The information below deserves some explanation. Paraprotein is secreted into the blood stream by the myeloma and thus can be used as an indicator of response to treatment. A more accurate measurement can be taken by bone marrow biopsy but this is a fairly invasive procedure. Myeloma is not curable but treatment seeks to reduce its effects to a minimum. A full response to treatment would be indicated by no measureable plasma cells in bone marrow and no paraprotein. In my case, my initial response to HDT&SCT was somewhat disappointing. Little by little, however, my levels have improved. Right now, December 2013, my response is defined as Very Good Partial: that makes me very happy and feeling really well.
Nov 2013 Paraprotein 5
Nov 2013 Paraprotein 5
Oct 2013 Paraprotein
6 start of month, then 5 at end
Sep 2013 Paraprotein
6
Aug 2013 Paraprotein
6
Jul 2013 Paraprotein
5
Jun 2013 Paraprotein
7
May 2013 Paraprotein
8
Apr 2013 Paraprotein
10
Mar 2013 Paraprotein
12. Plasma count 3%
Feb 2013 Paraprotein
10
Jan 2013 Paraprotein
14
Dec 2012 Paraprotein
12
Nov 2012 Paraprotein
13
Oct 2012 Paraprotein 21 start of month,
then 19 at end
Bone
Marrow Biopsy, Plasma count >20%
Randomised
for Maintenance on Revlimid
Aug 2012 Paraprotein
20
Jul 2012 Admitted
to BHOC for HDT&SCT on 2nd, discharged 18th
Jun 2012 Self-injection
of G-CSF (growth Factor)
3
full days of Stem Cell Harvesting at Southmead Hospital
Only
enough stem cells for one full dose. Paraprotein risen to 28
May 2012 After
2 cycles of VCD decision to proceed to High Dose Therapy
and
Stem Cell Transplant (HDT&SCT). Lowest Paraprotein 16
Cyclopriming
required 2 night in hospital.
Mar 2012 After
4 cycles of CRD, decision made to stop induction treatment
Paraprotein
dropped to 18. Randomised onto Consolidation as VCD
(Velcade
replacing Revlimid)
Dec 2011 Developed
rash due to allergic reaction to Allopurinol:
5
days in hospital but out for Christmas!
Nov 2011 Referred
to Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC)
Accepted
onto Myeloma XI trial on intensive pathway
Randomised Induction on Cyclophosphamide, Revlimid, Dexamethazone (CRD)
Commenced
first cycle of CRD
Oct 2011 Fast
track referred to Haematology Dept at Weston General Hospital
Later
diagnosed as having Multiple Myeloma. Paraprotein level 56
Apr 2011 As
a platelet donor, asked to refer problem blood test to my GP
