My husband took three months of revlomid, then auto transplant at Mayo. Then 7 months later he took velcade shots every week for 3 more months then a second auto at Mayo again. This time he got a complete response and started on revlomid maintenance for two years. Then a three year treatment free period. Then Ninlaro, and revlomid for 6 months, Ninlaro only for 6 more. He is now on a break, that has lasted another two years. His numbers are starting to climb again, but slowly. It is definitely a marathon, and not a sprint as our most excellent doctor always says.
The biggest overall side effect from all the treatments is weak bone marrow. If he gets a virus, it really takes him down hard and he can get pneumonia really easy.
I remember when 12 years with myeloma was an anomaly, today it is more the norm. He just celebrated that on the 10th of this month.
When wandering on the IMF site, did you order the new patient handbook? Does your sister have a long term plan for treatments?