[nordicParticipant]

Have had 2 months of this treatment now of Belantamab Mafodotin along with velcade and dexamethasone over a weekly course of 6 months with no problems of note to mention, I get a bit fatigued at times but this can happen with any treatment. Have had 2 eye tests done so far and have no eye issues so far. My next dose of Belantamab is 3r Feb. Saw one of the doctors overseeing my treatment this week and was very surprised to find out that even after just 2 rounds my levels have dropped a fair amount. With 4 rounds to go results so far have been very encouraging for me. Hope those who are on this treatment have the same experience and results that I am currently have.

[pedro16Participant]

Hi Nordic.

Pleased to hear that things are going well.

You’re actually one cycle behind me, as my 4th commences on the 26th January. There is a difference though, as my regimen lasts for eight months and not six. Then if things go according to plan, I believe that the Belantamab Mafodotin becomes a monthly maintenance infusion.

Apart from having the early onset of Glaucoma (which isn’t related to the BVD regimen), I was told that my eyes are ok. I do have a problem with a low platelet count, so Charlotte (my Consultant) has dropped the Belantamab Mafodotin for my 4th cycle. So, out of the four cycles I will only have received two infusions, but I’m told that this isn’t unusual.

Anyway, I hope things continue to improve for you.

Kind Regards,
Pedro.

[nordicParticipant]

My treatment Belantamab Mafodotin had to be paused last month as after 2 treatments I developed some eye problems, bad case of dry eyes for about 5 days before it started to get better. Still have some eye issues still but very much better now. Had a very comprehensive eye examination at hospital eye clinic 2 weeks ago, had some scratches on the eye and what they term micro-cysts in the eye blood vessels. Was only using dry eye drops quite often so they proscribed me Xailin night gel and must admit it has made a big difference in my eyesight recovery. my eyes have recovered well these past 2 weeks and now have another eye test in 2 weeks. Hopefully they will be good enough to restart Belantamab Mafodotin, results so far have been amazing in reducing levels from 10.7 to 5.4. can put up with with some eye problems if results continue to be like this, might finally have a much longer remission this time.

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 1 day ago by  nordic.

[mayflyParticipant]

Hi Nordic and everyone else involved in this topic.sorry this is such a long response I didn’t realise how much I had to say! I had my first dose of belantamab at the end of nov 25 after my first line of dara/ lenelidomide stopped working,my paraproteins climbed back to double digits as did my light chains and increased size of lesions in various parts including femur and spine. Great improvement as numbers began dropping. However only had my second dose of belantamab yesterday (although weekly velcade injections and 20 mg of dexamethasone )due to eye problems, grade 3 impact on corneas, dry eyes and the start of cataracts, I’m having 3 weekly examinations at specsavers and finally they confirmed sufficient improvement so treatment could restart. I also have been referred to ophthalmology for assessment but who knows when that may be.i did use a cold eye mask yesterday during the infusion as some people on the trials felt they helped but there is no clinical evidence to support this. Even with the eye issues I do feel very positive about belantamab and the consultant emphasises that 12 week gap is fine as it will still continue to work. The only pain is weekly velcade and 3 weekly bloods, eye tests and consultant appointments so life seems to revolve around the hospital once again. Good wishes to all of you and anyone considering this treatment.

[pedro16Participant]

Hi All.

So from what has been said, it looks as though I have been rather fortunate, as I’m due to start cycle five on Monday 23rd. This has followed a weeks break, due to a chest infection.
To date I’ve had an infusion on cycles 1 and 3 and I’m due to have another on Monday. The reason for the two breaks was due to my platelets dropping, but my last blood test showed that they were >50, so my Consultant was happy.

I’m having eye examinations at my local hospital and the Ophthalmologist is happy with the condition of my eyes, although for me, having seven lots of drops in my eyes every day, is taking its toll. Then I suppose that it is for the best.

Pedro.

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