Most of you probably know that I have been working on several new books about multiple myeloma. 

The Myeloma Beacon’s Virginia Li wrote an interesting report late last week, highlighting how “more is not necessarily better” when it comes to myeloma therapy.

Amyloidosis is a close cousin to multiple myeloma.

Can’t a guy catch a break?

I’m breathing a sigh of relief right now.

My sour stomach and cramps don’t know it’s Christmas.  I’m up early again with  dexamethasone induced stomach issues and cramps in my lower legs and hands.

Yesterday I asked if this secondary cancer issue “is much to do about nothing, or something that concerns you enough to keep you up at night?”

At the end of yesterday’s post, I wrote:

Consecutive M-spike nonoclonal protein readings of 0.5–and now 0.6–seem to confirm my autologous stem cell transplant failed to vanquish my multiple myeloma.

Do you hate taking dexamethasone or prednisone?  This new therapy combination of Velcade, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (D), and thalidomide (T), may provide an an alternative option.  Here is an abstract from a Phase 2 trial featuring the VDT combination:

Yesterday I wrote about three anti-myeloma clinical studies involving carfilzomib, elotuzumab and panobinostat.

A few more quick notes from ASCO before the first of a long running series about ways to improve peripheral neuropathy (PN) starts later today:

Let’s jump right in with more ASCO news.

I am up at 6 am writing this. Severe leg cramps every time I try to lay back down. Fortunately, things settle down after five or ten minutes of standing and leaning against the counter in the kitchen. Then I’m able to sit at my work station with little or no discomfort. Guess someone is trying to tell me to get to work!

Yesterday I wrote this, following a long day of pre-planning for my upcoming stem cell transplant (SCT) at Moffitt Cancer Center:

Yesterday my wife, Pattie, and I spent the day in Tampa at Moffitt Cancer Center.

This is a big and hopefully decisive week for me.  It all starts innocently enough.  This morning I drive an hour to Moffitt Cancer Center for a blood draw.

I just returned from my 8th Velcade/dex infusion in the past five weeks.  I feel like I have been hit by truck! 

I’m always interested in what different physicians and nurses groups are posting about multiple myeloma.

Three weeks ago I began my first of three scheduled cycles of RVD (Revlimid/Velcade/dexamethasone).