My husband just got the news that he has multiple myeloma. Not sure yet what stage he is in, though he has many symptoms. He has a very high protein in his urine, and bone pain, looks yellow, pain in his head, weight loss, white count at only 1.0, with other low labs, having night sweats, numbness in hands, feet, and legs, gets sick to his stomach, has some confusion, won't eat at times, always tired, many leg cramps, and more...etc.
Can anyone tell me what stage he may be in? He is 66 years old, and has had a problem with his bone marrow for years producing abnormal cells, more bad than good. His platelets are low at 54 last count. Red blood cell count I believe was 9.3. He also has had several nose bleeds. Does this have anything to do with this cancer. I am looking for answers before all the facts. This is what I have and know so far. Can anyone help me with more knowledge? About what stage he may be in?
Thank you!
[This question originally was posted to the Beacon's Facebook page.]
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Re: What Stage Myeloma Is This?
The staging of myeloma is certainly becoming irrelevant with all of the great new therapies.
The blood counts are low in this patient, possibly from diseases other than simply myeloma.
There are multiple staging systems.
The most commonly used are the Durie-Salmon Staging System which is based on the red cell count, amount of protein, number of lytic lesions, calcium level, and kidney function.
The other staging system is the International Staging System based on simply the blood levels of β2 microglobulin and albumin.
The most recent studies suggest that the outcome among patients is similar regardless of stage. There are a few exceptions, but these are really few and far between.
Thus, I think that patients with myeloma generally do the same regardless of their stage. This is somewhat of an overstatement, but certainly one that I would be confident to tell you at this point.
The blood counts are low in this patient, possibly from diseases other than simply myeloma.
There are multiple staging systems.
The most commonly used are the Durie-Salmon Staging System which is based on the red cell count, amount of protein, number of lytic lesions, calcium level, and kidney function.
The other staging system is the International Staging System based on simply the blood levels of β2 microglobulin and albumin.
The most recent studies suggest that the outcome among patients is similar regardless of stage. There are a few exceptions, but these are really few and far between.
Thus, I think that patients with myeloma generally do the same regardless of their stage. This is somewhat of an overstatement, but certainly one that I would be confident to tell you at this point.
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Dr. James Berenson - Name: James R. Berenson, M.D.
Re: What Stage Myeloma Is This?
VRW:
If your husband served in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange. My husband is presently 100% disabled and getting a monthly check from the feds. (They have accepted responsibility for his multiple myeloma). If this is the case, pursue it with your VA Hospital.
Best of luck to you, honey-
Nan
If your husband served in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange. My husband is presently 100% disabled and getting a monthly check from the feds. (They have accepted responsibility for his multiple myeloma). If this is the case, pursue it with your VA Hospital.
Best of luck to you, honey-
Nan
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Nanette - Name: Nanette "Deaux"
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My dear husband, Dominic
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Spring of 2008
- Age at diagnosis: 62
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