M-spike is down and staying down!

The M-spike is the specific marker for multiple myeloma. It is secreted by mutant plasma cells, and Richie's initial value was close to 9.0. Once the initial Velcade/Doxil/Dextamethasone treatments were given, the M-spike dropped first to around 3.5, then to 1.5, then down below 1.0 to where it's pretty much been since June. In December, the M-spike was down to a point where it's referred to as being a "trace band" where the actual value is so low it cannot be reliably measured. Basically the take home message is that the myeloma has been knocked down to molecular remission. It's still there...cowering in the shadows, waiting for a moment when Richie weakens and it can pounce. But it has been effectively beaten down to the point where it is at a standstill. On the 10th it will be four months since the transplant. Awesome.

Almost 2 months since transplant: good news!

Tuesday Richie got some excellent news: he is officially in remission. This time it really, really IS official. Three clear bone marrow biopsies sort of equal remission by most criteria in judging cases of multiple myeloma. They have started him on maintenance therapy: Thalidomide/Dex/baby aspirin + Zometa IV once a month. This will continue for the foreseeable future. Since he only needs the IV once a month, they are not installing another port, be it a PICC line or a Hickman.

Richie's energy level is improving big time. He's still not 100% but he's looking at recapturing more of the energy levels he used to have rather than settling for some sort of "new normal." I have told him this is not necessarily so realistic considering I will never get back to anything above a "new normal" level of energy after my bouts with Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. He is likely to not ever get back to the 100% mark he was at pre-mm. He might get to 80%, he might get to 90%, heck, he might even get to 95% or better but he will never be the same.

Thanks to everyone for their support.

T+24: Looking good!

Richie went back for his week-after-release checkup, and his numbers remain in normal range. Dr. Forman is very, very happy with his progress, so much so that he told him the next checkup would be in three weeks rather than next week or the week after.

I forgot to send Richie with a list of questions from me, but I have Dr. Forman's email somewhere and I should email him my questions.

We have a box of face masks but basically Richie's immune system is settling in so well Dr. Forman thinks he can go about his everyday business without worrying about germs. He also doesn't have any more restrictions on his diet...fresh fruit and veggies are back on the menu.

I still have to get those shots though. Ugh.