Multiple Myeloma

[Red Rock]

Glad to see you "stopped by". I hope you and your DH are able to get on top of this bad spot. Perhaps all of the good info that has been given can help you out.

Been through esophageal cancer. Any cancer is no fun. When you can, go for a ride. Come back to TE and enjoy the company and support. We miss you.

Best wishes to you and you DH.

Red Rock

[Dogmama]

Sandra, sending prayers for your husband. My DH went through colon cancer about 7 years ago & was very sick. He's fine now.

Most importantly, take good care of yourself!! Being a caregiver takes its toll & it is crucial that you make time for you - a bike ride, a massage, whatever you enjoy.

[AnnieBikes]

Sandra, my husband is an oncologist (well, was, he just retired recently) and the treatments have come such a long way in the 26 years he was in practice. Case in point...my son's father-in-law was diagnosed right after we met him for the first time, before my son and his daughter were married. My husband thought that he might have 5 years. He has had a bone marrow transplant, chemo and he is thriving now, after ten years. Many, many people are alive for many more years than before. It used to be one of the most difficult to cure, but the new drugs and treatment protocols are far superior now. Go to an oncologist that is recommended by your family doctor, and get a second opinion if you wish.

Thinking of you and praying for you and for your DH's successful treatment. There will be some ups and downs during the therapy but keep the positive in mind and he will do well. The new drugs out there are outstanding and really have extended the life expectancy for a very long time. Good luck and keep us posted, please.

Hugs and more hugs!

[Tokie]

My girlfriend's BF has had multiple myeloma for many years.He's just coming off of another round of chemo and getting ready to train for a one week bike tour in the fall. There have been many new treatments for him over the years and his quality of life is good. So far, he is "living with cancer", complete remission has eluded him. Wishing you and your husband excellent and compassionate care - life can be so tough. tokie

[sandra]

Thank you all for your kind words and replies. It seems as though there is no one best option as far as treatment choices. If there was, that's the one that everyone would use. So, there is no right or wrong choice in treatment. We are struggling with trying to just pick one and go on faith.

He could just take oral medications and hopefully get into remission and manage it but if it does it for too long it could make it harder to harvest stem cells. On the other hand, he doesn't want to harvest stem cells if he responded well to treatment and could stay in remission. There's no way of knowing if he will need a stem cell transplant in the future or not.

Cancer really does suck.

[Blueberry]

Ugh, Sandra. You have my thoughts and sympathies. What tough choices. Do you have good resources to help you make the decisions? Sometimes talking things out with appropriate people will make the decision clearer.

Hang in there, and don't forget to take care of yourself too!