Im new here

1. Sorry to hear this i was the same as you had back pain for 3 months eventually got blood test was diagnosed  with myloma bones on my back where fractured this was feb 2024 I started  a trial of treatment then had a stem cell transplant  in July last year I was i  shock as I had been healthy it took me awhile to get used to it I am slowly  coming to terms  I hope this helps you will get a lot of help .

Hi Dawn,

Welcome to the forum.

You have been through one hell of a lot, from the trauma of a cancer diagnosis to a spinal fracture.

The main tip that I would give at this stage is to keep yourself together: it does get easier. The diagnosis is traumatic - at least it was for me in 2022 - but these days we can live with myeloma for a long, LONG time! 

You probably know what your treatment is going to be over the next (something like) 6 months. If not, those of us on this forum can explain the process.

I won't pretend that it is likely to be easy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Hi Dawn, yes we have all helped each other along our journeys.   We all have different experiences  but no, it's not an easy journey but we will all be there for you.  Please reach out and ask any questions no matter how trivial they seem, trust me they are not.  Take care and be strong, you will get thru it.!

Thank you so much for your reply.  I hope you are feeling better than last year! 

It's just something you know nothing about and you're thrown into , its scary. Obviously very grateful its not terminal 

Take care

Dawn

Thank you for your reply. 

Yes they have explained my treatment plan.  Im having 4 x cycles of chemo,  2 x stem cell replacements then possibly a further 2 x cycles of chemo. 

The doctors explain everything so well and are amazing. 

But like you said its the shock of the diagnosis. 

Dawn

Hi Dawn.   Kevin here.   A. K. A.  Vespa.  Like the other responses I have MM.   diagnosed on my 66 th birthday and my retirement day.      But  the treatment plan and support on the forum and in clinic makes you realize you are not alone     I am 17 months post stem cell transplant.    I also had 4 cycles of treatment.  Then stem cell harvest.   Then stem cell transplant Feb 24    Then the slow recovery.  And then 2 more cycles of treatment.   It is not all chemotherapy.   Some of the injections use your own body defenses to attack the myeloma cells.     Then a maintenance drug.     I have hip lesions due to the MM.   It is a long journey but worth taking.  My new normal is good. !   Just come back from a long dog walk with Mrs     Cafe for breakfast.     Go with your body.   You will have great fatigue.   Rest don’t fight your bodies needs.   Sleep in the afternoon if you can.       You will need some help for sure     Keep coming back to the forum for tips and advice.    You are not alone !     Kevin 

Hi Kevin,

Thank you for your reply,  so good to hear from someone else who understands it.

Thank you for the tips, glad to hear about the dog walks as I have a dog and love our walks.

It sounds like a tough 6 -:12 months ahead then its learning to live with it. Just all a bit daunting at the moment. 

Good luck with your journey,  hope you keep well

Dawn

Hi Dawn,

In outline, much of the treatment plan sounds normal.

What surprises me is that you have stated "2 x stem cell replacements".  That is unusual: one is normal. I didn't have one at all, as my cardiologist recommended against.

Has your doctor mentioned that you are high risk, or mentioned 'chromosomal abnormalities'? The two mean the same thing. No need to panic - that's my situation - but it would just explain things.