[rwarr56]

My Introduction

by rwarr56 on Tue Mar 12, 2013 4:12 pm

My name is Bob and I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in Nov 12.

I developed lower back problems almost 3 years ago and spent time being treated by pain management specialists, physical therapists, and orthopedic specialists for the pain in my lower back. I went through the x-ray, MRI, bone and dexa scans over the past year with no one specialist detecting it was more than a bulging disc that was the issue. I was even diagnosed with osteopororsis after the the dexa scan and referred to an endocrinologist to begin treatment Aug 12.

However, during the period of obtaining insurance approval for the treatment I was told by an orthopedic surgeon the only option he had left for me was surgery. After researching and talking with people who have had back surgery I opted for a second opinion and consulted a neurospine surgeon based on a recommendation by a fellow co-worker.

This turned out to be my saving grace as he was able to review two MRIs 9 months apart and detect something more than bulging discs or osteoprorosis. I completed another MRI and CAT scan plus a round of labs the week before Thanksgiving and it was during the last week of Nov 12 when I was told the results.

I couldn't believe it! I was known as an individual who always was physically fit and lived a healthy life, how could this happen.

I was referred the same day to my current oncologist and within 30 days I was on the Velcade/Dexamethasone/Revlimid regime. I saw positive results the first two cycles and was experiencing very few side effects; fatigue mainly but minimal nausea or anything else. However, the last labs did not show positive movement in my numbers so I am going to complete the third cycle; then do another blood test; and hope the numbers reflect another downward trend. If not, then its time to discuss other treatment options!

[Ron Harvot]

Re: My Introduction

by Ron Harvot on Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:17 pm

I hope that your next test results reveal continued improvement.

Ron

[KrysiaR]

Re: My Introduction

by KrysiaR on Tue Mar 26, 2013 2:58 pm

Hi Bob

Had a similar situation as you - fobbed off repeatedly by doctors as a hysterical woman with back problems... Finally went to a doctor who listened and a simple hip x-ray showed I had a broken hip for over 4 months. During surgery they found tumors and I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. So shocking and upsetting. Have had a stem cell transplant 5 weeks ago, but life for the past 15 months has not been normal and still isn't.

It seems that with Multiple Myeloma it doesn't matter if you've led a healthy lifestyle or not but there are lots of options when it comes to treatment and I hope you get some good news soon.

Take care
Krysia