Hi Terry crikey you have certainly been through the mill in the last few years yet you sound so positive and upbeat which I am sure has a lot to do with keeping well I was diagnosed 5 years ago after a year of agonising back pain which meant 3 vertebrae were eaten up Amazingly I did not have any problems walking much to my doctors astonishment . I did have a spinal reconstruction though and most of my spine now is metal plates and rods! At the moment I am on my 3rd relapse with a very large tumour from my spine up to my ribs This was so painful until a short course of radiotherapy sorted it out ! I will soon be going on Bendamustine to sort the myeloma out Velcade is used at first relapse and Revlimid is often the one used after that but as my doctors have told me there are ways and means in getting these drugs if you need them so that your needs are more important than govt protocols As far as side-effects Velcad was not too bad although constipation was a big problem for me , my advice is take laxatives from the start The other side-effect to watch pout for is peripheral neuropathy so tell them as soon as if you have any pain or tingling or even numbness in your hands , calves or feet They can often reduce the dose without it being less effective but if you dont tell them straight away the neuropathy may get worse I am not sure what questions you should ask really but be as open with your doctors as you can and let them know you would welcome the same from them , dont forget its often easier to talk to your specialist nurse about any worries between clinic appointments Good luck on your treatment and I hope you get the stregth back in your legs Who knows maybe we will be sponsoring you in a marathon next year!! best wishes Bridget
