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General questions and discussion about multiple myeloma (i.e., symptoms, lab results, news, etc.) If unsure where to post, use this discussion area.

Immunities during treatment

by Joannem on Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:05 pm

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

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

by Davidg on Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:49 pm

I had four cycles of Velcade and dex. I had no restrictions.

Davidg
Name: David
When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2015 - AL Amyloidosis
Age at diagnosis: 53

Re: Immunities during treatment

by Joannem on Thu Apr 28, 2016 3:19 pm

Thanks, David.

Getting out and about tires him out but seems to keep his spirits up, and attitude seems important in this fight.

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

by Mark Pouley on Thu Apr 28, 2016 3:49 pm

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.

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

by rumnting on Sat Apr 30, 2016 9:40 am

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.

rumnting
Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: 4/9/11
Age at diagnosis: 54

Re: Immunities during treatment

by MMFeb16,15 on Sat Apr 30, 2016 11:27 am

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.

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

by cdnirene on Mon May 02, 2016 2:22 pm

When there was an outbreak of colds in the nursing home facility where my mother lives, a nurse there told me not to visit.

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

by Jean Ruth Howard on Mon May 02, 2016 11:57 pm

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.

Jean Ruth Howard
Name: Jeannie
Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2012
Age at diagnosis: 47


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