Hi,
It is a difficult decision of when to restart treatment, because you want to maintain your present quality of life, but equally you don’t want the myeloma to damage your bones or kidneys. Presumably your consultant wants to take a bone marrow test and scans to see what is the level of activity in your bone marrow and to detect any bone damage, especially as your light chains are gradually increasing. If all your tests are OK including your platelets, iron levels, kidney functions, etc, then your consultant will possibly decide to monitor you more often over the forthcoming months. Light chains can fluctuate up and down which makes it difficult to predict what your results will be in your next few tests. What were your light chains before your CDT treatment? Have there been any reasons for your light chains to increase such as an infection or virus?
At present, the usual treatment at first relapse is Velcade, which can be combined with dex and cyclophosphamide, or sometimes your previous treatment can be repeated, or thalidomide added to Velcade and dex. There might also be some clinical trials available if and when your consultant decides you require further treatment. I hope your further tests indicated everything is OK within your body and that the myeloma is under control. Fingers crossed, you will be able to go away on holiday in January.
Jan
