We had a very pleasant appointment with Suzi's Oncologist today. She brought us up to date on the progress of the results to the regimen of medications that she is on.
When Suzi was first diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma last August, the primary indicators of the disease that they shared with us were the Kappa and Lambda light chains. As I understand it, these are components of the blood cells that go wild when Multiple Myeloma is present. The ordinary range of the Kappa light chains is 3.3 - 19.4 mg/L. Suzi's Kappa light chain lever was 7,000. The normal range of the Lambda light chain level is 5.7 -26.3 mg/L. Suzi's level (I can't remember this number since it was not so outstanding) but, I believe it was something over 100. They also measure the ratio of the Kappa/Lambda light chains. The normal level is 0.26-1.65. Suzi's was around 700.
With the previous chemo (oral medication), she had shown improved results to where the Kappa light chains were down to around 1300 - 2300 + and seemed to have plateaued there. One test would show them improved and the next slightly higher again.
The doctor decided that it was time to change to a different chemo. This time, it would require and injection twice a week for two weeks and then a week off and then back again. The cycle would proceed and tests continue.
Today, after starting into the third (I think) cycle, we got the latest results from the Oncologist. She was smiling. Kappa light chains = 16; Lambda light chains = 4.4, and Kappa/Lambda ratio = 3.64. All in the normal pre-cancer range. Actually, the ratio is a little high because the Lambda light chains were a little below the normal range.
Needless to say, we were more than excited to get the good news. They have now reduced to chemo to one injection per week for two weeks and then a week off. They will also be looking at reducing the steroids. The steroids are given to help with the immunity factor and also help in fighting the cancer.
Suzi's main complaint has been extreme fatigue. The doctor thinks that may improve with the reduced chemo injections. We are not sure where things will go from here but are certainly grateful for the blessings of modern-day medical treatments in combination with the blessings resulting from prayers from all of you and the blessings that she has received.
Of course, we will continue to keep you posted and are not suggesting that the level of prayers should be decreased. Certainly ours will not decrease. But, they will be flavored with an even greater level of gratitude for the blessings that Suzi has received to this point..
Thank you for all of your prayers, well wishes, letters and phone calls. They have been such a strength and comfort to Suzi as she has been going through this experience. Of course, we don't really know where it will go from here but pray that the news will continue to be good.
Thank you to all of you,
Love, Suzi and Vaughn
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