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Want to talk about Multiple Myeloma: Anyone else?

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jul 1, 2023 | Replies (401)
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@cgirl0721

My sister was recently diagnosed with MM STG 3, aggressive. This has been tough for all. She’s healthy otherwise with no symptoms from the MM. This was found on a routine exam. Doctors says it happened over short period no warning. She is going through chemo, injections, steroids and pills now. Possibly transplant later if chemo doesn’t contain it. 1) Any insights on how MM develops? 2) Are there blood test warning signs? 3) what can we as care supporters or expect as she goes through this journey of treatment? In other words, how can we best help?

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Replies to "My sister was recently diagnosed with MM STG 3, aggressive. This has been tough for all...."
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | May 4, 2022

@cgirl0721 It is good to see you are looking in to this, as a family member and part of your sister's support team. I know she appreciates everything you are helping her with, as she navigates this new-to-her path!

There are several different kinds of myeloma [hence the title multiple!], and treatments can vary with each type. Also, if there are additional health issues present, treatment may also be modified to take those in to account. I have added the link from Mayo Clinic for multiple myeloma for you to read. Because blood cancers are systemic, traditional surgery is not an option. An additional source for information is the International Myeloma Foundation, that link also here.

Your sister will perhaps go through periods of exhaustion, mental confusion, maybe even grief as she deals with a different daily routine. And it's okay for everyone to acknowledge that, and be gentle. Taking medications and changing your lifestyle can be exhausting. Accompany her on appointments if you can, take notes, ask questions, don't be afraid to ask for help. And, come back here to get support yourself, and ask questions!

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/symptoms-causes/syc-20353378
https://myeloma.org
Ginger

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 11, 2022

@cgirl0721, I’d like to invite @auntieoakley into this discussion. She has been a caregiver to a family member living with multiple myeloma for years and can help respond specifically to your third question about what care supporters might expect and things she’s learned along the way.

Additionally, @gingerw @wyom1998 @tml @jam5 and @siosal can also share what they appreciated about their care supporters and how they helped.

CGirl, how are you doing? How is your sister doing?

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