Hi gang- it's been pretty rough around here. After 7 Darzalex infusions, they had to stop so that he could get radiation on his hip and both rib cages.
We LOVE his Radiology Oncologist, Dr. M. This guy actually called Dom personally the other day and talked for about 15 minutes. We've only had 2 other doctors do that.
The last time that we spoke to him, I said "Doc! When he was diagnosed 10 years ago, it was a breeze. Thalidomide, total body radiation and a stem cell transplant. He was in complete remission for 8 years!"
Dr. M. said, "Dom- you beat the odds, man. You're 10 years older. The cancer and the treatment are kicking your ass."
Sure enough. Saturday morning he couldn't lift his left arm. Horrible pain. He stayed in bed the entire weekend. We called Dr. M on Monday. He ordered a CT Scan for Tuesday.
He called Tuesday afternoon to say that the Darzalex wasn't working and the cancer caused a BROKEN Collar Bone!
Dom was measured for radiation yesterday and had his first of 5 radiation treatments today. He'll finish up on Wed.
Then they have to figure out what to do for him. He had originally told them "NO MORE CHEMO". Thus the Immunotherapy Darzalex. We were SO hopeful.
I guess that they'll try chemo again. Dom doesn't want to end up back in a wheelchair, as it is, he's walking with 2 canes.
So, gang- If you can find it in your heart, please say a prayer.
Showing posts with label Darzalex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darzalex. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Thursday, June 20, 2019
We Had Quite the Morning
Hi there, gang.
We had quite the morning. We saw Dr. Mannina the Radiology Oncologist at 8:30.
He informed us that Dom had broken ribs on the right, new lesions on the left, and a large lesion on his right hip.
A year or so ago was when Dom had a Plasmacytoma on his right hip. That's when he fell out of an 8-year complete remission.
So, here's the plan:
We go in Tuesday afternoon to get measured for a contraption that will hold Dom's arms over his head.
He'll get about 30-minute sessions when they're ready to get started. Dr. Mannina is going to blast the hip, and "graze" both sides of his ribcage so as not to affect any internal organs.
He sent us downstairs for Dom's 8th Darzalex infusion.
When we arrived at the infusion center, the gang had Dom all set up in his favorite "corner office". A lot of room and not sitting on top of anybody.
The volunteer already had our Diet Cokes, candy bar, pillow and blanket waiting for him. This guy, Richard is a DOLL. His wife is currently getting treatment for Breast Cancer, so he knows all too much about the ups and downs of treatment.
Our nurse cleaned his port and started the steroid infusion.
Brian, our favorite nurse from Dr. Calabresi office next door came running in... "STOP STOP!".
After consulting each other, the 2 doctors didn't want any Darzalex in his system for next week.
Sooooo... Fitting on Tuesday, then 10 Radiation Treatments, THEN back on the Darzalex.
As you guys all know, the Radiation works wonders for pain, so we're happy to get started.
ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. *groaning*
We had quite the morning. We saw Dr. Mannina the Radiology Oncologist at 8:30.
He informed us that Dom had broken ribs on the right, new lesions on the left, and a large lesion on his right hip.
A year or so ago was when Dom had a Plasmacytoma on his right hip. That's when he fell out of an 8-year complete remission.
So, here's the plan:
We go in Tuesday afternoon to get measured for a contraption that will hold Dom's arms over his head.
He'll get about 30-minute sessions when they're ready to get started. Dr. Mannina is going to blast the hip, and "graze" both sides of his ribcage so as not to affect any internal organs.
He sent us downstairs for Dom's 8th Darzalex infusion.
When we arrived at the infusion center, the gang had Dom all set up in his favorite "corner office". A lot of room and not sitting on top of anybody.
The volunteer already had our Diet Cokes, candy bar, pillow and blanket waiting for him. This guy, Richard is a DOLL. His wife is currently getting treatment for Breast Cancer, so he knows all too much about the ups and downs of treatment.
Our nurse cleaned his port and started the steroid infusion.
Brian, our favorite nurse from Dr. Calabresi office next door came running in... "STOP STOP!".
After consulting each other, the 2 doctors didn't want any Darzalex in his system for next week.
Sooooo... Fitting on Tuesday, then 10 Radiation Treatments, THEN back on the Darzalex.
As you guys all know, the Radiation works wonders for pain, so we're happy to get started.
ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. *groaning*
Monday, May 13, 2019
Dom's Progress with Darzalex
We went to the Slidell Cancer Center for Dom's 2nd Darzalex infusion on Thursday.
First, they gave him Tylenol and drips of Steroids, Pepsid and Benedryl.
Then they brought out the bag of Darzalex. It broke open! (Which contaminated it). There was no more Darzalex in the building. They would have had to drive an hour round-trip to get some, but it was already 11 am. That would have kept us there very late.
So, they apologized and asked us to return on Friday morning.
I'm happy to say that the Darzalex infusion was cut down to only 4 hours! We were at the Cancer Center for a total of 6 hours! We were tickled, as the week before was a 10 1/2 hour visit. During the infusion, the pharmacist stopped by. He checked his latest shipment of bags and found 4 or 5 defective bags. His new policy is to check the bags before mixing up the medicine.
Once again, Dom had NO ADVERSE reactions! We're extremely hopeful and feeling positive!
He's doing just great!
First, they gave him Tylenol and drips of Steroids, Pepsid and Benedryl.
Then they brought out the bag of Darzalex. It broke open! (Which contaminated it). There was no more Darzalex in the building. They would have had to drive an hour round-trip to get some, but it was already 11 am. That would have kept us there very late.
So, they apologized and asked us to return on Friday morning.
I'm happy to say that the Darzalex infusion was cut down to only 4 hours! We were at the Cancer Center for a total of 6 hours! We were tickled, as the week before was a 10 1/2 hour visit. During the infusion, the pharmacist stopped by. He checked his latest shipment of bags and found 4 or 5 defective bags. His new policy is to check the bags before mixing up the medicine.
Once again, Dom had NO ADVERSE reactions! We're extremely hopeful and feeling positive!
He's doing just great!
Friday, May 3, 2019
An Update on Our Patient
Hey, gang. It's been rough, but we're finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
He went through 10 radiation treatments on his C-3 Vertebrae. As warned, his throat closed up. He couldn't eat for a couple of days. Meanwhile, he was coughing and cracked or broke a couple of ribs.
Poor Dom stayed in bed for 2 days.
He's feeling MUCH better, thank God!
Yesterday was his first Darzalex infusion. Talk about a LONG DAY. We were at the Cancer Center for over 10 hours. Plus a couple of hours driving. *whew!*
I'm happy to say that his care team was delighted. He had NO SIDE EFFECTS. The next infusions will be quicker starting next Thursday.
He's up and about today and feeling GREAT!
Thank you for your continued prayers and good wishes.
He went through 10 radiation treatments on his C-3 Vertebrae. As warned, his throat closed up. He couldn't eat for a couple of days. Meanwhile, he was coughing and cracked or broke a couple of ribs.
Poor Dom stayed in bed for 2 days.
He's feeling MUCH better, thank God!
Yesterday was his first Darzalex infusion. Talk about a LONG DAY. We were at the Cancer Center for over 10 hours. Plus a couple of hours driving. *whew!*
I'm happy to say that his care team was delighted. He had NO SIDE EFFECTS. The next infusions will be quicker starting next Thursday.
He's up and about today and feeling GREAT!
Thank you for your continued prayers and good wishes.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
It's Worse Than we Thought.
Went to see the Radiologist today. He's not concerned with the lesion on Dom's shoulder blade. He showed us how the Myeloma is eating away at his vertebrae.
This is basically going on at the base of his neck:
Notice the bones missing on the right side (it should look like the other side)
So, they did another c/t scan and fit him for a mask in Radiation.
Doc is going to blast him 10 times in a row.
And THEN start Darzalex.
He said that after this treatment, we might consider going to a Neurosurgeon to have him put a plate in his neck. But not now, as he'll be bedridden for a while and the MM will run rampant.
Radiation starts tomorrow.
This is basically going on at the base of his neck:
So, they did another c/t scan and fit him for a mask in Radiation.
Doc is going to blast him 10 times in a row.
And THEN start Darzalex.
He said that after this treatment, we might consider going to a Neurosurgeon to have him put a plate in his neck. But not now, as he'll be bedridden for a while and the MM will run rampant.
Radiation starts tomorrow.
Monday, April 8, 2019
And So it Continues. Dom Can't Catch a Break.
A few weeks ago, Dom had a full body CT Scan. His shoulder has been KILLING him.
Multiple Myeloma can cause soft spots in the bone called osteolytic lesions, which appear as holes on an X-ray. These osteolytic lesions are painful and can increase the risk of painful breaks or fractures. Myeloma can also cause nerve damage or pain when a tumor presses up against a nerve.
Sure enough, they found a lesion on his left shoulder blade.
Our team at the Slidell Cancer Center got the ball rolling quickly. It all starts tomorrow with an appointment with Handsome Dr. M. who is our Oncologist Radiologist.
He'll probably make a mold of Dom's shoulder blade and get started quickly.
Then Thursday, starting DARZALEX which isn't Chemotherapy, but rather a TARGETED Therapy that seeks out and destroys Myeloma cells. We have to be at the Cancer Center for 7am *groaning*, and they expect it will be an 8-hour infusion.
INFO ON DARZALEX HERE
So, rolling right along, gang. We're happy to get this crap started!
Multiple Myeloma can cause soft spots in the bone called osteolytic lesions, which appear as holes on an X-ray. These osteolytic lesions are painful and can increase the risk of painful breaks or fractures. Myeloma can also cause nerve damage or pain when a tumor presses up against a nerve.
Sure enough, they found a lesion on his left shoulder blade.
Our team at the Slidell Cancer Center got the ball rolling quickly. It all starts tomorrow with an appointment with Handsome Dr. M. who is our Oncologist Radiologist.
He'll probably make a mold of Dom's shoulder blade and get started quickly.
Then Thursday, starting DARZALEX which isn't Chemotherapy, but rather a TARGETED Therapy that seeks out and destroys Myeloma cells. We have to be at the Cancer Center for 7am *groaning*, and they expect it will be an 8-hour infusion.
INFO ON DARZALEX HERE
So, rolling right along, gang. We're happy to get this crap started!
Thursday, March 7, 2019
The Latest on Dom
These were Dom's latest numbers 2/27 at Tulane. The second set is from Slidell Cancer Center on 2/7. The numbers in parentheses are from November 2018.
WBC: 7.3 6.5 (8.3 three months ago)
RBC: 4.1 3.9 (3.71)
HTC: 38.7 39.4 (36.3)
PLATELETS: 170 154 (188)
KAPPA Light Chains: 10,5 11.4 (16.5)
LAMBDA Light Chains: 176.5 119.9 (36.4)
RATIO: 0.6 0.10 (0.45)
M-Spike: 1.7 1.3 (Not Observed)
Dr. Safah at the Tulane Cancer Center in NOLA saw us last Wednesday. She took blood. Had us follow up today with our Slidell Oncologist.
He's ordering a full body CT Scan with no contrast and a bone marrow biopsy. Hopefully next week.
Dom is a hurtin' little cowboy. Ribs, back, shoulder, neck. You name it.
So... after the CT results come in, they've decided to put Dom on DARZALEX. It's not chemo. It's an IMMUNOTHERAPY.
I joined a Facebook Group for Darzalex support, and the members have been SUPER helpful. Most of them rave about the drug!
So, we're feeling very positive.
The docs are laying the groundwork for insurance, then full-speed-ahead.
Thanks for the continued prayers and good vibes, gang.
WBC: 7.3 6.5 (8.3 three months ago)
RBC: 4.1 3.9 (3.71)
HTC: 38.7 39.4 (36.3)
PLATELETS: 170 154 (188)
KAPPA Light Chains: 10,5 11.4 (16.5)
LAMBDA Light Chains: 176.5 119.9 (36.4)
RATIO: 0.6 0.10 (0.45)
M-Spike: 1.7 1.3 (Not Observed)
Dr. Safah at the Tulane Cancer Center in NOLA saw us last Wednesday. She took blood. Had us follow up today with our Slidell Oncologist.
He's ordering a full body CT Scan with no contrast and a bone marrow biopsy. Hopefully next week.
Dom is a hurtin' little cowboy. Ribs, back, shoulder, neck. You name it.
So... after the CT results come in, they've decided to put Dom on DARZALEX. It's not chemo. It's an IMMUNOTHERAPY.
I joined a Facebook Group for Darzalex support, and the members have been SUPER helpful. Most of them rave about the drug!
So, we're feeling very positive.
The docs are laying the groundwork for insurance, then full-speed-ahead.
Thanks for the continued prayers and good vibes, gang.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Global Multiple Myeloma Industry : Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020
ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on Global Multiple Myeloma Market 2016-2030.
Multiple Myeloma is a form of blood cancer. Blood cancers, or hematologic cancers, affect the production and function of blood cells.
To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=784697
Most of these cancers start in the bone marrow where blood is produced. In myeloma, unusually large numbers of abnormal plasma cells gather in bone marrow and stop it from producing an important part of your immune system. Multiple myeloma is a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Multiple myeloma is characterized with low blood counts, bone and calcium problems, infections, kidney problems and nervous system symptoms. Usually the age factor is considered as the most prominent factor in multiple myeloma cases.
Multiple myeloma was considered to be a non-treatable disease but hopes have arrived with the approval of Darzalex which was a much awaited product and has shown positive results in the trials. Many other products are in the pipeline and will arrive after some time. Darzalex is an antibody with immense potential and was the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for the treatment of heavily pretreated retreated multiple myeloma. More experiments have started to check out Darzalex in combinations to find out its effectiveness in case of other problems too.
The key factors which are anticipated to drive multiple myeloma market include increased penetration of cancer drugs, increase in ageing population, rising obese population and increase in healthcare expenditure. Some of the significant developments of this industry include upcoming new innovative products in the market, trend of combination therapies, and chance of new players. However, the challenge to be faced ahead is high price and legal regulations.
Browse Detail Report With TOC @ http://www.researchmoz.us/global-multiple-myeloma-market-industry-analysis-outlook-20162030-report.html
Table of Content
1. Blood Cancer: An Introduction
1.1 Symptoms of Blood cancer
1.2 Treatment of Blood Cancer
1.3 Types of Blood Cancer
1.3.1 Leukaemia
1.3.2 Lymphoma
2. Multiple Myeloma
2.1 Characteristics of Multiple Myeloma
2.1.1 Low Blood Counts
2.1.2 Bone and Calcium Problems
2.1.3 Infections
2.1.4 Kidney Problems
2.1.5 Monoclonal Gammopathy
2.1.6 Nervous System Symptoms
2.2 Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma
2.3 Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma
2.3.1 Laboratory Tests
2.3.2 Imaging Tests
2.4 Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
3. Multiple Myeloma Market Analysis
3.1 Global Blood Cancer Market by Value
3.2 Global Multiple Myeloma Market Forecast by Value
3.3 Global Forefront Treated Patients Forecast
3.4 Global Reverted Treated Patients Forecast
Jump For Links
Multiple Myeloma is a form of blood cancer. Blood cancers, or hematologic cancers, affect the production and function of blood cells.
To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=784697
Most of these cancers start in the bone marrow where blood is produced. In myeloma, unusually large numbers of abnormal plasma cells gather in bone marrow and stop it from producing an important part of your immune system. Multiple myeloma is a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Multiple myeloma is characterized with low blood counts, bone and calcium problems, infections, kidney problems and nervous system symptoms. Usually the age factor is considered as the most prominent factor in multiple myeloma cases.
Multiple myeloma was considered to be a non-treatable disease but hopes have arrived with the approval of Darzalex which was a much awaited product and has shown positive results in the trials. Many other products are in the pipeline and will arrive after some time. Darzalex is an antibody with immense potential and was the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for the treatment of heavily pretreated retreated multiple myeloma. More experiments have started to check out Darzalex in combinations to find out its effectiveness in case of other problems too.
The key factors which are anticipated to drive multiple myeloma market include increased penetration of cancer drugs, increase in ageing population, rising obese population and increase in healthcare expenditure. Some of the significant developments of this industry include upcoming new innovative products in the market, trend of combination therapies, and chance of new players. However, the challenge to be faced ahead is high price and legal regulations.
Browse Detail Report With TOC @ http://www.researchmoz.us/global-multiple-myeloma-market-industry-analysis-outlook-20162030-report.html
Table of Content
1. Blood Cancer: An Introduction
1.1 Symptoms of Blood cancer
1.2 Treatment of Blood Cancer
1.3 Types of Blood Cancer
1.3.1 Leukaemia
1.3.2 Lymphoma
2. Multiple Myeloma
2.1 Characteristics of Multiple Myeloma
2.1.1 Low Blood Counts
2.1.2 Bone and Calcium Problems
2.1.3 Infections
2.1.4 Kidney Problems
2.1.5 Monoclonal Gammopathy
2.1.6 Nervous System Symptoms
2.2 Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma
2.3 Tests to Find Multiple Myeloma
2.3.1 Laboratory Tests
2.3.2 Imaging Tests
2.4 Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
3. Multiple Myeloma Market Analysis
3.1 Global Blood Cancer Market by Value
3.2 Global Multiple Myeloma Market Forecast by Value
3.3 Global Forefront Treated Patients Forecast
3.4 Global Reverted Treated Patients Forecast
Jump For Links
Thursday, April 7, 2016
What Kind Of Cancer Is Multiple Myeloma? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that is caused by plasma cells that are malignant. A plasma cell is a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Normal plasma cells are vital to a healthy immune system.
In 2015, the battle against multiple myeloma received a new ally. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Johnson & Johnson's multiple myeloma drug Darzalex. The drug is designed for multiple myeloma patients with limited options due to previous failed treatments.
What Are The Common Symptoms For Multiple Myeloma?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), common symptoms for multiple myeloma can include broken bones, bone pain (in the ribs or in the back), weight loss, fatigue and frequent urination.
Individuals with multiple myeloma can also feel very thirsty frequently and suffer from recurrent fevers and infections. Other symptoms include constipation, nausea, confusion and loss of appetite.
If one suffers from any of these persistent symptoms, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor.
How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
Common diagnosis methods include imaging and lab tests as well as a biopsy of the bone marrow.
What Are The Complications Linked To Multiple Myeloma?
Patients with multiple myeloma have low blood counts because the plasma cells overgrowth in the bone marrow can overcrowd the healthy blood-forming cells. This condition can cause anemia — red blood cells shortage. Anemia patients become weak and pale and they suffer from fatigue.
People with multiple myeloma can also develop thrombocytopenia, a condition wherein the blood platelets levels are low. Thrombocytopenia can lead to increased bruising and bleeding.
Another multiple myeloma-related condition is leukopenia wherein there is a shortage of healthy white blood cells. It can affect the patient's ability to fight infections.
Multiple myeloma affects the bones, which can lead to fractures, bone thinning and pain. Eroding bones can increase the calcium levels in the blood, which affects the kidney's ability to filter waste and can lead to kidney problems.
What Are the Treatments For Multiple Myeloma?
Treatment of multiple myeloma depends on the how far the condition has progressed. According to NLM, patients who have no symptoms may not require immediate treatment. However, for patients who suffer from various symptoms, common treatments include targeted therapy, radiation, chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
Johnson & Johnson's multiple myeloma drug Darzalex, which is chemically known as daratumumab, attacks only the malignant cells while keeping healthy cells undisturbed.
LINK
In 2015, the battle against multiple myeloma received a new ally. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Johnson & Johnson's multiple myeloma drug Darzalex. The drug is designed for multiple myeloma patients with limited options due to previous failed treatments.
What Are The Common Symptoms For Multiple Myeloma?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), common symptoms for multiple myeloma can include broken bones, bone pain (in the ribs or in the back), weight loss, fatigue and frequent urination.
Individuals with multiple myeloma can also feel very thirsty frequently and suffer from recurrent fevers and infections. Other symptoms include constipation, nausea, confusion and loss of appetite.
If one suffers from any of these persistent symptoms, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor.
How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
Common diagnosis methods include imaging and lab tests as well as a biopsy of the bone marrow.
What Are The Complications Linked To Multiple Myeloma?
Patients with multiple myeloma have low blood counts because the plasma cells overgrowth in the bone marrow can overcrowd the healthy blood-forming cells. This condition can cause anemia — red blood cells shortage. Anemia patients become weak and pale and they suffer from fatigue.
People with multiple myeloma can also develop thrombocytopenia, a condition wherein the blood platelets levels are low. Thrombocytopenia can lead to increased bruising and bleeding.
Another multiple myeloma-related condition is leukopenia wherein there is a shortage of healthy white blood cells. It can affect the patient's ability to fight infections.
Multiple myeloma affects the bones, which can lead to fractures, bone thinning and pain. Eroding bones can increase the calcium levels in the blood, which affects the kidney's ability to filter waste and can lead to kidney problems.
What Are the Treatments For Multiple Myeloma?
Treatment of multiple myeloma depends on the how far the condition has progressed. According to NLM, patients who have no symptoms may not require immediate treatment. However, for patients who suffer from various symptoms, common treatments include targeted therapy, radiation, chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
Johnson & Johnson's multiple myeloma drug Darzalex, which is chemically known as daratumumab, attacks only the malignant cells while keeping healthy cells undisturbed.
LINK
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