Day 100 - Graduation Day!!

So close to success we can taste it!!! 

Today is Day 100 - Graduation Day from his Stem Cell Transplant!  He had a very good appointment on Friday with the doctor.  She's very pleased with his progress and at this point, he DOES NOT have to return to Siteman Cancer Center.  Following his appointment with the doctor, he had his bone marrow biopsy - which is the real proof of whether this all worked.  But all his blood numbers are excellent, vitals are good and best of all, he's feeling pretty good.  We should have results of the bone marrow biopsy before Christmas.  

The doctor did tell us that he'll be on a maintenance of chemo/smart drug for the next several years.  They are recommending the Velcade regime vs. the Revlimid.  Based on what they said, Revlimid is the "normal" course, but because of cellular changes in his bone marrow, they are recommending Velcade.  Revlimid was a daily pill - Velcade is a shot 2x a month in his tummy.  When I asked if it was more "intense" than the Revlimid, she said "sort of - but really just different based on his bone marrow".  

They did tell us this is not really the end.  There is no cure for Multiple Myeloma.  He could have another transplant until age 78 (6 more years) - that's how long Medicare will pay for it.  But the first transplant lasts the longest.  So if is numbers start to change within two years, they likely won't do another transplant.  If he can get two years out of this one, then they would do another.  He does still have 2.5 million of his own stem cells frozen waiting for him if he does need another one.  Having said that, Multiple Myeloma is heavily researched so that recommendation could all change in the next two years.  

He returns to see his regular oncologist on Monday, 12/22 to figure out when he'll start the Velcade shots.  

Joe will be at the shop on Wednesday, December 24 for our annual Christmas Eve luncheon from 1 to 4 pm.  Be sure to stop by and see him!  He is excited to see all his friends and customers.   

More to come after the biopsy results!  

Thanks for all your continued prayers and support.

God Bless!!