What is Multiple Myeloma (MM)?

What is Multiple Myeloma (MM)?
Use this link to discover more about this type of cancer.
www.healthscout.com/ency/68/621/main.html

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Latest tests and Bridge Building (honoring PawPaw)

Post by Valerie:  We wanted to offer the latest update on Dad's current status and recent test results.

Yesterday, he had an appointment with Dr. E. (oncologist) to discuss the lab tests he had completed following the first month of Revlimid treatment.
Initial m-spike: 2.2
Following first month of Revlimid, m-spike: 1.5
Following second month of Revlimid, m-spike: *find out soon

This is good news as it means he is responding well to the medication. We hope that it will improve even more when we get the results back from his second month. Dad just finished his second round of the Revlimid yesterday.

Today, Dad met with pulmonologist Dr. Rosario with Waco Lung Associates. He has had respiratory issues for over a month now. Several factors were concerning us so we felt it was best to get a full assessment of his lungs. Some of the concerns included:
  • history of asthma
  • sleep apnea
  • fear of Revlimid side effect - Pulmonary Embolism (probably not the case but he will have a CT scan tomorrow)
  • very shallow breathing
  • coughing
  • anemia
  • chest pain
At the appointment, Dr. Rosario discussed possible changes with sleep routines, sleep machine, and a change in medication. For now, we will see what these changes bring.

Other important news:
Our family would like to notify members of the West community that there is an upcoming event honoring Al Payne (PawPaw). Here is the information submitted by Dr. John Crowder, minister of First Baptist Church of West.
"BRIDGE BUILDER'S BANQUET - This banquet is hosted by the West Area Ministerial Alliance. Each year we will honor someone who unites people in our community and builds bridges between us. This year we will posthumously honor Al Payne as one of our greatest Bridge Builders. Steve Vanek will cater the meal, a jazz ensemble from the high school will provide the dinner music, and we will present Mr. Payne's family with a very special award. Tickets are available at First Baptist Church for $15.00 each. The event is held at the West Community Center on Friday, May 13 from 7-10pm."