I am a single mother of three and have multiple myeloma cancer. What are my chances of remission after chemo?

Question

I had complete kidney failure when diagnosed 4 months ago, which are back to normal levels now. I have had 4 chemo treatments in the hospital for 6 days straight each time and each treatments were every 3 weeks. This is quite aggressive chemo treatment. What is the effect on the heart? Is this when the treatment changes to Thalidamide? At 45 years old, what are my chances of living another 20 years? Is this just wishful thinking? Would bone marrow transplant increase my chances of longevity? As a result of the weakend bones from the multiple myeloma, I also have a fractured hip with causes not only pain, but make it difficult to move around like I used to. I am a white caucasion, have always been anemic, and have had several blood transfusions since this diagnosis. The more I read about multiple myeloma, the more discouraged I become, and then it makes it difficult to sleep or get good rest! Can anyone help me lift my spirits back up, or offer some positive hope?

Answer 1

Hi,

you have a lot of options; first get your symptoms under control: bones, anemia and kidney. Make sure you are seeing a MM specialist at a major MM center or Cancer hospital; MM is REALLY different than any other cancer and right now there are a lot of changes. Also MM docs are mostly involved in the studies and trials which can give you access to the newest treatments (more options).

With the kidny problems, probably can't do a bio-phosphate to strengthen your bones also how about Iron regimene.

Thal is ok; but it works better as Thal/Dex but Thal has a lot os side effects; Revelimide is a derivative that could be better and then there is Velcade - which is a silver bullet.

With MM, you don't do bone marrow transplants - you do stem cell transplant.

You CAN live 20 years, I personnaly know people that are 15+ years: your young age helps.


I know EXACTLY what you are giong through, I was diag at 43 (3 years ago) and have had my share of sleepless nights; you might whant to see a consellor - it helped me a lot.

There is a lot of help on line and a lot of support groups.

the IMF does a lot of out reach and they even have a hot line for quick questions and they run an on line support group too:

look them up at

www.myeloma.org

The MMRF does a lot more on treatment, trial and new drugs: they are at -

www.multiplemyeloma.org.

Good luck, you are not alone,

Jewells
34 months and still here

Answer 2

I am a cancer RN and I believe as long as you get into treatment and dont just decide to stop, you should get into remission and stay there. You have a very good chance of being here in 20 yrs, but you have to stay on top of it.
Chemotherapy is not started until after the heart is thoroughly examined. Ask your physician. Some chemos have maximum doses because they are cardiogenic. You will be fine if they stay within the dose ranges.
Tylenol is the most effective pain reliever for bone pain. I am not joking. Ask your MD and take it for bone pain.
The Thalidomide comes in a pill bubble pak and has to be ordered special from the manufacturer and sent to you. Make sure you put it in a safe place, and if you are child bearing age, get on birth control. The MD decides when and if you start on the Thalidomide.
Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Multiple myeloma behaves differently than other cancers. The mayo clinic has the best resources for you. The reason I know this is my father just passed away from Ayloidoisis. It is not cancer, but behaves similarly to what you have. The difference is Amyloidosis is excess protiens attacking organs and nervous system and yours is cancer cells doing the same. They treat Amy just like MM. I read alot about this. Stem Cell Transplant along with chemo is usually first choice. You mentioned Thalidamide which is akin to Revlamid which dad took and also took it with Decadron. There are numerous case studies on the mayo clinic website and I highly suggest that you have your oncologist/hemotologist consult with them. Good Luck.

Answer 4

MY mother was a 30 year survivor of breast cancer. My brother had lung cancer about 3 and half years ago no sign of it anymore. My sister also had lung cancer at the same time my brother. He had surgery took out left lung no chemo. My sister could not have surgery she had chemo it went to her brain they burned it out some how. Her mind is good and no cancer there anymore. They gave her 3 months to live when they found it. It.s been almost 4 years she is still doing what she wont's. She prays and has faith in God Dr. don't know what to think. Believe in the Lord,believe in the lord, believe.

Answer 5

You have an excellent chance to live another 20 or 30 years. Now, medical care for cancer is so advanced you should do fine but attitude is everything. Keep a positive outlook, trust in whatever God you believe in, keep close to your family and let the doctors help you.

Answer 6

Hi There, I just wanted to help by saying that your doc may be able to prescribe an antidepressant. My dad had cancer and the antidepressant helped him deal better with things. I noticed that you are a single mom. Do you have a close friend or family member to confide in? Perhaps enlisting in one of them to keep track of all the vast avenues of treatment and day to day things (and paperwork that you'll no doubt have) will help alleviate some of your stress. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Answer 7

modern medicine has advanced greatly over the past few years .
I have a sister Who was gravely ill with throat cancer surgery and she has almost completely recovered.Combine prayer and faith as part of your treatment. God can and will supply your every need if you will put your trust in him .Will say a prayer for your speedy recovery..May God bless http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/3371.cfm

Answer 8

anything is possible with gods help member faith of a mustard seed or whatever u can do this u just have set ur mind to it just like jesus moving a mountain believe and hope and pry u got this