[PhilipP]

My Dads' fight with multiple myeloma

by PhilipP on Mon May 16, 2016 5:17 pm

My Dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014. Compound fracture of spine was the main symptom. He received radiotherapy and chemo, Velcade, which proved to be very effective. Unfortunately, he lost his second wife while in hospital, but he fought through it all and came out at the end of 2014 with great blood results.

His bloods stayed clear for a year. He almost felt as though it was all a mistake and he never had multiple myeloma. We were lulled into a false sense of security.

Dad became poorly again this February. He had protein in urine and was getting confused. GP thought a UT infection. Antibiotics did nothing. He went into hospital in March where his bloods revealed very high calcium. This had not happened first time around so it was a surprise. He was so confused. I found this period of time very hard. I was waking at night with panic attacks. I do wonder if this was the start of the process of his death. I had such a bond with my Dad and I now wonder if this bond was being broken.

Dad was discharged from hospital and told to start a new course of chemo. He was admitted again 4 days later severely dehydrated. He spent a week in ITU and made great progress. I felt he was on the mend and they gave him some radiotherapy on his spine. He was moved onto the specialist ward for treatment.

I felt very positive, but something happened to cause internal bleeding. It may have been an ulcer or maybe a result of the multiple myeloma. He was too weak for surgery and passed away one week later on 9th April 2016. My last words to him that evening were "I love you so much, Dad" to which he replied "I love you too, Phil." Multiple myeloma had seriously attacked him and he had no defense.

I am totally heartbroken. I do worry that the GP missed the early signs and wanted to tell my story so that others can be aware. We thought that we were in control. I feel that my grieving started back in March. Looking at how my Dad sorted out some of his finances in February, I do wonder if he knew!

[lrankin]

Re: My Dads' fight with multiple myeloma

by lrankin on Mon May 16, 2016 8:27 pm

I'm so sorry you lost your father. Thank you for telling your story to try to help others.

[Ellen Harris]

Re: My Dads' fight with multiple myeloma

by Ellen Harris on Tue May 17, 2016 11:14 am

My condolences for your loss. It sounds as though you had a wonderful bond with your Father. That will always stay with you. Keep thoughts of him in your heart, always. I lost my Dad when I was 14, due to multiple myeloma. I still think of him everyday. I talk to my kids, who obviously never knew him, about him all of the time.

It is normal to grieve and be sad. If it interferes with your ability to function, seek some professional help, or a bereavement group. Do not suffer alone. I hope you have family/friends who can be supportive. You are a good son!

[PhilipP]

Re: My Dads' fight with multiple myeloma

by PhilipP on Thu May 26, 2016 12:17 pm

Thank you so much for all your kind words. It is very kind of you to take the time to answer. It is so helpful at such an emotional time. I hope that sharing can also help others.

[brandyjoco]

Re: My Dads' fight with multiple myeloma

by brandyjoco on Thu May 26, 2016 7:59 pm

Philip,

Thank you for sharing and for thinking of telling others to stay aware. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It sounds like you were able to communicate your love to him and that was very special to him.

Brandyjoco