[Anthony T]

Hi, my name is Anthony

by Anthony T on Wed Oct 26, 2016 4:32 pm

This is my first post and I hope that all is going well for each of you under the current circumstances that we are dealing with.

I am 59 years old and my name is Anthony. I was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma on April 26th of this year and it was a shocker. Here I was going along walking and doing mild weight training (at my age, all you can do is mild weight training lol) and I hit a brick wall in February.

I was walking 4 times a week doing about 10 miles, plus monitoring my steps, HR, etc, everyday to make sure I continue on getting myself healthier. In February I thought I came down with the flu, so my GP did the GP thing and gave me a Z-Pak (azithromycin). It seemed to work, but I could not get the stamina back to reach the same pace as before, so I increased my days I worked with weights.

From mid February to the beginning of April I was at the gym 6 days a week for about an hour and a half. Hit another brick wall around April 10th. More trips to the GP, more missed diagnosis. Then on April 23 and the 24th I hit rock bottom and slept both days away. On Monday, my supportive wife twisted my arm to go to the hospital, and off we went. The rest is history.

The sudden and quick onset caused me to think. Did I have smoldering myeloma before, was it something I took? Just an added FYI. In February of this year I was treated for many, many pre-cancerous skin spots on my face and scalp. The cream is 5% chemo cream, which I had to apply twice per day for 4 weeks. Coincidence is that about two weeks after I stopped using this cream is when I became extremely fatigued and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Sorry if this is the sort version. Boy you should her the long one lol.

I am wondering about a couple of things.

I began physical therapy in September and developed tendonitis in my ankle. I thought I overdid it and had to take time off. Started physical therapy again and only after three visits and not overdoing the other exercises, I have a relapse of the tendonitis. Has any one experienced this?

Also, does anyone know if you can have electrical stimulation or ultrasound on the affected area?

[JPC]

Re: Hi, my name is Anthony

by JPC on Wed Oct 26, 2016 10:53 pm

Hello, Anthony:

Welcome to the forum. However, I am sorry that you have occasion to be here.

Multiple myeloma is a very "tricky" condition. As you deal with your doctors and other health care providers, you will be learning a new vocabulary.

You did not mention that you started treatment. Was it necessary? I am wondering whether you have an earlier stage of the condition, referred to as smoldering myeloma?

In any case, the forum is a great venue to learn the basics, and the nuances, that will help you deal with this condition.

Good luck to you. JPC

[britsmitOH]

Re: Hi, my name is Anthony

by britsmitOH on Thu Oct 27, 2016 4:40 pm

I am new to this group as well, and I am even newer to all of this stuff than you are Anthony. But I can say your story is very much like mine.

I am a 28 year old runner who was training for a marathon when I got knocked down by a random (and intense) illness last November and I haven't been able to get back up since. It has been a long year of up and downs for me. (I do not have diagnosis yet but undergoing tests)

I have a lot of pain (some stem from hypermobility issues). Some days getting up is more than I can bear, pain is a constant, but not always debilitating. I had a lot of foot pain and tendinitis, leading up to the big spell when I got sick. Looking back, I am considering that it could have been bone pain.

Take it easy and, in the meantime, if it hurts, rest! I hope that you get more answers and your care team really gets you on the path to getting your ten miles walks again!

[Anthony T]

Re: Hi, my name is Anthony

by Anthony T on Fri Oct 28, 2016 6:01 pm

Thank you JPC for replying. The answer to your question is yes, I started treatment on May 4th. I just completed my sixth round and I am meeting with the stem cell transplant specialist on Tuesday to determine when treatment would start.

[Anthony T]

Re: Hi, my name is Anthony

by Anthony T on Sat Oct 29, 2016 7:09 pm

Thank you, britswitOH, for you insight and support. I hope that you find a diagnosis and proper treatment quickly.

[JPC]

Re: Hi, my name is Anthony

by JPC on Sun Oct 30, 2016 7:21 pm

Hello, Anthony. Do your multiple myeloma doctors think your response so far is good / acceptable? Regards, and good luck to you.