Recently diagnosed, about to start treatment

Hi Geedubya.

Welcome to the forum.

Chemo side effects vary enormously from one person to another. These were my experiences with similar chemo (Daratumumab instead of Isatuximab: the two are similar)...

I started being a gym regular way back in 2004, a mix of cardio and resistance training, and a few years later I also took up running. I was diagnosed at the end of 2022 and started treatment in early 2023.

I kept up the exercise... for a week. Then the fatigue hit, and I struggled to do more than a minimal amount of walking. I kept my gym membership out of principle, but didn't actually use it for 6 months, when I went into remission.

I had lost a lot of weight, much of it muscle. It took a lot of effort to rebuild myself, but after a few months I was back to doing the weights and gym cardio that I was doing before. The running has only really restarted in recent months, but that's less indicative I think.

By the way, I am still in remission: did a massive intense cycling session yesterday, lots of walking and a weightlifting session today.

All the best. Please keep us informed about how you get on, and we'll be happy to answer any questions.

Hi. Geedubya   Welcome to the forum.    I am. Vespa.  A. K. A. Kevin.  Male 69. In remission with. M. M.  Had stem cell transplant about 2.5 years ago. Not on any treatments due to skin reaction to Lenolidamide.      Like Chicken2  my treatment plan was with Daratumbaba and dexamethasone.     The side effects of the treatment I still live with.    Neuropathy and fatigue breathlessness.   But happy to still be here       Life is good.    I am not sure if you are heading towards a stem cell transplant.      The recovery from that is tough   And low immune system is something to be aware of     I got my news on my 66 Th birthday and my retirement day.        You cut your cloth to suit.     We ( wife and I ) plan to visit family in Australia next year probably twice.   I missed out on two trips due to treatments.        A positive mental attitude helps also and support of family and friends.    Do NOT let this blood cancer define you       Always interested what people did before retirement or getting too ill to work.  I worked in bakery products development.  It took me around the world so  lots of great memories.     Best wishes keep in touch on here.   Kevin 

Thanks, looks like I might at least be able to save a bit of cash by suspending my gym membership for a bit!  Encouraging though that you have been able to get back to it, as it's a big part of my daily routine and important in terms of keeping me generally fit and healthy, which is going to be vital going forward.

I'll see how I get on once treatment has started.

Thanks, I guess I'll just have to see how the side effects go.  Since I'm feeling pretty much fine at the moment it seems a bit weird to have to go through tough treatment, but that's just how it is.

No mention of stem cell treatment so far, but I'm due to see my consultant again before treatment starts.

I worked as a civil servant for over 30 years before taking early retirement, and I've had a pretty nice life for the last 15 years or so.  I'm well aware that there are plenty of people who would find living with this condition a lot tougher than me.