[Kat1937]

What are my chances of getting multiple myeloma?

by Kat1937 on Fri Oct 07, 2016 3:29 pm

Ok, this is going to sound insane to many of you, but I am truly fearful of developing multiple myeloma. My mother was diagnosed at age 54 (back in 1992), and died two years later. She apparently had an "aggressive" case of it. No cancer anywhere else in my family (that I know of).

I have always feared cancer in all its forms, but am particularly afraid of multiple myeloma. This is, of course, because my mother died so quickly (and painfully) from it.

I have not had blood work done in 5 years, so I am having a physical with CBC in about a month. I am petrified. For some reason, I believe I will be told I have MGUS. I have no rational reason to believe this, except for the fact that I've been waiting my whole life to get multiple myeloma. I know that is horrible, but I have felt that I will follow in her footsteps. I am healthy except for migraines, IBS, and interstitial cystitis. My mother was healthy as well, except she battled with her weight most of her life (ups and downs).

I think it's because of my upcoming bloodwork that I am so darn scared. I have had literal panic attacks because of it. And the strange thing is that I am not really that scared of getting cancer. What I don't want is for my children to have to go through what I did when I lost my mom. That's all I care about.

I know that multiple myeloma is generally not an "inherited" cancer, but there have been some links in families. I do also realize that the treatment for multiple myeloma has been SO much better since my mom had it. She had her own stem cells taken to be put back in, but insurance wouldn't cover it. So, she never had the second part done. It was very sad.

I have literally become consumed with googling information on multiple myeloma within families, etc. It's making me crazy (and depressed).

I apologize for coming here to vent since I do not knowingly have multiple myeloma, but I just don't know what else to do. I have never been so worried in my life, even though I know it's irrational.

I have no symptoms of anything. Just the dreaded blood work coming up.

Am I losing my mind for worrying?

Kat

[rumnting]

Re: What are my chances of getting multiple myeloma?

by rumnting on Fri Oct 07, 2016 10:12 pm

Honestly, yeah, I think you are freaking yourself out over something that you are very unlikely to ever have. Keep your appointment for blood work, and I think you'll be feeling a lot better after you get the results. Meanwhile, put your mind to much more enjoyable reading and other pursuits!