[debdeb]

Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by debdeb on Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:02 am

What a wonderful place to come for support! I find myself returning to the Beacon weekly as my good friend travels on this journey. She was hospitalized at the beginning of 2016 with acute kidney failure and lytic lesions and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She had recently recovered from melanoma.

Unfortunately there was also a return of the melanoma when she was hospitalized. I thought the worst until I began my reading on this disease and read stories here. I have discovered that multiple myeloma has become a very successfully treated cancer.

Since being diagnosed, my good friend has had her hip replaced successfully because of lesions. Her kidney function was restored. She has had her cocktail of drugs and chemo. She just had her first stem cell transplant. Prior to that they excised the recurrent melanoma.

I cannot begin to imagine what she and so many of you have been through in this battle. I just know I am in awe of her bravery and yours! I am praying for the remission she is so valiantly fighting for.

[Victor L]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by Victor L on Sun Nov 20, 2016 10:32 am

Hi debdeb,

I am glad you have found your way to the Myeloma Beacon, you are right that here you can find an incredible amount of information and support which will be of great help to both you and your friend.

Progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma has moved at a good pace during recent years and not only do we have the benefit of the new drugs but our doctors are improving the methods with which the existing treatments can be used to the best effect.

I hope all goes well with your friends treatment and please keep us informed of developments.

Kindest Regards,

Victor L

[debdeb]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by debdeb on Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:10 am

My friend is in the hospital with a low grade fever. After reading other posts, a fever sounds common after transplant. Thanks, Victor, for your response! Will keep you posted.

[Victor L]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by Victor L on Wed Dec 21, 2016 1:33 pm

Hi Debdeb,

Just wondering how things are going with your friend? Also wishing you a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Victor L

[debdeb]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by debdeb on Fri Dec 23, 2016 8:36 am

My friend is still in isolation. She is experiencing exponential fatigue. Her white blood count is going up. She says she is not getting better soon enough. I worry so about her, as she may not be sharing any really bad news in order to not burden her friends. She has been told she may need her other hip replaced.

I plan to keep you posted, especially regarding the hoped-for remission.

Thanks for your concern Victor.

[debdeb]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by debdeb on Sat Jan 21, 2017 9:09 pm

I got news about my friend and email directly from her:). Her stem cell transplant did not go as well as expected, and at this time.she is not a fit for a second. Her treatment plan sounds like throwing a new combination of drugs her way that hopefully will halt this myeloma monster for a longer time.

I can hardly comprehend her bravery and yours with this most awful disease. Please pray for my best friend as I pray for her and all of you.

[debdeb]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by debdeb on Sat Jan 28, 2017 8:56 pm

Got a long email from my good friend. Her remission from the stem cell transplant lasted 7 weeks. I was so saddened to hear that. She is now on a new cocktail of drugs, one of which is experi­mental and was just released this past November. Despite the stem cell results, she sounds more like herself and is as positive and hopeful as ever. I fight the battle with her. Thank goodness for the Beacon.

[Victor L]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by Victor L on Sun Jan 29, 2017 1:23 am

Thanks for the update. Sorry it is not better, but we all hope for the best for your friend as the treatment continues.

Best wishes,

Victor L

[debdeb]

Re: Dear friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma

by debdeb on Tue Apr 25, 2017 2:10 am

My friend who is now on a special cocktail of drugs has seemingly become more of the person I knew before her diagnosis. There is a special peace about her. She finally vacationed at her favorite place with family – the beach in Florida – and she grabbed the sand with her toes. She sent a wonderful photo of herself. She also is going to see friends, not just family.

I know she still has this horrible disease, but her peace is now bringing me some.

I am going to end this thread here knowing there is indeed a way to live fully even with the enemy always lurking. Thank you Victor and the Beacon for being there.