End of Cycle Three Results and What’s Next?
We got the end of cycle three results on Monday. Unfortunately it appears that Alpesh’s M-spike went up from 0.2 to 0.7! We find this really surprising and are questioning the blood results. For one, the results indicate a beta and a gamma peak whereas previous results have only shown a gamma peak. Dr Z did not seem overly concerned saying that those numbers are negligible, but it is strange that Alpesh should have two protein peaks. We plan to send all three end of cycle results to Dr Lonial for his opinion and will discuss with him in person during our appointment on January 20th.
As you all know Alpesh’s case is already unique (large plasmacytomas, disease not systemic, chromosome 10 etc.), we are not sure if the two peaks are another anomaly that is particular to Alpesh.
Last Friday and yesterday’s IV infusions went relatively smoothly although his platelets have dropped to 207 which is a significant drop from the 310 we saw last Tuesday. WBC are hovering around the 4 range.
The skeletal scan, MRI and Bone Marrow Biopsy are all scheduled for next week and we hope to have the results of those by Monday, January 19th latest so we can share everything with Dr. Lonial on the 20th to get his opinion on the progress so far and how he thinks we should proceed. Dr Lonial is a Myeloma expert and was so key to forming our game plan when Alpesh was first diagnosed that we feel he will guide us correctly now that we are at another crossroads.
The harvesting of the stem cells is scheduled for February 4th but at this stage our main goals are:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy – get a “clean” bone marrow (no contamination) .
- MRI – to ensure the plasmacytomas have shrunk significantly or even better, dissolved completely.
- Skeletal Scan – to get a good indication that the bones are healing and that there are no further bone lesions.
Alpesh will complete his fourth cycle this weekend with no more treatment until we get the results from the above three (all being critical). The next two weeks are going to be hard.
Please continue to pray for us as that is all we can do for now ….
[by Sima]
alexfl
January 12th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Dear Sima and Alpesh,
Just wanted to say hello and let you know that you are in my thoughts regularly. I am hoping that this year will bring some miracles in your treatment path. Judging by your writings, I can tell that you have a great strength in each other and are keeping a positive attitude. Just remember this can be as powerful as all the cutting edge treatments so try to hold onto this. Looking forward to good news about your next results.
With warmest regards, Andrea
January 13th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Dear Alpesh and Sima,
I had the privilege of working with Alpesh on Symantec Education and I just want to say that I’ve been praying for your recovery. If you need anything from Brazil please ask. I am a true believer that this is just another challenge in your life and victory will soon. You are on my thoughts and prayers and I want to send a bunch of love to you.
You guys are not alone on this fight!
Love,
January 14th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Dearest Alpesh
We all know you from our school as Sangi’s brother with a big broad smile and a glint in your eyes!!Nothing can take this away from you. Keep fighting and we will keep praying! Love and Best wishes to you and your family always.
Harshi
January 14th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Hi Alpesh and Sima,
Just wanted you both to know Lenny and I are thinking about you and sending healing thoughts and prayers your way, every day, as you continue to fight this thing!
with LOVE,
Mary and Lenny
January 27th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Dear Alpesh and Sima,
This is our first visit to your blog, and your incredible bravery shines through every sentence. We feel so privileged to be able to share the highs and lows of your journey, and we will be with you all the way to recovery. All our love,
Suresh Mama, Kokila Mami, Sejal, Deepak and Amit
February 1st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Dear Simabhabi and Alpeshbhai,
I just wanted to let you know that our prayers are with you! You are constantly in my thoughts and wish this year brings lots of miracles and a healthy recovery!