Dear Dr., Thank you in advance for answering my question. I was wondering if there are any longevity statistics after a recurrence of MM with treatment and without. My Dad was diagnosed with MM in September 2004. The cancer failed to respond to the first three chemotherapy drugs he received. It did, however, respond to Velcade. He had a stem cell transplant in March 2005. He has been in remission until now. His current count is 1260. His Doctor has recommended taking Velcade for four months. My Dad will turn 67 this year. He definitely has the will to live. He is considering his options because of the severe side effects he experienced from taking Velcade the last time. I realize this is a difficult question to answer without being able to meet the patient, review lab work etc. Any ballpark figures would be appreciated. Sincerely, Klare Harvey

Dear Klare,

I'm afraid Dr. Berenson isn't able to answer at this time. I wanted to let you know.

Most doctors would tell you that statistics aren't a predictor of how any one patient will fare.

What were your dad's side effects from Velcade? I used to have benedryl and a steroid in my IV prior to the Velcade push to help me with hives. It's also possible to try to decrease the dose and possibly even add another agent (Doxil, Melphalan).

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Beth