Revlimid and multiple myeloma

My dad was just diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He's 79. He'll be treating with Revlimid and receiving radiation for spine tumors. Wondering if anyone has experience with these treatments and this disease to share info?
Erica

Erica

I am sorry to hear about your dad.

My dad is 73 and he was also diagnosed with myeloma just over three years ago. He's had two rounds of chemo since then - the first about 2 years ago was unpleasant because the first drug didn't work and left him with myopathy (sp?) in his legs and feet. The second drug I am pretty sure was the same one as you have mentioned (I will check next time I call my parents), and it worked well with far fewer side effects. His K levels were undetectable at the end of the treatment and the effects lasted for about 18 months. He has just had another round and his levels are again undetectable. This round was much easier because he hadn't got all the side effects of the first drug to contend with as well - he was very tired and a little sick, but not bad in comparison to the first drug. He is also treated with a drug which is intended to strengthen his bones to prevent tumours from forming.

LOL - It was strange when he had his first treatment because it lowered his platelet levels, but whilst his were in the 40s and his doctors were panicking, Dougie was just diagnosed and attending school with platelets under 10K. They used to compare their latest platelet counts on the phone!

Myeloma seems to be something my dad can live with and still have a good quality of life between the periods when he needs treatment. Whenever he finishes treatment he gets itchy feet and him and my mum go travelling for a few months - they've just had a month touring Scotland and the Outer Hebrides, followed by a cruise of Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Dad had a friend who got myeloma in his 70s too, but eventually died aged 83 of something else entirely.

I hope that your dad does as well as mine seems to be doing.

All the best, Ali

Thanks Ali, I shared your story with my family.
Erica

Ali - low platelets are more serious for cancer patients and older patients than they are for ITP people. There is a difference in the size of the platelets and more of a tendency to bleed. Glad your Dad seems to be doing well.