More domiNATION

Tomorrow marks the start of my consolidation therapy roughly 10 weeks after my second autologous bone marrow transplant. In Phil terms, we are starting more nuclear warfare on my bone marrow in hopes to rid any remaining Multiple Myeloma and knock this stuff so far into oblivion that it won't want to come back any time soon (and hopefully never). Apparently research is showing that maintenance therapy is helpful in driving a deeper response and longer remission.

The plan is to do max dosage of RVD for 4-8 cycles and eventually remove some of the drugs and lower the dosage. I think the long term schedule is TBD, but I think we will be keeping up some level of drugs (i.e. nuclear warfare) to present a hostile environment to ensure the Myeloma gets the message that it is NOT wanted back in my bone marrow. I am very excited about this approach because my body is recovering well from the summer's two transplants and I smell domiNATION.

Speaking of domiNATION, many people across the country have joined forces to help raise awareness and funds for MM research, none of which I knew prior to being thrust into the world of Myeloma. Just today some guy down in Ohio decided to run the Columbus Half Marathon in honor of me and to support the Cancer Kicker Foundation. Here's his blogpost about what he is doing if you happen to be in the area and want to help out. There are a few more domiNATION's that are being established in the South, West Coast and Midwest if you want to get involved. If you want to learn how to start your own, read how to do that right here:

• Miles4Myeloma by a daughter of a MM Patient. Follow Laura on Facebook as she attempts to run, ride walk over 1000 miles to raise over $1000 to dominate MM!
• The Southern Pearls are looking to kick cancer in the South! This is another daughter and caregiver of her mother who is dominating MM.
• It's official, the first domiNATION event is going to happen in the windy city of Chicago during Michigan Football's Big Ten Opener against Indiana! Check it out here!
• There are several other domiNATIONs underway that I will mention in a future blogposts!

Since it's inception just over a month ago, the domiNATION has raised over $10,000 to support the work being done by Dr. J at University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. J is committed to finding a cure for everyone diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. I stand along side him and his staff in their efforts and applaud him for his commitment to me and everyone else that has joined the MM community.

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can do so by clicking here. 100% will fund MM Research. No operating overhead...yipee!