Hi Jim,
I am sorry that MM found you and glad that you have found us. MM used to be regarded as an old people's disease but as someone has already suggested, testing is so much sensitive and better these days.
RCD does seem to becoming the norm… my first line treatment was CDT (Cyclophosphamide, Dexamethasone, Thalidomide). CDT worked well for me but kicked off my PN (Peripheral Neuropathy… which affects the nerve endings in your feet and sometimes your hands). It would seem that Thalidomide, while a wonder-drug in many respects, is the main perpetrator of PN… but it has been worth it for me.
Lifestyle seems to have little bearing on MM but things are constantly and rapidly changing in treatment regimes and success rates and there is talk that MM could soon be downgraded to a chronic disease… if so then your relative youth and vigour could stand you in good stead. The older you get, the more limitations are imposed on treatment possibilities.
I wish you well… this site is a goldmine of information and this forum is a goldmine of experience – my advice is to take in the former and take up the latter.
Stay positive… don't let negativity, in any form, anywhere near your head or your door… even if it comes wrapped in kindness and concern. Trust your Doctors but always ensure your concerns and questions are addressed… embrace your treatments… and accept that the accompanying side-effects, if any, are temporary but part of the healing process.
Stay strong, find yourself a mantra (mine was 'Whatever It Takes') and look to the future… for most MM patients it is getting better… almost by the minute.
Regards
Dai.
