RVD Revlimid Velcade and Dex is hard but is usually very effective
When my sister was diagnosed, she was very I’ll
Her first line of treatment was RVD and it brought everything under control

I can recall my son’s oncologist stating from the very start that “at least” 2 years of maintenance therapy was proven to improve outcomes, but there’s less evidence beyond that point. However, once he reached the 2-year mark, she recommended that he continue taking Revlimid since he’s so young (only 42 now) and had tolerated the treatment so well.

With that said, since starting maintenance therapy in April 2019, he had to stop taking Revlimid for 7 months straight prior to reaching his 2-year mark due to prohibitive costs. He went back on it for 15 months but had to stop once again due to prohibitive costs in March 2022 (more than a year ago). He’ll be going back on it very soon for at least 3 months since he received a $15,000 BMS grant.

Meanwhile, for the first time in 4 years, his April 2023 SPEP results indicate there is detectable (but not measurable) disease in his blood. His oncologist is confident restarting Revlimid will get his disease back under control. And I believe that should be your key takeaway. Surely they will be monitoring you very closely so swift action can be taken if/when needed.

Hope you find this information helpful. Good luck on your journey!

Hello Pokerjohn,
I have been on Revlimid during my RVD protocol for roughly 8 months, no ASCT, to roughly 14 months RV treatments, and now later for 2 1/2 years Revlimid maintenance. When I was on RV treatment I experienced boils so my oncologist took me off twice for a period of two 21 day cycles, on antibiotics for the boils ,and my Kappa and Lambda values stayed low , well within the low range of my annual trend. I also was off Revlimid recently after 2 years of maintenance in order to have a Stem Cell Harvest conducted. My MM Specialist had me pause my Revlimid for 6 weeks prior to the Stem Cell Harvest and 2 weeks after the harvest. I again experienced low Kappa and Lambda values on the low of my typical range. Everyone can have different multiple myeloma severity. No harm done in my particular case of IgA Kappa Light chain with T(14,20), q(32,12). I am in remission status , complete response.

Good for you
The exercise is so important and yet the energy to do so is much more challenging!

I'm glad your sister is doing better. It's working for me. I also do morning exercises in bed and some stretching. It's making me feel better.