[Sblossom]

Father newly diagnosed

by Sblossom on Mon Feb 13, 2012 12:20 pm

Hello all,

My name is Sarah and my 70 year old father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in January after an x-ray in December confirmed not only a broken arm but some suspicious lesions in his bone. I live in Little Rock and work at UAMS in research as an immunologist although my specialty is not cancer. I encouraged Dad to see Barlogie's team at MIRT due to their reputation and the fact that he lives only 3 hours away. After countless scans and tests including the chromosomal analysis and gene array he was diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma IgG kappa. Other than being slightly anemic everything else really looked good. His kidney function is normal. Calcium 9.8. The bone marrow aspirate showed 40-50% plasma cells. Unfortunately his myeloma has some high risk features. Because Dad was feeling great and everything else looked good this was rather unexpected. His physician, Dr. Usmani, mentioned complex hypodiploid, trisomy 3, 5, 7, 9, no p53 deletion. I thought I heard the doctor say translocation 8;14. I also wrote down hyperdiploid....He was dictating this quickly so I did not get everything. I should get this cytogenetic profile soon as I requested. The plan is to start treatment off protocol. They will do a lighter version of Total Therapy 5; the reason being that Dad had recently undergone an ablation procedure for a heart arrythmia. He is scheduled to get his port installed tomorrow and will start induction VDTPACE (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, thalidomide, and melphalan) treatment for the next four days. We are aware of the pros and cons of MIRT being considered a place that utilizes an aggressive, kitchen sink approach to treatment. However, since we live in Arkansas it was the most convenient option for our family. Dad has a wonderful support system consisting of me, my sister, his wife and her children (including two who are pharmacists; one actually works in the investigational pharmacy at UAMS). He is also fortunate that he has a cousin here in Little Rock who has graciously allowed him to stay in her downstairs apartment while going back and forth for appointments. Any advice would be appreciated. We are overwhelmed, scared, yet optimistic and hopeful. I am glad I found this site!

[Nomoremyeloma]

Re: Father newly diagnosed

by Nomoremyeloma on Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:51 pm

Best approach is to find a balance that he is comfortable with, my routine goes as follow: breakfast, medication, read uplifting materials, try to walk when possible, stay connected spirituality, take care of appointments etc. It's important to keep your mind busy and be positive find a local cancer survivors meeting, it help you learn about new protocols or regiment that may be newly introduced in the fight against Myeloma and best Doctor as well. I am approaching 3 years of cancer treatment and going strong after steam cells transplant. God blessings be upon your family. Don't give up.