[tommacParticipant]

Good Day,

This is all brand new to me – even writing on forums like this. I was diagnosed with Active Myeloma on 17th March 2022. Came as quite a surprise for a 59 year old brand new grandparent. Just completed 4 days of 40mg of Dexamethasone steroid pills plus other stuff to counter potential tummy issues. Going to discusss my treatment plan tomorrow (22nd March) with a very positive outlook. Happy to share my path going forward and would be pleased to hear from like minded patients. Positivity is the key for me in this.
Tx

[richfsModerator]

Hi Tommac,

Sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of myeloma. It sounds like they’re starting your treatment quickly which probably feels like as much of a shock as the diagnosis itself, things tend to move along at quite a pace. However, it’s defiantly a good thing to start the treatment as soon as possible, so this is a good thing.

Myeloma UK have recently trained some peer-volunteers to assist on this forum. I am one such person and was treated for myeloma in 2019 with VTD and a stem cell transplant.

You’ve done well to write on the forum, thank you for your openness. No-one wants to join this ‘club’, but we are here for you and happy to discuss our experience of living with myeloma and coping with its symptoms and the treatment.

When I was diagnosed, it felt like the end of everything (I was also in a lot of pain due to damage to my ribs and vertebrae), I wish I’d read more stories of people living well with myeloma, and picked up that when it comes to myeloma, ‘treatable’, is a more significant word than, ‘incurable’.

I’m sure your positive attitude will help you through the next few months of treatment. I’ve always thought that even if it doesn’t help beat the disease, at least you feel better when you’re smiling!

Last Saturday marked 3 years to the day since I was diagnosed (at 44-years old), and whilst I am in relapse and may need further treatment this year, I’ve lived a good and active life for the last 2½ years (I won’t say ‘normal’ as Covid got in the way of that!) and look forward to many more good and active years ahead.

Do ask anything you like on the forum, there’s a lot of experience here.

Best wishes,
Rich 👍

[kh0305Moderator]

Hi Tommac,

Another of the discussion forum volunteers here. My dad was diagnosed with MM back in early 2013 when he was in quite a bad way and is currently undergoing treatment for his first relapse. He was living a normal life from 2014 to end of 2020 when he relapsed, you would never know he had been so poorly. It’s lovely to hear your positivity and there are so many treatments available for MM now and it sounds like they’ve been quick off the mark getting you started which is brilliant. Hope the consultation yesterday went well and you have a plan in place. We are all here to support you if you need us! Good luck with the treatments x

[tony642Moderator]

Hi Tommac, I am another of the peer forum volunteers. I was the same age as you when diagnosed and it hit me like a ton of bricks! however, you are absolutely right, positivity is the key. I have always said that dealing with cancer is as much an issue in your head as it is in your body.

There are lots of different treatments for Myeloma these days, and more are being developed all the time. Many of us who are living with the condition are living very normal lives, so there is hope. Just keep your chin up and I am sure your medical team will keep you informed of everything you need to know. Keep us updated as to what they say and what your progress is.

Power to us oldies!

Regards, Tony

[richfsModerator]

Hi Tommac,

Just checking in to see how you’re doing? Have you got your treatment plan in place now? It can seem daunting, but if you’re a practical person there’s a certain (grim!) satisfaction in crossing off the various meds on the chart each day, knowing that you’re doing something positive to fight this affliction.

It can be a long road, but each step takes you closer to good health following treatment, just take one day at a time and remember to enjoy simple things each day.

Take care,
Rich 👍

[Author]

Posts