Dear Mary,
Both heparin and warfarin prevent further clots forming ;the clots usually dissolve themselves ( thrombolytic therapy To dissolve clots is only given in special circumstances .)Did he have a ct scan to confirm the diagnosis ? The doctor in Southampton may have an opinion on warfarin in regards to his myeloma therapy . Heparin can be…[Read more]

Dear Mary/
The pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication of therapy due it causing a deep venous thrombosis .It is a well recognised complication for which aspirin ,heparin injections or even warfarin can be given to prevent the above . So warfarin should not complicate further treatment altho it may require some adjustments of certain…[Read more]

Emma,
welcome
I am sorry however that at the age of 28 you joined under such circumstances .You have clearly tackled the adversity head on with your blog and are under the care of a very good clinical team .But despite this support, this forum should provide you with the extra help from people who know exactly what you are thinking and…[Read more]

hi ian
It is very confusing and asymptomtic myeloma could represnt either smoulderimg(multiple) myeloma(SMM) or the early phase of multiple myeloma without symptoms even though tests would show [u]signs[/u] that confirm that diagnosis ; In particular silent bone(B) lesions. Renal failure (R), Hypercalceamia(C) and anaemia(A) usually produce…[Read more]

Hi Jean,
Very interesting and posibly a correct theory but i have not seen any publications on this to confirm ; but may go back to review
All smolderers are always on the lookout for preventative treatment !!!
As it happens, I have osteopenia and was refered specifically to a national bone centre who use zometa, but there was no…[Read more]

dear beemer ,
zometa is used either for myeloma bone disease and/or osteoporosis (see information on this Site) but not for asymptomatic /smoldering myeloma afaik.However it has been shown to improve outcome in mm over and above its bone healing action So it is not a bad thing to be on ?prophylactically .But Im not sure about the calcium…[Read more]

dear beemer ,
Are you on a new clinical trial for treatment of myeloma?
mike

hi jane
The validity of the special bmb tests is they may predict high risk of progression in smm( ?need for early Tx)(see terryls post)and high risk features in active mm which may require specific tx (eg velcade can overcome high risk featureS)
But I get the impression these tests are not generally available in the uk ..yet . but…[Read more]

hi beemer.
welcome
you can learn a lot from lurking and reading the previous messages on smouldering /asymptomatic myeloma. I assume you having zolendronic acid to treat pre existing osteoporosis?
mike

hi sarah jane,
Welcome.
I have had smm for 4 years ,having been told I originally required treatment only to have a MRI which confirmed the absence of bone lesions . I have written extensively on smm on this forum as I also happen to be a (virtually retired) doctor.
I note terryls reply but his experience is based as in the usa and not all of…[Read more]

Hi Eve ,
Thank you for the welcome .Ive come to terms with SMM especially after avoiding treatment for four years having been told CDT was imminent . Clearly I have researched SMM but have also kept abreast of relevant clinical trials ,an area which I have had expertise since 2005.
Clearly I have not been on treatment but I do know that there…[Read more]

Hi Beverley,and all your respondents .
I am 64 and am a virtually retired Consultant Gastroenterologist and have had smouldering myeloma(SMM) since 2008 .I have been on this forum before but you seemed to have provoked a good discusion on SMM ,with some of your respondents highlighting diagnostic problems which reflect some of the questions…[Read more]