[PattiDean]

Thank you to each of you for your replies.

Dean's prescription is 15mg, which has us both concerned. Dean's blood counts improved dramatically last week after only the second cycle of Dacogen. His oncologist began saying Dean is in "remission", and he doesn't feel he has to continue with the treatments. We didn't like hearing that, since the Dacogen seems to be working, why stop it?

During his week on Dacogen, Dean actually felt a little better near the end of the week. He has been so tired and weak up until now so it was giving him hope. Then on Sunday he began feeling extremely weak again, he was sleeping all day, and his legs, from his knees down, became swollen. He stayed in bed, or his recliner, and kept his legs raised on Sunday and Monday. It definitely sounds like he should take the Revlimid in the evening, because he is already sleeping most of the day.

After reading the side effects that came with the Revlimid, Dean is so scared. We wish the doctor would have started with the lower dose, 15mg seems like a lot to start off with. The doctor has not mentioned taking Predisone along with the Revlimid, although when he is on his Dacogen cycle he is given a steroid.

Thank you Maria for telling me about your mother's reaction to this drug. I will now know to call the doctor or take Dean to the ER if I notice any adverse reactions. By the way, Dean had his left kidney removed over twenty years ago, he had kidney cancer, but luckily, had no chemo. His remaining kidney is in slight failure, but nothing terrible at this time, thank goodness.

We have an appointment with Dean's oncologist this afternoon. There are many issues we feel uncomfortable about with this doctor, and we are thinking of looking else where for Dean's care. Just want to get this appointment out of the way. Dean and I have many questions that his doctor hasn't answered, hoping it will be different today. Dean is not going to start taking the Revlimid until we talk to the doctor today.

Thank you again for being so kind and taking your time to answer our concerns. Everyone is very supportive and kind, you give us the strength and faith to keep going. Thank you!