My sister has not been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, yet. After an excruciating test, it was inconclusive because there was no marrow extracted. However, after several days in the hospital, that is the direction the oncologist was leaning. She is going to have to undergo the test again and I am adamant that she will be sedated.
In the last year, she has lost 60 lbs., been tested for diabetes because she is so thirsty and has to pee a lot. She has major intestinal problems and had an endoscopy. She had a pelvic fracture and was diagnosed as having osteoparosis and prescribed Boniva.
I live 2 hours away and tried to monitor her health long-distance, but my sister isn’t the type of person to take control of her own health. I really don’t know where to go for help and treatment.
Are there alternative treatments to chemo? Are the 3 common drugs used for treatment considered chemo? Would a bone marrow transplant be better?
I am not even sure where I should take her for treatment.
Any advice would be welcome.
Moderator note: This posting originally was a comment on Stephen Kramer's recent column. It was moved here because it is better suited to being a forum question.
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Re: Sister may have multiple myeloma; some basic questions
Sherri, I'm sorry about your sister. That was difficult news to get over the holiday.
The International Multiple Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org) has extensive information on their website about the tests used to diagnose multiple myeloma, as well as information on various treatment options.
There are a number of very good treatment centers around the country, including Dana Farber in Boston, and M.D. Anderson in Houston, among many, many others. It is not always necessary to go to one of these centers if you have a good local hematology oncologist who has experience with multiple myeloma. The "Resources" page on the Beacon site has an excellent list of treatment centers throughout the country.
You ask if the "three most common drugs" used for treatment are chemo. I'm assuming you mean Velcade, Revlimid and Dexamethasone. The first two are called "novel" therapies because they work differently thean typical chemo drugs. The last one, Dex, is a steroid.
Bone marrow transplants - or Stem Cell Transplants - may be an option depending on your sister's age, and her physical ability to withstand the treatment. Typically this option is explored after an induction treatment with one or more of the drugs listed above. If you page thru the forums on the Beacon site, you will see many threads discussing when is the optimal time to have a transplant. Some do it immediately following the induction therapy, some choose to wait until their first relapse.
I hope that answers some of your questions. All the best to you and your sister.
Lyn
The International Multiple Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org) has extensive information on their website about the tests used to diagnose multiple myeloma, as well as information on various treatment options.
There are a number of very good treatment centers around the country, including Dana Farber in Boston, and M.D. Anderson in Houston, among many, many others. It is not always necessary to go to one of these centers if you have a good local hematology oncologist who has experience with multiple myeloma. The "Resources" page on the Beacon site has an excellent list of treatment centers throughout the country.
You ask if the "three most common drugs" used for treatment are chemo. I'm assuming you mean Velcade, Revlimid and Dexamethasone. The first two are called "novel" therapies because they work differently thean typical chemo drugs. The last one, Dex, is a steroid.
Bone marrow transplants - or Stem Cell Transplants - may be an option depending on your sister's age, and her physical ability to withstand the treatment. Typically this option is explored after an induction treatment with one or more of the drugs listed above. If you page thru the forums on the Beacon site, you will see many threads discussing when is the optimal time to have a transplant. Some do it immediately following the induction therapy, some choose to wait until their first relapse.
I hope that answers some of your questions. All the best to you and your sister.
Lyn
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Christa's Mom - Name: Christa's Mom
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September, 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 53
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