Mom's New Treatments Began

It's been an interesting few weeks. At the end of July, around when this blog started we found out my mom's cancer had grown a significant bit. We have known for awhile that it's been growing but it's been slow enough that the doctor's haven't been too concerned. At her last appointment with Dr. Cooper it almost doubled (I have to double check with my mom about that). So he wanted her to start treatments again. When we went to Dr. Hollister to discuss and begin the treatments, he wasn't as convinced so ordered the full sha-bang: MRI, skeletal scan, and more blood work. (I'm surprised there is any cancer left with all the blood she's had taken out of her lately.)

It took about two weeks for all the testing to be done and results to be in. They showed a small spike in the cancer count, not as high as Dr. Cooper's findings but still a jump. We also found out she has some new lesions, a pesky one in her right hip bone which explains a lot of the pain she's been having and a new lesion in her 'leg of steel' femur. Amazingly the old lesions have healed over-which I didn't know would happen. Praise God for that. So it is official, she'll begin treatments of Revlimid and Dexamethasone.

They have caught the cancer early this time. These treatments are to kill the cancer and are not done with an intention of then doing another stem cell transplant. It's been about a week on the treatments and my mom's biggest complaint has been fatigue (which is to be expected). Also, she's been having difficulty with her blood sugar due to the dexamethasone, but that to was some what expected as well. She's holding in there pretty well. I know this because last Wednesday she watched her three grand kids (two-3 year olds and a 20 month old) for the whole day. Not a task for the weary.

To learn more about her new treatments I'll send you to the MMRF once again because they have it written out pretty clearly. That link should take you directly to their Revlimid page.

On a side note: The tests also showed that all the pain she has in her back is due to arthritis not cancer lesions. For now that's the latest. Please keep her in your prayers.