Sister was diagnosed in Oct 2007

heynow · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:02 am Post subject: Sister was diagnosed in Oct 2007

I just wanted to post to this forum and tell my sisters story. I am SOOOO proud of her. She was sick and the Doctor she was seeing was treating her for anemia and then pnuemonia. Too many things kept going wrong with her but she kept on. I saw her the first of October, she could barely walk, was in severe pain in her hips and ribs, and had lost a good 25-30 lbs. My mom and I urged her to see another doctor as soon as possible and talked amongst ourselves that with the continued new problems these issues had to be caused by something else. She went and had a blood test done and made an appointment with a blood specialist. She was immediately hospitalized with IV pushing potassim and saline. Her calcium reading in her blood was at 18ml/g (?).

The doctor had a lot of tests run on her including a cat scan, MRI, and various other blood tests. Diagnosis was MM and further testing revealed her to have 60% of plasma affected which got her graded as a level 3 patient. She has an impacted spine and holes in her ribs and hips. She is 58 adn now has to use a walker to move around and can not pick up anything more than a couple of pounds. She was told at the time that she would be very lucky if she got to leave the hospital. The doctor got assistance from Mayo, some treatments were prescribed, she responded well.

The doctor changed her prognosis to a possibly 3 years, she is excited that she has that long although her children are devastated. She is unable to work and the insurance she had gotten from work is refusing to pay for the chemotreatment. It was estimated to cost about 15000 per month. She was so mad at the insurance company and the medication manufacturer that she called the manufacturer and complained about her predictament. They are offering to supply her meds for free to her now. She is starting her first go around in a few weeks until then she is getting her body built up with infusions and such so she can handle the treatments.

Lessons we have learned and the reason for my post here is:

1) while MM is not curable the fight is never over
2) no matter what sometimes you have to step in for yourself and complain/make your needs known and do not take no for an answer.
3) family is very importent and can make a huge difference
4) never give up hope
5) Any minute alive is worth living

My sister will probably never read this but her story is still worth telling and if it makes a difference to anyone out there it was worth it.

My own message to those out there supporting MM patients and to MM aptients is:

We love you, we will suport you, and we will be there for you.

Kathy

ksplat

Dear Kathy
Wow! What an inspirational story about your sister. Her story will be a "beacon of hope" to many on this forum.
Great to hear the prognosis is now so much more positive for her.
The support of family is probably one of the most significant points of her story & I truly believe this is an important factor to any cancer sufferer. Turn to your family & friends as they will be your STRENGTH & GUIDING LIGHT.
I am certain you are all now looking forward to the Holiday Season with a renewed spirit.
Keep strong & positive. Your love for your sister is a true indicator of the "miracles" that can happen.
Cheers, Aussie Angie.
_________________
Brother has GBMIV
Diagnosed Feb 07
46 Yrs young!
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

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