Good Evening Connie;
I've been on Rev since July 3, 07. I started with the 21/7 day cycle but then the Dr. added Velcade and changed my 21/7 to 14/7 so it coincided with the Vel treatment. This way I rest from both meds at the same time.
I just finished up my 7 th cycle of Rev and my 6 th of Vel. But I'm also on Dex. So as you can see I'm on a pretty aggressive treatment plan. My research has shown that the Drs. are now considering this treatment for first time patients and not waiting for relapse. No side effects, yet, so as far as what I've read about the Rev and Vel lessoning each others side effects holds true.
My MM Dr. wanted to do a stem cell transplant this week! My M-spike is only down to 1.3 and my IGG to 2013. I told him I wanted to lower my #'s as low as possible before I went in for the SCT. He didn't like that but I stuck to my guns and we agreed that until I plateau or the #'s start to rise I can remain on the treatment plan. Thank goodness I did. Last evening I spoke to someone in the MM field and they told me that you shouldn't consider a transplant until your spike is under 1.0 In fact, .6 is what they're shooting for.
Keep in mind, that initial harvest is the best you're going to get. The desease builds up somewhat of a tolerance and when you go in for the frozen unit they already drew after you relapse you definately want those #'s to be as low as possible.
That's the beauty of this site. The information I have learned from fellow patients and caregivers have allowed me to be a more informed individual. The Drs. don't always like that but, this is my life and my decision. They aren't God, even though they tend to think of themselves that way!
As far as the fatigue. Yes, I could take a mid afternoon nap every day. Sometimes I even do! But I just try to weather through it and if I have to I hit the hay earlier that night.
Hope this helps. Take care and enjoy the upcoming holiday.
Kevin