Myeloma newly diagnosed

My hubby is a MM patient 78 yes old diagnosed in 2017. The M spike has returned after about 6 months. It has been a journey.

My hubby was diagnosed with MM in 2010. He had his M spike start climbing again 6 months after his first transplant. He has gone through quite a few variations of this in the last 15 years.
Our doctor likes to remind us, it is a marathon not a sprint. For the most part his quality of life has been good.
Can you tell me about his myeloma, how it was diagnosed, and what treatment he has been given?

I like "containable" 😊 one day at a time. 🙏🏻

Anyone dealing with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma?

@cytogirl, that can be challenging to deal with 2 separate diagnosis. I know @gingerw deals with both an inflammatory disease (lupus and kidney issues) as well as multiple myeloma.

Does this impact what treatment is available to you?

I qualify for chemo (Darzalex) with the soldering multiple myeloma but I would have to stop my Humira, which I take for the Ankylosing Spondylitis. I opted for staying on the Humira because it’s working well for me. I will have lab tests and see my oncologist every 3 months, using the wait and watch approach.

@cytogirl wow, a double whammy. I'm glad that you are able to watch and wait with the smoldering MM.
How's your anxiety dealing with this?

@cytogirl Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sometimes we need to consider our co-morbidities when dealing with SMM or myeloma. For me personally, I did not do any medications for the SMM, as we were concerned for the effects on my kidney function. We did the "wait and watch" approach like you. When my SMM morphed into multiple myeloma, treatment was coordinated between my oncologist and nephrologist to minimize the effects on my kidneys. Remember, it takes a team, including yourself, to handle all this!

As @pmm asked about your anxiety, I hope you are able to adjust your mindset to accepting the "wait and watch", and not let the anticipation rule your heart and head. Easy to say, I know, sometimes difficult to do!
Ginger

I was able to see my lab results before my second visit with my oncologist. Since I have a medical background I was able to interpret many of the test results. I did my homework so that was prepared with some educated questions. Thus I was given detailed answers. I’m considered a low to moderate risk for developing a full blown multiple myeloma. And that’s the main reason for choosing the wait and see approach. Also I know I wouldn’t be able to manage daily life without my Humira. That, along with the side effects of the chemo, would be overwhelming.
Initially I was anxious, but once I made that decision, I was and still am okay with it.

@cytogirl Good for you, being okay with your decision. In my experience and talking to others, we sometimes hear thoughts and opinions from others who don't walk in our shoes. When we have a good medical team around us, we can ask those hard questions and get honest answers, and look at our unique situation.

Last summer I decided to see if I could try for a kidney transplant. After checking with six different transplant centers, it was clear I would need to get a stem cell transplant for the myeloma and show no evidence of disease [NED] before even being considered for transplant. In a very frank discussion with both oncologist and nephrologist, we spoke of my chances of successful stem cell procedure, recovery timeline and evaluation. Ever so grateful for their honesty and compassion, no sugar coating. The end result is no stem cell transplant, continued Myeloma treatment, continued dialysis.

Having a interactive medical team who includes your doctor handling the Humira treatment, and continued support from everyone, will go a long way to your peace of mind. How do you plan to handle any anxiety that may come your way in the future?
Ginger