October 20th Update

We just received word that Steve's m-spike has dropped to 1.4! Praise the Lord!!!

Thank you for your prayers!!!

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Earlier today I posted the following:

Wanted to keep everyone updated. We went to UCLA on the 10th and received the next cycle of pills and found out a few things about clinical trials.

When we arrive at UCLA the first thing they do is draw some blood for a myriad of tests. Usually the tests are performed on site and by the time the doctor sees Steve he at least knows what the CBC results are. You know red and white blood cell count, platelets etc.

But now the blood is sent to a central lab, processed, and the results sent to Celgene (maker of Pomalidomide). They then forward the results to UCLA, which are reviewed by Steve's doctor who then signs off on them, and we finally get a copy.

So for us the waiting is a little longer. And you know its hard to be patient when you "live" for the next lab test.

And apparently its the doctors at Celegene who are guiding the treatment plan and making all the decisions. That was a little surprising. I kinda believed it was in conjunction with Steve's hematologist. But we were assured that if there was anything that required immediate attention, UCLA would be notified right away and could then direct the appropriate care.

One of the more disconcerting bits of new info came from Steve's labs tests from 9/12, the day he started the trial. Steve's m-spike had been going up by 0.1 every month since February. But in between 8/15 and 9/12 it went up by 0.6! So it would seem that the new treatment was started just as the Myeloma was stepping up its game, if I could use this metaphor.

So I am eager to see what the 10/10 tests results are. Please pray for an indicator that the new meds are working. It would give us both some peace of mind and encourage Steve to know all his suffering is not in vain.

During the day he is either ………

Sleepy

Or…….

Grumpy

…depending on what he's doing!

Tonight, End of Week 3

These past 3 weeks were filled with pain, fatigue, intermittent sleep, stress, irritability, anxiety, long days…..short nights, busyness, constant hunger; with both of us feeling some of these at different times. Although Steve has had a supply of energy (brought on by the steroids) that is not natural nor helpful for someone in his condition.

Now for the blessings, the gratefulness we both feel at the opportunity to have access to a treatment that  has proven effective for many with relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma cannot be said too many times. Our hope has always been that with all the advances made in treating Myeloma, there will always be another treatment ready for him if the current one fails.

Steve says he wants to live long enough to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Which is in 2026! Gosh that is a long way away! He says these are the best years of his life! Wow, with all things considered I guess he finds living with me to be a good thing! LOL.

The amount of friends praying for us is sooooo encouraging! The strength we fell spiritually and emotionally is God given and relished. Our love for one another has grown, we are extremely grateful for each new day and trust in our Lord for his guidance and protection.

I hope Steve's week off proves to be a restful one!

So continue on we must! Next Friday we go to UCLA for labs and the next bottle of Pomalidomide.

And thank you to our new found friend and companion……..without you, sweet sleep would be very uncommon in our home!

Please pray for Julie, Natalie, Rosemary, Michael, Rosemarie, Debbie, Maricella, Jim, Skip, and Marcie.