Older than most in the MM group. 79 yrs and recently diagnosed.

Hello @slembo1 I am going to get my two cents in early here. My husband had two ASCT at Mayo Rochester. They really have it down to a science, that being said he was pushing 70 and it was really hard on him, especially the second time.
The one thing I most grateful for is the decision to get a consult at Mayo before my husband started his treatments. They helped us to make sure he was getting started on the right foot. Which in his case was pretty advanced bony disease, it was discovered because his back was broken without trauma.
The good news is that in the 15 years since there has been a ton of new treatments, so he still has plenty of new tools in the box.
If you haven’t already, you might look up the International Myeloma Foundation https://www.myeloma.org/

There is so much information available there. Even a section for the newly diagnosed. Meanwhile back at the ranch, my hubby is at 15 years and counting 😁.

Are you still thinking to get a consult at a cancer center? Any chance you could make a trip up the panhandle to Minnesota?

Welcome, @slembo1. You may wish to check out the discussions in this group:
- Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/car-t-cell-therapy/

There you will meet several members who have had stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma.

I'm 80 but with MDA/AML. Quite the journey. Never heard of your disease but will tell you it is a life changing ordeal. Research the culprit and MD Anderson is the North star. Relocating is questionable depending on where you live. Houston is a mad house...it never sleeps.
U might not need to relocate is my thought. Make a couple of meetings to see where this thing is going. Hang in there.

That was MDS/AML.

My husband will be 90 next month. He was diagnosed with MM 1 1/2 yrs ago and started treatment June 2024. He was taking Levidimide and dextamethadose (sp?) and took it for 6 mos. He had no pain even though MRI shows his back & ribs have compressed fractures. After a mild case of Covid in 2022 he ended up 2x in the ER W/i a 3 month period of time for transfusions which started the testing on why ge was anemic. His main complaints have been brain fog, fatigue and is breathlessness. Oncologist took him off chemo drugs as his blood work is stable and improved. He is also now on oxygen as needed. His age was a factor in his treatment. His oncologist told him upfront that he cannot cure the MM all he can do is try to help my husband gave a better quality of life. We live in Honolulu and Queens Hospital is affiliated with MD Anderson. His next testing will be for 4/7/25 to see if the MM is still stable and whether he needs to go back on meds. I hope this has been somewhat helpful

An incredible post. Bless you.

I too am 79 and recently diagnosed with MM grade2. Have begun VRD treatment and am just learning. I’m told this is the standard of care.

Age is a number. I wish doctors would not look at age as a factor in care. I am almost 81 had cancer over 10 years ago and various other ailments and had 2 complete knee replacements in 2024 and I am doing great. I have neck and back issues but just keep going. Don't let them tell you that you are to old for certain treatments because if it will help you then do it. Stay strong. Thinking of you.

I’m 81 too! Diagnosed 12/24 after 2yrs of horrible migraines. Do you take Hydroxyurea ? If so, do you take it in the morning or night? Do you experience side effects? Thank you for your encouraging words.

Age IS a factor in medical care, frequently an important one. I am 73, also recently diagnosed with high-risk MGUS / SMM. For just one example, a stem-cell transplant may well be in my future, and my age at the time will definitely be a factor. Still, as any competent practitioner will realize, it is not the ONLY factor. Cytogenic phenotypes, overall health, stage and progression of disease, comorbidities and much more factor in as well. This is a complex condition, the research on which is advancing rapidly (or at least was, until certain recent events). So, while it may not be determinative in itself, your age is absolutely one factor in deciding whether "certain treatments . . . will help you". Not considering it would be medical malpractice.