multiple myeloma?

Question

Hi , my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in May2005.
He is being treated at the local hospital but his condition is deteriorating.I would like to know if there is anything that can still be done to save him and what is the lifespan of myeloma patients like him.Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

First thing - MM is a rare and unusual cancer; people that see MM "specialist" usually live longer than those that don't. Make sure the "local hospital and the doc" are use to and have experiance with MM. The information is chaning almost every day with a lot of trials (only way to get the newest durgs) underway.

One of the biggest issues is the age of patient and general health; a lot of the treatments are really hard on the body and cannot be done is the patient is week or older (like the SCT).

So, you said he is deteriorating; how so; what treat ment is he one? does he have lytic lessions? How is his kidney function (eFRG)? What was his cancer loading from the BMB? Does he have the chromozone 13 defect? How is his HGB, level of ig? and what did his 24 hour light chain essay show?

These are all questions you need to have answers to to help identify what the right treatment and to give you an idea of his outlook.

I would start by contacting the IMF (internation myeloma foundation) and the MMRF and geting the concise review and treatment options booklets. (or call - the IMF has a hot line)

Also, depending on where you live, there could be a "center of excellence" for MM near by.

"WE" have a very active on line support network; to help you get better answers and even possibly find a local specialist; let me knwo if this is of interest.

Good luck,

Jewells
34 months and still here

Answer 2

The Actor Peter Boyle (Frank from Everybody Loves Raymond) just died from this. My point here is the is usually a good time to do Internet searches and get more info on a disorder (when someone famous has it or dies from it). Also try searching for info on this at the mayo clinic web site, med-help and others for latest treatments. Also have you considered Cancer Treatment Centers of America? MD Anderson in Houston? The former has treatment center around the nation.

Good luck, My prayers are with you.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

I'm so sorry about your dad's illness. Multiple myeloma is a difficult cancer to fight and unfortunately the prognosis is often poor. Unfortunately, I don't know what treatment your father has already had therefore what else can be done. I would suggest contacting Cancer Treatment Centers of America (see below), they are supposed to be wonderful.

Good luck to you and I hope your father's condition improves.

Answer 5

there is not any distinction between both words and they are used interchangeably. in the overdue 19th century, the time period “myeloma” became used to point the ailment, it is derived from the Greek words “myel” (meaning “marrow”) and “oma” (meaning “tumor”). because the malignant plasma cells rather a lot continuously take position in additional desirable than one region, the time period different myeloma is often used.

Answer 6

He needs very good treatment options in a good facility...
There are options, but many hospitals know very little about MM.
I recommend checking out UAMS in Arkansas, They are one of the leaders in MM research. Good luck

Answer 7

If you are concnerned about his treatment talk to his doctors about your concerns. As for the lifespan of these patients it will vary based on how severe their disease is and how far along it is as well as how well they respond to treatment etc. You seem to have some trouble dealing with the fact that he is dying and I am wondering if Hospice might be an organization that would be of interest for you and your dad. You can consider talking to his doctors, his social worker and your clergy for help.