I have been recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Stage 3. I have a question. Is there any chance for surviving more than 6 months for this stage, with chemo and other drugs? Is there any chance of remission? Not thinking about cancer free, I've been told there is no cure for it.
Already started chemo. One session until now. Going next week for a second session.
Forums
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elena7bb - Name: Elena
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: one month and a half ago
- Age at diagnosis: 35
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
Stage of disease at the time of diagnosis is not that big of a deal in multiple myeloma as it is in other cancers. Without knowing all of your history, I can say there is a very good chance for you to live many years, even when diagnosed at Stage III. I'm sure some of the other members on this forum will back up what I said with links to studies; but for now I wanted to ease your mind a bit.
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rumnting - Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 4/9/11
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
Hi Elena,
I was diagnosed with stage 3 thirteen months ago. I went through chemo and am currently in remission.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 thirteen months ago. I went through chemo and am currently in remission.
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cdnirene - Name: Irene S
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
There are 2 different staging systems. Durie Salmon (older version) and International Staging System. I know if you are referencing Stage 3 on Durie - it is not an indication of prognosis.
Be careful what you read online about prognosis. Make sure it is recent information.
Be careful what you read online about prognosis. Make sure it is recent information.
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
My husband was diagnosed in January of 2012 with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma. He spent 5 weeks in the hospital. He received RVD treatment and has now been in complete remission for 3 1/2 years. We wish you the best as you undergo treatment.
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DeeLynn201
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
Hello Elena:
Staging in multiple myeloma, like the condition itself is somewhat complicated and potentially confusing. Very generally, lower stage does correspond to longer survival when they track it in studies. multiple myeloma, however, is not like a solid tumor, it is in the marrow of the bones, and potentially all over the entire skeletal system (that's why its called multiple), and may be concentrated in patches. It is very different from solid tumors, where the staging has a more well defined meaning.
A very large portion of the patients go right to stage III, but still do very well. As an example, when the multiple myeloma kicked in for my wife last Sept., her hemoglobin dropped through the floor very quickly to the point of being in stage III with both the old and the new systems. She had a naturally low baseline. She did not have any other serious problem however (thankfully). After RVD treatment, she returned pretty quickly, but to her baseline. So you are correct that stage III is certainly not wonderful, but on the other hand, depending on the issues you have (the symptoms or the co-morbidities), it might not be that bad.
There was a recent long term study updated this year. It was called CAL-GB. Very simply (and in approximation) the people in the study all were well enough to make it through initial induction and transplant. Average overall survival in that entire group so far measures something like 65 months. The study actually started in 2005, and the treatments back then were not as good as today's standard of care. Interestingly, when they update the study results from time to time, the average OS keeps going up. I attribute that to the older data corresponds more to the old meds, and the new data is more heavily weighted to the new, better meds. You might see other studies with lower survival, but keep in mind that multiple myeloma often kicks in in the 70's or 80's to people that might be frail already, naturally bringing down average numbers.
Hopefully, and God willing, the meds and the outcomes will continue to improve, and yourself and others will be the beneficiaries.
Staging in multiple myeloma, like the condition itself is somewhat complicated and potentially confusing. Very generally, lower stage does correspond to longer survival when they track it in studies. multiple myeloma, however, is not like a solid tumor, it is in the marrow of the bones, and potentially all over the entire skeletal system (that's why its called multiple), and may be concentrated in patches. It is very different from solid tumors, where the staging has a more well defined meaning.
A very large portion of the patients go right to stage III, but still do very well. As an example, when the multiple myeloma kicked in for my wife last Sept., her hemoglobin dropped through the floor very quickly to the point of being in stage III with both the old and the new systems. She had a naturally low baseline. She did not have any other serious problem however (thankfully). After RVD treatment, she returned pretty quickly, but to her baseline. So you are correct that stage III is certainly not wonderful, but on the other hand, depending on the issues you have (the symptoms or the co-morbidities), it might not be that bad.
There was a recent long term study updated this year. It was called CAL-GB. Very simply (and in approximation) the people in the study all were well enough to make it through initial induction and transplant. Average overall survival in that entire group so far measures something like 65 months. The study actually started in 2005, and the treatments back then were not as good as today's standard of care. Interestingly, when they update the study results from time to time, the average OS keeps going up. I attribute that to the older data corresponds more to the old meds, and the new data is more heavily weighted to the new, better meds. You might see other studies with lower survival, but keep in mind that multiple myeloma often kicks in in the 70's or 80's to people that might be frail already, naturally bringing down average numbers.
Hopefully, and God willing, the meds and the outcomes will continue to improve, and yourself and others will be the beneficiaries.
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JPC - Name: JPC
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
Elena,
I'm sorry you need to be here, but I'm glad you found us.
I got a second opinion from Dr. Adam Cohen at the University of Pennsylvania last week. U Penn is a leader in myeloma research and treatment. Here's what he told me about current survival statistics.
For all comers, median survival is about 4 years right now. For younger patients, such as yourself, median survival is somewhere around 7-10 years. "Median" means that half the patients died before the statistic, and half died after. Seven to 10 years is a lot better than the 18 months you were talking about, isn't it?
Of course, these numbers do not take into account any of the particulars of a patient's situation, so it could be quite different for you or me. It is important and difficult to remember this.
You are not alone! Hang in there.
Tracy
I'm sorry you need to be here, but I'm glad you found us.
I got a second opinion from Dr. Adam Cohen at the University of Pennsylvania last week. U Penn is a leader in myeloma research and treatment. Here's what he told me about current survival statistics.
For all comers, median survival is about 4 years right now. For younger patients, such as yourself, median survival is somewhere around 7-10 years. "Median" means that half the patients died before the statistic, and half died after. Seven to 10 years is a lot better than the 18 months you were talking about, isn't it?
Of course, these numbers do not take into account any of the particulars of a patient's situation, so it could be quite different for you or me. It is important and difficult to remember this.
You are not alone! Hang in there.
Tracy
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Tracy J - Name: Tracy Jalbuena
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 42
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
From one young patient to another, I know how hard it is to hear Stage 3, and feel that's the end. That's exactly how I felt back in the day. I was diagnosed in 2011 with Stage 3 and close to 80% bone marrow involvement. Hemoglobin was hovering in the mid 6's and needed emergency transfusions.
I am still around and doing relatively well for a person with a terminal cancer. Multiple myeloma changes you but it is not the end of the road.
In too many words, Stage 3 does not mean much other than the disease was caught too late, which is the case for many young people. What would be most important for you right now is how you respond to treatment.
Good luck.
I am still around and doing relatively well for a person with a terminal cancer. Multiple myeloma changes you but it is not the end of the road.
In too many words, Stage 3 does not mean much other than the disease was caught too late, which is the case for many young people. What would be most important for you right now is how you respond to treatment.
Good luck.
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ivanm - Name: Ivan Mitev
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 37
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
When I was initially diagnosed, I was told that I had stage 3. I was also told that I had about 6 months to live. They then revised that to 18 months. But that was 18 years ago! I love proving them wrong & the doctors love that they were wrong also!
You've just got to take it one day at a time & deal with whatever is on your plate today. Don't put too much into what you read, because it is an individual thing & there are always exceptions to the rule.
You've just got to take it one day at a time & deal with whatever is on your plate today. Don't put too much into what you read, because it is an individual thing & there are always exceptions to the rule.
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GaryH - Name: GaryH
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov./97
- Age at diagnosis: 44
Re: Stage 3 multiple myeloma survival
GaryH:
Thank you very much for sharing your understated, though very inspirational story. Regards, JPC
Thank you very much for sharing your understated, though very inspirational story. Regards, JPC
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JPC - Name: JPC
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