[Murmur]

Father, 75, diagnosed last week with multiple myeloma

by Murmur on Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:15 pm

Hello to all,

I am from Cincinnati, and last week my 75-year-old father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Christmas weekend had been very bad and we were certain he had a stroke, but it was the build up of calcium and dehydration that led to his state. He was in the hospital all week, and they were able to make a diagnosis of Stage 3 with extensive bone lesions, kidney issues, 75% cancer cells present in his marrow, etc. He is not anemic.

He had his first treatment of Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Velcade, and dexamethasone (CyBorD / VCD) Thursday in the hospital, and he seemed to handle it pretty well. He is also getting physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and a nurse at home. We are very fortunate on the insurance front. But we are all scared. Until last week he was a man who, although he has atrial fibrillation and a pacemaker, exercised daily at a gym and had many years ahead of him. Now we all feel like we are fighting something we don't quite understand.

So very grateful to have found this forum.

[NStewart]

Re: Father, 75, diagnosed last week with multiple myeloma

by NStewart on Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:10 pm

Margaret,

I'm sorry that your holidays got turned upside down with your father's sudden downturn and diagnosis. Fortunately they were able to diagnose him and get him started on treatment quick­ly. Myeloma has quite a steep learning curve because it is so different from the cancers that we hear about all of the time. Take the time to read the posts here to learn a lot about the disease. Be care­ful of things that you find on the internet; a lot of the information is out of date.

Hopefully your father's treatment regimen will begin to bring his numbers in line quickly. This is not a death sentence for your father. He very likely will respond and get back to most of his form­er activity level. The treatment that he is receiving is very well tolerated and doesn't cause many side effects that are truly bothersome.

Also, if your father isn't being seen by a myeloma specialist, an oncologist who treats mostly people with myeloma and does research in myeloma, it would be wise to get a second opinion from one. We can help you locate one.

All the best to your father and your family as you begin this new phase of life,
Nancy in Phila

[Jcleg2016]

Re: Father, 75, diagnosed last week with multiple myeloma

by Jcleg2016 on Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:01 am

Sorry to hear about your dad, I know how hard it must be for you. This Thanksgivings and Christmas was hard for my family too. Our dad could not sit with us for the first time because he was too weak. I'm new to this forum also, but hang in there and give him all the support you can.