Dr. Jason Valent wrote: "If the M-protein is the marker of disease, it takes about 8 weeks to get a good assessment of response. The immunoglobulin made prior to the start of treatment circulates in the blood for 6-8 weeks. Although with effective treatment, you should start to see a decline in the M-protein after the first cycle of therapy."
How do the excess immunoglobulins that hang around the blood for 6-8 weeks get removed? Is it desirable for those Ig's to be removed from the blood?
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Re: How long until treatment has an effect?
Apollo,
You mention that Mayo in Florida doesn't take your mother's insurance. Have you contacted Moffitt in Florida? I don't know how far that is from you, but it is worth at least finding out if they take your mother's insurance and, if so, taking her there for a 2nd opinion. They have a good myeloma team there. They might also be able to give you the name of a doctor in your area who is experienced in working with people with myeloma. You could also call Mayo again and ask them for the name of an oncologist in your area. But, if at all possible, you should get your mother in to see a myeloma specialist.
Do not listen to your current oncologist. 1 week of treatment isn't enough to determine whether a treatment is successful, or not. Your oncologist should be talking with you and explaining the disease and the possible treatments with both you and your mother.
I wish you and your mother the best in finding the oncologist who is right for your mother and a treatment that is successful.
Nancy in Phila
You mention that Mayo in Florida doesn't take your mother's insurance. Have you contacted Moffitt in Florida? I don't know how far that is from you, but it is worth at least finding out if they take your mother's insurance and, if so, taking her there for a 2nd opinion. They have a good myeloma team there. They might also be able to give you the name of a doctor in your area who is experienced in working with people with myeloma. You could also call Mayo again and ask them for the name of an oncologist in your area. But, if at all possible, you should get your mother in to see a myeloma specialist.
Do not listen to your current oncologist. 1 week of treatment isn't enough to determine whether a treatment is successful, or not. Your oncologist should be talking with you and explaining the disease and the possible treatments with both you and your mother.
I wish you and your mother the best in finding the oncologist who is right for your mother and a treatment that is successful.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: How long until treatment has an effect?
Thank you to everyone who gave their insight and experience. It really meant a lot. My mother is doing much better though but we're still gonna take her to another hospital.
Everyone really confirmed alot of things and told me stuff I didn't know. So thank you and I will be writing/posting again to give updates, comments, and posts. Thanks again.
Everyone really confirmed alot of things and told me stuff I didn't know. So thank you and I will be writing/posting again to give updates, comments, and posts. Thanks again.
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Appollo - Who do you know with myeloma?: my mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2/26/14
- Age at diagnosis: 66
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