[Claire Archimbaud]

My introduction: Claire Archimbaud

by Claire Archimbaud on Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:06 pm

I was dx with multiple myeloma in 2004. I was surprised. My family has a big history of cancer in various forms. I guess I felt I had a target on my back. Iwas dx locally & went to MD Anderson for 2nd opinion. Iwas treated with Thalomid which had a good result. I also was started to prepare for a SCT(auto). My family(2 sisters)were tested for a match in case of an allo. One matched. I however decided I would never choose that. My SCT was done in early March 2005. Somehow I had a # of pre-SCT complications which slowed down the prep. Anyway, the SCT was successful. While I haven’t been told I’m in remission, they say I’m stable. I have been on Revlimid, currently 10 mg for 21 days. It blew my mind with the cost of the drug. Initially had a $40 copay. On the first of the year my secondary ins. after Medicare my copay increased to $2800!!!!The copay will decrease but will never be back to $40. I went on disability when first dx. I’m a retired RN & was td by MD Anderson not to lift heavier than 2#! Iwas doing pvt.duty home health so that just wouldn’t work. When I was first dx the found 2 spinal compression fx and 9 healed rib fx. Since then I’ve had a number of falls causing path fx of my left humerus requirng 2 surgeries. Be careful out there my fellow multiple myeloma survivors. I am also on Aredia and IVIG infusions. monthly. in a 12mo period I had 4 bouts of pneumonia,none since IVIG infusions. Two years ago I was dx with a brain tumor which is not related to multiple myeloma. The tumor was successfully removed except fo a small portion which was too close to the blood supply. I had radiation therapy to shrink the remaining portion. My point of my long comment is that I’ve survived now for 7 years and feel besies the meds and treatments I’ve tried to maintain a positve attitude and I’m on a lot of prayer lists and say many myself. My family is very supportive. I wish all of my fellow multiple myeloma survivors much success in your treatments and a long life.

[sylvia]

Re: My introduction: Claire Archimbaud

by sylvia on Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:32 am

Hi Claire, it always reassuring to hear from myeloma patients who have lived with myeloma for 5, 7, or even 10 or more years. I hope in 5 years to be hearing from people who have survived 10, 12, or even 15 or more years. And you have such a beautifully positive attitude. I'm very glad to hear you have such a supportive family and large group of friends to pray for you. Best wishes!