My consultant phoned me yesterday, the end of my bridging therapy. The trial requires a period of about 6 weeks for the production of the CAR-T cells in the USA and recognises the need to continue to control each patient's myeloma. This is achieved by a minimum of one cycle of chemotherapy and a choice of one of two medication combinations. I asked for and was given Daratumumab, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethazone (DPd). The alternative included Velcade which had previously lowered my platelet count. Over the last month I have been feeling better and better and this was reflected in my paraprotein count which had reduced from 38 to 16. The doctor did not want to prescribe for a further cycle, preferring to save this treatment (notably the Pomalidomide) for a future date.
Readers will be aware of Thalidomide which in the 1950s had sadly damaged so many babies. It was later discovered to have anti-cancer properties. A derivative is Lenolidomide which I received during the first trial to which I was recruited and to which I responded well.
The most recent derivative is Pomalidomide which would would seem to be a potential treatment for me.
I first signed to enter the CAR-T cell trial in May. I now wait to be admitted to hospital for the next treatment. I've then been prodded, poked and sampled but I can wait just a little longer !
Waiting is not always a bad thing;
it can bring its own joy -the thrill of anticipation.
Keep safe, keep well and KBO
Stephen
