Thursday, August 26, 2010

Down, down... Baby!

The results are in and my M-protein was cut in half and down to 0.2. This news brought some relief. Although I carry the spirit of domination in almost every and anything I do, having Multiple Myeloma can present doubts and fear at any given turn. Although I rarely succumb to those fears, I cannot help to think that the reptile part of our brain can do a dandy job in interfering with our hopeful hearts, prayerful mind and souls and even sound data/research.

The reason why I am so ecstatic about these results is because I have not had more than a 0.1 drop since halfway through my low dose chemotherapy. For those following along since I started my induction chemotherapy back in October 2009, after my 4th cycle of RVDD my descend to a Complete Response (CR) was halted by very slow decline that even with two more cycles of the four drug combination and a hit of Malphalan (i.e. BMT #1) could not crack my M-spike much. Here's a beautiful graph following my Cycle #5 Results.

Following 7 cycles (wow that was a lot) of RVDD, my M protein went from 3.1 to 0.6 (Good Partial Response) and most of the other MM indicators were in normal levels except for the plasma cell percentage in the bone marrow biopsy and the light chain ratio. Here are the results following each BMT:
  • Post BMT #1: M-protein down a tenth of a point to 0.5, bone marrow biopsy normal!
  • Post BMT #2: M-protein down to 0.2, bone marrow biopsy results TBD
Honestly, I really didn't know what to expect for my Day 60 post transplant #2 results. I remained hopeful that I would be at zero, with the reality that my disease (all Myelomas are not created equal) is more of a slow progressing, which could explain the slow decline of the disease.

Lastly, our boy Nick out in L.A. continues to remind and reassure us that often times a CR is not realized until 100 days after transplant or even until consolidation (post transplant chemo) has begun. We also know of one particular patient that has followed the same protocol as me and did hit CR until a four so months after his second transplant. So with more low dose chemo guns poised to dominate, I am confident that after a couple of rounds the M-spike days will be numbered.



Quick update on the domiNATION! We have had a couple more people sign up, so if you want to join forces with any of the Lead Dominators, post a comment on the Cancer Kicker Facebook Fan Page. Currently we have individuals, families and even Corporations that are coming together to raise up the domiNATION. Here are some of the locations:
  • Chicago
  • Midland (MI)
  • Belding (MI)
  • West Coast (Cali)
  • South Carolina
  • Columbus

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great news - with regard to that last little bit can't you just ask Iris to kick it in the throat? ;D

Jodi said...

Great to see you posting again Phil, especially with the good news. You have a lot of people out here in cyber world praying for you and your family. Be well and stay strong. If anyone can kick the remaining m-spike to the curb, you can!

Jodi

Andrea said...

Great news! We're praying for you all daily!

EJ & Roo said...

great news phil. great news.

Sandy said...

This is exceptionally encouraging news and we'll keep the intending machine going so that you make it to the CR and keep it there!

Roobeedoo said...

Really great news!
Keep kicking!

angie said...

Can't tell you how happy I am to hear that. Looking forward to seeing you out at the parks more :-)

Alysa said...

So happy for the good news!!

Linda said...

Hi Phil! You are going to reach CR soon. I had my second SCT in Nov.2004 and Dr. Barlogie declared CR in Feb. 2005! It takes a while for every myeloma cell to die!!! I think you and Cassie are doing great..the children are darling. I think and pray for you and your family everyday!

Kindred Spirit said...

Amazing results, Phil! Those prayers are being heard, and you are not alone. There are so many people out there who are with you and your family in spirit. Keep up the good fight! May God bless you all.

Becky said...

Go you! That is good news! Now just head out there and get this chemo the frick over with!

Susie Hemingway said...

All sounds good and on track. We will keep the prayers going for the last bit of M-spike. Well done so far. All very best wishes from us her in the UK

Preferred Customer/ Janice said...

Phil all of life is a journey and fear is natural. We have it /had it so don't get down on yourself. You would not be here if you did not have a positive take on things and some self doubt is allowed.
I can only say have a blessed holiday with your family and I am glad your dominate program is going so well.
Take care