Experimental Rabbit.

Today was my appointment with Dr. Sarriera to discuss what we were to do about a maintenance
program since I once again broke out in a rash from the Revlimid.  One of the options at hand was to go to an allergist at Moffitt in Tampa to be desensitized.  Not sure how much time that would entail.  And I know I did not want to go back to Tampa.

First Abby came in to talk with us.  We discussed my labs from last week.  All good.  These were just normal labs and did not include any Myeloma tests since I just had those tests in the middle of February.  Will have them done in a few weeks from now.  Then we discussed my Revlimid rash.  I voiced my opinion that I was not in favor of traveling to Moffitt for drug desensitization (a method to reduce or eliminate a negative reaction to a drug using gradual exposure therapy).  But if this was the only option, I would do it.  Really is hard to believe there isn't an allergist in the Orlando area that would be able to perform this task.  But there is not.  Abby left us saying that she was going to discuss with Dr. Sarriera what his plan was for my maintenance and they would be back together.
Dr. Sarriera came in shaking hands with us and then saying to Abby, " Now how do you say that word in English about a rabbit?"  That word was experimental.  He stated that he has never done this before, nor has it been done at UF Health Cancer Center but he wanted to make me his experimental rabbit.  He and Abby put a program together to do desensitization of Revlimid.  It would start on March 9th with me taking only 1 Revlimid pill.  Still the 2.5 mg dosage.  That would be all for that week.  Then on March 15th I would have an office visit with him to see how it was going.  Then I would take another Revlimid on March 16th.  Come back to the office a week later to see if any reaction from the second pill.  Then I would start on 2 pills a week.  Another office visit a week later.  Each week he will increase the number of Revlimid pills I will take and also monitor me weekly for any side effects, especially a rash.  If all goes well and no rash, we will continue till I am able to do the maintenance program of 21 days of Revlimid and off 7 days.  This getting me to remission I so hope and pray for daily.  This process will take several months.  I told Dr. Sarriera and Abby I was willing to do this with them.

I also asked what other options I had if not this.  There were two other drugs that is used for maintenance.  Velcade that will cause my neuropathy to worsen.  Not an option for me.  And another drug, called Thalomid, has many more side effects than Revlimid or Velcade.  Not an option he wants me on.  So we will try this experiment of desensitization with me being the experimental rabbit.  Dr. Sarriera and Abby will monitor my progress.  Maybe, just maybe, this experiment may help others in the future.

Quote:

Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes it's the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,  I will try again tomorrow!