No Stem Cell Transplant ... for now

We met with Dr. Thomas to find out how Mom is responding to the cancer treatment.  This time she responded OK but not great.  Her creatinine actually went the wrong way and back to 1.6.  Her blood work looked good and the other protein accounts improved but not by nearly as much as the previous treatments.  The main concern now is Mom's heart.  We did not speak with the cardiologist but Dr. Thomas did share the results of the stress test.  It appears that Mom's heart function has gotten worse over the course of her treatment ... and no one can tell what is causing it.  There is a chance that the Velcade is causing some problems though it is a rare side effect. According to this latest test Mom's EF is 22% (normal is 50-55%) and her previous EF was 38%.  We have left messages with the cardiologist but we still have not heard his version of the test results and we do not know what the next steps will be.  Dr. Thomas has limited Mom's cancer treatment this month to dexamethasone only so that the cardio team will have the opportunity to address the heart issues.  The stem cell transplant is on hold for now and may not happen at all ... it all depends on Mom's heart now.  So the heart has now moved into the top priority place ... we need the heart to get better in order to effectively treat the cancer.  So back to our knees ... its time for some serious prayer!