Muscle band tightness around rib cage

My sister has diagnosed for MM in June this year due to she had compression fracture on T-11. She is now under treatment with Velcade/ Thalidomide and Zometa.

She has started with Dexa and later switched to Velcade and now is entering the sixth cylcle (the fourth Velcade cycle). She has severe muscle band aches (tightness) around the rib cage and her back. She is weary from the constant pain. Some time she also having bloated stomach. We know that muscle cramps and painful limbs are the side effect of Velcade.

Is there any one who experience this? Can anyone tell me if there is anything help to lighter these uncomfortable?

Thanks,

Lilian

On 9/19/2007 Lilian wrote:

My sister has diagnosed for MM in June this year due to she had compression fracture on T-11. She is now under treatment with Velcade/ Thalidomide and Zometa.

She has started with Dexa and later switched to Velcade and now is entering the sixth cylcle (the fourth Velcade cycle). She has severe muscle band aches (tightness) around the rib cage and her back. She is weary from the constant pain. Some time she also having bloated stomach. We know that muscle cramps and painful limbs are the side effect of Velcade.

Is there any one who experience this? Can anyone tell me if there is anything help to lighter these uncomfortable?

Thanks,

Lilian

My dad was on iridian and zometa initially but now they have put him on oral Revlimid.  There are side effects with the Revlimid, one of which is the possibility of DVT's but he is not in any pain when he is on it, just the fatigue.  This drug is a miracle - my dad has had MM for over eight years and came out of remission in May.  That's when they switched him to Revlimid.  His proteins are almost back to normal and his platelets are even up to 100,000.  He's actually out and about and doesn't take anything for pain anymore.  Would your sister's doctor consider Revlimid for her?

Relvimid is not yet approve in our country.

Yesterday the blood test shows that M-band has gone up to 6 from 5 (was previously 10,4 reduced to 5). We are disappointed. We think that is due to the dose of Velcade was reduced by 25% to minimise the toxicity after the bout of diarrhea and it looks like the reduced dose is not sufficient to do its work effectively against the myeloma cells. Her doctor intends to increase the velcade dose.

She is having now the 10 days rest period for the body to recover as her wbc is still low at 2.5. The muscle tightness especially around the rib cage has made her sleep difficult. I am looking for if any one who knows how to treat this. Is this common side effect?

Lilian

On 9/22/2007 Lilian wrote:

Relvimid is not yet approve in our country.

Yesterday the blood test shows that M-band has gone up to 6 from 5 (was previously 10,4 reduced to 5). We are disappointed. We think that is due to the dose of Velcade was reduced by 25% to minimise the toxicity after the bout of diarrhea and it looks like the reduced dose is not sufficient to do its work effectively against the myeloma cells. Her doctor intends to increase the velcade dose.

She is having now the 10 days rest period for the body to recover as her wbc is still low at 2.5. The muscle tightness especially around the rib cage has made her sleep difficult. I am looking for if any one who knows how to treat this. Is this common side effect?

Lilian

Hi, Lillian.  I wish that Revlimid were available for your sister.  Where are you from?

I did some research and rib cage is a common area where pain results from the disease itself.  Usually they treat this pain with Morphine. Have they tried giving Morphine to your sister?  This narcotic should give her some relief so she can at least get some much needed sleep.

I hope this helps.

Debbi