I am Bill, 71 years of age, diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June of this year. I fractured my T5 and L1 on May 31. Saw spine doctor, who had MRIs done and also put me in a lower back brace. The radiologist report suggested multiple myeloma. I was referred to an internist who concurred with the multiple myeloma diagnosis and referred me to an oncologist.
I'm currently being treated with Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone (RVD). My first treatment was July 31 2017. The cycle is 2 weeks on, 1 week off. I'm now in the first week of second round.
I've had no side effects and otherwise so far so good, except for the inconvenience of the back brace (until next appointment with spine doctor on September 13). Also, I am a Type 2 diabetic and the steroid gives me fits adjusting insulin dosage.
I am glad to have found this community, and have already learned a lot by browsing the posts. I hope to be able to share as I continue down this road. Right now, it's more mystery to me than any kind of certainty. But probably everyone here knows the feeling.
Peace and all good,
Bill
Forums
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Bill7 - Name: BillB
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Best of luck to you, Bill. This site was a life saver for me after my husband's diagnosis. The generosity of the people here who take the time to share their journeys with is truly astounding. Please keep us updated.
Debra
Debra
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reece93 - Name: reece93
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 57
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Hi Bill,
Sorry to hear you were sent to multiple myeloma straight away. Many of us smoulder for a while, giving us a chance to get a handle on this very complicated disease. Your very 'matter of fact' post suggests you are coping well. I hope that's the case.
Regards
Sorry to hear you were sent to multiple myeloma straight away. Many of us smoulder for a while, giving us a chance to get a handle on this very complicated disease. Your very 'matter of fact' post suggests you are coping well. I hope that's the case.
Regards
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Colm - Name: Colm
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: smoldering April 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Hi Bill,
My name is Dianna and I was diagnosed June 29th of this year with aggressive multiple myeloma, I went into the hospital with renal failure and that's when I found out about myeloma. Not a lot of hope at the time because I am stage 3. The oncologist started treatment as soon as I was released from the hospital.
With a heart-healthy diet (no sugars) I am doing good. My transplant date is set for November 10th. I will keep you in my prayers that we can do this. It's just another one of God's challenges.
Best wishes to your success.
My name is Dianna and I was diagnosed June 29th of this year with aggressive multiple myeloma, I went into the hospital with renal failure and that's when I found out about myeloma. Not a lot of hope at the time because I am stage 3. The oncologist started treatment as soon as I was released from the hospital.
With a heart-healthy diet (no sugars) I am doing good. My transplant date is set for November 10th. I will keep you in my prayers that we can do this. It's just another one of God's challenges.
Best wishes to your success.
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Dianna - Name: Dianna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: It's a horrible blood disease
- When were you/they diagnosed?: I was diagnosed June 29, 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Dianna -
I was also rated as Stage 3 at diagnosis, mainly due (I think) to the fact that about 90% of my bone marrow had been replaced by myeloma cells. However, the oncologist treating me says he doesn't go much by stages for multiple myeloma. He takes them as meaning less myeloma is better than more myeloma. I have no bone lesions, and the only other bone damage is the two hairline fractures in a pair of vertebrae. The internist who saw me before the oncologist said I had had some kidney damage, but I'm having no problems; evrything seems to be working just fine, no stones or calcification, and he says dialysis isn't even on the horizon.
I am finishing my second round of induction therapy tomorrow night – Velcade, dexamethasone, and Revlimid, two weeks on and a week off, plus Zometa once a month. The paraprotein (M-spike) marker for myeloma was 4 g/dL (40 g/l) when I started the first round July 21. This past Monday (halfway through the second round) it was down to 0.8 g/dL (8 g/l). Other blood work was also improved, but not by so much.
I share this so as to say don't take that Stage 3 as meaning there's not a lot of hope. It's not the same thing as being "terminal" apparently. I think of myself as "living with cancer," and that has helped my attitude a lot. Keep up your normal life as much as you can, pray a lot for healing, trust God, and do what the doctors tell you. Be as ready to accept getting better as ready to suffer illness.
Thank you for your prayers. I will add you to mine, and may we both receive the miracle we ask for – complete healing.
Bill
I was also rated as Stage 3 at diagnosis, mainly due (I think) to the fact that about 90% of my bone marrow had been replaced by myeloma cells. However, the oncologist treating me says he doesn't go much by stages for multiple myeloma. He takes them as meaning less myeloma is better than more myeloma. I have no bone lesions, and the only other bone damage is the two hairline fractures in a pair of vertebrae. The internist who saw me before the oncologist said I had had some kidney damage, but I'm having no problems; evrything seems to be working just fine, no stones or calcification, and he says dialysis isn't even on the horizon.
I am finishing my second round of induction therapy tomorrow night – Velcade, dexamethasone, and Revlimid, two weeks on and a week off, plus Zometa once a month. The paraprotein (M-spike) marker for myeloma was 4 g/dL (40 g/l) when I started the first round July 21. This past Monday (halfway through the second round) it was down to 0.8 g/dL (8 g/l). Other blood work was also improved, but not by so much.
I share this so as to say don't take that Stage 3 as meaning there's not a lot of hope. It's not the same thing as being "terminal" apparently. I think of myself as "living with cancer," and that has helped my attitude a lot. Keep up your normal life as much as you can, pray a lot for healing, trust God, and do what the doctors tell you. Be as ready to accept getting better as ready to suffer illness.
Thank you for your prayers. I will add you to mine, and may we both receive the miracle we ask for – complete healing.
Bill
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Bill7 - Name: BillB
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
It's important to celebrate. Progress, if not victory (yet).
Here's what's happening with my M-protein:
On July 12, it was 4 g/dL (40 g/l) (before the start of treatment)
On August 28, it was 0.8 g/dL (8 g/l) (after 1 round of treatment)
On September 11, it was 0.2 g/dL (2 g/l) (after 2 rounds of treatment)
I'm in the third round of treatment now. Next labs, it might be gone.
Here's what's happening with my M-protein:
On July 12, it was 4 g/dL (40 g/l) (before the start of treatment)
On August 28, it was 0.8 g/dL (8 g/l) (after 1 round of treatment)
On September 11, it was 0.2 g/dL (2 g/l) (after 2 rounds of treatment)
I'm in the third round of treatment now. Next labs, it might be gone.
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Bill7 - Name: BillB
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Great to see that you're responding well to treatment, Bill. I hope your M-spike soon hits zero, and that your free light chain levels and ratio normalize as well.
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
I am finishing my fourth round of treatment tomorrow night. On Monday, October 2, the lab report showed "None" for the myeloma marker. 
Next appointment is Monday the 23rd. Waiting to see whether we continue the treatments for two more rounds (the original plan) or go into maintenance.
I feel much better and stronger, although still anemic (RBC still low 30s). I never expected to get so much better so fast.
Bill
Next appointment is Monday the 23rd. Waiting to see whether we continue the treatments for two more rounds (the original plan) or go into maintenance.
I feel much better and stronger, although still anemic (RBC still low 30s). I never expected to get so much better so fast.
Bill
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Bill7 - Name: BillB
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Good news and progress!
My M-spike as of Monday this week (October 23) was still zero. The current plan is to continue through the sixth round (in round 5 now), do another bone marrow biopsy, and then (assuming no issues with the biopsy results) go onto maintenance with Revlimid and dexamethasone.
I have decided to decline the autologous stem cell transplant. My wife is experiencing some cognitive and health issues that would make my being in isolation for up to a month problematic. Also, I still think any difference in outcome between what we are doing now and the transplant amounts to a wash. Especially considering the recovery time from the transplant. It seems like the recovery time and fatigue / susceptibility to illness takes away a big chunk of the average two-years symptom free. But everybody is different in their response to myeloma and to treatment – that's what I've learned here.
Saw the spine doctor yesterday and I am now allowed to put the back brace away (unless needed). No change in the height of any of the vertebrae that he was worried about, so that's good. Physical therapy ordered 2 to 4 times per week for 6 to 8 weeks. Weight restrictions and travel restrictions still in place, probably until physical therapy is done / working. I might try driving the 200 miles to Austin in two weeks for my 49th Navy unit reunion: pack very light, take the back brace along, and mind my p's and q's. I've done 2-day business trips with a change of underwear and a clean shirt, surely this should be do-able.
My M-spike as of Monday this week (October 23) was still zero. The current plan is to continue through the sixth round (in round 5 now), do another bone marrow biopsy, and then (assuming no issues with the biopsy results) go onto maintenance with Revlimid and dexamethasone.
I have decided to decline the autologous stem cell transplant. My wife is experiencing some cognitive and health issues that would make my being in isolation for up to a month problematic. Also, I still think any difference in outcome between what we are doing now and the transplant amounts to a wash. Especially considering the recovery time from the transplant. It seems like the recovery time and fatigue / susceptibility to illness takes away a big chunk of the average two-years symptom free. But everybody is different in their response to myeloma and to treatment – that's what I've learned here.
Saw the spine doctor yesterday and I am now allowed to put the back brace away (unless needed). No change in the height of any of the vertebrae that he was worried about, so that's good. Physical therapy ordered 2 to 4 times per week for 6 to 8 weeks. Weight restrictions and travel restrictions still in place, probably until physical therapy is done / working. I might try driving the 200 miles to Austin in two weeks for my 49th Navy unit reunion: pack very light, take the back brace along, and mind my p's and q's. I've done 2-day business trips with a change of underwear and a clean shirt, surely this should be do-able.
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Bill7 - Name: BillB
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Bill, 71 years old, diagnosed two months ago
Bill,
I have read your posts, and I must say they are encouraging. My husband was diagnosed with MGUS 12 years ago, and has been followed by an oncologist since then. Last week they said he now has smoldering myeloma. CT scans showed one lesion on the vertebrae in his neck. He has neck pain as well as low back pain. They say nothing to be done at this point and follow up in 6 months. His M spike was 2.8 g/dL, up from 2.6 g/dL in April. The "fixer" in me is having trouble doing nothing, especially since he already has a bone lesion and the pain in his back is preventing him from standing long enough to get a shower and finish dressing.
Thank you for your post. I hope you continue to do well.
I have read your posts, and I must say they are encouraging. My husband was diagnosed with MGUS 12 years ago, and has been followed by an oncologist since then. Last week they said he now has smoldering myeloma. CT scans showed one lesion on the vertebrae in his neck. He has neck pain as well as low back pain. They say nothing to be done at this point and follow up in 6 months. His M spike was 2.8 g/dL, up from 2.6 g/dL in April. The "fixer" in me is having trouble doing nothing, especially since he already has a bone lesion and the pain in his back is preventing him from standing long enough to get a shower and finish dressing.
Thank you for your post. I hope you continue to do well.
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marilyncw - Name: Marilyn
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Spouse
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 12 years ago
- Age at diagnosis: 68
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