In answer to "why" some medications are 21 days on and 7 days off is that in the case of Revlimid with the mentioned schedule, your body needs rest to build up other blood cells in your bone marrow. Revlimid decreases white cells, red cells, and platelets, as well as the cancerous plasma cells. The schedule allows your body to recover these good cells before getting hit again after 7 days.

Please don't change the dosage and schedule of Revlimid without discussing with your doctor.

The level of care and treatment depends on the individual. There are 8 different types of Multiple Myeloma, and a number of aggressiveness, genetic abnormalities, that can occur with them. Depending on the type and its aggressiveness, your oncologist/hematologist will tailor the treatment to that. Some MM patients that don’t have any genetic abnormalities, can get by with just Revlimid, whereas others need a more aggressive approach. In my case, my MM is medium aggressive. I’m on the 3 week, with one week off with Kyprolis, 20mg of Revlimid for 3 weeks , with one week off, and 12mg of Dexamethasone with my Kyprolis. I may be relapsing, and have a bone marrow biopsy scheduled on December 4th, to see if that’s actually happening.

Hi Mad,the treatment is harsh and builds up over time,so 3 weeks on and one week rest for your body to adjust.You may find the longer the treatment continues the body does not always recover in that week off and the dose may need to be reduced.

MAD, please follow the recommendations of your doctor. The dosage of medications depends on the protocol you are taking. The protocols are determined by clinical trials. I take my medicine every day at the same time. I do believe it helps to keep the myeloma under control. It's important that you follow your medication schedule. They schedule can be individually tailored for patients due to low counts etc. But it's important to stay on your plan especially during induction.