Be ready

It has been since November 2023, I last wrote in the blog that m-band has resurfaced. Indeed it has been creeping slowly the whole of 2024 but from January to April 2025, the increase is significant, m-band is now at 5.4g/L. Likewise the light chains, both Kappa and Lambda have increased, though the ratio remains in normal range; but for as long as I can remember, my light chains absolutes have never been abnormal. This is rather puzzling. 

Starting January 2025, I was prescribed Pomalidomde 2mg, 3 weeks on and 1 week off. By March, the marker still went up; additional meds were added Cyclophosphamide 300mg 3 weekly and Dexamethazone 20mg 4-weekly. Monthly infusion of Zometa was started to minimise the osteoclast action on the bones. Hopefully this gentler regime will work to bring the number  down. 

In the meantime we have cancelled the Precepts Study tour to Turkey which has an intensive coverage of Apostle Paul's missionary journeys as well as visit to the seven churches in the book of Revelation.  Such a tour would not be suitable at this time. travelling in a bus load of 45 persons as well as moving in and out of numerous hotels with two nights or one night stay could be exhausting. Daily excursions to the sights requiring extensive walking would be rather demanding on the body. It is expected with the new regime, there are the usual side effects which may require easy and expeditious access to toilets. 

We are still hopeful to make a shorter trip from 15 May on a cruise which should be more manageable. We realised from long ago to be ready for exigencies and to hold lightly in our hands whatever plans we have made.