Great news today! You may recall that the results of my immunofixation test have looked like this for the past nine years:
"Monoclonal gammopathy" is a fancy term for cancer, and I had it. Then, late last year, the results changed:
Still abnormal, but clearly below the level of firm detection. Today, I got my most recent test result:
Nothing abnormal and no cancer detected. Period. That doesn't mean the cancer is gone, of course, but it does mean it's finally dropped fully and completely below the level of detection using standard tests. What's more, my kappa/lambda light chain ratio has remained normal for the past three months. Technically, this means I have achieved a "stringent complete response," the best category of response. And it only took 11 months!
Next up: On Tuesday I receive the results of my prostate biopsy. Will I remain cancer free, sort of, or just trade one kind for another? Stay tuned.
So glad that treatment worked for you and I hope the biopsy is negative. Boy, I sure hated getting that biopsy. It was really uncomfortable and pissing blood afterward was pretty unpleasant. Also, mine was positive for cancer. After much ruminating I opted for HDR Brachytherapy. That was 5 years ago and so far, so good (knocks on wood).
Most excellent news, Kevin! It's been a while coming but it underlines what we knew, that the path to textbook results doesn't have to follow the textbook. Fingers crossed on the biopsy--
Been following this saga from the beginning (Friday Cancer Blogging - 24 October 2014) and the straightforward presentation of the pathways and results. It is great that Kevin is so much better, He had to deal with procedures and drugs that clearly taxed his patience and spirit. Kevin's mettle is extraordinary.
So glad to hear this wonderful news! Thanks for keeping us posted, Kevin.
[longest sigh since last time]
Félicitations !
Hooray!
way to go! good luck with the other possible issue!
Glad to hear it and good luck on the biopsy.
Wonderful!
Excellent news. Congratulations.
Wonderful news on the health front. I am very glad to hear it. I hope things continue to go well.
FYI, there's some (very preliminary) promising news for CAR-T treatment of prostate cancer:
https://www.targetedonc.com/view/car-t-cell-therapy-shows-promise-in-the-prostate-cancer-space
Great news Kevin !
Congratulations to you, and a big cheer for the modern cancer researchers.
We truly do live in wondrous times.
Hooray! And Hilbert and Charlie get all the credit. Cat Power!
And Hopper too -- who put in loads of effort along the way.
This is excellent news, Kevin, for you, and for all of us who follow your posts regularly. I'm glad to hear it!
Bloody hell yeah!
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Nice!
Hopefully this means no more Evil Dex ever again! Woohoo!
but what about the night photography?
/s
Great news Kevin. And I hope the biopsy goes well.
https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2018/05/09/cheeky-prostate-cancer-ad-looking-to-raise-awareness/
Congratulations! Here’s to your continued good health.
Tremendously good news!
Very good news.
I vaguely remembered about the various types of antibodies, light and heavy chains, and kappa and lambda light chains from an immunology course. It wasn't all that long ago, but it was so mind-numbingly complicated that I've forgotten most of it already.
Jumping for Joy!!!!!
Excellent news!
❤️
I am so impressed. Great job Kevin and wishing you many, many more years. The prostate issue will be a walk in the park compared to what you have gone through. Hang in there.
As so much in the world darkens, every bit of good news shared by others brings joy & more hope. I hope that you will receive more welcome results about that biopsy soon, too.
Great news Kevin. Really glad to here it. I love your blog. Lots of mostly grown up conversation, a rarity on the internet these days. As much as you hated the evil dex it did turn you on the astrophotography. We all reap the rewards of your photos.
Woo-hoo!