Hi Gina,

A friend of mine had this procedure many years ago after suffering a collapsed lung. It is a process which sticks the lung to the chest cavity (I am sure there is a more technical explanation) with the idea of keeping it from collapsing.
Just to say that it seemed to be quite a complicated procedure at the time (done at Brompton…[Read more]

Sarah,
Just to join everyone else in sending sympathy and love,

Jill xx

Hi Gina,

Not sure what you have discovered on the blood pressure tablets but just to say that my Mum had been on blood pressure tablets for years when she was first diagnosed with MM. She stopped them when she first started CTD and hasn't taken them since (four years now) and everytime I ask them to check her blood pressure it is completely…[Read more]

Hi Jane,

Your Mum sounds very like mine who started CTD treatment three years ago when she was 79. She found the first few months quite tough and the thalidomide dose was lowered as it was initially too high and made her very drowsy and confused. I know what you mean about the history as my Mum actually took thalidomide for a while when she…[Read more]

Hi Roz,

Of course we all remember you and Michael. I hope you are getting some care for yourself as it sounds like you need some?
Take care and keep in touch we are here for support.

Jill

Hi Fi,

Welcome. You will find there are a lot of helpful and knowledgeable people on this site. I am a carer for my Mum who was diagnosed with myeloma at age 79 (she is now 82). Luckily I go to the appointments my Mum has with the consultant so I ask the questions and get the information direct from him. Could you go along with your Dad? I…[Read more]

Hi,

Just to say that my Mum (age 82) was diagnosed in 2007 and her PP was 21 – treatment started when it went up to 40. It then very gradually reduced to 11 and is currently around 12 at each visit – she has never achieved 0 (complete remission) which apparently is very unusual. A reduction from 86 to 3 sounds very impressive! Everyone else…[Read more]

Hi Debs,

One of the side effects of cyclophosphamide is nasal congestion and a runny nose. Not well known but I discovered this by trawling various websites when my Mum was on CDT. Of course it does also affect the immune system which makes colds and infections more likely too.

All the best, Jill

Thanks for your advice. Both her GP and consultant have spoken to me and explained that anti virals would not be effective now and would probably give her other unpleasant side effects which they want to avoid. They are also not keen on strong painkillers as these can cause confusion etc and so concerned about her as she lives alone. In fact…[Read more]

Hi Jenny,

Glad to hear that your Dad is feeling a little better and that you are clearer on his treatment. I completely understand your worries about care but agree that he will be much better off staying at home. Not sure where you are located but if there is a hospice service near you this could also be very helpful as they can provide…[Read more]

Hi Jenny,

Very sorry to hear about your Dad. However, it is not quite true that there is no treatment after 70. My Mum was 79 when diagnosed and although she had not been as poorly as your Dad seems to have been beforehand she went through nine months of chemotherapy treatment (by tablet). This was very successful in getting the Myeloma into…[Read more]

Roz,

So very sorry to hear about Michael. As others have said you must look after yourself. We are all thinking of you.

Attached is something which you may have seen before but I found it very helpful and comforting when my father died.

Take care,

Jill

Hi David,

For sensitive gums try the new Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief toothpaste. I had sensitive teeth and had been using Sensodyne without much effect, my dentist recommended the Colgate one (in fact gave me a sample tube). I must admit I was not convinced, but now having used it it works – rub a little on the sensitive areas and it really…[Read more]

Dear Roz,

I have read all your posts and want you to know that we are all thinking of you and Michael at this very sad time. Sending you extra strength and love to try to help keep you going.

Jill

Hi Stuart,

Can I also say that I find the discussion forum very slow to use as well – each page seems to take ages! I hope this can be fixed as it makes it very hard work.

Thanks

Jill

Hi Sandi,

My Mum had the biopsy and didn't have sedation, I was with her and it did involve quite a lot of digging about which she said wasn't so much painful as a very strange feeling. At the time she was plumper and this actually makes it more difficult as they need to get into the hip bone. However, I think sedation is a good idea if you…[Read more]