I ended Tuesday’s heartfelt, personal post this way:

Yesterday I closed my post with this cryptic statement:

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.

While my latest medical update may not live up to the sensationalized headline, I am facing some serious issues with low blood counts and questions about whether I can continue on my RVD consolidation therapy as planned.

I met with my myeloma specialist, Dr. Melissa Alsina, at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa yesterday.

Saturday I had the opportunity to speak to a wonderful support group in Charlotte, NC.

I’m breathing a sigh of relief right now.

I met guest columnist and fellow multiple myeloma patient Danny Parker just over a year ago at ASH in Orlando, Florida.

Yep.  Visit my site for a medical update and you get “bonus” coverage–updates about both my myeloma and melanoma.

Good news for me Monday.  I met with Dr. Alsina and all is going as hoped!

I’m heading-off to Moffitt Cancer Center first thing this am to meet with my myeloma specialist, Dr. Melissa Alsina.

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.

Two weeks ago, myeloma expert, Dr. Robert Orlowski, at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas, recommended a re-test to verify my M-protein levels had indeed gone up–instead of down–following this summer’s autologous stem cell transplant.

Yesterday I shared impressive, in-depth therapy analysis of my case by Dr. Robert Orlowski, at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas.

Statistics are a double-edged sword.  I knew before I agreed to try a stem cell transplant that there was a chance it wouldn’t work for very long–the average autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT or SCT) only provides 18 months of respite before the myeloma becomes active again.

Let’s jump right in with more ASCO news.

Yesterday I received the third of four sub-q Velcade injections as part of my RVD therapy.  I had never worked with the oncology nurse who gave it to me.  She seemed a bit timid and pushed the Velcade in very quickly.  I was surprised by how much itstung!

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 completed my third infusioin of Velcade/dexamethasone yesterday around 3 PM.  Several hours before I was scheduled to begin, I experienced a severe pain in my left side.