Want to talk about Multiple Myeloma: Anyone else?

@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?

Good to know. Was surprised to see it and not sure what it meant and then the swelling all as I began my third set of pills!

@tml The "Revlimid rash" is a common side effect. Mine didn't appear until the 2nd round, just like yours. It's pretty harmless, just let your dr know. I use a rich Vitamin E cream on it, to keep the dryness away. My dermatologist wanted to give me a steroid cream to clear it up, but I said "no", since I am on so many other things!

And like @loribmt mentioned, hydration is important.
Ginger

Trying to but probably not enough water. Just surprised to have this happen since not too bad the first two cycles. Not sure if a rash or what but only two spots so guess maybe not a big issue. Just had no idea. All my numbers were back to good again even liver! Always something I guess!

Hmm, I’ve had some rashes from the meds I was on and usually it’s just ‘grin and bear’ it, unless it’s accompanied by breathing issues or swelling. Sometimes over the counter cortisone creams can be beneficial. Does it itch or is it painful?
Swollen ankles are charming, aren’t they? 🙄 I know you’re an avid walker and that will really help keep the edema under control as well as resting with your feet elevated. Hopefully it’s not too painful to wear shoes!

A little about hydration…when I was going through my chemo for AML and post transplant it was pretty important to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to keep things flushed through and body hydrated. How much water are you drinking daily?

Seems I may have the Revlimid rash and also swollen ankles. Not sure why. Was off 7 days and back on yesterday. Not sure how much of an issue that is…maybe not drinking enough water or something. Hmmm.

Thank you have read all of the material.

@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

Sister diagnosed with MM S3 recently. I am in the forum to learn and be support as she goes through this. Thanks to all of you for sharing

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?