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Grandfather has myeloma - how long does he have to live?

by abi226 on Fri Mar 21, 2014 1:17 am

My grandfather has had multiple myeloma for 4 years. His myeloma is stable now but not smoldering. He was a participant in a clinical trial but was recently taken off the trial because he was reacting poorly to the medicine.

Now he has developed an infection and was in the ICU intubated and sedated. But now they have un-intubated and un-sedated him, and he slowly seems to be getting a bit better.

But i want to know approximately how much longer he has to live.

Thanks

abi226

Re: Grandfather has myeloma - how long does he have to live?

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Fri Mar 21, 2014 5:44 am

Dear abi226,

Multiple myeloma is a very heterogeneous disease. It is hard to estimate your grandfather's life expectancy not knowing anything about his particular disease and current circumstances. There are particular biologic features (chromosome changes, genes that are inappropriately turned off or on) that predict for lower or higher risk myeloma. Additionally, other factors impact long term outcomes, including other serious medical conditions.

Be thankful that he is recovering from his infection and has had the opportunity to live longer than he would have were he diagnosed with myeloma 10 years ago. There are many new therapies available for the disease and many in the pipeline in clinical studies. I would suggest that you and your family sit down with your oncologist to get a clearer picture as to what to expect moving forward.

Good luck and hang in there!

Pete V.

Dr. Peter Voorhees
Name: Peter Voorhees, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor


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