velcade round two (cycle eight)

I have reached the conclusion of my second round of treatments with Velcade. I have been receiving Velcade (bortezomib) since May of 2012 (with a brief break at the end of the first round of treatments one year ago). As of today I begin a six week window without treatment. The main benefit for me will be no weekly dose of dexamethasone with its steroidal side-effects. I am looking forward to a more normal day to day life without the mid-week roller-coaster ride that comes with dex. Knowing that future treatments will most likely include more dexamethasone I realize that this is just a brief reprieve. Nonetheless, I am grateful for it.

I see my doctor again in late March in order to determine the next treatment regime. We may well try Revlimid (lenalidomide) once again, only this time begin with a low dose in order to see if we can avoid the allergic reaction that occurred last time (in March 2011). It was very good to hear today that Canada has approved pomalidomide (Pomalyst) for treatment of myeloma. I expect that, sooner or later, I will be one who benefits from today's news. In the meantime, I look forward to these upcoming treatment free weeks.