[Anonymous]

Just diagnosed at the age of 72; no symptoms yet

by Anonymous on Wed Mar 09, 2016 1:44 am

I have just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Haven't done anything yet as I have no symptoms. Maybe in a year and a half like that one person said it took her. I am 72 years old.

[MaryB]

Re: Just diagnosed at the age of 72; no symptoms yet

by MaryB on Wed Mar 09, 2016 11:00 am

If you wait until you have symptoms, it could be too late. Count your blessings it was caught early, therefore giving you a better chance of recovery.

You make 72 sound OLD and that it's your age keeping you from treatment. I am 72 but I want to see 82 and maybe 92. I would rethink this.

[Ted Kan]

Re: Just diagnosed at the age of 72; no symptoms yet

by Ted Kan on Thu Mar 10, 2016 3:23 am

I agree with MaryB. If you'd be willing to share more info about your myeloma studies, other medical problems, if any, and general state of health, others here more knowledgeable than me might be able be of help.

I was 75 when initially diagnosed and was also completely asymptomatic. Except for my abnormal myeloma labs, all other labs were normal. But my M spike went from 3.0 g/dL to 6.5 g/dL (30 to 65 g/L) in less than two months, and I started treatment in early 2015. I have remained asymptomatic and remain very active.

[SK1]

Re: Just diagnosed at the age of 72; no symptoms yet

by SK1 on Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:00 pm

My wife was diagnosed at 62 through her blood work. She had no symptoms, so we're thankful it was caught before any symptoms presented. She's had a tandem transplant that will help delay the onset of symptoms that will eventually present themselves. Furthermore, being treated while asymptomatic is more tolerable and less complicated.

Doctors recommended starting treatment immediately rather than waiting until symptoms pre­sented for the reasons above.

Keep up the activity; it's one of the best things you can do for yourself.