[Eugene]

Relapse after 2 years - is more treatment worth it?

by Eugene on Sun Feb 09, 2014 8:55 am

My friend, L, thas had Multiple Myeloma 3 for two years. She is 49. She has gone through chemo and a stem cell transplant.

The cancer has returned and she is not sure she wants to fight it this time. I want her to contact cancer treatment center but she won't .

Are there any words of encouragement, trials or advice you can give us?

[genk]

Re: Relapse after 2 years - is more treatment worth it?

by genk on Sun Feb 09, 2014 10:15 am

There are so many options to fight the multiple myeloma by all means have her contact her oncologist to find out what the next move should be. It is common knowledge that there is no cure for this disease and to relapse is a given she is not unique it is just part of the journey she must be strong and stand up and fight all the way.

I was at my local cancer clinic and met an 82 year old woman and we got to talking while taking treatment. This bright eyed spunky lady in the course of our conversation asked me if I had multiple myeloma I told her I did and she indicated she had it too. I asked her how long she had had it and she told me 4 years I was shocked when she told me she had been taking drug therapies and is doing well. I have had multiple myeloma for about 3 years that it has been full blown and her story encouraged me to give it all I have to live this out with all my strength to quit is just not an option I will not even begin to consider it.

Hope you can change her mind.

[kjpoppit]

Re: Relapse after 2 years - is more treatment worth it?

by kjpoppit on Sun Feb 09, 2014 12:38 pm

Your friend is still very young and could have lots of years left ahead of her. I hope you can at least convince her to talk to her doctor, A specialist in multiple myeloma preferably. Many advances are happening all the time.

I am only starting my journey and have high risk multiple myeloma. I am going to fight as long as I can and hope for a cure to be found.

Best of luck

[JBarnes]

Re: Relapse after 2 years - is more treatment worth it?

by JBarnes on Mon Feb 10, 2014 2:06 pm

Sometimes when you are weak and discouraged it begins to wear you down. You think about the ability to go drug free and avoid the side effects even if you only live for less than year. I've been through that cycle a couple of times over the last year. But, you have people who love you and need you and you have far more good days than bad days. We all keep plodding along the best we can still enjoying life with a sense of optimisim that they are getting close to really figuring this cancer out.

Most oncologist have counselors who will work with the paitient to help them with thier depression. Although I have not used those services I know several people who have found them very helpful. Far to young to throw in the towel. So many options are avaiable for treatment. Jerry.