of my numbers are trending in the right direction. Here they are in Non-Dorky bullet-ed form:
  • M Protein was 0.8, now 0.7 [Normal Range: Zero]
  • IgG was 1120, it's now 806 [Normal Range: 620-1520]
  • Kappa free light was 10.6, now 8.2. [Normal Range: 0.33-1.94]
  • Total Protein was 6.6, now 6.5 [Normal Range: 6.0-8.3]


Here is the data in my preferred dorky excel format for M Protein and IgG respectively:





Given the continued success based on my body's response to the chemo, it has been determined that I will move forward with a 7th round of RVDD after the current cycle I am on. The maximum number of cycles is 8, so there is an end in sight. If I end up with 8 cycles, the only issue we run into is that my transplant may coincide with the birth of Child #3. I guess the good news is the delivery room and the transplant recovery room are all connected!

8 comments:

Daniel McCollum said...

Great news! I keep praying for you guys as you receive treatment.

Unknown said...

that's awesome to hear phil! you are always so positive and opitimistic about everything, which is huge and a major inspiration. =o] keep up the hard work! ;o]

Sarah Reed said...

Praying for the domination!
Love and Miss you guys~

Kindred Spirit said...

What good news! I'm still praying for all of your intentions. God has a plan for all of this. May God bless you and your family, Phil.

Anonymous said...

Well since my doc is talking about adding Doxil to my regimen, I certainly appreciate reading your results, seeing your charts. Phil I cannot tell you what an inspiration you have been to me especially in low moments when I have turned to these blogs or your facebook and just LOOKED at your smiling face and read about things you are doing with your family. I refer to you as my "Michigan football Myeloma friend" and my husband enjoys hearing the updates I get from your pages. The hope. So you got yourself a fan here!!

Unknown said...

Wow, thanks K. We're all in this together and I too lean heavily on the results, struggles and victories of those MM patients I have met along this journey.

You definitely have a Wolverine friend up in Michigan!

Jodi said...

Phil,
I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and can only say what an inspiration you have been to me. I was diagnosed with MM this past September after having multiple vertebrae fractures. I underwent an excruciating cervical reconstuction in October, 2009 and am now the proud owner of 4 small rods and 8 screws in my neck. I may never make it through airport security again! I received one cycle of Velcade and Dex achieving only a partial response. I have just started another cycle and will now be adding Revlimid to the regimen this week. I too am awaiting a stem cell transplant.
The doctors are hoping that with the addition of the Revlimid, my response will be greater and they can proceed to the tranplant. I am 45 years old and have 3 children ages 17, 13, and 9. My goal is to see everyone of them graduate high school and beyond. Since my diagnosis, I still have days when all I want to do is cry and be angry for having this crappy disease. However, your blog and others that I have found, help me through those tough days. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and your wealth of information. Keep staying so positive. We can all overcome this.

Jodi
New Jersey

Unknown said...

Wow Jodi...I just read your comment and you are a champ! I pray that the Revlimid just dominates the MM. Thanks for sharing your story and definitely keep in touch. I find a lot of power in all of us banding together and allowing our stories to intermingle.