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Seeing My Oncologist

Seeing My Oncologist

         I saw my Oncologist yesterday, he said I'm doing well.  As I've said before, I was so blessed and lucky that this was found so early.  The Cancerous White Blood cells were only 40-50%.  Of the 17 signs that may cause you to suspect you could have Multiple Myeloma, I had ONE.  Plus, I didn't even know I had that, the Sinus Infection that wouldn't go away.  It took an MRI of my skull (they couldn't find a brain there.  ) to reveal the Sinus Infection.  I had no signs of one, believe it or not.  A Doctor would tap my cheekbones in several locations and ask if it hurt.  Nope, other than them tapping a bit hard on my cheeks. 

         I've seen my blood work results and I know they monitor specific values.  Things like CBC (for anemia/blood counts), Calcium (often high), Creatinine/Kidney Function, Albumin (often low), and specific myeloma protein tests: SPEP/IFE (M-protein), Quantitative Immunoglobulins, and Serum Free Light Chains, plus markers like LDH and Beta-2 Microglobulin to track the disease.

         Those levels are affected by that Revlimid, the results are skewed a lot!  An easy example is that Revlimid causes pre-diabetes.  In my most recent blood work, my Glucose was relatively high (I won't say how high).  As a result, my Primary Care doctor wants me on Metformin, but I've resisted taking that so far.  Revlimid can also cause Kidney problems, but so far mine continue to work overtime!  Plus, there are a myriad list of other issues.

         Minor things, you know.  (I kid about this, as you might be able to tell, because these are Major issues).  The most severe side effects are Risk to Unborn Babies:, Blood Clots: The medication significantly increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clots in the arms or legs) and pulmonary embolism (PE, blood clots in the lungs), as well as heart attacks and stroke,  Low Blood Cell Counts (Hematologic Toxicity)  Revlimid commonly causes severely low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia).  I have not experienced this side effect, though my white blood cell count typically runs either low, or below the limit.

         Other Serious Side Effects:  Increased Risk of New Cancers, Serious liver issues, Severe Skin and Allergic Reactions, Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

         Common, Milder Side Effects:  Fatigue/weakness (this is why I retired!),  Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or stomach pain, Cough, fever, or cold-like symptoms, Rash and itching, Muscle cramps and joint or back pain, Insomnia (difficulty sleeping), Shortness of breath, Headache, and Swelling of the hands or lower legs.

         I have to say that I have not suffered a lot while taking Revlimid.  It's those Common, Milder Side effects that I've suffered from though.  Not the serious ones.  I'm often asked what I'm grateful for and I always respond with "My Health!"  Since I have this 'Cancer', they are surprised at my answer. I give that answer because I know how much worse things could be.