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Just dianosed a week ago and starting Dex today.
I can;t believe that I have gone from a healthy averge 48 yr old woman to a multiple myeloma patient in the matter of a couple of months. I will just say that I am in shock and overwelmed by it all....I have a great hemotologist that will be treating me...I plan to have the help of a naturopath along the way as well for nuturition and natural supplements.. I am very greatful to have found this site. Thank you.
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darbyD - Name: DarbyD
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Mon, Aug 23/10
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: Just dianosed a week ago and starting Dex today.
I'm sure just about everyone here on this forum knows exactly where you're coming from, darbyD. Shock, confusion, anger, sadness, helplessness, fear, frustration, and worry. Those are just some of the emotions people feel when they first learn they have multiple myeloma.
Nobody here is going to lie to you and say it's going to be easy fighting the battle that's in front of you. At the same time, nobody is going to tell you to give up because the battle isn't worth fighting. It IS worth fighting, and there's a huge arsenal of weapons for you to choose from to fight your battle.
Listen carefully to your hematologist. Read, read, and read. Then read some more. Find a support group and go to it as long as you feel it gives you strength and energy. Get second and third opinions. Talk with your family. Ask a few people close to you to give you moral support and some different perspectives when you need them (and be sure to turn to those people if you even slightly think it will help). Post your questions and thoughts here and let others share with you what they've learned.
There is one emotion you don't need to feel as you start fighting this battle. Loneliness. All of us are here for you, and for each other.
Nobody here is going to lie to you and say it's going to be easy fighting the battle that's in front of you. At the same time, nobody is going to tell you to give up because the battle isn't worth fighting. It IS worth fighting, and there's a huge arsenal of weapons for you to choose from to fight your battle.
Listen carefully to your hematologist. Read, read, and read. Then read some more. Find a support group and go to it as long as you feel it gives you strength and energy. Get second and third opinions. Talk with your family. Ask a few people close to you to give you moral support and some different perspectives when you need them (and be sure to turn to those people if you even slightly think it will help). Post your questions and thoughts here and let others share with you what they've learned.
There is one emotion you don't need to feel as you start fighting this battle. Loneliness. All of us are here for you, and for each other.
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Rebecca
To Just diagnosed
I just happened on your posting-I was looking for help with something else...but I just had to respond...
I was where you are May 9th, 2002--absolutely blown away with my diagnosis at age 46--very healthy except for what I thought was a herniated disc...
I went through chemo/to mobilize my stem cells, harvested them, put them in the freezer, had radiation and aside from Aredia and close lab followups, I have not had to do any further chemo.
So don't panic but make sure you get a hem/onc who sees a lot of multiple myeloma-go to a big academic center, if you don't have a local expert.
My life has changed in soooo many ways in the past 8 years but we keep keeping on! And I believe that this disease will be cured someday and I plan on staying alive to be part of that cure.
Find a myeloma support group--you need to educate yourself so that you can be your own best advocate!!!
I was where you are May 9th, 2002--absolutely blown away with my diagnosis at age 46--very healthy except for what I thought was a herniated disc...
I went through chemo/to mobilize my stem cells, harvested them, put them in the freezer, had radiation and aside from Aredia and close lab followups, I have not had to do any further chemo.
So don't panic but make sure you get a hem/onc who sees a lot of multiple myeloma-go to a big academic center, if you don't have a local expert.
My life has changed in soooo many ways in the past 8 years but we keep keeping on! And I believe that this disease will be cured someday and I plan on staying alive to be part of that cure.
Find a myeloma support group--you need to educate yourself so that you can be your own best advocate!!!
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gerrianne
Re: Just dianosed a week ago and starting Dex today.
thanks for the reply....I go for my stem cell appointment on tuesday...we are pushing on aggresively with the treatment....congrats on your continued good health...cheers!!!
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darbyD - Name: DarbyD
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Mon, Aug 23/10
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: Just dianosed a week ago and starting Dex today.
Darby I am 15 months past diagnosis. I had a dificult time mentally for a few months,you will pass by the difficult time and smile again. I am 7 months past auto transplant and I'm back to my pre diagnosis self. All the best to you!
Mike Benson
Seattle
Mike Benson
Seattle
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MBenson
Re: Just dianosed a week ago and starting Dex today.
I am 66 and have been in treatment for five years. I am four years from my second stem cell transplant. Have a lot of hope as there are new drugs and more in testing right now coming your way to help you. It is not near as dismal as it may appear to you.
Be positive and keep hope. Age is on your side and much is being done to research for a cure for this. You could see the cure in your lifetime.
There are several fine places for treatment mentioned here but my heroes are at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. They have a specializing group for multiple myeloma there, as do several other locations.
Hugh
Be positive and keep hope. Age is on your side and much is being done to research for a cure for this. You could see the cure in your lifetime.
There are several fine places for treatment mentioned here but my heroes are at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. They have a specializing group for multiple myeloma there, as do several other locations.
Hugh
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Anonymous
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