The Travel Bug
So it’s been a while since the last update. We’ve done quite a bit of celebrating over the last few weeks 
and in fact, Alpesh has now got the travel bug! He took his first trip to Islandia for work two weeks ago (first trip since his diagnosis in October). He was very pleased to be back in the thick of it and to see his team. He’s got a few other work trips lined up also and we’ve planned a few mini vacations while the children are home for the summer. We are semi-normal now and loving it!
In terms of Alpesh’s health, we saw Dr Z last week and it was agreed that at the moment, Alpesh would do only one cycle of the maintenance program (21 days on and 7 days off of the Rev/Dex combo). Alpesh expressed concern that his neuropathy is getting worse and Dr Z thinks it might be a good idea for Alpesh to be medication-free for a while to give his body a break.
Last blood results show a slight increase in IGG levels (still within normal parameters) but there is still no trace of the M protein.
Dr Z wants Alpesh to have another MRI (this will be his fourth since October!) to determine the status of the lesion in the sacrum. Once the MRI is completed, he wants to do the needle biopsy in that area. Currently Alpesh is scheduled to have the MRI on July 13th but that’s only if our insurance company approves this since they normally only allow 2 MRIs within a year. It took us four reschedules before we got the insurance company to approve the last MRI in April so we could be into September before this one gets done!
Physically Alpesh is doing really well. He’s been trying to resurrect the daily walk/bike ride to increase his stamina and strengthen his muscles. All good stuff …
Many of you will be lucky enough to see him as he travels around over the next few months so make sure you tell him how great he looks! 
[by Sima]
alexfl
July 8th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Hi Simes, just read your blog, just wanted to say hi and thinking of you all and sending my love xx
July 11th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Hello Alpesh and Simabhabhi,
Just wanted to say hello and we are really glad to hear the good news.
Looks like Alpesh is well on his way to getting better and feeling better.
Even though we are far away, you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Looking forward to seeing all of you very soon.
Priyanka & Sean (Switzerland)
July 13th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Alpesh and Sima,
Just checked your blog site and read the great news. You must be so relieved. Tell Alpesh if Lance Armstrong can do it, so can he :>) I am organizing the CEdMA fall conference at CA in Framingham MA on 10/6. Now he has an excuse to come to Boston.
Hope you all are well and enjoying your summer. Much love from me, Rachel, and the kids to yours.
~BL
July 13th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Alpesh and Sima, I see Bob Lucas got here before me today. Old Veritas hands continue to ask me about Alpesh’s progress. Glad to see he is up for travel.
Our thoughts are with you.
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:19 am
Hola Alpesh,
Was great to see you via web cam today on our ‘education’ meeting.
Be Blessed!