Post Clinic Visit

After the clinic visit and blood work, Dr. Asch and P.A. Schar, concluded that Erika will stay on the same taper but will be prescribed a slower dissolving pain medication to be taken a day before expected pains occur, commonly felt 5-6 days after first day of each cycle, to keep the pain from elevating. For now, Erika will have to tough through the pain with prescribed medication. She was offered to be admitted for the pain but Erika rejected for she would rather be at home. She was given a wheelchair, shower chair, and a walker to help assist with her mobility. Regarding her hip pains, they will continue to monitor it when she is off chemo next week, to see if the pain still exist to determine if it is caused by the steroids.

I failed to mentioned that Erika was able to meet up with a past patient who was also in the clinical trial and was able to share many experiences with each other. This helped out greatly, to be able to talk to someone who has been through almost an identical protocol of treatment. This person completed her treatment about two years ago and within those two years she gave birth to a baby. This is great news for both of us. This person got her hair back, looked vibrant, very caring and kind. Erika meet up with her about one month ago. Yet, today, after the clinic visit, Dr. Asch was given permission by this person to tell both of us some very sad news...she relapsed. This person will be back on treatment of induction and when she is back in remission, she will be begin doing a bone marrow transplant from her brother who is a match. The news took a toll on both of us. Our thoughts will be with her.

Erika does not have a match, like many others out there who don't as well, but can be saved. Please help out by registering to help save lives. http://bethematch.org/Join/Join_the_Registry.aspx