Multiple Myeloma

My MIL was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about 2 months ago and she started her treatment right away. they did not stage it so we do not know where it is at. she went into renal failure at the time of diagnosis. she is better from that but the doctor has changed her chemo and made it stronger as of last week. she was supposed to get a bone marrow transplant in January and the doctor pushed it back because he did not like her last test results and she is not progressing the way they like. Yesterday she went to the hospital because she was having trouble breathing. it turns out she fractured a vertebrae in her lower back. My husband thinks that shows the progression of cancer.

my question is does anyone have any experience or knowledge about multiple myeloma. I'm staying positive but I am starting to get scared and need some information.

Thank you and if you don't know anything please send some prayers.

Re: Multiple Myeloma

My mil was diagnosed with it a few years ago. Right now, it is dormant and they monitor her.

ETS: Sending for your mil!

Message edited 11/26/2012 8:56:14 PM.

Re: Multiple Myeloma

I'm not familiar with the disease but I just wanted to say that you and her are both in my thoughts.

Re: Multiple Myeloma

I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL. I sent you an FM.

Multiple Myeloma

Yes, my grandmother had it. Doctors kept telling her that her pain was Sciatica. Only after my mother demanded more tests did they determine what it was. They started her on treatment right away but it was to aggressive and her body shut down. From diagnosis to death was only 1 month. It was one of the saddest months of my life.
Prayers to your MIL.

Re: Multiple Myeloma

My grandfather had it and it totally deteriorated his spine . He fought it for 7 years and it ultimately took his life. He was a very strong man . Best of luck to you and your family

Re: Multiple Myeloma

i lost a coworker to MM last year BUT she did fight a long 11 years. The majority was relatively normal with the exception of some trial drugs and doctors apptments. The last 6-12 months were the worst but she DID have a quality 10 years. She passed at 69.

There are MANY support groups and if you'd like, I can contact her daughter to see if I can gather info for you!

There are constantly new trials, new drugs - hope! Keep your head up!

Re: Multiple Myeloma

I don't have much knowledge on the disease itself but my DHs uncle just passed 2 days ago from MM.
He fought long and hard for 6+yrs after diagnosis

Prayers to your MIL

Re: Multiple Myeloma

So sorry that your MIL has this. Fractures are a part of the disease and usually one of the early warning signs.

My MIL has MM. She was diagnosed 18 months ago. She was Stage 1. She fractured a vertebrae and in the course of having tests done, they discovered she had MM. She was lucky to be dx so early.

She was on chemo for 1 year. She was actually part of a clinical study. The side effects worsened over time and so they took her off the study. She is being monitored for now but so far her levels haven't crept up. In addition to the chemo she was given a drug to strengthen her bones, I'm blanking on the name.

There is no cure, just maintenance. She's doing well now. They did bank stem cells for the future when a transplant is necessary.

Have your DH do lots of research so that he understands exactly what is going on. This is what helped my DH cope. Make sure that she is seeing what you consider to be really good MD's as there are different courses of treatment and those can make a big difference. Also, give Memorial Sloan Kettering a call. I remember that last year they were looking to see patients who were willing to undergo a bone marrow transplant in the near future.

Best of luck to your family and MIL

Re: Multiple Myeloma

Many hugs and prayers to you,

The mom of one of my good friends has multiple myeloma and it seemed very bad at first but years later she is still kicking and stable. They can do a lot for her. I hope that's the case for your MIL

Re: Multiple Myeloma

My grandpa had it. He had it for 14 years. Went from stage 1-3. Towards the end they radiated his spine. It numbed it which helped a lot. He went to Sloan Kettering in nyc for his treatments. For the majority of the 14 years he was good. Only the last few months were bad. He died at 80. Prayers for you and your family.

Re: Multiple Myeloma

thank you so much to all of you for the prayers and info. You were all very helpful

Re: Multiple Myeloma

My uncle was diagnosed with it about 5 or so years ago. He was stage 4 I believe, my father was about to get tested to do a bone marrow transplant for him, his arm broke and I think another bone also. It was pretty bad and pretty far along, the broken arm is what made them realized something was wrong. We were all pretty scared. He ended up not getting the bone marrow transfer and entered into a drug trial.... HE IS NOW CANCER FREE! It was a rough road and he beat it. He is doing really well. Obviously he gets checked out regularly, but he goes walking daily and is enjoying life. There is hope!!!!!!!

There was definitely side effects of the treatment, one being sever dementia.... but he is ok now.

Good luck and lots of prayers coming your way!

Message edited 11/28/2012 10:15:20 AM.

Re: Multiple Myeloma

Posted by caps612

My uncle was diagnosed with it about 5 or so years ago. He was stage 4 I believe, my father was about to get tested to do a bone marrow transplant for him, his arm broke and I think another bone also. It was pretty bad and pretty far along, the broken arm is what made them realized something was wrong. We were all pretty scared. He ended up not getting the bone marrow transfer and entered into a drug trial.... HE IS NOW CANCER FREE! It was a rough road and he beat it. He is doing really well. Obviously he gets checked out regularly, but he goes walking daily and is enjoying life. There is hope!!!!!!!

There was definitely side effects of the treatment, one being sever dementia.... but he is ok now.

Good luck and lots of prayers coming your way!