[allenbonslett]

Just found this place, diagnosed in 2003

by allenbonslett on Tue Sep 09, 2014 11:52 am

Hi everyone.

My story goes like this.

I was diagnosed in December 2003, with Stage 3 multiple myeloma. The bone marrow biopsy (BMB) showed 80% cancer cells and I was on the edge. A blood count showed me as severely anemic (Hgb was 7.0) and I had a few lesions in the big bones in my legs.

Thalidomide and dex until an auto stem cell transplant (SCT) in 2004, then thalidomide after.

In 2008 relapse began and we switched to Revlimid. Second auto SCT in late 2009. Revlimid maintenance after.

Looks like another relapse is beginning, early this year IgG count started rising, upped the Revlimid, which slowed the IgG rise. BMB in February showed 15%, now have another one scheduled in a couple weeks so he can see where it's at now.

Down the rabbit hole again.

Good news was that I had a weight problem (especially after the year of dex) and discovered golf with my son (high school senior now) early last year and managed to walk a hundred pounds off to weigh in the 230's now.

Happily married for 27 years, 2 kids - 6 & 11 at diagnosis, 17 & 22 now. I have seen things I did not think I would get to, so I plan on more.

That's my story.

[Ian]

Re: Just found this place, diagnosed in 2003

by Ian on Tue Sep 09, 2014 12:08 pm

Welcome to the forum, Allen. It's nice to see someone who was diagnosed as long ago as you were.

I think you'll find the forum a useful place for information and support. Not all of us post regularly. I probably post once a week, or maybe less. But I check in just about every day because the forum postings and articles are a really helpful way to keep learning about myeloma.

Good luck with the upcoming BMB.

[inky100]

Re: Just found this place, diagnosed in 2003

by inky100 on Thu Sep 11, 2014 5:07 pm

Hello Allen,

Welcome to the Beacon. I've only been a member of this forum for a few months myself. I'm so glad you discovered golf and can play with your son. That's wonderful.

I think you'll find lots of info on this site, and lots of wonderful people who are ready to help.

Again, welcome,
Mary