THE doctor tells me everything is still good. M protein 0.00. He says jokingly I'm too healthy for him to treat me.
Yesterday started week 3 of cycle 2 on 25 mg Revlimid and 40 mg Dex. Felt sick most of the day, first time that has happened. Very bad stomach ache off and on. treated with antacid.
And almost no sleep last night. Feeling better today

Week two began with no cramps, no itching, and no sleep again. and Tuesday has me with the hiccups. But not much to complain about. It will be early to bed tonight.

Itching is much better. Yesterday there was noticeable improvement, today not much left. Tomorrow is dex day, so will see what that brings this week.

It is Friday, 5th day of the new treatment cycle. I itch like crazy, mostly scalp, but legs and arms too. I do see I mentioned that during the first week of treatment last time. I did not mention when it stopped, so not sure how long to expect this to last. I am also pretty tired, and I mentioned that last time too. So I guess this is my normal reaction. Oh also my blood pressure has been quite low, and I made note of that too.

Starting back up on the Rev dex has not been as bad as the beginning, at least not yet. I had NO cramps Monday. Let's hear it for no cramps. But i did not sleep Monday night at all. Las night slept very well indeed. But now getting the itching I had back at the beginning. Presently the scalp itches like crazy. last time I changed shampoo for a while. I'll have to see if that helps.
But overall, not too bad.

Back on Rev Dex

At my visit with Dr. Aboulafia on October 4, we decided to stop the Rev Dex to facilitate the stem cell collection. I have been off them since that time. I had a successful stem cell collection November 17 and 18, and it has now been just over two weeks to get over that. So today I start the treatments again.
In the first months of my six month treatment period, I experienced cramps in the feet, legs, and hands on Mondays, the Dex days. Often the cramps came on just after noon. That got better in the later months, with few cramps, and actually getting some sleep. So I am wondering whether I am starting over, or picking up where i left off.
I'm happy to report it is after 6:00 PM, feeling fine

Stem cells done

Yes! The Friday collection was sufficient to complete the job. So in two tries, I made it. They are being kept frozen by Puget Sound Blood Center for later use if needed. Saturday the doctor pulled out the central line. No anesthesia, just snip the stitches and pull it out. Not too much pain. Pressure on the insertion site controlled bleeding. Platelets are low because of the collection, so he wants me off aspirin and Plavix until this next Friday.

I am set to re-start Revlimid and dexamethasone on December 5. I will take that as maintenance for the foreseeable future.