multiple myeloma life expectancy?

Question

my Father was diagnosed with MM 4 months ago, he is only 43 and thats very young for this type of cancer. The doctors caught it in the final stage (stage 3 for this type) and they only think that he had the cancer for a very short time, approx. 6 months. He is missing parts of his ribs, coller bone, and spine. The doctor says it looks as though his bones are swiss cheese. He has a 5 pound lifting weight limit. I want to know how long my children have with there grandpa, and the doctors are avoiding the question. Can anyone give me a clue as to how long?

he is only been reciving bone strengtheners, radiation, and thalidomide, no chemo

Answer 1

The problem is you can never be sure how long an individual patient has. It is a notoriously difficult thing to predict and even experts have been left embarrassed after their predictions. Nowadays most doctors are reluctant to comment on life expectancy do to various reasons including litigation. However most experienced physicians will have some idea and opinion as to how much time a patient will have depending on his/her experience as well as well as certain objective criteria.

On average a typical multiple myeloma patient has a life expectancy of 3 years after diagnosis.
There are several objective criteria that can be used to asses prognosis the most reliable of which is the serum beta microglobulin level. In addition the C-reactive protein and serum creatinine are also useful in predicting prognosis. Even these indicators can never accurately predict how long an individual patient has, although they are useful in giving estimates or probablities regarding outcome. For example most MM patients with high microglobulin, C reactive protein levels and poor renal function will not be expected survive more than a few months, but it may be possible for isolated patients to survive maybe a year.

My personal advice would be for you and your children to cherish every moment you have with him. Don't focus on how long he has or when he is going to die. I know its easier said than done and you must be going through very tough times right now, but I believe that would be the best for your father and your children.

Answer 2

Myeloma Life Expectancy

Answer 3

I know several people who have survived multiple myeloma. My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2005 and passed away on October 25, 2007. He died from complication of the chemo. While we were in Little Rock, AR being treated; I met several people that I am still in contact with. Most are still living and some are in full remissionn. I even met a couple of people that have lived with MM for over 10 years. One guy it was 25 years. If your dad is able to travel, I would suggest either University of Little Rock or MD Anderson in Houston for treatment. There is HOPE, don't give up. Enjoy your time together.

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Answer 4

Fish, I am sorry to hear about your dad. I suggest that you get in touch with someone at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.multiplemyeloma.org). There are new treatments coming out every day. The object is to extend life expectancy as long as possible. Has your father had good results with the Thalidomide? Some patients have excellent results. Also, has he spoken to the Doctor about the possibility of getting a stem cell transplant? He may be too advanced for taht, but it's worth asking about if you haven't already (he is still young enough to be a candidate)

Good Bless you and your family. My prayers are with you. Believe me...I know what you are going through.

Answer 5

I am sorry to here about your Dad. As most people said it is hard to diagnose, I know one person who has had it since the 1970's. but it was benign and did no become active until about 4 years ago. My Father was diagnosed with multiple Myeloma when he was 47, he lost 2 of his vertebra and a testicle. I must say of all cancers multiple myeloma is probably one of the worst as it is in the blood and literally breaks bones.

The doctors originally had an optimistic outlook, but things just kept getting progressively worse and my father lost his battle after 2 years and 9 months. I dont want to scare you or sound negative, but you should pray for the best and plan for the worse. There is a very high probaility he could die in the next couple years as the statistics show that only 30% of multiple myeloma patients live past 5 yrs of diagnosis.

When it happens, it comes quickly as with my Dad he seemed to be doing fine, then he caught an ammonia and they told us he had weeks to live, he lived about 5 weeks after that. The best thing you can do is spend allot of time with your Dad and say everything you want to say to him now well he is alive and can understand what you are saying. You don't wanna have any regrets, trust me.

I wish you and your father the best and hope he can beet the odds,

Daniel.

Answer 6

For most patients with myeloma, the condition responds well to initial treatment. Unfortunately, it is virtually certain that myeloma will return. With the possible exception of a small number of patients who can receive a donor transplant and have long term survival of greater than 15 years, myeloma is not generally considered curable. Whichever type of myeloma you have, your consultant is the best person to ask about your outlook...

Answer 7

Hi,

I am 45 with MM, lucky, only stage one, diagnosed at 42.

The Thal (which is chemo) and the bone strengthers should help a lot and he should start feeling better soon. they can reverse some of the bone damage and hopefully gett he MM under control.

As far as L.E - It is a very hard question to answer - I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago and I am still here and I do know people that were "bad" at the start that are doing OK, even 10 years leater. I do not want to give you false hope either, no one can really tell, but keep pushing; never give up.

There is a great booklet that gives you a lot of detail at

www.myeloma.org

they also have a hot line:

" Call our toll free hotline—staffed by NCI-trained specialists—at (800) 452-CURE (800-452-2873) in the US and Canada between 9 am and 4 pm PST; elsewhere call [phone]. You can also contact us via the web."

to answer your questions,

we also have an on line community to help out, and local support groups.

thanks

Jewells
31 months and still here

Answer 8

I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer in 2008 and was told I had a 3 year life expectancy. I've received two bone marrow transplants and by the grace and mercy of God I've out lived the doctors predictions by 4 years now. That's a total of 7 years post diagnose. PRAYER WORKS. In the meantime please check with the oncologist to see if they have tried Thalidomide and Valcade. Both were very helpful for me in between my transplants. Be encouraged.

Answer 9

My husband has just been diagnosed with hypocalcaemia and multiple myeloma .He is very ill, and our GP miss diagnosed him for a very long time. GRR.

He has started on chemo, thalidomide and endless drugs, and he is stage 3 grade.

What would be his prognosis does anyone know.

Answer 10

they may say 3 years but i think people are living much longer with myeloma i have it for 5 years i hope they will find a cure soon it is a fact that you get a responce from one drug then it stops working then its on to another drug combination lets just hope that we all will find the correct combination of drug to help us all, and as far as how long we will live only our lord above has that answer and all living things must die so lets enjoy and love all as long as we can