Hi, I am new to this group and to Multiple Myeloma. Currently I am diagnosed as high risk smoldering with a prognosis of progressing to full MM in 4 to 10 months or so (6 to 12 months, two months ago). My Oncologist is with a local hospital, but I have an appointment at Mayo in Rochester in two weeks.

I have been experiencing a lot of fatigue, which I ascribe to the anemia that comes with MM. I have other of the lesser symptoms including some neuropathy, occasional dizziness, chronic kidney disease, etc. But no bone lesions or tumors. No pain, just tired.

I have been missing work in the last few months, and slowing down. My Oncologist says that I should qualify for disability insurance, which will pay me 60% of my current salary for up to two years. I'm 67 now, so that would mean retiring around 69 or 70. That helps my Social Security benefit greatly.

I wonder how many of you are continuing to work through the stages of Multiple Myeloma?

How debilitating have you found the SCT process, the chemo, and other phases of treatment? I expect that I will be retiring in the coming weeks. I want to move to Phoenix to be near the Mayo clinic in a warmer climate, and I want to make the move now while I am reasonably healthy.

But I am wondering if I should find a place in a senior independent living community, or just get an apartment on my own. I am single. My ex-wife passed away a year ago. So, in my own apartment I would be almost completely alone. In a senior community they would be more likely to have someone who would check in with me from time to time. But in your experience, was that necessary as you have received treatment for Multiple Myeloma?

Thanks.

Steve