We just completed our first check up with Dr. Faragher after beginning Revlimid (see treatment). Jody is doing great. She seems to not have any adverse side effects to the drug, all though she has begun to put on weight. The weight gain is due to the Prednisone, which is a steroid. I told her she is growing a nice set of biceps and could probably challenge Barry Bonds to a home run hitting contest, she didn't like that.
This reminded me of a picture I want to share with everyone. She may give these guys some competition...
The Revlimid regiment is going to last for three months and depending on the CBC reports, we will know month to month whether there is an indication she is holding her own against the disease. Anytime during the treatment, if a bone marrow donor with a good match should appear (hopefully an umbilical cord) we will stop the Revlimid and begin the "planning for transplant" process.
Her latest CBC report indicated her iron levels were still elevated, as of March 22 her number was 1784 (normal range is 20.0 to 288.0). Her hemoglobin had dropped below the desired levels and we will need to get a transfusion today. The good thing is she has made it without a transfusion for five weeks. So this morning we are off to the hospital for an eight hour visit.
We have a nine day window of opportunity to get out of town. No tests, no doctor visits and nothing that needs to be done. So we are planning a road trip! We hope, depending on weather to drive to Reno, Nevada and on to Saratoga, California for a surprise visit with Aunt Ruth. For those who do not know Aunt Ruth, she is Jody's mom's sister and is 94 years young. She is always on the go and we love to visit with her.
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