Hang in there…I know it’s really a bit scary when you’re not seeing any improvements. The goal of that chemo is to knock down the cancer cells in the blood. Unfortunately it also knocks down the other blood cell numbers too and it can take a while for them to all regenerate. Sometimes it’s fast enough to be on a set schedule of every 28 days. But like your doctor said, it can take 6 or more weeks.
The antibiotics are acting, in part, as temporary immune system while yours isn’t up to par right now. If you have the stem cell transplant, you’ll be on antibiotics, an antiviral and anti fungal medication for quite a while until the new immune system you acquire from a donor matures and is robust enough to protect you. Sounds like a lot, but it wasn’t bad and you get used to it.
Are you having any side issues with the antibiotics? Are you eating any yogurt or taking probiotics? (Yogurt should be eaten at least 2 hours after you take it or 3 hours before ).
Hi not feeling great blood numbers very low an continue to get many transfusions so in my opinion the chemo hasn’t gone on upswing yet which worries me an thought of taking it again an putting me in Pancytopenia is not one I’m lookin forward tp
Hi Howard. What has your hematology oncologist said about your continual low blood counts after your first treatment? Usually by now, I agree, they should be coming up to normal.
You’ve had transfusions but have you had any medication to help boost your white blood count?
Muchas gracias por toda su explicación. El diagnóstico es reciente y aún no determinan la estrategia de tratamiento con la que lucharemos. Vivimos en Cuba y los recursos son escasos. Dios nos ayude a encontrar uno potente que nos dé una esperanza de vida. Trataré de seguir en contacto con usted. Gracias de corazón. Abrazo a todos desde Cuba.
@yusbe Hopefully there will be a treatment plan soon for your husband. There are medications which can help but sadly, I don’t know if they are available in your country. It is not a rare condition so there may be others who have multiple myeloma in Cuba and his doctors may be familiar with this.
I’ll be sending prayers right along with you that your husband will be ok and that he can get the help he needs to stay as healthy as possible. Please do keep in touch…it helps to not feel alone when dealing with a frightening diagnosis. Take care and a huge hug for you and your husband.
Hi Howard, If I remember correctly I think you had the first round of chemo beginning March 20 so that means you’re getting ready for another session in a few days. Usually with monthly chemo, we start feeling pretty good again by the end of the month, just in time for that second round. I know…not something to look forward to, but at least now you know that there’s a recovery period. 😊
How are you feeling? Have you had any bloodwork done to see if there’s a change in you numbers?
Hi not feeling great blood numbers very low an continue to get many transfusions so in my opinion the chemo hasn’t gone on upswing yet which worries me an thought of taking it again an putting me in Pancytopenia is not one I’m lookin forward tp
Hi @yusbe, Welcome to Mayo Connect where you’ll be able to talk with other members who also have been diagnosed multiple myeloma. (MM). You’ll find everyone helpful and willing to share their experiences and offer some encouragement for you and your husband. I know it’s frightening getting a blood cancer diagnosis but there are treatments which can help keep the Multiple Myeloma under control.
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Muchas gracias por toda su explicación. El diagnóstico es reciente y aún no determinan la estrategia de tratamiento con la que lucharemos. Vivimos en Cuba y los recursos son escasos. Dios nos ayude a encontrar uno potente que nos dé una esperanza de vida. Trataré de seguir en contacto con usted. Gracias de corazón. Abrazo a todos desde Cuba.
Hello @tweetyslp, well, you came to the right place because there are a number of us in the Connect support group who have had AML and we’d love to help you and your husband with this new adventure he’s on.
My diagnosis for AML was 2/6/19 and after several rounds of Chemo to treat that, I received a bone marrow transplant at Mayo Rochester the end of June 2019.
Fellow members, @edb1123@kt2013@alive and several others have also had AML and transplants. We’re all doing really well and here to offer hope and encouragement to anyone who is facing this blood cancer.
If your husband was diagnosed in February, he’s most likely had one or two weeks of chemo. How is he doing with his treatment and has a bone marrow transplant been suggested for him?
Hi to all I have MDs an have 1 round of chemo using Inqovi but drug has really lowered all my counts where I’ve needed several transfusions an am worried my numbers will never go up an if they do they want me to take another cycle which worries me an now they are preparing me for stem cell transplant which is wat I’d like to do an get it over with chemo just seems to make me worse
I was diagnosed with AML 7 years ago. I had a stem cell transplant 5 months after my diagnosis. I can meet with you virtually to answer any questions you may have about my experience. You are welcome to message me.
Hello @tweetyslp, well, you came to the right place because there are a number of us in the Connect support group who have had AML and we’d love to help you and your husband with this new adventure he’s on.
My diagnosis for AML was 2/6/19 and after several rounds of Chemo to treat that, I received a bone marrow transplant at Mayo Rochester the end of June 2019.
Fellow members, @edb1123@kt2013@alive and several others have also had AML and transplants. We’re all doing really well and here to offer hope and encouragement to anyone who is facing this blood cancer.
If your husband was diagnosed in February, he’s most likely had one or two weeks of chemo. How is he doing with his treatment and has a bone marrow transplant been suggested for him?
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Hang in there…I know it’s really a bit scary when you’re not seeing any improvements. The goal of that chemo is to knock down the cancer cells in the blood. Unfortunately it also knocks down the other blood cell numbers too and it can take a while for them to all regenerate. Sometimes it’s fast enough to be on a set schedule of every 28 days. But like your doctor said, it can take 6 or more weeks.
The antibiotics are acting, in part, as temporary immune system while yours isn’t up to par right now. If you have the stem cell transplant, you’ll be on antibiotics, an antiviral and anti fungal medication for quite a while until the new immune system you acquire from a donor matures and is robust enough to protect you. Sounds like a lot, but it wasn’t bad and you get used to it.
Are you having any side issues with the antibiotics? Are you eating any yogurt or taking probiotics? (Yogurt should be eaten at least 2 hours after you take it or 3 hours before ).
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1 ReactionYa doc says sometimes it takes longer 6 weeks or more an no medications just antibiotics to help ward off infection since my wbc are so low
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1 ReactionHi Howard. What has your hematology oncologist said about your continual low blood counts after your first treatment? Usually by now, I agree, they should be coming up to normal.
You’ve had transfusions but have you had any medication to help boost your white blood count?
@yusbe Hopefully there will be a treatment plan soon for your husband. There are medications which can help but sadly, I don’t know if they are available in your country. It is not a rare condition so there may be others who have multiple myeloma in Cuba and his doctors may be familiar with this.
I’ll be sending prayers right along with you that your husband will be ok and that he can get the help he needs to stay as healthy as possible. Please do keep in touch…it helps to not feel alone when dealing with a frightening diagnosis. Take care and a huge hug for you and your husband.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi not feeling great blood numbers very low an continue to get many transfusions so in my opinion the chemo hasn’t gone on upswing yet which worries me an thought of taking it again an putting me in Pancytopenia is not one I’m lookin forward tp
Muchas gracias por toda su explicación. El diagnóstico es reciente y aún no determinan la estrategia de tratamiento con la que lucharemos. Vivimos en Cuba y los recursos son escasos. Dios nos ayude a encontrar uno potente que nos dé una esperanza de vida. Trataré de seguir en contacto con usted. Gracias de corazón. Abrazo a todos desde Cuba.
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Hi to all I have MDs an have 1 round of chemo using Inqovi but drug has really lowered all my counts where I’ve needed several transfusions an am worried my numbers will never go up an if they do they want me to take another cycle which worries me an now they are preparing me for stem cell transplant which is wat I’d like to do an get it over with chemo just seems to make me worse
I was diagnosed with AML 7 years ago. I had a stem cell transplant 5 months after my diagnosis. I can meet with you virtually to answer any questions you may have about my experience. You are welcome to message me.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @tweetyslp, well, you came to the right place because there are a number of us in the Connect support group who have had AML and we’d love to help you and your husband with this new adventure he’s on.
My diagnosis for AML was 2/6/19 and after several rounds of Chemo to treat that, I received a bone marrow transplant at Mayo Rochester the end of June 2019.
Fellow members, @edb1123 @kt2013 @alive and several others have also had AML and transplants. We’re all doing really well and here to offer hope and encouragement to anyone who is facing this blood cancer.
If your husband was diagnosed in February, he’s most likely had one or two weeks of chemo. How is he doing with his treatment and has a bone marrow transplant been suggested for him?
Hello,
My husband has AML, recently as of 2/20/23. We are wondering if there is a virtual support group out there. I have not been able to find one.