We were able to meet with Dr. Pineiro again yesterday to get a little more info on the stem cell transplant (SCT) and some of the logistics... We were hoping to get going with this process as early as possible, but it looks like a few more weeks of waiting. Dr. P wants to see Dad's protein and light-chain numbers (indicators of the amount of cancer cells present) go down a little more before the SCT. This means that Dad will go through one more round of Revlimid / Dex treatment, which will be about 4-5 weeks - so we're looking at late June or early July. After this round, Dr. P will re-evaluate and, with any luck, start the SCT. If the numbers still aren't good enough, he will try an intravaneous chemo treatment (Velcade) for a few weeks.
A few things about the SCT for those not familiar:
We weren't sure until yesterday whether Dad would use his own stem cells or if a donor would be needed, or an option. Dr. P told us yesterday that a donor transplant will not be an option because the risks are too great, moreso with MM patients than patients with other cancers needing transplants, such as Leukemia, etc. This means that Dad will have an autologous transplant using his own stem cells.
The process of harvesting cells takes a few days - they first give a series of injections for a couple days to stimulate the cells and get them moving out of the bone marrow and into the blood stream, then begin drawing blood over a period of a couple of days. The intent is to harvest enough cells for this transplant, and potentially another transplant down the road.
If the harvesting process is successful, which it should be, Dad will then undergo 1 day of intense chemo that will virtually completely flush his system of both cancerous and healthy cells. After the chemo, he will have one day to rest, and the following day they will begin injecting his cells back. At this time, Dad will have essentially no immune system and extremely low blood counts - which will take approx 2-3 weeks to recover. During that 2-3 weeks, he will be monitored daily and given transfusions as necessary.
The plan is to do this whole process on an outpatient basis - which means Dad and Paula will be living in an apartment in Dallas right by the Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center and visiting the hospital everyday. The other option, if needed, is to admit him and stay at the hospital.
The desired results: low protein and light-chain counts and extended remission. Dr. P said that Dad will get back on the Revlimid immediately after the transplant, but at a lower dose. This will continue indefinitely.
It's going to be a tough process but we're all anxiouis to get it started, and done. That said, it was comforting for us just to get some sort of time frame, and more info on how everything is going to work.
Again, we really appreciate all of the support we've been getting and the thoughts and prayers. We'll post updates when he starts the SCT and throughout the process - both for family and friends to keep updated, and for other myeloma patients out there who, like us, have no idea what to expect through this whole ordeal.
Other news:
We wanted to be sure to take the time to thank the West Area Ministerial Alliance, especially Dr. John Crowder, for putting together a great banquet last week in honor of bridge builders including my grandpa, Al Payne. He has been gone for 15 years but he is definitely not forgotten around the community. It was a proud and humbling experience, and we can't express enough thanks for the turnout and the organization of this banquet. Here are a few pics from the event...
Payne family
AFH Board of Directors
And, what would a blog be without a Kaylee pic?
