Friday, January 22 at 4:05pm - Jim

Dad's in room 827 South Tower - direct phone (803)739-3827.


So after talking to Dr. Tripp Jones, here's his assessment. three significant signs this is "standard" multiple myeloma:

1) Plasma Cytoma on his spine. [It was probably there before the back injury which made it worse; more blood plasma probably coagulated there, causing the compression].

2) High ~35% plasma in his marrow.

3) High IgG (immunoglobulin G) level ~7,000 [normally 620 - 1400 mg/dl].

Other notes: Dad is also moderately anemic with I think he said hemoglobin of about 8.9. [Mild 9.5-13.0. Moderate is 8.0-9.5. Severe is < 8.0.]. There is some weaker bone in his left humerus (upper arm bone). Platelette count is low.

So for now we're focusing on getting rid of the spinal mass, radiation for 2 weeks in hospital, to get him out of urgent condition... It looks like the right call to treat with Revlimid (lenalidomide) [type of ChemoTherapy] & VelCade (bortezomib) [pill] for standard MM. Plus steroids, anti-inflammatories, and anti-clotting meds.

Secondarily, physical therapy to work on restoration on legs/bowels/bladder, by HealthSouth therapists.

If a bone marrow transplant is in order later, it would be at least 6 months before we know.

Meanwhile, we are watchful for avoiding: blood clots in the legs, bed sores, infections from immune system being down.