Hello Joanne
I'm so glad you "plucked up the courage" to join us. I must admit, I was one of those lurkers for several months before I joined and now find myself chipping in regularly!
I was diagnosed in May 2011 and like your dad was on what we abbreviate to CDT for 6 cycles.
The drugs forced a change of lifestyle on me and my husband. From being as fit as a flea and full of energy I had to do everything at slug speed not knowing for certain how I'd feel from day to day.
It had a strange effect on me emotionally too. Made me very insular and "clingy" to home.
However, I was always very positive about the outcome and seeing my paraprotein levels going down every month helped me to tough out all the side-effects and come through the tunnel. 🙂
I presume your dad hadn't been feeling too good before he was diagnosed with MM as you say he was having tests for something else.
If he's got through CDT he's done well, and if he's been OK'd for a Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) it must mean he's young and fit enough to cope with it. So positive things there!
Don't be terrified of the SCT. I can assure you that although not a very pleasant experience, I was grateful to have it and 7 months on I feel totally normal again. Actually I felt heaps better at about the 2 month stage.
Stick with us on here and ask anything you like. Lots of us have "been there" and can speak from first hand experience, others can help you with going through all the various procedures from a carers point of view.
Never forget the carers. Their lives are turned upside down too. My husband David had never had to cope with any illnesses in his life and was suddenly thrown into totally unknown territory.
It was a test for him too and I'm pleased to say he's been a treasure and has discovered facets of himself he never knew existed! 😀
Take Care Joanne and best wishes to your dad…….
Michele x
