[Kathryn]

after "remission"

by Kathryn on Sun Jun 24, 2012 12:54 pm

I was diagnosed on Dec. 19, 2010, stage three multiple myeloma. I think my oncologist didn't hold out much hope at first, except I was relatively young (56) and otherwise healthy. But my response to chemo and radiation (don't ask me what they were; I was so out of it at the time) was great and I showed a very good response in a few months.
This May I was thrilled to learn that I was in remission; showed no signs of multiple myeloma after a bone extraction. Actually, prior to thebone extraction, I remember thinking "How could I have cancer when I feel so good?"
Anyway, now I feel pretty lousy - like I have cancer. Absolutely stiff when I roll out of bed around 10:00 am, and that doesn't get better until after noon. I sleep a lot, my back hurts so that I can't do the simplest housework : vacumming, dishes, laundry, gardening, etc. I still require pain pills and sometimes pain pills for breakthrough. I have an oncology appointment tomorrow (I guess he wants to see how I'm doing), but I've been wondering if this is normal. Anyone know?

Kathryn

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: after "remission"

by Nancy Shamanna on Sun Jun 24, 2012 3:24 pm

Hi Kathryn, Sorry you have had to deal with multiple myeloma also! Good you are getting checked out by the oncologist in case you have a relapse. I suppose that at that appointment you could ask for a summary of your treatments, so that you would know better what initial chemotherapies you were given. You may be referred back to your family practise doctor for other investigations if the cancer comes up to be negative (hope you are still in remission).
I still get really stiff and sore if I do strenuous work. I think that is because of the bone damage sustained...that was a big problem. So I have to be careful about any heavy lifting, gardening, etc. (my garden isn't as well tended as it used to be!).