looking for answers

jglanville · New User Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

Hi, I am new to the post and looking for any answers. My Dad is 66 and was just diagnosed with MM. 3 months ago we were mountain biking, swimming in big waves, and were a very active family and he seemed to be very healthy. In the last 4 weeks he started to get severe back pain which started the tests that led to being diagnosed. Well, we found out that 90-95% of his plasma cells are MM and he has one bone lesion on this sternum and 2 on different vertebrae. Because of the advanced stage they quickly started him on Valcade, Dex and Zometia along with Morphine and Vicodin for his back. Can anyone help with advice to relieve his back pain? The medication does little to help and he has a really hard time sleeping at night. I think that if we could get this under control it would really help him battle this disease. My other question is, what are his chances of bringing his MM % down and controlling this disease? We have read up a lot on MM and hear stories of people living years, but also of people dying in months. The number seems almost unbeatable and we are very scared. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

apachejane · New User Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. My mom was diagnosed with MM in January, 2007 and 97% of her plasma cells were MM. I'm happy to say that after an aggressive chemo program (also Velcade and Dex), she is in remission (as of September, 2007) and the MM in her plasma cells is down to less than 2%. So, know that there are those who can fight this. A word of caution on Velcade; it can cause severe neuropathy (I posted a note with that subject last year). Although my mom's cancer is in remission, she is on medication for the neuropathy (Neurontin and Hydrocodone for the nerve pain). Unfortunately, she didn't have the pain you speak of so I can't help you there. I don't know what the dosage is for your dad but maybe they can increase it. I know it took a pain management specialist to correctly prescribe the right amount of medication for relief. My mom's oncologist had prescribed the right medication but not the right dose. So if you have a Dr. nearby that specializes in cancer pain, you might want to seek another opinion.

My mom also has had trouble sleeping. The medications that helped with that are anti-depressants like Xanax. I don’t know if your dad is on one but it might be worth looking into. It will also help keep him relaxed while he goes through his treatment.

As far as the statistics, don't let that get you down. I had to stop researching because of what is on the internet. Each individual's circumstances are different. I also know some who have lived years with MM and some who haven't.

Please understand that all of this is what worked for my mom. It may or may not work for your dad but I wanted to let you know that you do have options.

It's hard digesting the thought of your parent being sick, but stay positive. Your dad will need your support and positive strength to get him through this.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please keep us updated on your dad’s progress.

If you want to talk offline, feel free to email at landryj@sbcglobal.net.

Take care,
Janelle

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