[askin4it]

Introduction

by askin4it on Tue Mar 12, 2013 12:12 am

Hi So nice to finally find others who have multiple myeloma. I broke my arm in Sep. 2008 at the age of 50 and because of abnormal x-rays was sent for more tests and found out I had Multiple Myeloma. At the time I had 4 large tumors, one in my chest, one in my left arm, left hip and right shoulder. Started radiation, on Revlimid on Oct, rod in left arm as it never healed in november and off to Seattle cancer care alliance in Feb of 2009 for a stem cell transplant. I actually did really well for a few years. Was on Revlimid for a year after the transplant. In November of 2011 my cancer came back. Somehow I already new it. I had cells in storage in Seattle so off again for my last transplant on feb 27, 2012. Found out you can only have 2 transplants with your own cells. Also found out I should be on allow dose maintenance of chemo drug. So am on 10 mg of Revlimid every day. I have had a hard time getting back to normal after this last transplant. I constantly have a cold and runny nose, tingling in the hands a feet, constantly dropping things,cramps in my legs, really bad joint pain, insomnia, depression and memory loss. Of course I am on meds to help with all of those and to a point they do. I am 54 now and not ready to throw in the towel just yet. I was also re immunized last week. Six shots in one day.
Look forward to this forums

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Introduction

by Ron Harvot on Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:26 pm

One of the symptoms of multiple myeloma is a compromised immune system. The medications also often cause a weakening of our immune systems. Last summer I developed Viral Meningitis and C Diff and was hospitalized for nearly a week. I am also plagued by recurring sinus infections as are alot of multiple myeloma patients. I was placed on IVIG as my immunulogulins had been very low. It has worked as my immunuglobulins have all come up and although I still get sinus infections due to my allergies, they are less ferquent and severe. Perhaps IVIG is something you could discuss with your oncologist. It is expensive.

Ron

[TerryH]

Re: Introduction

by TerryH on Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:37 am

Thanks for introducing yourself, Jill.

I'm just trying to understand your treatment history a bit better.

You've had two (auto) stem cell transplants, so I've got that. It also appears that you were treated with Revlimid after your first transplant and you're again being treated with it after your second transplant.

What's missing, though, is what you were treated with before each of your transplants.

I'm guessing from what you've said that, at some point, you were treated with Velcade and dexamethasone, maybe before each transplant?

Also, when you've taken Revlimid after your transplants, did you take it alone, or with dexamethasone?