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CatLady78

(1,041 posts)
Wed Aug 5, 2020, 07:57 AM Aug 2020

This message was self-deleted by its author

This message was self-deleted by its author (CatLady78) on Wed Dec 30, 2020, 05:48 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

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This message was self-deleted by its author (Original Post) CatLady78 Aug 2020 OP
Has she had a full-body X-ray or bone marrow biopsy? luvs2sing Aug 2020 #1
This message was self-deleted by its author CatLady78 Aug 2020 #2
Glad to help! luvs2sing Aug 2020 #3
That is all good to hear CatLady78 Aug 2020 #4
Blood tests for myeloma include moonscape Aug 2020 #5
That is good to hear CatLady78 Aug 2020 #6

luvs2sing

(2,220 posts)
1. Has she had a full-body X-ray or bone marrow biopsy?
Wed Aug 5, 2020, 09:03 AM
Aug 2020

There are a number of tests to confirm myeloma. My husband was initially diagnosed with it in 2005, however, x-ray and biopsy were negative, but his bloodwork was all screwed up, and his hemoglobins and platelets were life-threateningly low. After about a month, they pinned it down to be splenic marginal zone lymphoma, a rare, incurable, but very treatable blood cancer. He had a splenectomy in 2006 and has been very healthy, with intermittent treatment when his hemoglobins get low, ever since. In fact, he has not needed treatment for the past seven years, and the disease can now only be detected through special tests.

I wish you and your mom good luck and health as you uncover this mystery.

Response to luvs2sing (Reply #1)

luvs2sing

(2,220 posts)
3. Glad to help!
Wed Aug 5, 2020, 10:47 AM
Aug 2020

Yes, my husband was 52 when diagnosed which was unusual. Most people who get splenic marginal zone lymphoma are closer to your mother’s age. The treatments have been easy to tolerate.

When we first got the diagnosis that he might have myeloma, I remember reading median survival was something like 36 months. However, since that time, there are a lot of new treatments. I currently know three people who have it and have had stem cell transplants and are doing well five and more years down the road.

There is always hope.

CatLady78

(1,041 posts)
4. That is all good to hear
Wed Aug 5, 2020, 11:07 AM
Aug 2020

Thanks !

moonscape

(4,664 posts)
5. Blood tests for myeloma include
Wed Aug 5, 2020, 11:59 AM
Aug 2020

immunoglobulin, free light chain, electrophoresis.

I have myeloma and it's also not curable but treatable. The advances in therapy are remarkable; we're living a lot longer.

I am on maintenance chemo, and have been since finishing 6-month induction therapy in 2015, and am doing well. Five years so far! My myeloma will inevitably assert itself again but I feel confident about my options and expect to stick around quite a while longer

CatLady78

(1,041 posts)
6. That is good to hear
Wed Aug 5, 2020, 11:04 PM
Aug 2020

I am feeling more hopeful after seeing your posts. I hope you are around for a lot longer as well .
Thanks for the info.

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