My wife was finally diagnosed with full blown multiple myeloma 2 days before Christmas in 1989 at the age of 32. She had a bone marrow plasma cell percentage of 75%, lesions everywhere, compressed T5, etc. And two little girls at home (thank God we had them 14 months apart).
In spite of the news, we took it as gift to finally know what she had been suffering from over the past 18 months. Naturally, she was of the “non-secretory multiple myeloma” variety, so she has been through countless aspirations and biopsies. After chemo and radiation followed by stem cell collection and an autologous SCT, she went into remission exactly 5 years. More chemo and another SCT followed.
Years later, she needed bi-lateral hip replacement as well as hearing aids. 3 years ago she fell and suffered from a bi-lateral fracture of her femurs (just another hurdle) and her oncologists believe this has actually helped her stay in remission, although they won’t recommend a bi-lateral fracture of the femurs.
So, she’s been fighting multiple myeloma for over 25 years with a perfect “can-do” attitude, which is one reason I married her.
Keep the faith, fight the fight and have a strong and vibrant attitude! Ask those questions and stay informed as we all do with multiple myeloma. This cancer is so different in all of those afflicted, so what works for my wife might not work for you.
God Bless!
Forums
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Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Thank you for sharing your story!
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MiaM - Name: MiaM
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 41
Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Thank you so much, Caregiver. You made my day !
I wish you and your family all the best
I wish you and your family all the best
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jane84 - Name: jane84
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 11,2012
- Age at diagnosis: 44
Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Love it! Thanks Caregiver!
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Jean Ruth Howard - Name: Jeannie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 47
Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Thank you for sharing.
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Nomareel - When were you/they diagnosed?: 1 day after the birth of my first born
- Age at diagnosis: 29
Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Thanks for sharing. I do not see too many 25-year survivors. Makes me think that, for at least some of us, myeloma may one day be able to be treated as a chronic lifetime illness that can be managed like AIDS.
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Eric Hofacket - Name: Eric H
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 01 April 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 44
Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Inspiring story Caregiver! Did you wife continue on a drug regimen during all those years or has she been completely off any sort of maintenance regimen after each transplant?
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: Diagnosed 25 years ago and still around
Wow. For someone who is newly diagnosed with two little ones at home, this story made my day.
Thank you, and congratulations to your wife, you and your entire family!
Thank you, and congratulations to your wife, you and your entire family!
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kuntrylover - Name: Kuntrygal
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
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