[carolinasaracho]

Multiple myeloma with previous kidney illness

by carolinasaracho on Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:41 pm

Hi everyone,

My dad was just diagnosed less than a week ago with multiple myeloma, but he has had a kidney ill­ness since before the myeloma set in. He just began his first Velcade dose, thalidomide, dexa­metha­sone, acyclovir and a medicine to prevent thrombosis. He will also begin hemodialysis and plasmapheresis.

I am very worried that because of his previous kidney condition it will be difficult for him to recover. Does anyone have experience in this type of case? Is there hope? Also, any recommendations, or possible new discoveries in the field that might help him?

I've been told that the biggest concerns are infections, neuropathy, and shingles as side effects to the treatments.

Thanks so much ,

Carolina S

[Grizlump]

Re: Multiple myeloma with previous kidney illness

by Grizlump on Wed Jun 29, 2016 11:06 am

When I started treatment back in September of 2014, I had already lost one kidney to RPF. It was removed 4 years before I started chemo treatment for myeloma. My creatinine level hovered between 1.5 and 2.2 for several years. How high is your father's creatinine and BUN? Is he under the care of a nephrologist? A nephrologist and your cancer doc should at least be aware of one another and share blood work results.

As I understand it, his cancer care doc should closely monitor his kidney function and be able to determine if it is responding well to the chemo attack on the myeloma. If the cancer treat­ment does nothing to improve that condition, or it worsens in spite of the treatment, then the nephrologist should get involved too.

I am almost 70 years old and a white male. I bring this up because normal creatinine levels are somewhat higher in black people and race can be a small factor. We are too far down this high­way to hell to worry about being politically correct. Normal creatinine should be between 0.70 and 1.25 mg/dl. That normal range should show on your lab reports.

For what it's worth, my blood work numbers improved dramatically after my 1st month of Revlimid / Velcade / dex treatment. I have been on an extended break from chemo and am just now going to start back on Ninlaro, Pomalyst, and dex. If the side effects don't get too severe, I hope to see the same positive effect I had back in 2014.

The side effect that affected me the most was severe digestive system problems. From mouth sores all the way through me to the other end. I couldn't keep enough food in me to maintain my weight. It came on when I was about 30 days into the mission. I think I was allergic to Revlimid.

I opted out of the transplant route, the side effects of the original chemo were enough to discourage me. Besides, I am somewhat of a wimp and at this age, why bother?

Best of luck.
Charlie (grouchy German)