I'm currently prescribed three drugs for this phase, called re-induction, of the Myeloma XII trial;
The trial is all about Ixazomib. This I take on days 1, 8 and 15. This cycle started without stock so day 1 was missed. I now have stock so will take today and day 15. I'm not aware that I have any side effects from Ixazomib.
The next drug, perhaps surprisingly, is Thalidomide which I take every day. This caused terrible birth defects during the 1950s and 60s. It is now recognised as having anti-cancer properties. One of the side effects is to cause tiredness which I do experience and one information leaflet recommends avoiding alcohol because of this. Since I started the trial, over 4 months ago, I have abstained from alcohol. When this is over I will do my best to catch up ! In the meantime I certainly often feel very tired and lethargic.
The third drug is dexamethazone. This is a steroid which I take on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. The trial requires that I take 40mg each time but it is supplied as 2mg tablets. Yes, on each of these four days I take 20 small tablets which taste very bitter.
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| 20 Dexamethasone Tablets |
Fridays, Saturdays and sometimes Sundays are characterised by constipation. I can't be sure which of the drugs causes this but probably the dexamethasone or it may be the combination. The effect is quite severe and whilst it is on-going I feel generally unwell and light-headed. As if these various side effects are quite enough, I also experience tinnitus which sounds like a high-pitched hiss of varying amplitude.
To summarise then Thursdays - Tired having not slept. Fridays, Saturdays, and some Sundays constipated and generally unwell. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays somewhat tired and light-headed but my best days.
I'm currently on cycle 5 and must endure these effects to the end of cycle 6 towards the end of November. My consultant prescribes various other drugs to minimise the side effects. It does seem that the effects are getting more significant - perhaps cumulative?
I see this as an investment and I do my best to swim through the treacle. It is to be hoped that, when re-induction is completed, I will feel my usual self again and ready for the next stage of treatment - stem cell mobilization and harvest.
Keep well
Stephen
