The Myeloma Beacon

Independent, up-to-date news and information for the multiple myeloma community.
Home page Deutsche Artikel Artículos Españoles

Forums

Discussion about multiple myeloma treatments, stem cell transplants, clinical trials, alternative medicines, supplements, and their benefits and side effects.

Surgery for impending fracture of humerus

by dianaiad on Fri Nov 08, 2019 8:14 pm

I had a PET scan last July, which showed that I had a plasmacytoma of the skull (that we knew about already) suddenly growing. Fast. So my doctors gave me seven days of radiation, which was supposed to stop that.

It did. Sort of.

However, over the last six weeks I have developed two brand new lesions; one in my left humerus. and one in my left maxillary sinus. My doctors want to handle both of them with surgery, and with radiation to the one in the humerus. Meaning, I have surgery on the arm next Tuesday, and surgery to excise the one in my sinus next Thursday, with radiation scheduled on the 18th. Next week, in other words, is going to be interesting.

At least I won't lose any more hair!

The questions i have here are:

1. How common is it to have lytic lesions grow that fast (no sign of them in the July PET scan) when all my blood work comes in so well, with no, repeat, no M-spike?

2. How well does this sort of thing work, and is radiation after such surgery effective?

I have to report that I really like my new doctor, who is taking over for my present oncologist, who is out on maternity leave. After telling me about the new lesions (like he had to tell me; arm hurts like a [never mind], and my face is all lopsided, not to mention that it's hard to eat when you can't wear your dentures) I asked him exactly how much "trouble" I was in.

He said, and I quote:

"You ain't gonna die of this, and on a scale from one to ten, I'd put you at a six." Then he ex­plained exactly why. No pulling punches, and I believe him when he says "You ain't gonna die from this" (meaning my present difficulties) Mind you, that phrase coming from someone with an foreign accent was interesting.

He and I are going to get along just fine. ;)

dianaiad
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: Officially...March 2013
Age at diagnosis: 63

Re: Surgery for impending fracture of humerus

by Nancy Shamanna on Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:25 am

Hello Dianalad,

Thanks for posting your update. I am so sorry to hear of your plasmacytomas, with upcoming surgery and radiation. That's strange that these problems developed with no M-spike, but I think that some patients are nonsecretory that way. Good luck with everything!

Nancy Shamanna
Name: Nancy Shamanna
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009

Re: Surgery for impending fracture of humerus

by Victor L on Sat Nov 09, 2019 2:51 pm

Hello Dianalad,

I also have had, and do have, some additional issues which have appeared since my original multiple myeloma diagnosis 8 years ago. As with mine, yours may be separate from the multiple myeloma or could have been triggered by some of the treatments for that.

The critical point is that our regular checkups and scans are our lifesavers. If such things went un­discovered they could well become life-threatening, by which time it could more difficult to treat them.

Best Regards,

Victor L

Victor L
Name: Victor L
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2012
Age at diagnosis: 58


Return to Treatments & Side Effects