Multiple myeloma

[captain queeg]

48. Hi. First I wanted to comment on your having had several accounts over the years

That is exactly my case. I’d not log in for awhile and then forget my ID or password so I’d just make a new account. I think this is my third but I’ve had it awhile. Now I’ve got that stuff stored on my phone.

Yes you remembered correctly, I’m not diabetic and they found my SMM while looking for some cause to my condition a few years ago. I was in real bad shape with my back, basically bed ridden. As it turned out the main cause was a previous surgery that had become infected. They did a follow up surgery and a spinal fusion and discovered the infection at that time. I guess the good thing was they found the MM at a very early stage. I guess it’s been about 3 yrs now. I go in for blood tests every 3-4 months but so far it’s been pretty stable at that level. The doc says I have M spikes. I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about it, I figure I have enough on my plate in the present so haven’t thought much about it. There’s something going on though and my oncologist wants to do a PET scan next month. I guess they inject you with some marker that will show abnormal cellular activity. So we’ll see. The one ratio that they talk about, I think it’s kappa/lambda or something has been almost exactly the same since they first found it. I know she’s concerned about my kidney function. I think it’s mostly because I don’t drink enough water. I really need to stay on top of that. Staying hydrated is important for a lot of things.

Anyway, while I haven’t thought a lot about the SMM lately I do pay attention to cancer news. Seems like a lot of guys in my age group have prostate issues and a good friend of mine is stage 4 prostate cancer. I think he’s about at the end of his rope, he’s held in a lot longer than anyone expected and has had all sorts of treatment. Just finished up a round of chemo and it didn’t help. In Washington where I live the have the Death with Dignity and he just got his prescription for that. I think he’s about ready to pull the plug. I can certainly understand that. I wanted to go up and see him, it’s probably been six months since I have. He says he doesn’t think he wants me to visit but I might go up anyway, I got a feeling he won’t be around much longer. Anyway, I don’t really know hew MM will affect someone beyond just being in pain. I know my oncologist always wants to know if I’m having pain and I’m really not. Especially compared to how I was 3 years ago. Hope your mom is doing better. I know it’s common to not follow doctors recommendations but I think you are right and it’s best to do so. Or if you don’t at least tell your doctor. I know diabetes has a lot of bad complications. It’s easy to slack off when you are feeling better. Take my case where I am not always cognizant of staying hydrated. Seems like a lot of people I know are having serious medical issues. Guess that comes with age, but so far I’ve been pretty fortunate.