My Mom Recently Diagnosed

I'm new here. My mom is 78 and was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma after having an abnormal result from an urinalysis (protein in urine). Last month her dr. started her on a course of Thalidomide and a steroid, telling her that the cancer is not curable, but the symptoms (pain, bone weakness, kidney failure) are treatable. She also has a blood condition, von Willenbrand's Disease. Because of her age and the stage of her cancer, her dr. feels that other chemo drugs or any kind of transplant are not options. She had pneumonia right before Christmas, but is okay now. While she was in the hospital her doctor started her on a 72 hr. morphine patch for pain w/breakthrough meds as well. Her pain level is down considerably and she says she feels better than she's felt over the past year (she had significant bone pain in her shoulder and back before being diagnosed with MM). So far she's responding well to the current treatment.

Does anyone here have any experience, knowledge, or input about this diagnosis? Any suggestions for ways to help and support her through the treatment as well as the cancer? I've already read through some of the messages and have taken some notes so I can pass the info on to her. Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks so much,
JJ

Hi. I have advanced stage Breast Cancer with mets in my bones, liver, many lymph nodes, and spleen. I can provide input regarding pain management. I currently take oxycontin daily for my joint pain management. But, I recently started doing Accupuncture and this has helped a lot with my pain. I haven't had to take the breakthrough oxycodone I usually was taking in between my doses of oxycontin since the pain is lessened. This was just an option that your mother may want to try so that she doesn't have to depend on so many medications for her pain management. It wouldn't hurt!
Good Luck!
Denise

Thanks so much, Denise! I'll pass this info on to my mom. I feel like the more information we can arm ourselves with, the better chance we have of getting good results.
JJ