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Myeloma Joe Member
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I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma IGA Kappa Stage 3a (the more aggressive form) in January 2003. I was given 6 month to live and, I almost died of hypercalcemia. My local oncologist then recommended the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy in Little Rock, Arkansas. I had a tandem autologous stem cell transplant in 2003, under the direction of Dr Guido Tricot, M.D., PhD, Director of Clinical Research at the Little Rock facility. I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Tricot as my personal myeloma physician. I was randomized into the right arm of their protocol 2001-12 with melphalan and DT-PACE. I had compression fractures to eight vertebrae and 13 broken ribs and lost 3” of height. The vertebrae were stabilized with Vertebroplasties, with excellent results. To this day my back is as good as it ever was. I was then in complete remission. I was on a 2-year maintenance program that completed in January 2006. The program includes Thalidomide, Dexamethasone, and Aredia, antiviral, antibiotics and other supplements. I was intolerant of Thalidomide (blood clot) after only 2 months. By June 06 my numbers had started up. I went on the study drug AVN 944 for two cycles as bone involvement went down, but by the next cycle it had started back up and I had to come off. I then went straight to transplant recovery (as they call it), stem cell transplant. I am currently in complete remission and will complete a two year maintenance plan in January 09. I will see Dr. Tricot at the Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah’s Bone Marrow Transplant Center at that time. Maintenance: Velcade, Revilmid & Dex., Revilmid 21 days 10 mg, Velcade 10 mg days 1 & 4, 15 & 18. Dex 20 mg days 1 though 4 & 15 through 18 per month, Aredia every 3 months for a1-year maintenance plan after a SCT recovery. And, I must say with minimum side effects. I will be glad to share my experiences with others. Joe Bartee Attachment: Trip to POC, Texas 05 014.jpg (Downloaded 86 times) Last edited on Sun Sep 28th, 2008 03:25 pm by Myeloma Joe |
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Astrid Member
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Hey Joe, I just turend 45 and I am diagnosed with Mutliple Meyloma and will start therapy on thursday. I have twin boys of 7 and a little girl of 4 years. Honestly I am scared to death. My grilfriend had met Dr. Tricot on a plane from Europe and recommended I also see him. Is Dr. Tricot now in working in Utah or is he also still working in Arkansas? Regards, Astrid Haendler |
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Annick Member
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Hi Astrid, Yes, Dr. Tricot left the University of Arkansas and is presently at the University of Utah. If you would like more information about our program, please feel free to contact me at 801-587-4482 or via e-mail at annick.tricot@hci.utah.edu. |
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Myeloma Joe Member
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Hi Astrid, Dr. Tricot is at Huntsman Hospital in Salt Lake City. I have been under his care for over five years and contribute me still having good quality life to him. I began my journey with Dr. Tricot in the summer of 2003 when he was practicing at the University of Arkansas Medical Science (UAMS). I know you will be in very capable hands as Dr. Tricot is one of the top myeloma doctors in the world. The treatment is aggressive but the results are impressive. I would recommend any of my family or friends to Dr. Tricot should they have this disease. My wife did research before we chose Dr. Tricot and she has been as thrilled with him as I have. She is confident that we made the very best choice. Please keep in touch and know you and your family will be in our prayers. Last edited on Sun Sep 28th, 2008 03:27 pm by Myeloma Joe |
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doubledd Member
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Joe, how high were your protein counts before you were considered for the transplant? My husband has had mm since 2001, received treatment of thalidomide and decadron, was good for 5 years. Now the last year we tried the same treatment to no avail. Have now switched to Revlimid/decadron for the last 4 months. The first 2 months the levels declined and now the last 2 month they have increased. I just need some base line numbers so I can work with the doctors on pushing for the transplant at Stanford. At one point they said he was a good candidate, but as long as the drugs were working they didn't want to go there. Let me know what your numbers were or are now if you are willing to share that info. Thanks, dea |
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