Want to talk about Multiple Myeloma: Anyone else?

@itlooksunny Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You're doing just fine, we understand your dilemma.

Everyone seems to respond differently to a protocol of medications. Yes, fatigue is a big factor. Our body is fighting this new opponent of myeloma, and that takes a lot of energy! For me, I try to keep as normal a routine as possible. While there are days I cannot accomplish everything on that list, it spurs me forward to try.

As for diet. If your husband does not need to consider any co-morbidities and dietary concerns, here are some ideas. Eat what appeals to you. If water is not appealing, try adding some flavoring. I use True Lemon, True Lime, or True Orange as an additive to give my water just a bit of taste. In the morning, my go-to is a glass of crushed ice with water, and usually one of these packets. I am always looking for ways to increase my protein intake, as dialysis is hard on a person to keep up protein levels. Hummus with celery or carrot sticks, or chips is a good source. Peanut butter on crackers. My homemade protein shake has bananas or blueberries, greek yogurt, almond milk, and plant-based protein powder. You don't need a huge shake, about 10 ounces, to get a good "meal" in with lots of protein! Lean chicken in all forms, likewise fish.

You may find some information about the spine issues and aftereffects in the spine health group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/spine-health/

We're here for you! any other questions come to mind? How are you doing handling all this?
Ginger

Thanks for responding! The issue of eating & drinking is not because he doesn’t want to but because he can’t! He gets very uncomfortable if he eats too much! Working on more frequent smaller meals.
Newest problem, went for shots & pills on Friday and was turned away! Labs were low! No one called to tell us not to come or explained, until we understood, what was going on!!
Me, how am I doing? Struggling with having to take care of everything alone! Trying to stay positive and continue to do what makes me happy! Appointments interfere with my excercise class schedule and finding time for walks since it is now dark at 5:30!

@itlooksunny I typed out a response that is lost in the techy world somewhere! Dang it!

I also need to eat smaller meals. A small breakfast, a few hearty snacks during the day, a small dinner. Never know when I might have a diarrhea concerns, so there is loperamide hydrochloride in my medicine cabinet. The infusion center also recommends ginger or peppermint tea, or ginger chews.

Ask what tests showed too low. How does this delayed treatment impact his treatment plan? Does his Dr know about it, and have thoughts? In my center, we do the labs right before treatment and there is a lab onsite to handle everything.

Ask about a social worker you can see. They will also help family members, and may be able to offer you support group resources. No need to go through this alone! Yes, don't forget about taking care of yourself too, as you also transition to be a supportive family member and caregiver.
Ginger

Dale is supposed to be on a 2300 calories per day! We get about 1500!
I sent an email requesting an appointment with Dr. Those are good questions, thank you!