Myeloma newly diagnosed

I also was diagnosed with MM in March. I do not start treatment until mid April. Each test result, information on the treatment plan, makes it more real. It has not been overwhelming as of yet, but I have worked on anxiety issues previously. I pray, stay positive and take information in smaller increments , so that I do not get overwhelmed. (How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.). I tell myself , there is no cure Yet! I hope there will be one in my lifetime(I am 63). Anticipate Miracles!

Susan

My treatments started end of February- it's definitely a job starting out. I took short term disability due to all the Dr appointments and being immune compromised.

I get bloodwork weekly before my treatments. Medical team is great.

Talk to your social worker on any assistance there may be to help.

Turned 60 end of February.

Thanks for your reply. I have ST disability and am considering not working for the first round of treatment and then maybe part time . I was not immune compromised until this diagnosis and amazingly , despite being health care practitioner, did not get sick, though lots of my co-workers were sick this winter.
Taking time off at the start is looking to make the most sense for me.
Good luck

I’m sorry you’re in this club that no one ever wants to join. Hopefully, my experience will give you some solace. I started getting what I was told were sinus infections in November 2008. I got sicker and sicker, lost all my energy and a ton of weight, had severely debilitating headaches, and finally was diagnosed with MM in May of 2009. My wonderful oncologist gave me hope and I immediately started chemo, thalidomide, and steroids. That November my stem cells were harvested for an autologous stem cell transplant to follow in January, the day before my 50th birthday. I spent three weeks in the hospital, another four months at home recuperating and then went back to my teaching job in September. I started and remained on revlimid for 11 years, and I’ve remained in remission all this time. I see my oncologist every month. In September of 2010 my kids were just starting high school and college respectively, and I wasn’t sure I’d be there for their graduations or to see them grow up. I turned 65 in January. One child is married and the other engaged, and my beautiful grandchild was born last summer. Although I can’t say I’ve ever felt like my old self again life has gone on, and I’m most grateful to be here to enjoy it. MM is such a scary thing to live with since it’s always a beast on your back, but I’ve managed to remain hopeful all these years, and new treatments are being developed all the time. I pray for those suffering from blood cancers that one day we’ll have a cure. I expect to be around to see it.

I’m sorry you’re in this club that no one ever wants to join. Hopefully, my experience will give you some solace. I started getting what I was told were sinus infections in November 2008. I got sicker and sicker, lost all my energy and a ton of weight, had severely debilitating headaches, and finally was diagnosed with MM in May of 2009. My wonderful oncologist gave me hope and I immediately started chemo, thalidomide, and steroids. That November my stem cells were harvested for an autologous stem cell transplant to follow in January, the day before my 50th birthday. I spent three weeks in the hospital, another four months at home recuperating and then went back to my teaching job in September. I started and remained on revlimid for 11 years, and I’ve remained in remission all this time. I see my oncologist every month. In September of 2010 my kids were just starting high school and college respectively, and I wasn’t sure I’d be there for their graduations or to see them grow up. I turned 65 in January. One child is married and the other engaged, and my beautiful grandchild was born last summer. Although I can’t say I’ve ever felt like my old self again life has gone on, and I’m most grateful to be here to enjoy it. MM is such a scary thing to live with since it’s always a beast on your back, but I’ve managed to remain hopeful all these years, and new treatments are being developed all the time. I pray for those suffering from blood cancers that one day we’ll have a cure. I expect to be around to see it.

So HAPPY that you are doing well 😊 gives us hope for those newly diagnosed.

My main symptoms were anemia & waves of dizziness the past year. I chalked up the dizziness to coffee..
Primary Dr was doing different test to see if I was bleeding somewhere- colonoscopy and endoscopy done.