[katdavies]

New here

by katdavies on Thu Feb 24, 2011 12:19 pm

Hi my name is karen i was DX Nov 08 stage 1a had my SCT on April 22 2010
i am taking rev 10 mg for how long no one knows.....i live in columbia SC i started a support group in march or 09 in honor of my dad who passed away in 81 from this he was dx in nov 79 stage4.. from agent orange ( sad part is only 5 people show up and i know there lots more out there that i like to help) so when i was told i almost passed out. cause i knew about this cancer.. and i was so scare.. at the age of 51 my dad was 51 when he passed away from this.. i like to talk to someone who been at this for a longer time then me.. i still so scared..
thanks

[Deb]

Re: New here

by Deb on Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:51 pm

Hi Karen, I too was diagnosed in Dec 08 with multiple myeloma. It is scary and diffiuclt to deal with this diagnosis. I have been in "Smoldering Remission" going on 2 years without a stem cell transplant and no medication. I just want you to know, today, there is so much out there that can help us with this. I love the Myeloma Beacon because it has a weath of information that makes me feel positive about the future. I am sorry about your father, I know this is a double wamie for you and is difficult for you.

I live in Corpus Christi, treatment and am seen at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
I would love to continue to stay in touch with you. Heres my email if you would like to write me:
mwest@grandecom.net.
Take care and stay strong, Debbie

[turbineman]

Re: New here

by turbineman on Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:31 pm

Karen,
You have youth on your side and there is a lot of hope. There are many recently developed novel agents that are working for many people. Keep the faith as there have been so many advances and folks are living with multiple myeloma for much more time now.
Like Deb said here, I also have had my transplants done at MD Anderson in Houston, and if possible for you, go there! They have a top group specializing in multiple myeloma and are very good at transplant and treatment. They are rated the #1 Cancer Treatment Center in America in an annual study by US News and World Reports. They guide my treatment regime and my Oncologist home in Florida implements it, working well together. There are other multiple myeloma specializing places that may be nearer to you, like The University of Arkansas, another top place. Try to get to one!!
Please, there is a lot of hope, more than you realize, just look for it and reach out for it. This Beacon is a wonderful source of information and just look at how long many here have been getting along on treatment!
Best of luck to you and keep the faith!

Hugh