Jim’s Story

Site created on November 27, 2023

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A few years ago my dad’s primary care physician noticed a slight trend in his blood work and recommended he see an oncologist. He was then diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma. They did an MRI to check his bones, which were unaffected. They did a bone marrow biopsy to make sure the cancer hadn’t affected his bones. His bones looked good. They continued to monitor his blood every three months and bone marrow biopsy every six months until August 2023, when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He started Lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and velcade for chemotherapy in three week cycles. For the most part he didn’t have too many side effects. The dexamethasone, a steroid, would give him lots of energy so he didn’t sleep very well that evening, but still felt okay the next day. Initially, the chemo was working pretty well but began to slow down after the 4th to 5th. Cycle. After six cycles they added darzolex which helped to reduce the cancer cells some more. He has a high risk multiple myeloma, which is more resistant to treatments, which is likely why he needed to complete 8 cycles of chemo before they could extract his stem cells for transplant.

Newest Update

April 16, 2024

Journal entry by Angie Arends —

Dad is doing very well.  He was pretty wired yesterday and walked several miles!  This morning his neutrophils were at 500 and at noon they were up to 950!  I expect to get word he is ready to be released soon.  Today is also my parents 53rd wedding anniversary!  
Read More of the journal titled "April 16, 2024"
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