I was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma this past November. I was very, very sick and was admitted to the hospital. After receiving this news, I learned that my insurance would not cover my Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone (RVD) treatments. 3 months later, I was able to change my insurance company and began my treatments.
In less than 2 months of receiving RVD, I felt so much better. I was then asked to do two more rounds of RVD before getting a stem cell transplant. I am only 56 years old and have never been sick before. I have now been waiting for this transplant since June 25th (6 weeks, going on 7). The longer I have to wait, the greater my fear grows.
I can't seem to find a support group in Arlington, Texas. I am having trouble coping with my fears. I've tried breathing exercises and get little relief. My husband has to work all the time to pay our bills. I lost my parents to a car accident a year ago. I am alone most of the time. I don't know what to do. Feeling lost ...
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Re: Feeling lost....
Hello, Yetta, and welcome to the forum.
We're sure you'll get a lot of feedback and support from others here in the forum. Right now, we just wanted to let you know that there is at least one myeloma support group in the Arlington (Texas) area. This Google search will take you to some helpful links.
For example, the North Texas Myeloma Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM on the 10th floor, ARA meeting room 10105 at the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, 3410 Worth Street, Dallas, treatment 75246. A parking voucher is available when you park in parking garage #4, level 3, and use the Skybridge to enter the 2nd floor to the elevators.
Please know that you do not have to be alone in dealing with this disease. There are many people here in the forum, and in your own area, going through exactly the same thing you're experiencing.
All the best,
The Myeloma Beacon Staff
We're sure you'll get a lot of feedback and support from others here in the forum. Right now, we just wanted to let you know that there is at least one myeloma support group in the Arlington (Texas) area. This Google search will take you to some helpful links.
For example, the North Texas Myeloma Support Group meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM on the 10th floor, ARA meeting room 10105 at the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, 3410 Worth Street, Dallas, treatment 75246. A parking voucher is available when you park in parking garage #4, level 3, and use the Skybridge to enter the 2nd floor to the elevators.
Please know that you do not have to be alone in dealing with this disease. There are many people here in the forum, and in your own area, going through exactly the same thing you're experiencing.
All the best,
The Myeloma Beacon Staff
Re: Feeling lost ...
Hey Yetta,
I'm not sure if I will be of much help, but here at the Beacon you can talk to many people who have gone through what you are experiencing and I am sure it will help you big time.
I am 22 years old and taking care of my multiple myeloma-affected father (58). He fell prey to depression that comes along with cancer, which took quite some time to go away.
I urge you to indulge yourself in activities that could keep your mind fresh. I know it will be difficult, but there are many things you can do instead of thinking about "what went wrong" and "why me". I have seen my father lose the confidence to even stand on his leg due to his depression and fear , but now he walks almost 3-4 miles everyday! He looks and feels as fit as anyone of his age.
You can start with with reading books. I would advise "Feeling Good" by David Burns. Helps you have a better control over your thought process.
And have faith. God sends help from where we expect the least.
I am sure you will get back on track, healthier and happier.
Regards.
I'm not sure if I will be of much help, but here at the Beacon you can talk to many people who have gone through what you are experiencing and I am sure it will help you big time.
I am 22 years old and taking care of my multiple myeloma-affected father (58). He fell prey to depression that comes along with cancer, which took quite some time to go away.
I urge you to indulge yourself in activities that could keep your mind fresh. I know it will be difficult, but there are many things you can do instead of thinking about "what went wrong" and "why me". I have seen my father lose the confidence to even stand on his leg due to his depression and fear , but now he walks almost 3-4 miles everyday! He looks and feels as fit as anyone of his age.
You can start with with reading books. I would advise "Feeling Good" by David Burns. Helps you have a better control over your thought process.
And have faith. God sends help from where we expect the least.
I am sure you will get back on track, healthier and happier.
Regards.
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shaquib - Name: shaquib
- Who do you know with myeloma?: father
- When were you/they diagnosed?: april 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Feeling lost ...
Hello Yetta -- I share your experience in many ways: great health until getting myeloma, good results from a few months of chemo, continuing the chemo a few more months, and going forward to a stem cell transplant. Since then, I have recovered to my old self as far as myeloma is concerned, and I hope you do, too.
These things take time even when they "work". Stay patient and hopeful if you can.
These things take time even when they "work". Stay patient and hopeful if you can.
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Mister Dana - Name: Mister Dana
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Feeling lost ...
By "recovered to my old self," I mean that I have no myeloma symptoms at the present time.
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Mister Dana - Name: Mister Dana
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Feeling lost ...
Hi Yetta,
This is a very caring group. You can feel free to ask any question.
Have you talked with the social worker or staff at the cancer center you go to? Many have special services or groups and seminars that can be of help. Ours is fairly small compared to the larger ones in places like Chicago, but they do offer some great resources. Also, talk with your oncologist about how you are feeling and your fears.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or neighbors. A lot of people want to help but don't know how. I know when my husband was diagnosed we felt somewhat abandoned. Found out that was the problem with a few. Our next door neighbors and a couple we are close friends with, along with 2 of our children, really stepped up to help us.
Sending hugs and prayers your way.
Janis
This is a very caring group. You can feel free to ask any question.
Have you talked with the social worker or staff at the cancer center you go to? Many have special services or groups and seminars that can be of help. Ours is fairly small compared to the larger ones in places like Chicago, but they do offer some great resources. Also, talk with your oncologist about how you are feeling and your fears.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends or neighbors. A lot of people want to help but don't know how. I know when my husband was diagnosed we felt somewhat abandoned. Found out that was the problem with a few. Our next door neighbors and a couple we are close friends with, along with 2 of our children, really stepped up to help us.
Sending hugs and prayers your way.
Janis
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Jmiller - Name: Harleygirl
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: January 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 57
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