[nathan alexander]

Two years into diagnosis, still making sense of things

by nathan alexander on Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:00 pm

Hi everyone.

I hope all is well. My name is Nathan. I've visited the forums for quite some time now, since I was officially diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in March 2015.

I am turning 33 years soon and I am still making sense of my diagnosis. I have been in shock for the past few years, mostly because I was diagnosed in the midst of finishing school and moving across the country (to California) alone. After a few years out west, I have found myself back in the Southeast (in Georgia).

I have undergone radiation therapy and, at the fear of multiple doctors' opposing views, I have not started any other treatments. Part of me feels blessed to have this option, while another part of me tells me that I should have been more proactive. No major symptoms yet, and so I knock on wood.

I am not really sure what it is that I want to say here, but I do look forward to taking a more active role in learning about others' experiences, mostly as a means to dealing with my own diagnosis, and joining what has been a useful distant community.

So, maybe I am saying 'thank you' to you all, for sharing your stories.

Warmest regards,
Nathan

[Eileenk]

Re: Two years into diagnosis, still making sense of things

by Eileenk on Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:20 am

Hi Nathan, and welcome.

I cannot say that I am an expert, as I only have one month under my belt at trying to understand this very crazy disease, however, there are some incredible folks on here that seem to have put many of the pieces together, so you are in the right place.

Can you share a bit more of your diagnosis? It's unclear from what you've written whether you have smoldering multiple myeloma or active (symptomatic) multiple myeloma.

I can imagine at this stage in your life how overwhelming this must seem. Moving back east hopefully brings you closer to family and friends that can give you some much needed mental support.

Lean on the forum to help you have a better understanding of what to expect and to find questions you can ask your doctors about. I wish you only the best.

Eileen

[dbsmithiii]

Re: Two years into diagnosis, still making sense of things

by dbsmithiii on Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:21 am

Hi Nathan,

I thought I was young at 50, but I can't imagine getting the news at your age. I am not far from you (north Florida) and am strongly leaning towards Emory in Atlanta for my stem cell transplant. If nothing else, I hope you are getting some numbers to know where you stand with your multiple myeloma. I have just started my journey and have found this forum to be very valuable as well. Best of luck to you and I wish you a positive outcome!

Doug

[reece93]

Re: Two years into diagnosis, still making sense of things

by reece93 on Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:35 am

Welcome Nathan, though I'm so sorry you have to be here. This site was a lifeline to me after my husband's diagnosis in 2014, and there are so many knowledgeable people here willing to share their stories. I hope it will be the same for you.