We are pretty new to myeloma treatment (Velcade and dex), just starting cycle 3 of the 1st round next week.
What should my husband's limitation be regarding going out in public, shopping, eating out, theater, family gatherings, travel, etc?
His doctor already had us cancel a plane trip to NYC. His absolute neutrophil is at 2.4 and has been going down and his WBC is low. In fact, he is either high or low on most things.
I was reading some posts about restrictions after stem cell transplantation and wondered what applies now, at the beginning of treatment.
Thanks, Jo Anne
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Joannem - Name: Jo Anne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 75
Re: Immunities during treatment
I had four cycles of Velcade and dex. I had no restrictions.
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Davidg - Name: David
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2015 - AL Amyloidosis
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Immunities during treatment
Thanks, David.
Getting out and about tires him out but seems to keep his spirits up, and attitude seems important in this fight.
Getting out and about tires him out but seems to keep his spirits up, and attitude seems important in this fight.
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Joannem - Name: Jo Anne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 75
Re: Immunities during treatment
Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you had to join.
First, your husband's doctor will answer this question, but from my experience your husband shouldn't have many restrictions at this point. The neutrophil number is well into the safe range and shouldn't be an issue.
I was told that multiple myeloma naturally decreases our immunity protection so we need to be cautious and follow good hygiene. I was also told to quit cleaning our cat's litter box. As far as going out in public, shopping, eating out etc. I had absolutely no restriction.
First, your husband's doctor will answer this question, but from my experience your husband shouldn't have many restrictions at this point. The neutrophil number is well into the safe range and shouldn't be an issue.
I was told that multiple myeloma naturally decreases our immunity protection so we need to be cautious and follow good hygiene. I was also told to quit cleaning our cat's litter box. As far as going out in public, shopping, eating out etc. I had absolutely no restriction.
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Mark Pouley - Name: Mark
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Immunities during treatment
Personally, I think the most basic things are the most important. Good hand washing - not just for him, but for all family members. Wash your hands every time you return from an outing. Carry hand sanitizer for when you are out and about. Keeping family members healthy is important because that helps keep him healthy. Don't be embarrassed to move if you are seated by someone who is coughing/sneezing (at a movie theater, public transportation, etc). If you feel the need to explain, just say that your immune system is weak.
My husband was diagnosed 5 years ago. He has had few illnesses during that time, but when he gets one, it hits way harder than before multiple myeloma. He has an URI right now, and spent yesterday in bed.
My husband was diagnosed 5 years ago. He has had few illnesses during that time, but when he gets one, it hits way harder than before multiple myeloma. He has an URI right now, and spent yesterday in bed.
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rumnting - Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 4/9/11
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Immunities during treatment
I agree with Rumnting.
I do exactly what she has described. I also keep ear loop mask handy if I am going to a crowded place. My wife avoids taking me to church or grocery shopping.
I do exactly what she has described. I also keep ear loop mask handy if I am going to a crowded place. My wife avoids taking me to church or grocery shopping.
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MMFeb16,15 - Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 16, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Immunities during treatment
When there was an outbreak of colds in the nursing home facility where my mother lives, a nurse there told me not to visit.
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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: Immunities during treatment
My husband and I have an agreement that whenever we go out in public, he does not open any doors for me. I do it for the both of us instead so he doesn't have to get exposed to germs. We both wash our hands quite often and/or use hand sanitizer spray.
When we fly, he always wears a mask for the entire flight. He LOVES to travel and the last time we went to Europe, his cancer numbers came down. He did fine on the trip; he didn't get sick at all, but we were vigilant about hand washing. We also stayed in an Air B and B as opposed to a hotel, so maybe that cut down on germ exposure a little bit.
When we fly, he always wears a mask for the entire flight. He LOVES to travel and the last time we went to Europe, his cancer numbers came down. He did fine on the trip; he didn't get sick at all, but we were vigilant about hand washing. We also stayed in an Air B and B as opposed to a hotel, so maybe that cut down on germ exposure a little bit.
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Jean Ruth Howard - Name: Jeannie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 47
8 posts
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