Has anyone ever experienced thoracic fractures (T4 & T6) as a result of multiple myeloma? Is there any chance of recovery or getting better? My dad is 65 so I'm wondering what is the outlook here? Every since being diagnosed about a month and a half ago with Stage III, his ability to care for himself has significantly declined due to the pain he is experience and the fractures in his back. He currently is using a back brace.
The doctors are planning to start him on Zometa which I believe will help his bones a little - not that knowledgeable on the medication.
I know every case is different, but is there any chance for him to get better or ever enjoying life again? I have read multiple stories of remission and things like that so I'm wondering if there are any similar case out there.
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kimble2 - Name: Mellissa
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Dad
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/14
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Thoracic fractures
I am sorry to hear about your Dad.
Can I ask, what treatment is he getting for the myeloma itself?
We didn't have bone fractures, but did have lots of pain. We were unable to move because of the intense pain in bones and across the body. We could not walk or do basic functions. After starting chemo, the pain slowly dissipated to a more managable level over the course of weeks. Eventually, we were actually able to get out of bed, and walk. Soon after we were able to resume basic functions.
We are still on chemo, the pain is still there but not as much, but trying to go be as "normal" of getting as close to "normal" as we can.
Can I ask, what treatment is he getting for the myeloma itself?
We didn't have bone fractures, but did have lots of pain. We were unable to move because of the intense pain in bones and across the body. We could not walk or do basic functions. After starting chemo, the pain slowly dissipated to a more managable level over the course of weeks. Eventually, we were actually able to get out of bed, and walk. Soon after we were able to resume basic functions.
We are still on chemo, the pain is still there but not as much, but trying to go be as "normal" of getting as close to "normal" as we can.
Re: Thoracic fractures
I can't speak about the thoracic fractures. But I have a total of 8 compression fractured vertebrae that I have pretty much been living with for a couple years. My oncologist says I am the most severely injured person with fractures of the spine he has ever treated as a result of multiple myeloma.
I was able to get 3 of the 8 operated on by kyphoplasty. That lowered the pain level to a degree. The procedure is an outpatient procedure and relief comes as soon as you wake up. If successful the procedure may eliminate the pain all together.
Your father needs to seek out a neurosurgeon that specializes in this and see if the possibility exists that they can help him. To date my vertebrae have not healed so kyphoplasty may be his best option?
I was able to get 3 of the 8 operated on by kyphoplasty. That lowered the pain level to a degree. The procedure is an outpatient procedure and relief comes as soon as you wake up. If successful the procedure may eliminate the pain all together.
Your father needs to seek out a neurosurgeon that specializes in this and see if the possibility exists that they can help him. To date my vertebrae have not healed so kyphoplasty may be his best option?
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genk - Name: Ed
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Thoracic fractures
I also had a thoracic fracture, as well as fractures in the low back area, at the time of my dx. It was the fractures that finally got me diagnosed actually. The fractures have healed up now, and I am not in pain anymore. The combination of getting into a remission with the chemotherapy treatments I received, as well as taking bisphosphonate (bone building) infusions, halted the bone destruction, and the pain too.
I am sure it would also be a good idea to inquire about kyphoplasty, since i know that many patients have that procedure for compressed vertebrae.
Although my fractures healed, I am careful not to put undue strain on my back, with lifting heavy items. I think that all myeloma patients are cautioned not to lift heavy weights .
I am sure it would also be a good idea to inquire about kyphoplasty, since i know that many patients have that procedure for compressed vertebrae.
Although my fractures healed, I am careful not to put undue strain on my back, with lifting heavy items. I think that all myeloma patients are cautioned not to lift heavy weights .
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Thoracic fractures
Hi Melissa. I didn't have spinal damage but I did have bad lesions in my ribs, shoulder, and pelvic bone when I was diagnosed. The pain in ribs was so bad that it hurt to turn on the shower or shift the stick shift in my car. After a year of taking Zometa infusions, my bones had filled in more than 50%. I took Zometa infusions for another 3 1/2 years after my SCT. I have minor sore spots along the edge of my rib cage but am otherwise ok.
A couple of things about bisphosphonates like Zometa. Some people develop flu-like symtoms after the first infusion. I did not and never had a problem with it. Second, your dad will need to let his dentist know that he is taking bisphosphonates, in case he needs dental work like pulling a tooth.
Good luck to your dad.
A couple of things about bisphosphonates like Zometa. Some people develop flu-like symtoms after the first infusion. I did not and never had a problem with it. Second, your dad will need to let his dentist know that he is taking bisphosphonates, in case he needs dental work like pulling a tooth.
Good luck to your dad.
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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: Thoracic fractures
Ask his doctor to be referred to a spine surgeon who is able to do a procedure called a "kyphoplasty" or "vertebroplasty." The procedure injects a cement like structure into the vertebrae and helps a lot with pain. Usually can be done as an outpatient procedure and no need interrupt other treatments.
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Dr. Jason Valent - Name: Jason Valent, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Thoracic fractures
Thanks for the replies, I will be sure to ask his doctor about that procedure at his next appointment.!
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kimble2 - Name: Mellissa
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Dad
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/14
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Thoracic fractures
I have a fracture in every thoracic and most of my cervical spine. I was diagnosed in Dec 2007. I can cough and fracture something.
My doctors here would not do anything but give me different kinds of pain meds.
So I called Cleveland Clinic and got an appointment with a pain specialist and after MRI's and xrays to see what was going on. I had a kyphoplasty on T8 and T11. It helped tremendously -- it cut the pain by at least 85%.
I was also told by my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic that if the fractures were older than 3 months there is nothing that can be done for them. They are to old to do kyphoplasty.
Nancy
My doctors here would not do anything but give me different kinds of pain meds.
So I called Cleveland Clinic and got an appointment with a pain specialist and after MRI's and xrays to see what was going on. I had a kyphoplasty on T8 and T11. It helped tremendously -- it cut the pain by at least 85%.
I was also told by my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic that if the fractures were older than 3 months there is nothing that can be done for them. They are to old to do kyphoplasty.
Nancy
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nancy524 - Name: Nancy Schwartz
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: diagnosed Dec. 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 53
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