[ronParticipant]

My wife Christine is in remission following CDT treatment, which was discontinued 9 months ago. Her paraprotein reading is very low (less than 1), and she feels well. All this sounds very encouraging and the only symptom, apart from the ever-present fatigue,is slight back pain which is contained with paracetamol. However, she has been receiving monthly zometa infusions for the past year which the doctor has now discontinued because he tells us that her blood tests are showing signs of some kidney damage. How does this show in her general health? How serious is it? What treatment is available to deal with it, and how successful is it? (Our haematologist, whilst presumably very good, is hopeless at communication).

[MariParticipant]

Hello Ron,

I dont have MM my husband Stephen does. I am afraid i cannot answer your query, although someone else on the forum might. I am sure someone knowledgable will post soon. Alternatively you could give Ellen a call on the help line. She is always very helpful and will explain things very clearly for you.

Best wishes to you and your wife,

Mari

[tomParticipant]

Hi Ron and Christine

Sorry to read Christine is not too well 🙁

As For me I had CDT for 5 cycles (28 day cycles) then onto stem cell transplant, I also had Zometa for about 2 years post SCT

What treatment is booked for Christine now?? the CDT has finished? as for the Kidneys am not sure if the can heal themselves??

Love

Tom "Onwards and Upwards" xxx

[HelenParticipant]

Hi Ron
Zometa can cause kidney problems but so too does myeloma. The regular blood tests we have are to make sure that our biochemical and general health stays good and we have early warning of any toxic side effects. Christine's creatinine may have risen so she will probably be 'rested' from the zometa to see how her kidney function progresses over the next few weeks. Best to ask the docs if this is the case and what the plan for the future will be. better off the drug if it causes more trouble than it is worth. As with all these medicines it is a case of balancing the risks and making an informed choice.
Hope this helps, let us know how she gets on.
Love Helen

[ronParticipant]

Pleased to report that Christine continues to progress well. She last saw the haematologist 10 days ago, and he has since written to her to tell her that ceasing the zometa infusions has resulted in a noticeable improvement in her kidney function. Her blood tests continue to show a level of paraprotein which is too low to be measured, and she has ceased any kind of treatment. All that will now happen is that the doctor will see her approx every 2 months instead of monthly and we keep our fingers crossed that her remission continues as long as possible.

Thank you Tom, Mari and Helen for your replies.

Best wishes
Ron

[tomParticipant]

Hi Ron And Christine

I am pleased to read Christine continues to improve 😀 and as i am in remission I now only go to see the Dr every four months 😎

This Myeloma is a strange oneas I went through Zometa for 24 months post SCT. But as we all differ in treatmentr/side effects I should not be too surprised.

Keep strong

Love

Tom "Onwards and Upwards" xx

[Author]

Posts