How it all began

Post by Valerie: Dad had been experiencing extreme back pain since the beginning of January 2011. He went into the ER at Providence on Monday, Jan 28. There, they performed a series of tests that provided limited information. He came home that night. Two days later on Thursday, Feb 3 dad was transported by ambulance back to the ER at Providence. At that time, they performed an MRI which indicated a broken T-7 thoracic vertabrae, as well discovered a spinal mass. Recommendations included a vertebroplasty - surgically cementing the bones together and a biopsy of the mass.

Two hours later he was allowed to go home. Five hours following home arrival, he was transported back to the ER via ambulance due to a spasm induced paralysis. Friday, Feb 4, while hospitalized the biopsy results came back. The diagnosis was Multiple Myeloma. For those unaware of what this is, it is a malignancy of the bone marrow. It destroys bony tissue, causing pain and fractures. This was the first time we were faced with the term cancer.

Dad stayed in the hospital until that Sunday. The time was spent controlling his pain with strong IV meds. As a family, we tried to stay away from all of the internet details to spare ourselves of grim information before meeting with an oncologist. Of course we looked for the basics but preferred the wait for professional information and details.

That following week dad chose a specialist in Dallas who is reknowned in the state of TX for handling cases involving bone marrow. He specializes in bone marrow transplants. At that point, Dr. Pineiro discussed the diagnosis and potential treatments. He was focusing on radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplant. Before treatment could begin, further testing was required to solidify this medical path.

To this date, testing has included: MRI, bone marrow biopsy, various blood testing, protein level testing, skeletal survey, and PET scan. Dad has an oncologist in Waco collaborating with Dr. Pineiro to assist with reduced travel time. It's convenient and safer being as there is significant pain involved.

Finally, on Wed March 2, dad was able to begin radiation treatment here in Waco. The proposed plan involves the following:
1. Radiation for 8-10 days
*began on March 2
2. Take Revlimid (an immunomodulatory agent - oral chemotherapy) for 3-4 months. It works by helping the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
*will begin as soon as the meds arrive
3. Strong dose of chemotherapy
4. Stem cell transplant

We are hopeful that these treatments will control everything and that Dad can get well! We will provide updates as much as possible.