Hi, I'm new to this group. My elderly mum has been told she has cancer. The confusion lies around what kind, the consultant says she either has Myeloma or Lymphoplasmytic lymphoma. I knew she had cancer back in November when I saw her blood test results but they wanted bone marrow biopsy and MRI done, still no firm diagnosis. Does anyone know what they will do next to ascertain which she has? Im so confused and scared for her. She's bedridden and not mobile, has a care package in place. I've two days off work to sort out any other help she's entitled too, if anyone can give me an idea or advice I'd be so grateful, thank you for reading.
Hi Fox ladyand welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your mum.
A blood cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support and to ask your questions.
I am Mike and I help out around our Blood Cancer support groups so once you know her exact diagnosis do join and post in our supportive Myeloma or our Non-Hodgkin lymphoma support groups.
There is a big big difference between Myeloma and Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, also known as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) so it important not to jump down the two routes as they are rather different.
They will need the BMB and MRI results to make a clear diagnosis as to the way forward. Myeloma tends to be treated quickly and often rather aggressively but with WM people may not have treatment immediately…… it’s all very confusing.
Her going through treatment will also depend on your mum’s ability to go through treatment as some of the treatments used are very demanding.
When you are ready to connect in with a group click on the (Bold) Group Text Link I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join]button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
I am here on this thread to talk and help you out as best as I can.
Good morning Fox lady, I ‘think’ the MYD88 test is a genetic test and an important part of the diagnosis of Myeloma and indeed WM as there are various types of these blood cancers.
At 87 and bedridden your mum’s clinical team will have to balance the benefits of any treatment against quality of life and this unfortunately will be the hard and challenging discussion you as a family will have to have with her medical professionals.
Based on your training you will know there are so many different types of treatments available for blood cancers in general and Myeloma and WM have their own specific specialist drugs. Just like my type of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma has.
Some of the treatments I had over my early years were Targeted Therapies and I was able to work on a full timetable in a very demanding education job throughout these treatments…… on the other hand between late 2013 to late 2015 I had to go through some very demanding treatments. I was 58 - 60 year old at the time.
These treatments we’re rather full on and at times traumatic (you can see my story in the link at the bottom of my posts) but at that time these were seen as a last throw of the dice and if it did not work I would go on to have palliative treatment for however long that was required.
But the plan worked, the recovery was very long but I turned 67 last November and I am doing great living the dream.
This is such a hard time for you, I do hope you get clear answers soon and are able to come to a clear decision that is best for your mum.
Supporting someone you love on their cancer journey can be very hard so you may find it helpful to look at this information on your feelings when someone has cancer and especially this section on looking after yourself. If you're starting to struggle then it would be a good idea to have a chat with your GP.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support or just connect with a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Always around to chat and help out ((hugs))
