After a fall last Friday, and a trip to the ER, tests revealed that on top of Alzheimer's (which we knew), my husband now also has multiple myeloma. They did a full-body bone scan and bone biopsy yesterday, and we hope to have results either later today or tomorrow. My husband is 70 years old.
I can't even tell you how lost and overwhelmed I feel right now. Dealing with the Alzheimer was one thing, but now this. I was told if he goes into a skilled nursing facility, he can't get cancer treatments because Medicare won't pay for both. He is very combative and agitated right now, and I can't even imagine trying to take care of him at home. I have been looking at home health, but that is so very expensive for 24/7 care, which he will pretty much need. All we have is Medicare and my husband's pension and social security.
I feel like you work all your life, get sick, and then you can't afford to be sick because of the cost of trying to survive. I'm so sad, I have faith in God, which is sustaining me now, but this is hard.
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Re: Husband just diagnosed with multiple myeloma
jtay,
I am very sorry to hear what is happening, and I can understand how difficult and painful it must be for you. I think you will find a lot of support on this forum. There's a lot of information already here, and if you can't find what you're looking for, just ask. There are certainly people here who can help you. Even just expressing how you feel is very welcome.
I also strongly suggest that you immediately contact your local "Area Agency on Aging". Usually it is at the county level, I think, and you can google "Area Agency on Aging [your county]" to find their phone number. I cannot stress enough how helpful these people can be in finding support and resources. They should be able to advise you about home care, Medicare and Medicaid, and other sources of funding and support.
Also, in regard to costs, some pharmaceutical companies will provide financial assistance for the drugs used to treat multiple myeloma. If you have a local cancer center, a financial advisor or social worker there should be able to help. If not, there are other ways to get the information.
I know this is probably the darkest hour, but it has been my experience that little by little one is able to get the necessary information and help, and ultimately solve the practical problems. Many others have gone down this road before we have, and worked through it.
Please do not hesitate to post more to the forum, and ask whatever specific questions you have that don't seem to have been answered elsewhere. My best wishes to you during this difficult time, and I believe you will ultimately find a way.
I am very sorry to hear what is happening, and I can understand how difficult and painful it must be for you. I think you will find a lot of support on this forum. There's a lot of information already here, and if you can't find what you're looking for, just ask. There are certainly people here who can help you. Even just expressing how you feel is very welcome.
I also strongly suggest that you immediately contact your local "Area Agency on Aging". Usually it is at the county level, I think, and you can google "Area Agency on Aging [your county]" to find their phone number. I cannot stress enough how helpful these people can be in finding support and resources. They should be able to advise you about home care, Medicare and Medicaid, and other sources of funding and support.
Also, in regard to costs, some pharmaceutical companies will provide financial assistance for the drugs used to treat multiple myeloma. If you have a local cancer center, a financial advisor or social worker there should be able to help. If not, there are other ways to get the information.
I know this is probably the darkest hour, but it has been my experience that little by little one is able to get the necessary information and help, and ultimately solve the practical problems. Many others have gone down this road before we have, and worked through it.
Please do not hesitate to post more to the forum, and ask whatever specific questions you have that don't seem to have been answered elsewhere. My best wishes to you during this difficult time, and I believe you will ultimately find a way.
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bodumene - Name: bodumene
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: January, 2017
Re: Husband just diagnosed with multiple myeloma
Jtay,
I was diagnosed in September 2014 and went into remission during 9 months of treatment for my multiple myeloma. I have taken no drugs since June 2015, and I am still in remission.
So, I suggest taking one step at a time. Start treatment and hope for remission.
I was diagnosed in September 2014 and went into remission during 9 months of treatment for my multiple myeloma. I have taken no drugs since June 2015, and I am still in remission.
So, I suggest taking one step at a time. Start treatment and hope for remission.
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cdnirene - Name: Irene S
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Husband just diagnosed with multiple myeloma
If you live in southwest Florida, Hope Hospice may be able to help with affordable if not free home care, etc. Hope Hospice isn't just for those who are terminal.
If you don't live in southwest Florida, perhaps Hope Hospice will be able to help you find an organization similar to them closer to where you live.
Wishing you the very best.
If you don't live in southwest Florida, perhaps Hope Hospice will be able to help you find an organization similar to them closer to where you live.
Wishing you the very best.
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