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Waiting on Multiple Myeloma testing

Posted by jenga543 @jenga543, Oct 22, 2017

5 months of varying, increasing symptoms (weight loss 25 pounds in 2 months, decreased appetite, tired, difficulty sleeping, headaches on back of right side migrating to right eye with blurred vision (blurred vision has ceased, but still 2 headaches per day, difficulty grasping/writing, severe hip pain (biggest complaint), difficulty walking, all has led to different tests, all negative (CT scan, bloodwork). Whole body bone imaging shows "subtle altered marrow changes noted in the proximal femora bilaterally...no abnormal uptake identified within hip joints"
Doctor now suspects multiple myeloma and tested 6 days ago (blood and urine). On hydrocodone for pre-existing sciatica, doctor prescribed prednisone and gabapentin but there has been no relief for the hip pain. 50 year old white male. Increasing the hydrocodone hasn't provided relief. How long do these test results take to determine if multiple myeloma is the diagnosis? And does any of this sound familiar?

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 30, 2018
In reply to @helchen "I am so glad to hear from you. I know I am not alone, but I..." + (show)
@helchen

I am so glad to hear from you. I know I am not alone, but I just can not stop crying. I did not have any symptoms until 3 days ago when oncologist mentioned MM. I am just worried and every little hurt is magnified now. Wondering if that is normal.
I am devastated, the news came so out of the blue
Are you tired all the time and have pain?
What concerns my Dr. is the high M spike.
I am being so depressed.
Is Versed a pill one takes shortly before procedure?
Thanks so much for replying to my
Post.
Helchen

Jump to this post

Hi @helchen,

Versed is one of several brand names of the drug midazolam, which is given before and during surgeries and some medical procedures to induce drowsiness, relieve anxiety. It’s available as a syrup or as an injection, and is given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor. Here’s some more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/midazolam-injection-route/description/drg-20064813

REPLY
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 30, 2018
In reply to @helchen "I am so glad to hear from you. I know I am not alone, but I..." + (show)
@helchen

I am so glad to hear from you. I know I am not alone, but I just can not stop crying. I did not have any symptoms until 3 days ago when oncologist mentioned MM. I am just worried and every little hurt is magnified now. Wondering if that is normal.
I am devastated, the news came so out of the blue
Are you tired all the time and have pain?
What concerns my Dr. is the high M spike.
I am being so depressed.
Is Versed a pill one takes shortly before procedure?
Thanks so much for replying to my
Post.
Helchen

Jump to this post

@helchen Yes, I am tired a lot of the time, but there are other factors that may be contributing to that. I am anxious to review the latest bloodwork results to see if there is any change to be concerned with. Right now I have only partial returns. Do you have family or friends nearby that you can reach out to? You know the saying about friends: "they double the joy, and halve the grief and worry". You will need a driver for the biopsy if you get Versed. We care, and hope you will keep in touch with us.
Ginger

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helchen | @helchen | Dec 31, 2018

Ginger, thanks for responding. Yes, I do have some friends, but no family at all,,,,,, I am not a person who asks for help,,,,,, probably not a good idea at this time. If only I could get tests done as quickly as possible that would be a help. But it seems everything takes such a long time. The waiting is nerve racking. I will keep in touch.

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 31, 2018
In reply to @helchen "Ginger, thanks for responding. Yes, I do have some friends, but no family at all,,,,,, I..." + (show)
@helchen

Ginger, thanks for responding. Yes, I do have some friends, but no family at all,,,,,, I am not a person who asks for help,,,,,, probably not a good idea at this time. If only I could get tests done as quickly as possible that would be a help. But it seems everything takes such a long time. The waiting is nerve racking. I will keep in touch.

Jump to this post

@helchen Yes, I was also so reluctant to ask a friend to help me out. By the time it was done, I was made to feel guilty for interrupting her day. Last time that happened. But there are people who will pick you up literally and figuratively. Waiting can be hard, you're right. Think of it that the wait is worth having a correct diagnosis. Helps the time to seem not so bad.
Ginger

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1 reply
Nancy, Alumna Mentor | @1nan | Jan 14, 2019
In reply to @helchen "I had blood tests and some values were not within normal limits. Waiting for a bone..." + (show)
@helchen

I had blood tests and some values were not within normal limits. Waiting for a bone marrow biopsy to see if I have MM.
Has anyone been through this routine? What treatment have you received? I would be grateful for any info.

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Helchen, I hope you can first recognize your testing as positive opportunity with caring professionals. Second, you will have options available to you when answers come. I was diagnosed with MGUS in 2002, and then Multiple Myeloma at Mayo Clinic in 2004. There has been so much progress in treatment options since then, it truly feels like managing a chronic disease. My mantra has always been, "Be smart, not scared". No matter your outcomes, remind yourself that you are empowered to steer this ship. I wish you the best. Nancy

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sylvia67 | @sylvia67 | Aug 18, 2021

@helchen can you give an update if you were diagnosed with MM and how you are doing. Thankyou

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