I was diagnosed in Jan. 2011 with stage III and creatitine level of 3.0. After plasma phoresis Vel/Dex induction, radiation (That I later found was not needed), Rev, ASCT, and back on Rev maintenace, I am doing okay. No one is the same after all these treatments, especially the fatigue factor. However, I am still here trying to live life as normal as possible.
I wouldn't stress on the Overall Survival numbers you will see in Myeloma publications you will read or see on the internet. Each of us is different, with different cytogeneics and many other factors. My advise is to forget about how long and concentrate on how well you can live, because regardless, it's all in Gods hands. So don't worry, Live!!
Forums
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GeorgeLJurak - Name: George Jurak
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan. 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: Stage III
Well I am also stage 111 at the age of 59 living in San Bernardino,Ca. Everyone is different in now they respone to treatment. and I believe it is because on how they handle this in there head. most of all the power of prayer. I have been told that about 22 to 25 % of my blood and none narrow is already multiple myeloma. Wow that's a big number, but it hasn't gotten to any organs yet and my kidney has not been affected yet. And I take Rev, Velcade and dex. after taking just one two weeks of Velcade. My cancer cells drop from 2365 to 1124 which is normal level. Doing Stem cell transplant at UCLA in Nov 2013 . anybody out there has done this, if so how was this for you. Ken
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kenluvsladies
Re: Stage III
I think it depends on whether the person has a high or low risk myeloma.
A stage 3 low risk could possibly have a very good or CR. And it depends on the individual too.
Best wishes!
A stage 3 low risk could possibly have a very good or CR. And it depends on the individual too.
Best wishes!
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Phoebe - Who do you know with myeloma?: dad
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Stage III
I was stage 4 in August 2010. I had to have my right hip replaced cause it was eaten up basically. I started treatment that November and was in total remission is 6 weeks. I did Velcad, Revlimid, Steroids etc.; I did auto SCT in May of 2011..... I have been in total remission all this time ! I take no meds now and havent for a long time. I got issues but no more multiple myeloma ! It can be done !
Re: Stage III
I was stage 3 when I was diagnosed in May of 2009, at age 52. Within a couple of weeks, I was hypercalcemic and at the beginning of kidney trouble and missed my daughter's college graduation. The whole thing made me angry and very determined to conquer the cancer, which I think helped.
By November, I was more than 90% in remission and achieved full remission that winter with treatment and a stem cell transplant. A few of the little creepy cells returned in June of 2012, but I've been staying at a very low M-spike and have been off maintenance medications since January. I feel good except for tiring more easily than I'd like, have been working full time since the spring of 2010, and just live my life.
Many of you who have lived with it for more than a decade are my heroes and role models. I promised my daughter I'd be around to see my grandchildren -- and I plan to keep that promise. Now if she'd just find a guy ...
Dana
By November, I was more than 90% in remission and achieved full remission that winter with treatment and a stem cell transplant. A few of the little creepy cells returned in June of 2012, but I've been staying at a very low M-spike and have been off maintenance medications since January. I feel good except for tiring more easily than I'd like, have been working full time since the spring of 2010, and just live my life.
Many of you who have lived with it for more than a decade are my heroes and role models. I promised my daughter I'd be around to see my grandchildren -- and I plan to keep that promise. Now if she'd just find a guy ...
Dana
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darnold - Name: Dana Arnold
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Stage III
It is very comforting to hear all these stories with silver linings. I am new to this scene and can use all the positive energy I can get my hands on! BE STRONG!
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DC1
Re: Stage III
Hi everbody. I really need some advice. My brother and I are about 17 years apart but he is my best friend in the whole world. He has been battling for quite a while now. One of the issues for me is I dont understnad where he is. I don't know what stage he is and he is te type of guy that doesnt want to have everybody fawning over him. I know he has been through a bone morrow transplant, and will have to undrgo regular chemo for the next 7-8 years as Ive been told. everything I look at on-line gives poor odds at best. Number 1: Am i losing my brother? Number 2: Why cant I find the strength to talk to him about all this in detaii. I talk to him as if this doesnt exsist! Does this upset him I don't know, but I feel like if I open up about his disease I will seem weak and unable to help him. ( He has always been the strong one in the family)...
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Jcarr
Re: Stage III
Hi jcarr. Like you, I have a sibling with whom I am very close, except that I am the strong one and I am the one with myeloma. My sister is terrified of losing me, so I tend to only tell her good news. She doesn't always want to hear what I have to say, but sometimes she's great at asking questions and learning what she can. I wish she was there for me more than she is. So take a page from our book, and call your brother and tell him that you are there for him and want to listen to whatever he wants to share, whenever he wants to share it. And plan fun times for the two of you to share. Even if it's just an ice cream cone and a laugh.
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darnold - Name: Dana Arnold
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Stage III
I was diagnosed in June 2012, had fractures in ribs, right femur, and left humerus bones. I'm riddled in my right leg & left arm. My myeloma was the worst Stage III and I stayed in the hospital 24 days and rehab for 4 months. For 3 months I could not walk or get out of the bed.
I had radiation both arms and both legs for two months. Started Revlimid, dex and then Velcade. My body responded well to chemo. I had a stem cell transplant in July 2013 and I'm 7 months into remission.
I have bone pain daily. It's worse during the cold weather. I'm starting Revlimid this month as my maintenance drug, no sign of myeloma in my bone marrow. I know two men one lived for 11 years, but died recently from a bad stroke. The other is going on 14 years with two stem cell transplants.
You can live a normal life, just make sure you take your meds and do what your doctor tells you. I no longer work due to the pain and not wanting to risk another bad fall. My bones broke down and I had over 30+ lesions on my bones! But I'm here and I'm living a somewhat normal life raising my son. You can do it also!
I had radiation both arms and both legs for two months. Started Revlimid, dex and then Velcade. My body responded well to chemo. I had a stem cell transplant in July 2013 and I'm 7 months into remission.
I have bone pain daily. It's worse during the cold weather. I'm starting Revlimid this month as my maintenance drug, no sign of myeloma in my bone marrow. I know two men one lived for 11 years, but died recently from a bad stroke. The other is going on 14 years with two stem cell transplants.
You can live a normal life, just make sure you take your meds and do what your doctor tells you. I no longer work due to the pain and not wanting to risk another bad fall. My bones broke down and I had over 30+ lesions on my bones! But I'm here and I'm living a somewhat normal life raising my son. You can do it also!
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Nicola
Re: Stage III
I was diagnosed as stage 3 in August if 2011. Hypercalcemic, kidneys starting to fail, 4 broken vertabra and in the most horrific pain I have ever experienced. After Velcade, Dex and an ASCT with Revlimid maintenance, I have reached CR. It was a rough road getting here but I'm here!!
As others have said, a lot of the stats online are way outdated. Try looking for the date of the article before diving in and above all, STAY STRONG AND HANG IN THERE!!
As others have said, a lot of the stats online are way outdated. Try looking for the date of the article before diving in and above all, STAY STRONG AND HANG IN THERE!!
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Guitarnut - Name: Scott Hansgen
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 47
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