Tuesday, January 29, 2013
My third cycle of Velcade and Revlimid began yesterday with labs and Velcade injection at the Alpharetta clinic. My Alpharetta doctor was interested and concurred that my Emory doctor wanted greater results on lowering the m-spike of myeloma. He has a benchmark that he wants the spike to be before the harvesting of stem cells. The super chemo will be infused at Emory during a hospital stay. The transplanting of my harvested stem cells back into the long bones of my body will follow this at Emory. That hospital stay will be at least two weeks because of a compromised immune system.
Who knows what the labs will show that were taken this week? My guess is that the combo will need to be changed to get down to a spike of 2. So, I may be skipping Cycle Four of Velcade/Revlimid at Alpharetta. If that happens I will have a super chemo cocktail (DCEP) dexamethasone (steroids), cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin administered in its stead at Emory. This will entail a hospital stay of four or five days, since it is stronger. Editorial comment: I am all about aggressive treatment, I would just like to avoid hospitals after my last stay in a hospital of 35 days. I know that my friends and family can relate to that quirk! This treatment and stay is not to be confused with the transplant which will be the two week stay in hospital.
It is gratifying to know that cycles and drug combos are not static and can be tailored to fit patient needs. Treatments after the transplant may be done as part of a maintenance program to keep blood work in acceptable parameters.
My Emory doctor, in a matter-of-fact manner, said that he has Plan B and Plan C available for me when needed. I think he has been through this a few times before! I put my faith in God to guide these brilliant doctors and well-trained nurses and aides on my transplant team. I thank my family and friends for your help in prayers and making sure the “good times are still rolling.”
Below:
Mike at the Infusion Lab at Atlanta Cancer Care (now affiliated with The Northside Cancer Center).
Mike Green
January 29, 2013
seizethedaymike 
I support your faith and your great medical team Mike!
Thanks, so much, Mary! It is always good to hear from you!
I think you are looking G-R-E-A-T, especially for someone who will soon be 60 (I have a memory for birthdays) and is undergoing all this treatment. Hang in there and keep up the positive attitude!! I am getting a lot out of your positive spin on things. Thanks for sharing 🙂 mea
Thanks, Mary Ellen! You write such sweet things that I am just overwhelmed! I appreciate your boosting my spirits. Love to you, old friend!
It sounds like your doctors have you on the right track to getting back your cancer-free life. I am thinking about you and keep up with your blogs —-saying a prayer that all of this will be successful and you can get back to a normal life. Sandra
Thanks, Sandy! I appreciate that you remember your old cousin in thought and prayer. You are so kind to let me know. Mike
It sounds like you can have a medical conversation with any oncologist. You explain your treatments in a way that I can understand it….
Its important to understand what is happening and going to happen to you. Winship is supposed to be the BEST hospital. I’ve heard great results coming out of that hospital.
Praying that “Mr. Green” can finally enjoy what retirement is all about.
You are so sweet to say that, Bonnie! I have to reread everything I write for errors! They show up so on FB, especially from the old principal! 🙂
I’m feeling well and happy to be alive! Thanks for reading my blog and for sending the kind remarks.
Mike
MPG – You have always been “balls to the wall” and I would expect nothing different from you for this chapter of your life. Keep climbing …
I’ll take that! You know me well, Riva. I am giving it my best shot, all guided by God’s grace. Thanks, lady! Mike
MPG – You have always approached life with a “balls to the wall” style, and I expect nothing less for this chapter. Keep on climbing …
Agape,
Riva
Keep the faith Mike. You are looking GREAT! PRAYING FOR YOU.
Thanks, Roberta! I appreciate your prayers. Keeping the faith here!
Mike
You are in my prayers and my thoughts as you continue your latest battle.
Susan
Thanks, Susan. I appreciate your prayers and thoughts. I hope you are doing well.