[Mark B]

My year since diagnosis

by Mark B on Tue Oct 07, 2014 3:14 pm

On a Friday in October 2013, I received the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. I had arrived by ambulance to the Parkview Hospital emergency room in Pueblo, Colorado after collapsing at my office with severe back pain and spasms. After some imaging, an ER doctor delivered the bad news that either a cancer had metastasized to my bones, or I had multiple myeloma, which could be confirmed with additional testing. The doctor explained what lytic lesions were and that I had suffered a collapsed vertebrae.

Four days earlier I completed a 13 mile solo hike in the foothills of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I had hiked a lot that summer and did not see any real reason to complain about my health. I was aware I needed to be careful about lifting anything heavy, and I knew running did not feel good. Hiking with a light pack seemed fine. I was a little tired, but my testosterone levels had checked out at acceptable levels earlier in the year. I guessed it was part of approaching 53 years.

Immediately after the diagnoses my extended family reached out and brought me to the Glenwood Springs, Colorado area so they could assist with my care. During the next month at the Calaway Young Cancer Center, I underwent a bone marrow biopsy, a kyphoplasty surgery, and radiation treatments on my L5 and T4 vertebrae. My oncologist recognized me as a likely candidate for a stem cell transplant, so I started immediately with Revlimid, Velcade and dexamethasone for what was to be 4 chemotherapy cycles.

In November I returned to both home and work. I had some temporary drop foot remaining from my kyphoplasty surgery, but I was able to walk outside everyday. I responded well to chemotherapy and underwent an autologous stem cell transplant at the Colorado University Medical Center in March.

I returned to work in June and a recent biopsy indicated complete but not stringent remission. A flow cytometry test found minimal residual disease. With advice from my doctors, I have agreed with a watch and wait approach. I pace myself and make decisions about my schedule to avoid fatigue. On occasion I have been able to hike 6 miles.

I find the Myeloma Beacon enormously helpful in understanding this path my life has taken. Many have remarked on my ability to comprehend and stay involved in my treatment. I’m thankful to all those who take time to participate on this site and provide insight to draw from.

Sadly, I can see the events that so changed my life this past year are not unusual. I hope that someone receiving a recent diagnosis of multiple myeloma can look a year ahead and find the hope that I have.

[deenussen]

Re: My year since diagnosis

by deenussen on Wed Oct 08, 2014 6:05 pm

Mark B. Thanx for your post.

[Multibilly]

Re: My year since diagnosis

by Multibilly on Wed Oct 08, 2014 6:47 pm

Nice post Mark. Glad you are doing well and are back to hiking.

And it's not exactly tough duty getting evaluated in Glenwood Springs

[Millie B]

Re: My year since diagnosis

by Millie B on Thu Oct 09, 2014 9:26 am

Hi,

I have had similar experiences to you over much the same length of time. Take heart any newly diagnosed people, and enjoy every day.

Xx

[Cheryl G]

Re: My year since diagnosis

by Cheryl G on Thu Oct 09, 2014 11:53 am

Thanks for introducing yourself, Mike. Glad to see you here in the forum, and hope to hear more from you going forward.