[PattiM]

Patti, diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015

by PattiM on Mon Apr 02, 2018 4:39 pm

Hello,

I am a new member to the forum, but I have been reading others' posts since my multiple myeloma diagnosis in April 2015. Everything I have read from all of you has been extremely helpful and motivating. Thank you.

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 multiple myeloma in April 2015, followed by 4 months of induction therapy, and then an autologous stem cell transplant in October 2015. I have been in complete remission ever since. Until now. I am currently undergoing follow-up testing to determine if I am having a relapse, or if I have just smoldering-like symptoms.

Thanks again to this community, for helping me along this journey.

[MelM]

Re: Patti, diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015

by MelM on Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:08 am

Hi Patti,

Welcome!

I hope your follow-up testing regarding your possible relapse hasn't been too stressful. It can be hard waiting on results even when you try to push it to the back of your mind I find.

I was diagnosed in March 2015 at age 48, so we are pretty close as far as timing and age goes. I had upper back pain that persisted (ended up being due to a compression fracture in the thoracic spine and multiple ribs seen on MRI), plus I was mildly neutropenic. Otherwise I was a fit and healthy, 48-year-old, busy mum. Who wouldn't always be tired?

So, I was then referred to a specialist because of the neutropenia. Regarding the back pain, nothing had shown up on the x-ray to indicate any lesions or fractures. On my first visit, it was thought I had myeloma, which I didn't believe; I was convinced that my problem was just musculoskeletal. After the relevant tests, the myeloma diagnosis was confirmed within the week.

I consider myself so fortunate that my diagnosis was so quick as I hear others with their stories where it has taken much longer.

All the best,

Mel